Thank you to those who’ve walked with me on this journey, sustaining me, encouraging me, and putting up with me!
My family of genealogists—my parents, my grandmother, and Aunt Elaine. Admittedly, I wasn’t that interested in our family history until recently, but I always loved hearing the incredible stories you unearthed and learning about heroes in our ancestry.
My inspiration—my oil-man brother Jeff and his wife, Tina. Thanks for your behind-the-scenes look at the oil business, striking oil, and for the inspiration behind this story.
My writing friends—I have so many who deserve my thanks, but a special note to these. Susan Sleeman, thank you for your encouragement, friendship, and amazingly knowledgeable writing advice. I don’t know what I would have done without you as my daily sounding board. Lisa Harris, we started out in that critique group years ago and just kept going. I’m so thankful for your friendship, prayers, and encouragement. Shannon McNear, what a dear friend you’ve been to me through the good, the bad, and the ugly. God is with us, Shannon. Sharon Hinck, I thank God for my brief time in Minneapolis. I know he put me there just so I could spend time with you. You are precious to me.
My editors—Sharon Hinck (you get two mentions! Ha!). I don’t think I could have even sent my proposal without your sharp eye and gentle prods to up my game. Ellen Tarver, thanks for helping me smooth out the rough places so I could feel confident when turning in the manuscript. Lonnie Hull DuPont, a very special thank you for seeing something in my story that you wanted for Revell and for giving me this opportunity. There are no words to adequately express my gratitude.
My agent—Steve Laube, you’re one of a kind. Thank you for helping me realize my dream.
My experts—Kimberli Buffalo, genealogist extraordinaire. I appreciate all the time you put into reading the story and helping me get things right. Your insight has been invaluable. If I made mistakes, well, that’s all on me. Steven Brown, for answering my questions about private investigators.
To the Revell team—thank you for making my book the best it can be.
My husband and children—Dan, thank you for believing in me and encouraging me to write when I could have been doing so many other things. Rachel, Christopher, Jonathan, and Andrew, you’re my inspiration. I love you!
And to my Lord and Savior, Jesus, who opens the doors and leads me through them—you put the joy of writing stories for you into my heart. All the glory is yours.