LOVING THANKS TO my family: My husband Mark, my daughters Simone and Isabel, for always believing in me, to my siblings Marty, Kristin, Matt and Hugh, and to my wonderful in-laws, especially Marguerite whose encouragement means so much.
My deepest gratitude to my writing posse: Kristin Ginger, who shared her gifted ear, remarkable insight, and discernment every step of the way; to Melinda Rooney, beta reader extraordinaire; to Stacy Tolbert and Tammy Matthews for their encouragement, ideas, humor, and support.
To Abby Geni and Rebecca Makkai for their enormously valuable feedback, along with all the folks at Story Studio for their work on behalf of the Chicago writing community.
To Simone Boutet for her generosity and advice.
Thanks also to my brilliant editor, Tara Gavin, and to Rebecca Nelson, Melissa Richter, and the entire team at CLB.