‘Wanted to tell you that I absolutely loved your book!   So much so that I had a bit of a ‘white night’ racing to finish it!  You have a real talent and I adored all the vivid New York nostalgia it brought back to me.  The end was delightful and unexpected.  Congratulations. Hope you are still feeling inspired to start the next book and that the creation in your belly is thriving too!’

Ariel C, environmentalist, horse lover and Californian blonde

‘I have just finished reading your book “White Knights” – it was lots of fun and took me to New York and back each morning, making my tube journey into work well worthwhile! Great imagery. Lots of laughs! Glad the bank I work at aint so evil!’

Suzannah, London banker chick, fabulous mummy to be

‘I am so impressed with your website – in fact, I’m super impressed with the way that you have clearly followed your heart to do something that you’re passionate about in such a blazing way

I read a lot – books are treasure to me. I read Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Loved the book for a number of reasons – it made me laugh, I had a heap of aha! moments and in some ways it genuinely encouraged me to find my dreams and make them happen. I was super keen to find out about the author and what had ensued in her life, so I missioned to find whatever web references I could for her. What a shock to find her personal website appallingly amateurish and unprofessional! I was so surprised by this that I thought I needed to ‘write a note’. (‘Write a note’ is a phrase that has become a bit of joke amongst my family and friends because I often go out of my way to let people know, in triplicate, what I think of what they put out there – good or bad!) Anyway, back to Liz and her crappy website – I mailed her, her publicist and publishing house (UK and New York) to let them know that the websites that reference her person and her work are damaging to her professional career because in my opinion, and I’m sure many others’ opinions too, they tarnish her image. They certainly transformed my image and perception of her – negatively! (I know, I’m so cheeky ). What a shocker to be a world best selling author with a public website that I think, is badly constructed, cheap looking and unprofessional. Now you darling, have SOOO gotten this part right – Kudos! She could take a page out of your book – pun intended!

I wish you a world of success!’

Liza, management consultant

‘Thank you for the beautifully wrapped and autographed novel that I got in the post 2 days ago.  I have just finished it and I have to confess that I couldn’t put it down.  I really really enjoyed reading it – I even read another chapter during every middle of the night feed with Rachael when I really should have been trying to get some sleep!  I can’t wait to see White Nights – the movie!  The story had a lot of depth to it as well as being a great read.  I hope you will be writing some more novels as i look forward to devouring them too! Well done!’

Belinda Mc, rural doctor

‘I have just finished your book! and absolutely loved it… in fact I could not put it down! Total escapism.I loved Emma and totally know someone just like Anthony! Do let me know when you have your London launch, would love to come and support you.’

Candice H, ex-banker, London mum & first fabulous chick to buy White Knights from this website!!!

‘Stayed up too late last night to keep reading and am reading now instead of working.  Bad influence.  The book has evolved so much!! The ultimate test–I’m ignoring work so I can read–can’t wait to see what happens next!

Ok, now finished the book–such a fun read! Spots like the royalton, which you took me to (to see the bathrooms!) and Emma’s apt. etc …. brought back so many memories of that time in my life… it would be fun to go back for a day and relive some of that!

Congratulations, when does the movie come out??’

Christina, Manhattan wife of ex-banker, mum & reader of the first draft!

Read white knights. Fantastic book! (straight from a banking slave) congrats!’

Annabel G, banker

‘I had to postpone the super indulgence of reading “White Knights” only till after New Year’s at Nature’s Valley.  And what a pleasure!  May this be the first book of many to follow.’

Anneke B, inspired writer and first person to officially purchase the novel

‘I’ve just finished the last page of your book. I loved reading it! It all works beautifully – the cover, the typesetting and your fantastic writing. Well done and all the best with your new book.’

Cindy, web designer

‘Congratulations on everything! And congrats too on the book. I remember bumping into you in Soho and hearing about your writing! I had a look at your website. You are an inspiration. Good luck with sales…’

Alex B, photographer

‘Hi Astrid, just finished your book and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a real page turner and couldn’t wait to find out who Emma would pick! Great start to your literary career! When is the next book out???!!!’

Clare, hip, rockin’ London music lover

‘I just have to tell you that I am totally and utterly LOVING your book. I was so bummed because I left the book at home (I am in the middle of a fabulous scene with Brad and Emma, damn) so I picked up the SA Times at the subway station instead. And look what I found! I’ve attached the scanned article. A friend in my book club also saw the article in the newspaper, and then laughed at book club last night when she saw I was reading your book. She can’t wait to read it after me.

Just thought I would let you know, that I am engrossed in it. Your writing is so easy to read, and every chapter engages you immediately which is fantastic. NOTHING  worse than reading a book that has boring chapters everywhere.’

Gill, London i-banker

‘Just finished your book which I really enjoyed. Hope there’s more coming soon…  ‘

Gretch, Jozi based speech & hearing therapist

‘I have finally sat down to read your book this weekend while away on a break. I started it again and did not put it down till it was finished. It was a wonderful. I so enjoyed it. I have decided that it is definitely going to be an international best seller shortly. Best of luck for the London launch. Go get them girl!’

Jo, Nurse, mum, wife and Californian!

‘Spotted your novel in amongst the big novels at the airport! I am so proud of you. Read White Knights voraciously in Betty’s Bay…loved it!!!!’

Kath J, uber-exec, wife and mum

‘Well Ive finished it and loved it ! Outstanding!!!! Well done on all your sales, well on its way to being a best seller!!!!

Ninky, stylish & fabulous entrepreuneur

‘Just finished reading your book….absolutely loved it! Couldn’t put it down. Brilliant!’

Lou, a chick so stylish she can only but be in the high-end travel game!

‘I just love your website, all those flowers and fabulous morsels – so enjoyed reading it! And I loved the book, read it on holiday so could sit and read at breakfast and lunch, I never felt the need to read something else at the same time, which is something I do when I get bored with a book, I start another, and then end up with about four books going at the same time – I was sorry when it finished.’

Maria, interiors wizz, mum and wife!

‘I read your book while away, it was great, well done….I’m sure you’re already working on the next one, hope so!’

Nix G, Jozi fashionista, mum and wife

‘Arrived in Austria yesterday afternoon by train from Italy. It’s been snowing & raining for about 36 hours now…. amazing and perfect for reading. I finished your book last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. Glad Emma ended up with [X] not [Y] ’

Nicky, Gucci toting, Porsche driving, financial fashionista

‘Read your book a while ago – loved it, been meaning to write and tell you!!  Very much looking forward to the sequel – there will be one, right?!’

Nix R, secondary markets trader

‘I read your book, i’m a HUGE fan!!! I’m so excited about meeting you at the networking breakfast!’

Nivani, stylish, gorgeous iBanker chick

‘Am absolutely immersed by the book Astrid, it’s unput-downable!!! Started reading yester morn, and am on chapter 13 already… Mary Lou, Fig Jam, Brad, Luca – love them! Love it… Well done!’

Papama, fashionable, gorgeous & utterly stylish magazine chick!

‘Just finished Astrid’s book. Loved it so much i couldn’t put it down. Have been going to bed so late every night so i could carry on reading. Tell him i say thanks and that she should be congratulated on a brilliant first novel. I hope she writes another, because i’ll be sure to read it!’

Rachel K, gorgeous gal about town

‘Just finished White Knights, LOVED IT! A tad of deja vu, my dear!! I am so happy for your happiness and success – amazing what following your passion can do.’

Stef, ex-Brooklyn Heights resident, NYC mum of 2 and voracious reader!

‘Just finished your book!!  It was fabulous and made me cry ….. some more!! Emma was a darling and Brad and Luca just wonderful. Pity about [Y]. I am also now going to reread Siddhartha – feel I need the reality check again. Prof was a wonderful touch but had the sneaky feeling….’

Suzie, uber-exec, diamond lover & convertible mini S driver!

‘grin grin bounce bounce. I finished White Knights last night and absolutely LOVED it. I want more! This is only the 2nd novel in a year of motherhood that I have managed to read! You’re an amazing writer!’

Tess,            gorgeous ex-advertising chick & yummy mummy of two lucky boys

‘Just a note to say that your book is actually awesome. Very well done and all I can say is wow.’

Tessa, Stylish Jozi ibanker

‘im reading your book WOW its awesome! i can’t put it down – had to order it at exclusive books coz it was sold out ) just started I-banking and all i can say is wow, very relevant book for me right now!’

Diana, gorgeous Jozi ibanker

‘I just wanted to say that I saw your book in EB Killarney and bought it immediately. I started reading it that night and just could NOT put it down. At the time, my baby was about 6 weeks old, so sleeping was of the essence, but it was just so brilliant, that I read way into the night. Congrats! I am so honored that at one time, we were in the same English class. You are really talented. I have been recommending the book to everyone and look forward to another novel of yours been on sale soon!’

Kerry, investment adviser, yummy mummy, wife and uber-multi tasker!

‘Bought your book after reading a review in the SA newspaper. Daunt Books on Fulham Road is about 5 minutes walk from our flat and I have been down to purchase your book and have made it to chapter 4 so far….would far rather be curled up reading it now than at work! Can’t wait to read the rest!’

Tamsin, jetsetting IT consultant who calls London home

‘Firstly a HUGE congratulations on publishing your book – well done!!  I am SO excited for you.  Congrats on seeing a massive dream come true for you…. Yay!  I am putting your book into my newsletter today… because I want to support you and generate as much Fairy Godmother magic and fairy dust as I can.’

Fairy Godmother, inspirer and fabulous magic maker

‘Fabulous website; fabulous wedding; fabulous tale! Barman!! Champagne all round!’

Possum, blogger & soapie addict