After an almost disturbing dream while I was pregnant with my daughter, I woke up the next morning and said that I wanted to write a book. I had never had this inclination before, but I must say, the bug has bitten.

Milèa, a name that we liked for our daughter, Erin, became the immediate fancy for the main character: a strong determined young teacher (yes, you write what you know) who survives loss and life. A good friend asked the other day, ‘So, is she you?’ Well, besides the fact she teaches the same subjects as I do, and loves dogs, we don’t have much in common. One does draw from life experiences, as I surpassed similar bullying situations as a child, but that is where is stops.

Lian was inspired by a young man I taught, who also lost his mom at a young age. He was quiet and had a good, kind heart. I always remembered thinking, if he would realise his own potential, he would make a young lady very happy one day, and that is what I created. My son, Liam, has the same gentle heart and is a very good tennis player, despite his age, and thus the similar career choice.

Bear, the canine hero in this book is dedicated to my dog Chia, who follows me around and protects me from everything, including hadada’s. Her friend is a Golden Retriever named Jeera, who was our first dog as a married couple and I could not resist the urge to write her into the story. As they are both getting on in age, this will be our reminder of their lives and the love one has for a dog.

Milèa’s loss comes from a place of fear, something that no one never wants to imagine – life without your soulmate and best friend. But, as the rule of thumb goes, we are just pieces in the bigger picture, with Someone Greater in control.

I hope Milèa’s journey inspires you to feel and live.