Читать книгу The Nurse's Bodyguard - Melanie Mitchell - Страница 4

Dear Reader,

My husband and I lived in Seoul, South Korea, for three years (2008–2011). While there I volunteered at a large “orphanage” (adoption agency), which was the basis for the one depicted in the book, though the name has been changed. On any given day, between 35 and 65 newborns were housed at that location. They lived there until about two to three weeks of age, when they were sent to a foster home. Occasionally, it was obvious that one of the infants was biracial; the idea for the character of Claire came from one such tiny baby.

While in Seoul, I also volunteered for the American Red Cross unit at Yongsan Army Garrison. The character of Luke was loosely inspired by an officer stationed there. Like Luke, this young man was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and “loaned” to Yongsan as an intelligence officer. Many of the situations and dealings between the South Koreans and North Koreans described in the book are based on actual circumstances. The characters, however, are fictional.

Finally, as mentioned in the story, South Korea—the Land of the Morning Calm—is a lovely and very safe country, with warm and welcoming residents. Hopefully, one day, you will have the opportunity to visit.

I hope you enjoy the story of Claire and Luke!

Melanie Mitchell