The Restoration of Celia Fairchild - Marie Bostwick Page 0,141
and I knew that my restoration had begun.
Acknowledgments
With heartfelt thanks to . . .
Lucia Macro, my editor at William Morrow, for having the imagination to see what Celia could be, for insights that made Celia’s story better, and for treating a stressed-out writer in the midst of assorted family crises with regard and humanity.
Liza Dawson, my literary agent, who brings the best out of me, never pulls punches, and gets so up in my face (in a good way) that it has become impossible to conceive of writing without her.
Asanté Simons, assistant editor at William Morrow, for keeping the wheels turning, and the process on track, and the writer on time (more or less).
Elizabeth and John Walsh, my sister and brother-in-law, for copyediting and beta reading above and beyond the call of duty, and extreme valor in enduring writerly mood swings, failures of courage, and generalized venting.
Brad, my husband, who hates it when I thank him but is just going to have to suck it up and deal because I wouldn’t be able to do this (or anything meaningful) without his faith, love, unflagging support, and occasional well-intentioned nagging.
Faithful Readers, who are always in my thoughts as I write, and are the reason I continue to do this work I love.
P.S. Insights, Interviews & More . . .*
About the Author
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Meet Marie Bostwick
About the Book
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Letter to the Reader
Reading Group Guide
About the Author
Meet Marie Bostwick
MARIE BOSTWICK is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of heartwarming fiction for women. When not writing, she enjoys quilting, reading, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and especially playing with her grandkids. Marie travels extensively, speaking at libraries, bookstores, quilt guilds, and quilt shows.
Marie’s latest endeavor is Fiercely Marie, a lifestyle blog that encourages women to live every minute and love every moment.
Marie lives in Oregon with Brad, her husband of thirty-seven years, and a beautiful but moderately spoiled Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Discover great authors, exclusive offers, and more at hc.com.
About the Book
Letter to the Reader
Dear Reader,
The first seeds of this book were planted in my brain more than three years ago. I thought it would be fun to write a novel about an advice columnist who has insight into everybody’s problems but her own, and to set the story in one of my very favorite cities, Charleston, South Carolina. “Fun” was the operative word. I would write myself a fluffy little rom-com and set it in a beautiful, historic city with fabulous food. Clearly, lots of research (and delicious meals) would be required. Fun, right?
During many moments, writing Celia’s story was fun. And I did get to return to Charleston, spending hours and hours walking in what I believe to be the loveliest city in America, learning more about Celia’s world, and eating a lot of amazing food. (If you come to see me during my book tour, ask about the night I ate two dinners back to back. Don’t judge. It was research!)
But I never could have imagined what this book would become, the ways it tapped into my own experience, forcing me to pour more of myself into the story than I’d bargained for. It wasn’t easy, but I believe it made Celia’s story richer, and better, and more real. I hope you agree.
Writing is a labor, there’s no doubt about it. After sixteen books, I keep thinking it will get easier, but it hasn’t happened yet. Fortunately for me, it’s a labor of love. I continue to be thankful and amazed that I am lucky enough to make my living as an artist.
As difficult as writing a novel can be, helping a novel find an audience is even harder. And, try as I might, no matter how hard I’ve worked or how much I believe in the book, it’s not something I can do alone—I need the help of faithful, enthusiastic booklovers like you.
If you enjoyed The Restoration of Celia Fairchild, please help Celia find her audience by spreading the word about this book. How? Tell your friends and family! Write an online review! Propose it to your book club! Invite me to speak at your library, book festival, community event, quilt show, or craft guild! (More details about that below . . .) Word of mouth from passionate readers is the best form of advertising and the greatest compliment that any author can receive. Thank you in advance for your support. It means so much.