Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore

Acknowledgments

Half of this book was written during a pandemic that changed the world as we knew it. I more than ever relied on an amazing group of people to make it to The End, and I’m incredibly grateful for their generously given time, advice, cheer, and patience. In particular, I would like to thank:

Matthias, for stoically sharing me with all these people inside my head.

Bernie, Montse, and Kate, because that first draft wouldn’t have left the building without you.

The LMH squad: Paula (your “pedantic read” was invaluable) and Helen (your cheer is so appreciated).

Dr. Alex Boyd, for his expert advice on Victorian photography and the ways of a Scotsman—find his brilliant photography of the Scottish Isles at alexboyd.co.uk.

My fabulous fellow authors Rachel van Dyken, Jennifer Probst, Lauren Layne, Amy Reichert, Emily Henry, Roshani Chokshi, Eva Leigh, Stephanie Thornton, Chanel Cleeton, Susan Dennard, Jodi Picoult, and the Lyonesses: for squeezing my work onto your towering TBR lists, your blurbs and shout-outs; you are as talented as you are kind.

Isabel Ibañez, Christine Wells, and Kerri Maher—your critique reading was everything.

The Berkley team, especially Jessica Brock and Jessica Mangicaro, for always doing a brilliant job of bringing The League to readers.

Special thanks to my fantastic editor, Sarah Blumenstock, for always giving me the time and space I need to do my best; and to my agent, Kevan Lyon, who is both the fiercest as well as the most supportive agent I could wish for.