As always, this is one of the most exciting and humbling parts of writing a book: thanking everyone who helped bring it about. It seems especially important to thank all the wonderful people involved in the creation of this book, as most of us were working under less-than-ideal conditions (you know, locked down in our homes during a global pandemic and all) for the majority of the time that this book was written. All our jobs were made harder, and I feel even more grateful for the support and love I received during the writing of this book.
- Always first on the list, my rock star of an agent, Melissa Jeglinski. She’s always willing to boost me up when I need it, read pages at a moment’s notice, and advocate for me and my books with the passion her job requires.
- My marvelous editor, Tessa Woodward, for being such a huge cheerleader for this project, and for me at William Morrow. I am honored that you chose to share your vision and expertise with Hanna and Tilde (and me). Looking forward to many more projects together!
- Alivia Lopez and the rest of the William Morrow team who helped bring Hanna and Tilde’s story to the readers. You’re amazing, and I appreciate all you do.
- The Tall Poppy Writers, as always, for being such a pillar of strength to me as I navigate this crazy business.
- My writerly family: Heather Webb, Andrea Catalano, Rachel McMillan, J’nell Cieselski, Kim Brock, Kate Quinn, Jamie Raintree, Katie Moretti, Jason Evans, Gwen Florio, Orly Konig, Sonja Yoerg, David R. Slayton, Todd Leatherman, and so many others. You make the journey a lot less lonely.
- My dear friends Stephanie, Carol, Todd, Danielle, Katie, and Gil, thank you for being my lifeline this year. Thank heaven for Zoom trivia nights and masked porch visits! (Also, the people in the above category deserve double credit here, too.)
- To all the wonderful online reader groups, Bloom with Tall Poppy Writers, Friends and Fiction, Blue Sky Book Chat, Reader’s Coffeehouse, A Novel Bee, Bookworms Anonymous, Great Thoughts Great Readers, The Romance of Reading, My Book Friends, Women Writers Women’s Books, Baer Books, Susan’s Reading Neighborhood, and the tireless readers and authors who run them, I am so thankful for your support.
- Mom, Dad, Katie, Maggie, and the entire Trumbly-Petersen crew (and all the offshoots) for decades of love and support. I’m eternally grateful for all you’ve done and continue to do for me.
- My new family: Maureen, Jay, Molly, Matt, Jonah, Glenda, Charlie, Monica, David, Linda, Gary, and Melissa, and all the rest of the clan for welcoming me so warmly. I’m so glad to be a part of the family.
- Charlie, Glenda, and Jay (again) for the hard work and tremendous skill you put forth in building our home library. A thing of beauty really is a joy forever. I’m so grateful to you!
- Maureen and Jay (again) for all the hospitality while this book was being written. Your loft was the birthplace of many of the scenes from this book, and I so appreciate you sharing your home with me as I raced to meet deadlines. Thank you for making me feel like a daughter.
- JijiCat, for being the most loyal editorial assistant imaginable. I could not have written this without you at my feet or on my desk. Give me back my chair, though. And to Zuri, for being a great source of entertainment for all of us.
- Ciaran and Aria. It’s been a challenging couple of years that threw more curve balls at us than I could have ever imagined, and you’re emerging out the other side as amazing young people. I admire your resilience and your fortitude and feel privileged to be your mother.
- My darling Jeremy. Our relationship bloomed as this book was crafted, and I can see that love and optimism in these pages. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for boosting me up when I’m down. Thank you for sharing your research expertise. And, most of all, thank you for teaching me to believe in second chances. I am so proud to be your wife.
- And last, to all the readers who have read, enjoyed, reviewed, and reached out to me with your kind words for my work. You’re the reason I get to keep doing the job I love. With all that I am, I thank you.