To all the teachers, librarians, booksellers, and conference coordinators who support my writing and help me connect with readers, your hard work is appreciated. Thank you for the benefit of your expertise and time, and for all your efforts to encourage and nurture readers.
I want to thank my family. Thank you to my sister, Lori, for always listening and encouraging me. Thank you to my father and stepmother, for always believing in me. And to Nashville and Jeepster, thanks for ensuring there’s never a dull moment at home.
Thank you also to Mia Bergstrom, for shining your amazing light into my life.
Thank you to my husband, Gary. You were my earliest inspiration, and I never would have tried if it weren’t for you. Thank you to my son, Dylan. Your creative energy is contagious, and you inspire me with every single thing you do. Thanks to both of you for putting up with me as I struggled with this book. I love you so much.
And to the God of love and all creation, thank you for every person listed here, and all the other blessings that are far too many to name.