So many people have been instrumental in my journey toward publication. So many have helped me bring A Mosaic of Wings to you. And since this is my first published novel, I’m going way back. So, thank you to:
Francine Rivers, who wrote A Voice in the Wind. I’d always loved books, but that specific book made me want to write them. Thank you, Mrs. Rivers, for honoring God with your creativity.
Mr. Posner, my eleventh grade creative writing and journalism teacher (we all have that one great teacher, right?). You were the first one to tell me I was talented. The first one to suggest I write a book (based on my autobiographical short story set in Ukraine). Different story, different place, but here it is. Your encouragement set me on this path.
My parents, for buying me a typewriter in high school, listening to my truly awful and melodramatic stories, and never telling me I needed a backup plan.
Joy, Flora, and Priya. Every memory I have of India is tangled with your presence. You made those six months full of relationship and pure joy.
Rachelle Gardner, my amazing agent. I still can’t believe you signed me. The day you told me you loved my book was the day I began to think this farfetched dream of mine might be possible.
The amazing team at Bethany House Publishers. There were so many reasons BHP was at the top of my publisher wish list. I’ve not been disappointed. Your support, expertise, and hard work are appreciated. I could not have done this without you.
Jessica Barnes, my editor. Thank you for seeing what this story could be, for believing in it and bringing it to the table, for pouring so much time and energy into making it beautiful. You are everything an editor should be. God smiled on me when I snagged that Blue Ridge appointment.
Bob Nuhn, my “bug guy” and entomologist. I’m not exaggerating when I say this book would not have happened without you. Your excitement for the science, detail-packed emails, and patient responses to my questions permeate every bit of Nora’s story. Thank you.
Madhu Balasubramaniam. God’s hand was in our meeting. You have become a wonderful friend. Thank you for reading my book and helping me make it accurate, sensitive, and a reflection of my love for India. You are an answer to prayer and my middle-of-the-night cultural, religious, and geographical questions.
My friends and family who have encouraged, supported, and been excited for me. I can’t name all of you, but know that I appreciate and love you.
Kristy Cambron. When you said, “Can you send Nora somewhere interesting? Somewhere overseas?” this book was born, and I’ll forever be grateful. You encouraged me to write in the genre I love about the place I love.
Stephanie Gammon, my very first reader and sweet friend. Your support and unwavering belief in my writing are constant sources of validation and encouragement. You know me better than anyone outside my family, and the fact that you still love me makes me question your sanity but also value your friendship. I can’t wait for the world to learn what a brilliant writer you are.
My girls—Lindsey Brackett, Leslie Devooght, Hope Welborn, and Kristi Ann Hunter. This journey has been made wonderful because of you. I love our Voxer chats, retreats, and Hangout meetings, and can’t imagine doing any of this without you. I have to remind myself to hang out with people who actually live near me because our daily conversations make me forget I’m not actually seeing you.
My children—Ellie, Grainne, Hazel, and August. Everything I do, it’s because of you. I want you to see in me the possibility of dreams coming true. Of hard work and diligence and effort and never, ever giving up. Of knowing who you are and what you’re meant to do, then doing it.
My husband, Shane. This book is especially possible because of you. I love you for never giving up on my dream, even when I was too discouraged to believe in it. For spending all those evenings after work doing baths and dishes and math. For being generous with your time and our bank account so I could go to conferences and writing retreats and Panera more times than I can count. You are the inspiration for Owen—kind, supportive, adventurous, encouraging, annoyingly extroverted, and always willing to speak the truth in love. The only reason I can write a decent hero is because I’ve watched you be one for over twenty years. I love you.