I can’t believe I’m writing another acknowledgment for a second book. It’s been an amazing experience so far and I’m so grateful to all those who’ve made this book, and series, possible.
First, I’m sending hugs to my agents Deidre Knight and Kristy Hunter. The best hand-holders and calming-downers in the business. This book wouldn’t exist if you hadn’t taken a chance on me and this series. I, and my characters, appreciate your support and guidance.
Second, if any part of this book made you laugh or cry or feel anything, it’s because of the skill and expertise of my extraordinary editor, Deb Werksman. Because of your patience and overwhelming commitment to this book, which started out in a million different pieces, we ended up with a beautiful love story that surpassed anything I could’ve written on my own. Thank you!
I also want to thank the rest of the Sourcebooks staff, including Susie Benton, Laura Costello, Rachel Gilmer, Stefani Sloma, Stephany Daniel, Kirsten Wenum, Beth Sochacki, and Emily Chiarelli for the many, many hours of hard work you’ve all put into this book and series. I couldn’t have done any of this without you. And if I’ve forgotten anyone, I apologize and am blaming it on deadline brain!
In case you haven’t heard, the Sourcebooks art department is one of the best in the business, and my covers are proof of that. Thank you so, so much for this cover and all of the covers in this series. They are truly amazing!
To Laura Baker, thank you for believing in this book. We worked on different variations of this story for years, and I so appreciate your advice and encouragement.
To Michael Hauge, thank you for giving me courage.
To my sister-in-law Kieran Kramer, thank you for your never-ending love and support.
To my critique partner and dearest friend, Mary Lenaburg, thank you for the endless hours of plotting help and for not giving up on me even when I start talking—and writing—in circles.
To my girlfriends Jean Anspaugh and Jackie Iodice, thank you for being there when I’m both crying and celebrating, sometimes at the same time. A girl is nothing without her BFFs!
To all of my writing friends, including Kimberly MacCarron, Pintip Dunn, Diana Belchase, Kerri Carpenter, Angelina Lopez, Juliette Sobanet, and Christine Glover, thank you for traveling with me on this journey. I never could’ve done it on my own.
To my brother-in-law and Charleston lawyer, Bill Hanahan, thank you for sharing your family stories, especially those that took place in the Georgia and South Carolina colonies during the seventeenth century. They’ve inspired the historical aspects of this book and this series.
To my one-eyed rescue dog who sleeps all day by my side, thank you for not judging me when I pull out the Oreos and Cheez-Its.
To my twins, who remind me daily of what’s important (love, hugs, and time spent together) and what’s not important (laundry, weeding, and cleaning the refrigerator). Thank you for teaching me that life is meant to be celebrated and not just written down as tasks in my day planner.
To my husband, who’s always believed in me, thank you for being my best friend, my biggest fan, my maker of maps, and my teacher of land navigation. I will always love you.
Finally, to my readers. Thank you for loving the world of Kells Torridan and his men as much as I do. These books wouldn’t be the success they are today without you. I hope I will never let you, or my characters, down.