The Turning Point

by Freya North

  I feel extremely honoured to have been given the support of the Ĺíĺwat nation – and would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Chief Lucinda Phillips and to Elders Lois Joseph, Veronica Birkadi and Martina Pierre at the Ĺíĺwat Culture Heritage Language Authority. Also Ruth Dick at the Úlĺus Centre and Mary Ann Narcisse for such a lovely warm and informative chat under the shade of a cedar. The Ĺíĺwat nation are a wonderful people with fascinating traditions and an extraordinary history. I urge you to find out more. Should you be near Whistler, please visit the Squamish Ĺíĺwat Cultural Centre. In Pemberton, do call in at the Úlĺus Centre at Mount Currie. Any trip to Vancouver must include a visit to the stunning Museum of Anthropology at UBC.

  Researching Scott’s career was exciting. My deepest thanks to my treasured pal Kle Savidge, music supervisor extraordinaire, for all her help. Also, to Carolyn Manetti and the real Paul Broucek. Thank you to Colette Barber at Abbey Road Studios – also Isobel Griffiths and Richard Evans. Jesse Zubot – many thanks for such a lovely and in depth correspondence. Paul Leonard-Morgan thank you so much for one of the longest and most fun FaceTimes.

  For information and details about flying light aircraft, I’m most grateful to Quint Gleza, Troy Boswall and Dan Maclean at Whistler Sky Diving in Pemberton. Also, for fact-checking and advice, sincerest thanks to Graham Elliott – and to Suzie and Stu Purser for the introduction.

  In Norfolk, thank you to my very precious friends Kirsty Johnson and Tom Jones for letting me use their home as a base. In and out of the years, you have meant so much to me.

  Thank you to the real Ruth Ingram – through researching this book I have become somewhat evangelical about the Alexander Technique not least because after 14 books, finally I can now sit comfortably and write without the twangs and aches I used to endure.

  My research into epilepsy brought me into contact with some incredible people. I have immense respect, admiration and compassion for those who suffer themselves or have loved ones who do. I implore you to become better informed about epilepsy. I was humbled by the honesty and grateful for the level of detail so patiently related by those to whom I spoke. In no particular order, I am indebted to Leon Legge, Yvonne Harris, Dawn Glorioso, Shaz Meredith, Chelsea Best, Danielle Lewis, Debbie Fuller White, Laura Fern, Pam Herstein, Hazel Patching, Jackie Jackson, Deanna Gray, Ann Cox, Emma Murphy, Alison Sanders and Nathalie Boyle Small. Thank you to many others who responded via Facebook.

  Any errors in this novel are my own.

  Behind the scenes, Team North continue to do a sterling job. My fondest thanks to Jonathan Lloyd – my agent of 20 years – and Lucia Rae at Curtis Brown Ltd. Also, my new pals at HarperCollins Canada as well as my old friends at HarperCollins UK. I truly appreciate your support, energy and patience. To my lovely followers on Facebook and Twitter – it’s great to be able to interact with you.

  During a twelve month period when I juggled two books, two kids, two dogs, a horse, running a book festival, doing my charity work for Beating Bowel Cancer and the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the support of friends and family during frequently challenging times was crucial and much appreciated. You know who you are – take a bow…

  However, my profoundest thanks of all go to my children Felix and Georgia because they put up with me day in day out and they never cease to inspire me, enabling me to see how beautiful the world is and how lucky I am. Frustratingly, there are simply no words to describe just how much I love my cubs.

  Please explore these websites:

  http://slcc.ca

  http://www.lilwat.ca

  http://www.pemberton.ca

  http://www.tourismpembertonbc.com

  http://www.northarmfarm.com

  http://www.whistlerskydiving.ca

  http://www.lillooetriverlodge.com

  http://www.jessezubot.com

  http://www.paulleonardmorgan.com

  http://www.bcepilepsy.com

  http://epilepsymatters.com

  http://www.youngepilepsy.org.uk

  https://www.epilepsy.org.uk

  http://www.alexanderworld.co.uk

  In loving memory

  Liz Berney 1968–2005

  and

  Hannah Berry 1983–2013

  www.beatingbowelcancer.org

  BY THE SAME AUTHOR

  Sally

  Chloë

  Polly

  Cat

  Fen

  Pip

  Love Rules

  Home Truths

  Pillow Talk

  Secrets

  Chances

  Rumours

  The Way Back Home

  About the Publisher

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