Acknowledgments

This book wouldn’t be a reality without the support of many wonderful, giving people.

I’d like to thank my wonderful agent, Kirsten Neuhaus, for believing wholeheartedly in Gabriella and never giving up in her fight to find her a home. I am so lucky my manuscript found its way into her hands. And my amazing editor, Selina McLemore, who tackled this book with so much faith and passion. Every suggestion she made was the right one.

Thanks to Alfredo Santana who saw the potential in this story and pushed me to finish it. Michael Krikorian, who motivated me to begin writing it all those years ago at the Los Angeles Times. Luana Pagani, who took the time to read, and whose message on my answering machine meant more than she knows. Rich Isaacson, who not only read, but delivered. Tommy Mottola, who sent “Gabriella” to the Vigliano agency, and, ultimately, to Kirsten’s hands. And Lilian De la Torre, who so selflessly and wholeheartedly supports her fellow writers’ endeavors, including my own.