I almost don’t know where to start. This book has been a labor of love years in the making. First and foremost, I must thank God for His infinite kindness in allowing me to tell stories and realize this dream.
Secondly, to my incredible husband, Seth. You always work to make my dreams come true—you have from the very beginning. Thank you for supporting and championing me. Thank you for keeping me grounded and holding me accountable to meeting my goals when my confidence faltered. I cannot fathom a person I’d want to journey this life with more.
To my kids—Hannah, Cailyn, and Isaac—thank you for being my biggest cheerleaders and for being willing to talk out story ideas and eat sandwiches for dinner way more often than you really wanted to. I can’t imagine life without you, and I’m so honored to be your mom. Let this book be a reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Thank you to my mom, Bonnie Martin, for reading every chapter as it was written, rewritten, and rewritten again. Thank you for cheering me on, giving me honest feedback, and being just as excited as I was each step of the way. To my dad, Jerry Martin, thank you for the gift of my faith and showing me from an early age what a godly man looks like.
To my Irish friends—Debra and Brian O’Gibne, Deirdre Forristal, Donal and Linda O’Donnell, Mart O’Donnell, Rick Russell, and the gang at Builín Blásta Café—thank you for being our second family. For welcoming us into your homes and lives; helping us learn the language and culture; celebrating holidays, birthdays, and births with us; and grieving with us through incredibly difficult times. You were the best part of Ireland, and I miss you so deeply that my heart aches every day.
My writers group gals—Liz Johnson, Lindsay Harrell, Sara Carrington, Tina Radcliffe, Erin McFarland, Ruth Douthitt, and Rhia Adley—thank you for providing listening ears, words of wisdom, and shoulders to cry on. You ladies gave me strength and courage when I wanted to give up. Thank you for the gift of your friendship.
And to all my friends who’ve cheered me on along the way—Charity Verlander, Stacy Dyck, Christen Krumm, Donna Carlson, Rachel Fordham, Jocelyn Green, Sarah Sundin, and the incredible Palmer Small Group—my heart is forever grateful for you.
Jaimie Jo Wright and Tricia Goyer—thank you for believing in me, investing in me, and championing me. I for sure would not be here without your kindness and support.
To Chad Segersten—my principal when I was going through the process of signing the contract for this book—your support, encouragement, and flexibility will forever be in my heart. Not a day goes by when I don’t think of you, your leadership, and your excitement on my behalf. May you rest in peace.
To my amazing agent, Cynthia Ruchti. What can I say? Only God could orchestrate the string of events that brought us together in this working relationship. Thank you for believing in me, for loving my characters as much as I do, and for your prayers, guidance, and wisdom.
Finally, thank you to my wonderful editors, Rachel McRae and Robin Turici, and the team at Revell. Words cannot express how grateful I am for you, your expertise, and your excitement to bring A Dance in Donegal to the world. Thank you for taking a chance on me.