Acknowledgments

For someone who writes novels, sometimes it’s shockingly hard for me to find the right words, but I’ll do my best.

Thank you a million times over to my incredible agent, Mandy Hubbard. You plucked my story from the slush pile and helped it find wings. I couldn’t ask for a better agent. Even if you do occasionally send me into the deep, dark woods to gather sticks for s’mores.

Thank you to my editor, Adrienne Szpyrka, for falling in love with Cheesus and championing it from day one. I’m insanely lucky to have you and so glad we got to work together.

Thank you to all the writers who helped me on this crazy journey, but most especially: to Rachel Lynn Solomon for being an amazing CP, giving the best book recs, and always being ready with a virtual hug when needed; to Addie Thorley for reading my book a million times, sharing stories, silly hats, and forcing me to rap on video. I’m so blessed to have you in my life; to Kate Foster, freelance editor extraordinaire and fantastic friend—you read my novel over and over, put up with my grammar-challenged ways, and cheered louder than anyone at every tiny success; to Jennifer Park for moral support, crazy cross-country train trips, and Bigfoot hunting at Camp ECLA; to Erica B. for reading an early version of this novel and being honest.

Thank you also to the various writing and critique groups that helped with early versions of this novel, including The Private Eyes and YANA on Scribophile.

Thank you, Mom, for teaching me to love words and always pushing me to do my best. Sorry for all the cursing in this book. I promise to revive Grandma’s curse jar in penance and take you out to dinner with the proceeds.

Special thanks to my husband, John: you cheered me on even when you weren’t quite sure what you were cheering for. There is no one I’d rather spend my life with. Thank you for writing journals, brainstorming, chocolate milkshakes, and leaving comic books scattered around the house in an effort to lure me into reading them with you. You’re a sneaky bastard and I love you. Always.

To my kids, thank you for loving books as much as Mommy and always begging for just one more story. You light up my world with your laughter, enthusiasm, and energy. You still can’t read this book until you’re older, but thanks for asking. Every day. Ten times.

For those who helped me along the way whose names aren’t listed above, please know I’m only trying to protect your secret identities and air of mystery, but I’m still sending a huge thank you your way.

And last, but not least, to everyone who reads this book, thank you for sharing Del and Gabe’s world for a little while.