My friend and cheerleader, senior acquisitions editor Ami McConnell, loves change. Me, not so much. When publisher Allen Arnold called to tell me he was taking a ministry position and leaving Thomas Nelson, I was crushed. But Ami is right, and change can work out well. I adore Daisy Hutton, who took over as publisher for Allen! She’s the right person for the position. She’s handled the transition with such grace and wisdom, and I’m so thankful we have her. Thanks, Daisy!
My team is a dream to work with. I can’t imagine writing without my editor, Ami. I crave her analytical eye and love her heart. Ames, you are truly like a daughter to me. Marketing and publicity director, Katie Bond, is always willing to listen to my harebrained ideas. I wouldn’t get far without you, friend! Fabulous cover guru Kristen Vasgaard works hard to create the perfect cover—and does. You rock, Kristen! And, of course, I can’t forget my other friends who are all part of my amazing fiction family: Natalie Hanemann, Amanda Bostic, Becky Monds, Kerri Potts, Jodi Hughes, Ruthie Dean, Laura Dickerson, Heather McCulloch, and Dean Arvidson. You are all such a big part of my life. I wish I could name all the great folks at Thomas Nelson who work on selling my books through different venues. I’m truly blessed!
Julee Schwarzburg is a dream editor to work with. She totally gets romantic suspense, and our partnership is a joy. Thanks for all your hard work to make this book so much better!
My agent, Karen Solem, has helped shape my career in many ways, and that includes kicking an idea to the curb when necessary. Thanks, Karen, you’re the best!
Writing can be a lonely business, but God has blessed me with great writing friends and critique partners. Hannah Alexander (Cheryl Hodde), Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter make up the Girls Write Out squad (www.GirlsWriteOut.blogspot.com). I couldn’t make it through a day without my peeps! Thanks to all of you for the work you do on my behalf and for your friendship. I had great brainstorming help for this book in Robin Caroll and Cara Putman. Thank you, friends!
I’m so grateful for my husband, Dave, who carts me around from city to city, washes towels, and chases down dinner without complaint. As I type this, he has been free of prostate cancer for a year, and we’re so thankful! My kids—Dave, Kara (and now Donna and Mark)—and my grandsons, James and Jorden Packer, love and support me in every way possible. Love you guys! Donna and Dave brought me the delight of my life—our little grand-daughter, Alexa! She’s talking like a grown-up now, and having her spend the night is more fun than I can tell you.
Most important, I give my thanks to God, who has opened such amazing doors for me and makes the journey a golden one.