This novel and its predecessor would not have been possible without the help and encouragement of my friend, John A. Stelnicki, whose ancestor’s diary provided the basis for Push Not the River. I offer sincere thanks to Sally Kim, Thomas Dunne, and Sally Richardson of St. Martin’s Press for their enthusiasm for the two projects. Guiding me through the novels with his justly celebrated expertise has been my agent Al Zuckerman.
For exceptional editing skills, I thank longtime friend Mary Rita Mitchell, as well as Pam Sourelis and Carolyn Chu. The late Frances Dwral’s folk papercuts (wycinanki) add visual charm to the words. For help on things Polish and otherwise, Donald Kaminski and Edward Kaminski’s support and suggestions have been invaluable. A host of people have aided me in my quest in ways too numerous to mention. Some of these are Piers Anthony, Francie Arenson, Marilyn Bricks, Ken and Penny Brown, Judi Free, Scott Hagensee, Gary Holtey, Patrick Keefe, Kevin Kelly, Jan Lorys, Sr. Mary Paul McCaughey O.P., Mike McCaughey, Ken Mitchell, Kitty Mitchell, Tom Rusnak, John Rzak, Angela Turley, and members of the Green Door Studio, Chicago, 2003-04.