The creation of Amidst The Stars took over a year and six months of planning, writing and editing, and it couldn't have been done alone. It has been an eventful eighteen months, and I would like to thank the following people, without whom this story would never have been brought to life:

  Lily, Arthur, Ben, Marie and the seventy-eight others in my writer's group, for gifting me with useful pieces of advice and encouragement — I couldn't have gone without your words of wisdom.

  Mrs T., Mrs G. and Mrs C-G, my English teachers from the last three years, all of whom encouraged me to read and write more, and never hesitated to criticise my incompetence until it was honed into skill.

  My best friend Ellie, who has read my terrible stories since I was six. From awful "magic spells" to self-insert fanfiction, thank you for being with me through it all.

  The wonderfully kind staff of the Alexis Monod chocolatier in Nice, who put up with my intense fascination of the various chocolates and candy they sold. Many of these products were the inspiration for the treats in this story, and they would never have existed if not for these lovely people.

  My cooking buddy and dear friend Charlotte, who was my partner-in-crime when it came to whipping up dishes at school; and my fellow history enthusiast Miku, who listened to me gush about pastries, editing and all the challenges I faced writing Amidst The Stars.

  Valerie Chan, for making the beautiful cover of this novel. I am eternally grateful for her talent and patience.

  My dearest and most trusted confidant Gene, for being by my side for much of the creation of Amidst The Stars. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your company and care that has kept me going for six months now.

  And lastly, thank you so much to each and every person who has read Amidst The Stars. It brings me joy to know that there are strangers out there who like my writing, and I will continue telling tales for all my readers to enjoy.