To all my translators, foreign publishers, and sub agents, it is such a thrill to see my books in other languages.
To Simon at Gill Hess & Co, who always has my back and who works so hard with all his team, on my behalf. There aren’t enough thanks.
To Mr. Hannan Mullet, Grainne Roche, Finn, and Orla, who got me through this book in my great hour of need. Thanks for the injections, surgery, and very kind care, as always. This book would not have been written without you.
A big thanks, too, to Garrett Fitzpatrick, solicitor. His immense patience and good humour in all his dealings with me are hugely appreciated.
I’d like to also acknowledge Ciara Sidine, a dear friend and wonderful songwriter and musician. It’s an honour to have your beautiful, poignant song, “Finest Flower” in my novel, (You can listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3ubrOZGPSA.)
A loving thanks also to Patrice Chaplin, a wonderful writer and precious friend. Her books are mentioned in the novel, and The Portal and The Stone Cradle are gripping reads if you want to treat yourselves to something different. Fiona McLaren’s Da Vinci’s Last Commission is also a fascinating tale, which we will be hearing a lot more about!
A huge thanks to all in the book trade, worldwide, who have supported each and every one of my books. And most important, to my dear and ever loyal readers, and social media followers: You are the ones that make the writing of my novels such a rewarding and gratifying endeavour. Your enjoyment of my writing means so much. You keep me going. Thank you, m’dears.
XXX
Patricia
More from the Author
Orange Blossom Days
Double Wedding
Forgive and Forget
Happy Ever After
Love and Marriage
Coming Home . . . for Christmas
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Patricia Scanlan lives in Dublin. Her books, all number one bestsellers, have sold worldwide and have been translated into many languages. Find her on Facebook (Patricia Scanlan Author), Twitter (patriciascanl18), and Instagram (patriciascanlan7224).
SimonandSchuster.com
www.SimonandSchuster.com/Authors/Patricia-Scanlan
@AtriaBooks @AtriaBooks @AtriaBooks
ALSO BY PATRICIA SCANLAN
Orange Blossom Days
Apartment 3B
Finishing Touches
Foreign Affairs
Promises, Promises
Mirror, Mirror
Francesca’s Party
Two for Joy
Double Wedding
Divided Loyalties
Coming Home… for Christmas
With All My Love
A Time for Friends
TRILOGIES
City Girl
City Lives
City Woman
Forgive and Forget
Happy Ever After
Love and Marriage
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This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2020 by Patricia Scanlan
Grateful acknowledgment is made to Ciara Sidine for permission to use the song “Finest Flower.”
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First Atria Paperback edition March 2020
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Interior design by Wendy Blum
Cover design by Min Choi
Cover photography © Sandra Cunningham/Trevillion Images; Getty Images
Author photograph courtesy of the author
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.
ISBN 978-1-5011-8105-4
ISBN 978-1-5011-8106-1 (ebook)