ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Well, now the dust has settled and I’ve had time to catch my breath, I’ve a few people I’d like to acknowledge for helping me turn what was once a whisper of an idea into and epic love story.
It’s no secret that The Story of Us has been with me for over a quarter of a century, and now it’s finally out there, with you, it feels as if a kind of weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Not because it’s been a burden, but more like the completion of a goal I set myself; to write a magical, fairy-tale for grown-ups, complete with a damsel in distress a demon and, let’s not forget, our prince charming.
These past four years seem to have skipped by, and there have been times when my single-mindedness has meant sacrificing other things—socialising, spending time with my family and taking care of household chores. In fact, nothing I have done would have been possible without the support of my partner, Barry; he’s my sounding board, my port in a storm and my biggest fan, and for all that and more I thank him for giving me the time and space to write a story that, I felt, needed to be told.
Away from home, I’ve been able to spend time with my wonderful second family too—my TouchStone Family. Ladies from around the world who post and chat and swoon; like-minded romantics who have been waiting patiently for this, Blue Moon—the final chapter. There are too many of you to mention, but you know who you are. We’ll be celebrating the arrival of this book with mixed emotions, I know. Saying goodbye to the Stone family won’t be easy. We’ve watched Ayden and Beth fall in love as children and as adults; face their foes, take on the powers of the universe and overcome every obstacle before going on to discover their destiny. I’m hoping this fairy-tale of ours will be given your blessing with joyful tears.
Getting the word out is never easy. It has taken dedication by bloggers who have shown their support and spread the word. A special thank you to those who have followed The Story Of Us from the start; posted reviews and shared their love of the series with their followers. I appreciate your support and thank all of you for everything you do out of love for the books us writers continue to send your way.
In truth, no book ever ends up the way it started out. So much of the tweaking is down to my beta readers and my editor, Marie, as well as my TSOU team who have been with me for so long that we are more like sisters than a team. Jenn, Julie and Alice do so much for me and I can only thank you from the bottom of my heart for staying the course and never losing faith in me and the story.
I can’t end this list of thank yous without acknowledging my best friend and kindred spirit Jenn Watson. Jenn has not only been my P.A. and Publicist, but a firm believer, especially during times when I questioned whether there was even a place in the world for The Story Of Us. Her words of wisdom and encouragement have made all the difference as we have navigated this voyage together.
Thank you, Jenn. X
How could I end without acknowledging my readers? You humble me with your comments and your passion for the series. I have said this before, and I will say it again. It’s my pleasure to write for you; to put a smile to your face, bring a tear to your eye and to introduce you to scenes hot enough to melt your kindle! At the centre of all that is an epic love story that was written in the stars and played out right before our eyes.
In this the final chapter there won’t be daisies and rainbows, but there will be the kind of fairy-tale love story we all dream of—the kind that comes along once in a Blue Moon...
Much Love.
SJ X
“Love knows no limit to its endurance,
no end to its trust,
no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything.
Love still stands when all else has fallen.”
Blaise Pascal.
Monday
EVEN WITHOUT LOOKING AT the bedside clock I know it’s early. We’ve been traveling at a rate of knots for a day and a night. To where? I have no idea. Richard Forbes, my on-board doctor, said we should head home. The sooner the better,