Mum was now next to me, handing me a huge bouquet of flowers. She moved the microphone towards her mouth.
‘Today Alice has brought this community back together … three cheers for Alice.’
The crowd responded: ‘Hip hip hooray … hip hip hooray … hip hip hooray!’
‘There is only one thing left to say,’ I announced, encouraging everyone to join in …
‘Just keep dancing!’ we all shrieked happily in unison.
As the evening came to an end, Sam took me in his arms and kissed me tenderly on the lips. I was overcome with emotion and even though tears welled up in my eyes, they were happy ones.
Today was the first day of my future, and everything was now exactly how it was meant to be.
Acknowledgements
Squeal! It’s been quite a journey and I really can’t believe my seventh book is being published! There is a long list of truly fabulous folk I need to thank who have been instrumental in supporting me and crafting this novel into one I’m truly proud of.
Mum, Dad, Chris, Emily, Jack, Ruby and Tilly, my mad gorgeous family, who inspire me every day. I couldn’t do the job I love so much without the support of you all, thank you.
Woody, my mad, crazy cocker spaniel, who is by my side and unquestionably the best company ever.
The clever team at HarperImpulse, Charlotte Ledger and Kimberley Young. Both of course who are utterly fabulous. They have helped, encouraged and believed in me right from the start. My editor, the wickedly smart and simply hilarious Emily Ruston who, in the most awesome way made this book the best it could possibly be.
Thank you to my agent Kate Nash, for your energy, vision, continuous support and faith in me.
Big love to Anita Redfern, my BMITWE. Just remember if we ever caught, you’re deaf and I don’t speak English! Thank you for being my one true friend.
Team Barlow! High fives to my merry band of supporters, Catherine Snook, Louise Speight, Suzanne Toner, Sarah Lees, Suzanne Golding, Alison Smithies, Ann Blears, Sue Stevens, Susan Miller, Bhasker Patel, Jason Moreland, Bella Osborne, Lisa Hall, Jenny Berry and Kathy Ford.
A special mention to all the staff at Tamworth Library and especially Debbie Smith who shouts and shares my books at every opportunity. Thank you.
Much thanks to some very special people, all the wonderful readers, book bloggers and followers for reading my books, reviewing my books, tweets, Facebook messages and all the lovely emails too – you rock!
Finally this book wouldn’t have been written if it wasn’t for Dawn Denman, Shannon and Peter Parker who provided that little spark of inspiration for this story over breakfast. Thank you.
I without a doubt enjoyed writing every second of this book and I really hope you enjoy hanging out with Alice Parker and Sam Reid. Please do let me know!
Warm wishes,
Christie xx
Also by Christie Barlow
The Cosy Canal Boat Dream
About the Author
Christie Barlow is the bestselling author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Kitty’s Countryside Dream, Lizzie’s Christmas Escape, Evie’s Year of Taking Chances and The Cosy Canal Boat Dream. She lives in Staffordshire with her four kids, horses, chickens and a mad cocker spaniel.
Her writing career came as somewhat of a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point went on to become a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA and Australia.
Christie is an ambassador for the @ZuriProject, which raises money and awareness for communities in Uganda. She is also Literary Editor for www.mamalifemagazine.co.uk, bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the book world.
She loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via her website, Twitter and Facebook page.
@ChristieJBarlow
Christie Barlow author
www.christiebarlow.com
About HarperImpulse
HarperImpulse is an innovative, award-winning digital imprint. In the four years since launch, we have continually hit digital bestseller lists, hosted the UK’s first online romance festival, published into over ten countries and grown an exciting stable of commercial women’s fiction authors.
Readers, come and say hi to the team and your next read…
www.facebook.com/HarperImpulse
@HarperImpulse
www.instagram.com/harperimpulse
www.harperimpulseromance.com
Writers, our vision is to publish the very best in digital-first commercial women’s fiction and we are simply looking for good stories! So, what are you waiting for? To submit, e-mail us at [email protected].
About the Publisher
Australia
HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
Level 13, 201 Elizabeth Street
Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
http://www.harpercollins.com.au
Canada
HarperCollins Canada
2 Bloor Street East - 20th Floor
Toronto, ON, M4W, 1A8, Canada
http://www.harpercollins.ca
India
HarperCollins India
A 75, Sector 57
Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201 301, India
http://www.harpercollins.co.in
New Zealand
HarperCollins Publishers (New Zealand) Limited
P.O. Box 1
Auckland, New Zealand
http://www.harpercollins.co.nz
United Kingdom
HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
1 London Bridge Street
London,SE1 9GF
http://www.harpercollins.co.uk
United States
HarperCollins Publishers Inc.
195 Broadway
New York, NY 10007
http://www.harpercollins.com
A Home at Honeysuckle Farm Page 29