Since I’ve lived in Southwest Florida for thirty winters, I know and love the area. I have, however, created Turtle Bay. The book’s characters are all fictional and not based on or inspired by actual persons.
Dying sea grass has been a local concern for years. The city of Naples and many Southwest Florida scientists have studied and worked on this problem for years.
Since I do not sail or scuba dive, I am indebted to our friend John Hawkins, who does both and who kindly read the sections of the book dealing with these endeavors. Any mistakes are mine, not his.
For anyone interested in the fascinating tradition of quinceañera, a good book on the subject is Once Upon a Quinceañera: Coming of Age in the USA. This “sweet fifteen” celebration is becoming an American event.
Special thanks to my Florida and Ohio friend Mary Ann Manning for her very own brand of PR for Karen Harper books. Best wishes to our Naples condo friends and, as ever, to Don.
Karen Harper