Acknowledgements

Historians study and document the past to understand the events that take place in the timeline of humanity and ultimately define our place in the world. My primary goal as a historical novelist is to capture what it felt like to live in a particular era. The Silent Woman takes place during the summer of 1937. King Edward had abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson, and England was in the throes of coronation fever as Edward’s younger brother, George, inherited the crown. Meanwhile, Adolf Hitler was building planes and conscripting an army—in violation of the Treaty of Versailles—with barely a hint of this activity being reported in the newspapers. England was headed to war, but her citizens didn’t know it. An interesting time, indeed! My hope is The Silent Woman will transport you back to this tumultuous time for Britain and for the world.

Many people played a part in bringing Cat Carlisle and her story to life. Lisa Ricard Claro talked me off the ledge more times than I care to admit. She has been my friend and colleague since I started writing and has kept me honest (and sane) on this crazy path to publication. The Formally Informal Writers Group, spearheaded by Gina Heron, held me accountable and kept me in the chair writing. They also cheered me on along the way. Heartfelt thanks to Janet Robinson, Angela Baxter, Alix Hui, and Ann Croucher for sharing their sense of place. Thanks to Kathryn Barbier for her vast knowledge of the state of the world during the time leading up to World War Two. Any errors—historical or otherwise—contained herein are mine.

Thanks to all the beta readers who read rough drafts of this book: Elizabeth Hawkins, Jean Marcus, Pat Murphy, Kim Laird, Jay Reed, and Gloria Bagwell Rowland. I am thrilled beyond measure that you like my books and support me in my efforts to entertain.

A big thank you to Hannah Smith at HQ for encouraging me to write this book, for her excellent editorial feedback, and for giving The Silent Woman a home.

Finally, I want to thank everyone who has read my books, been touched by my stories, and taken the time to write reviews. When I sit down to a blank screen and start writing those first words, I have you in mind.