ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book is a collaborative effort of many who possess both dedication and admiration for the art of story and the written word. Although words are the tools, heartfelt gratitude is the emotion for all those listed below.

I must thank my agent, Kimberly Whalen, whose unflinching belief in my work has been an inspiration. I am grateful to New American Library and all those involved in publishing my work: Kara Welsh, Claire Zion and Leslie Gelbman. My editor Ellen Edwards’ sharp sense of story and dedication to accuracy have been invaluable. I can never find enough ways thank Carolyn Birbiglia and her amazing PR skills, which have allowed us to get my stories into the reader’s hands.

I am indebted to the booksellers who have supported my work. I am humbled by the support of Mary Rose-Taylor and the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum’s Center for Southern Literature. Thank you to Amy; George and Sara at Chapter 11 for their indefatigable love of books; to Chris Stanley at Bay Street Trading Company in Beaufort, who believed in my story and offered me invaluable resources on the Gullah Culture; to Denise at Barnes and Noble in Norcross, for making sure they never ran out of my books; to Patti Morrison at Barnes and Noble in Charleston, for making me feel so comfortable that I wished I lived there; to John and Linda Stern at Port Royal books in Hilton Head, for an island signing. Appreciation is extended to Nancy Berland and her brilliant ideas.

My heart is overflowing with gratitude for the support of my beautiful friends, who not only encouraged my work, but also came to every signing and event possible. There is no way to list all of you here—but I love all of you. Special thanks go to Sandee Bartkowski, Susan Clark, Jennifer Cook, Vicky Day, Teri McIntyre, and Heidi Sprinkle, for shoring me up when I needed it the most. Innumerable hugs to Tara Mahoney; I could not have written a single page without you this summer—even if you did warp my children’s taste in music. And to my long-time friends who have always known the real Patti, and are the inspiration for the fun-loving, young friendships in this novel: Beth Hamilton, Laura Kaye, Cate Sommer and Beth Fidler.

I’m beholden to my incredible family, not for what they do, but for who they are: to my parents, George and Bonnie Callahan, who believe in me more than I do. To my sisters, Barbi and Jeannie, and their husbands, Dan and Mike. To Gwen and Chuck Henry, who offer a place of respite in this crazy world. To Kirk and Anna Henry—I could not and would not have chosen any different in-laws. I love all of you.

I have been humbled by and grateful to all my readers who write me, email me, buy my books and pass them on.