The novel follows Lucie through London, New York and Sydney, as she grapples with separation, and the sudden contact from a lover she thought she lost in 9/11.

Ms Hawthorn's work has been 18 months in the making and is finally being released out into the world on Thursday.

The back-and-forth of editing and Covid restrictions meant that it "was a bit later than first anticipated."

Read also: Man dies after fall at Belmore Falls

"I am very excited that it's upon me," she said.

Ms Hawthorn however mentioned that the decision to release the novel this year was also to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the 2001 attacks.

Despite 9/11 not being the main plot of the publication, she said it was the "catalyst for it."

"I visited Ground Zero three months after the 9/11 attacks," she said.

"It was a very traumatic experience and very emotional."

Read also: FOWAS welcomes Wingecarribee Animal Shelter investigation despite concerns

Ms Hawthorn then returned to the memorial years later, and read the carved names of people who lost their lives, when she was struck with an idea.

"I remembered there were conspiracies about people using 9/11 to escape their situations," she said.

"I then thought, wouldn't that be a great idea for a story?"

"It was something that stayed in my mind, and I started with the plot."

Ms Hawthorn who has works of romantic comedy, historical and women's fiction in progress, decided to take the plunge with the psychological thriller.

"I loved the puzzle of the genre," she said.

"It's like a Rubik's Cube - when you think you have got all the sides correct, you turn to the bottom and see all the colours, and have to start again.

Read also: Undermanned Southern Highlands Storm stick it to Panthers in upset win

"I love throwing red herrings in there and leading people down the wrong path."

She said she wanted readers to have a "sense of satisfaction" after they read it.

"I want people to enjoy the ride, and get to the end and think they never saw it coming."

Bundanoon has been the sanctuary for Ms Hawthorn to craft her story and bring its characters to life.

Read also: Schmokin' celebrates a year of camaraderie, men's health and community unity

Ms Hawthorn was a journalist, event manager, PR consultant, publisher, and even dabbled in acting before she pursued a full-time career as a novelist.

She was named as one of six finalists in the Grindstone International Novel Prize in 2019 for a wartime mystery.

An eBook will also be released along with the print publication on July 1.

The novel was published with Transit Lounge.

Did you know the Southern Highland News is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up below.