Aside from the birth of my son, Fletcher, writing this book was the most joyful experience of my life so far. Because it was loosely based on my grandparents, the research afforded me an opportunity to travel back into their time through the stories of so many wonderful people.
Fletcher was five when I finished this book. He is now seventeen. And there is a very simple reason that the past twelve years have been an incredible journey rather than a study in frustration. These people:
All love and gratitude to my wonderful family—Dad, Mom, Collette, Wade, Andrew, Mack, Flynn, and Ike. And to Fletcher, the only perfect story I’ve ever told.
Thanks to my editor, Yung Kim, who brought this book back to life. Howard Yoon, for his skills as an editor as well as agent. Michael Congdon. And the others at HarperCollins who lent their expertise—Laran Brindle, Elizabeth Pawlson, and Heather Burke.
To all Rowlands; Tanners; Lokens; Sloans; Andersons; Richardsons; Kirkhams; and, of course, Arbuckles, especially Lee Arbuckle for his wealth of information. And to the residents of Carter County for enduring with quiet dignity. To Michael Curtis for his continued encouragement. Lucie Prinz for the same. And Sue Miller for her inspiration and wisdom. James O’Keefe and Margaret Minister; Ted Smykal; Bob Christoph; Michael and Kira Yannetta; Kirk, Jeanette, and Derek Wayland; Sam Geffner; Phyllis Pinkham; Niall McKay; John Brennan; Andrew Lovett; and Tom Stefan for their support. All my friends at Foote, Cone, and Belding. Steve Klingman and Christine Palamedessi for their feedback. Lisa Queen. Doris Cooper. Liz Perle. And last, but definitely not least, friends of Bill W.