It’s not often that you thank a stranger in your acknowledgments, but if not for the random woman sitting next to me on a plane, this book would likely not exist. Our conversation on the way to Denver got me thinking about these types of encounters in life.
My agents, Meg Ruley and Logan Harper of the Jane Rotrosen Agency, were brilliant in every step of the process, from early edits to taking it out to the world. Rebecca Scherer and Christina Hogrebe from JRA also offered invaluable input.
Jen Enderlin at St. Martin’s Press was a dream editor. Her suggestions were gold, her marketing prowess unmatched, and she brought this entire project across the finish line with aplomb. At St. Martin’s, I would also like to thank Brant Janeway, Christina Lopez, Erica Martirano, Katie Bassel, Kejana Ayala, Lisa Senz, and the folks at Macmillan Audio. I am indebted to copyeditor Mary Beth Constant for her excellent work and keen eye. The number of times I said “good catch” is surely in the double digits.
My husband, Paul, allowed me to slip away to my favorite writing spot time and again and patiently listened when I would read chapters aloud. His suggestions always strengthened the book and his enthusiasm for my writing lifted my heart. My two sons, Jake and Charlie, are my soul. They have no idea how much they mean to me.
I dedicated this book to my mother, Judy. She started her career at a New York City publishing house before becoming an English and English as a Second Language teacher. Her passion for libraries, reading, grammar, newspapers, and current events spurred me to become a journalist and a writer. My stepdad, Howard, entered my life at a critical time and quickly became a wonderful father figure. He too champions my work.
I wrote this book while working as a television news director, and I am indebted to my general manager, Anne Brown, and our company, Weigel Broadcasting, for their support.
Finally, to you, for taking time out of your life to open this book. I hope you enjoyed it. I certainly had a blast crafting it. As a debut novelist, I am humbled by everyone who had a hand in bringing this tale to fruition. More than anything, I am grateful. The ten-year-old girl who walked home from school every day making up stories in her head is looking at herself many decades later, and she is thankful.