Acknowledgments

I want to thank first and foremost my wonderful agent, Elizabeth Pomada, who has tirelessly lent her time, wisdom, patience, and encouragement throughout this journey. I also want to thank my editor, John Scognamiglio, of Kensington Publishing, and his wonderful team, all of whom have helped me improve my work, always taking time to answer my questions and guide me when I feared losing my way. I want to thank my favorite panel of critics, including my mother, Cindy Bogdan, along with Cathy Renner and Candy Baer, who always see my work before I get brave enough to send it out! I ride on your confidence in me, girls! I also want to thank the libraries, namely McMillan Memorial Library of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, and the Marshfield Public Library, where I always found a place of solace for working and conducting research. Again, this novel could not have been possible without consulting the work of Dr. David M. Head, whose wonderful biography of Thomas Howard, The Ebbs and Flows of Fortune: The Life of Thomas Howard, Third Duke of Norfolk, provided so much documentation and other resources to authenticate the historical accuracy of this book. In addition, I want to thank the readers, bloggers, reviewers, and fellow authors who have encouraged me along the way and helped me promote my debut novel Secrets of the Tudor Court (Kensington)—you know who you are! You have all taught me so much about how to handle this new adventure and I value you more than I can say. Not least of all, I must thank my wonderful husband, Kim, my number one fan, my encourager, my supporter, my forever sailor. I couldn’t do it without you, Chief! Finally, I want to thank my children, Quinn, Cody, Ashley, and Kristina, for allowing me the space and time I need to work. You are the best! I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart and pray you all enjoy my work.