Holy Shit! Pardon my language, but I’m over here heaving a huge sigh of relief in among the tears! This book - what a journey. I’ve been to the edge a time or two with these boys, I tell you.

A little history for those that are interested in how us authors write what we write and what makes us do it. Changing Tides was the first book I wrote, over two years ago. It was raw, messy, had huge gaps in it and not worthy of anyone reading. I sent it to someone, whose response was lukewarm. In hindsight, I now understand why, and it was nothing to do with the state of the manuscript, but it doesn’t matter. After a lot of cajoling from a woman I hardly knew, I bit the bullet and sent her the same manuscript - flaws and all - because trust me, it was crap. She saw something in it, I don’t know what, but her enthusiasm was catching, her encouragement the reason why I’m 4 books in, with many more to come.

Anyway, this was meant to be the first book I released. Meant to be a standalone. But, I sat on it and reworked it, rewrote it (many, many times) and although it has some of the core plots from that very first draft, it is a vastly different book. From this book, the series unfolded, and I realised, to get to Shaun and Ayden, I had to go the long way around. I didn’t feel my writing skill did them any justice either.

More than two years later - I finally feel the boys are ready. Their story is ready. I have never been so nervous about any of my other books, as I am about this one. I LOVE Changing Tides, it is my baby, and a book that will always have a special place in my heart. I hope you do too!

For The Sand Pit ladies. I couldn’t have done this one without you. You all know how stressed this book has made me and been right there with such wonderful words of encouragement. I make special mention to Lesley and Emma, because these two girls have talked me off a ledge late at night more than once. I’m not a talker, I hide, but you lovely lot don’t let me.

Lesley - I don’t have the words. I know I can write a book, but I struggle doing this part. Just know, it’s everything! All you do, it’s everything, and I thank my lucky stars we met each other when we did. Because we both know, this wouldn’t be happening. Love you and thank you xxx

Sharon - You’re manic. I say this to you often. Slow down, woman. Thank you for the support you so unselfishly give xxx

Marian - You’re always so wise, see things I don’t. Your support means the world, thank you for giving me a go xxx

Emma- Louise - We’re the quiet ones, but you have big words for me. Always have, and those words stick more than you know. Your enthusiasm still catches me off guard, but I’m so glad you’re right there with me! Thank you <3

Claire - I wish, I wish...slumber party. You know what I’m saying. We would never sleep. Your advice and wisdom is taken, always. And I have missed talking to you. Love you xxx

Fran from Francessca’s PR & Design. Again, another great host. Thank you for doing the release and putting up with my freak outs. Hope you enjoy your summer holidays xxx

ALL the bloggers and readers. We can’t do this without you. You are appreciated and held in high regard for what you do. Thank you for taking a look at Changing Tides and spreading the word. You’re priceless.

Lastly, but never least - My family. I love you. You make me, me. There’s not another place in the world I’d rather be than with you all <3