Acknowledgments

I am humbled by the people in my life who have helped make this book what it is today. I would like to thank:

 

My rock-star agent, Paula Munier, the best of the best. You give breadth and depth to the words hard-working and dedicated. I am so lucky to have you on my team.

My stellar editor, Michaela Hamilton, and her wonderful assistant, Norma Perez-Hernandez. You have both turned my blood to champagne. I am the luckiest of writers to have you guiding and championing my book.

My dedicated copy editors, who saved me countless times. You are my heroes.

Kensington. I am thrilled to be a part of the family.

My early readers: Ginna Getto, keep flying in the right direction for the chocolate; Barbara Zaragoza, who, while living in Italy, took the time to send me her insightful comments; and to my Barb Alpern, baker of bread, who brings love to every relationship, every act.

Robert and Angie for years of coffee-drenched writerly meetings in coffeehouses all over San Diego.

Shilpi for those wonderful writerly lunches. Tammy, for being such an inspiration.

The SMU Writers Program, who set me on this path so many years ago. And my many teachers in countless classes and workshops. I am indebted to you.

Sara Lewis Murre, who predicted this. You are always right.

My own merry band of expats who bear no resemblance to the characters in this book but have saved my sanity, made me laugh, served as inspiration, taken my kids, and have stood in for my family in times both joyous and tough.

My real family in Belgium, so far, yet locked in my heart and ever in my thoughts. For teaching me the meaning of family, as well as how to cook.

My writers group. Words can only skim the surface of the gratitude and love I have for you. Brent Johnson, champion friend and wordsmith hero. Suzanne Frank, my sister in ink and in life, whose answer to “Can you stand to read it one more time?” was always “Yes!” And it would take an entire chapter to properly thank Daniel J. Hale, whose unconditional support, faith, and help have kept me afloat. The three of you make it real. You make me want to be better than I am.

My daughters. None of this would mean a thing without the two of you. You are my joy, the song I sing, the texture to my days.

And finally, I wouldn’t be here without my husband, the love of my life, my best friend, problem-solver, and chocolate mousse chef extraordinaire. You are the one. I owe it all to you.