Home is Where the Heart is (31 page)

Authors: Christie Mack

Tags: #Romance

First and foremost, I’m still in utter disbelief that I’ve published my first novel. I can’t remember a time that I didn’t write. As a child, I had always written story after story until I was old enough to be given a laptop for my birthday, and I was introduced to the wonderful world of fan fiction, which spurred my love for writing even further until I decided to write my own original story in the hopes that one day it would be published. I have always had aspirations in becoming a writer, but I never thought it was truly possible until I discovered the incredible world of Indie Authors and self-publishing. Never in a million years did I think I would be one of those indie authors until I hit publish.

This book was a work of love, and wouldn’t have been completed without the support of those near and dear to me.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support of my mum, Ellen, who if she hadn’t insisted I pursue my writing further, you wouldn’t be reading this right now. I can’t thank her enough for the unconditional love she and my dad give me, and for everything that they do for me. I have always been encouraged to keep writing, buying me my first laptop for my birthday so I didn’t have to write so much in my notebook and get a hand cramp because I had written too much. She will constantly tell everyone how smart I am, although she’s probably biased.

To my brother, Phillip, who is always there for me when I need help. Thank you for being such a wonderful brother and being kind enough to buy me a Macbook Air when I know you didn’t have to, but it’s the little things that you do for me that I will cherish forever. To say your gift has come in handy is an understatement. You love to torment me from time to time, but I suppose that’s what little brothers do best, and I wouldn’t want you any other way.

To my sister Judith and brother-in-law Mark, who may live interstate, but whom I know are there to support me forever. I love you, and thank you for giving me three of the most gorgeous nephews and niece to love and cherish. A little piece of Kane, Jack and Abbie were inspiration enough for me to be able to bring the character of Jake to life on paper, or in this case, computer screen.

To Nicole, my brother’s amazing and supportive girlfriend. We haven’t known each other long, but you have become one of my best friends in the short time you have been a part of our family. Thank you for our shopping trips together and taking the time to read this book, telling me how much you adore it, even though I know you’re not much of a reader. It means a lot to me to know you like and believe in my writing. Phillip couldn’t have found a more lovely and caring partner to share his life with, and I can’t think of a better future sister-in-law to welcome into our family than you.

To my amazing beta readers, which if it wasn’t for Goodreads, I would never have discovered the likes of Melissa, Jade, Julie, Brandi and Carolina, whose guidance throughout the writing and editing process has been a big help to me.

To those on Goodreads, Facebook and Twitter who have added my book to their TBR list, liked my page or retweeted my status updates, thank you for following an unknown author and taking a chance on me before you have even read the book. You have no idea how much I appreciate knowing people are actually looking forward to reading my book. It is so crazy and surreal.

To my cover designer at goonwrite.com, I can’t thank myself enough for randomly browsing Google one day for an inexpensive cover designer and finding you. I look forward to working with you again on my next book.

To the wonderful editors at Hot Tree Editing, I will be forever grateful for the day I saw you pop up on Facebook and decided to contact you.

And last but not least, to the readers. Thank you for taking the time to read a little unknown author’s debut book. Jordan and Cassie’s story came to me one night in a dream and refused to leave me alone until I put words to a blank word document. I hope that you love and have fun reading about them as much as I did writing their story.

I'm a 27 year old Australian girl who loves nothing more than finding a really good romance book you can't put down until the characters get the happily ever after that they deserve. It was through reading that I decided to put pen to paper, or in this case, fingertip to computer key, and jot down the stories my brain comes up with. When I'm not reading the endless supply of books added daily to my iPad, I can be found tucked away with my laptop in front of me as I write about the many characters begging me to tell their story, one book boyfriend at a time. You can drop me a line at any of the social networking sites listed below.

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, business establishments or locales is entirely coincidental.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.

Cover design by goonwrite.com

Edited by Hot Tree Editing

Interior formatted by E.M. Tippetts Book Designs

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