ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Twenty twenty was a terrible year for writing a book—at least for me. Unable to access my library and coffee shops, I was forced to write from home—something I already knew I was bad at. (That’s why I have my library and coffee shops.)

So first and foremost, epic thanks to the two book coaches who saw me through, Jacquelyn Scott and Tiffany Herron. Thanks, ladies, for keeping my squirrel brain focused! Also, huge gratitude to my patient fans, who waited an extra year for this book to come out. Not only did you give me time and space to write, you continued to talk up my books while you were waiting, making this release the biggest one yet.

As always, my gratitude to the Lake Geneva Cruise Line (CruiseLakeGeneva.com), owners and operators of the real-life Mailboat. Special thanks to General Managers Harold Friestad (ret.) and Jack Lothian, to the Mailboat Captain Neill Frame, and to Office Manager Ellen Burling. Your combined contributions allowed my imagination to set sail.

I don’t know why my characters decide to be what they are—I just know not to meddle with the process. So when Angelica Read informed me that she was Latina, I had my homework cut out for me. Prior to writing this book, I had had all of one conversation with someone of Mexican-American heritage (Sandra Cisneros’ brother, ironically enough). Massive thanks to Alondra Gaspar for talking with me about her Mexican-American background, for reviewing my manuscripts, and for teaching me how to use both vulgarity and terms of endearment in Spanish. (At least on the page. My spoken Spanish will never sound as beautiful as hers.) Thanks also to our mutual friend Michael O’Leary for introducing us.

Much appreciation to David Congdon, Threat Assessment and Countermeasures Specialist. I always look forward to our conversations on my books from a psychological perspective.

Many thanks to my writer’s club, We Write Good, and especially to Elaine Montgomery for telling me how good my manuscript was, and to Rachel Surtshin for telling me how bad it was. Seriously, Rachel, I appreciate your holding my feet to the fire. Thanks for questioning early attempts at Angelica’s portrayal by speaking from your experiences with the Mexican-American community, and thanks for helping me clarify Monica’s feelings by being a bad-ass feminist who couldn’t understand anyone in Monica’s circumstances regretting her choice. I wasn’t satisfied until you were satisfied.

My thanks also to Carrie Lynn Lewis, my trusty brainstorming partner. Thanks for helping me find the path when I’m not sure where my characters have led me this time.

Before publication, this book was thoroughly examined by my sharp-eyed Early Reader Team. I promise, one day I’ll know the difference between suit and suite. By name, thank you to Susan Beatty, Stephanie Brancati, Kathy Collins, Brenda Dahlfors, Nancy Diestler, Lynda Fergus, Lisa McCann, Elaine Montgomery, Rebecca Paciorek, Linda Pautz, Pat Perkins, Sanda Putnam, JoAnn Schwartz Schutte, Kathy Skorstad, Suzette Titus, Judy Tucker, Lisa Vint, Kimberly Wade, Carol D. Westover, and Mary-Jane Woodward.

Also, a huge shout-out to the members of my very first Street Team, especially Paula OBrien-Slaasted for being the first to jump on board. Thanks, all of you, for helping me promote the new book and create a bigger splash than ever.

For their unique contributions that resulted in my stunning cover art, thanks to Matt Mason Photography (MattMasonPhotography.com) for the imagery, W. J. Goes for helping my photographers chase down the Mailboat, and Maryna Zhukova (MaryDes.eu) for bringing the images to life.

Rebecca Paciorek, Susan Beatty, and JoAnn Schwartz Schutte, you are the most enthusiastic, tireless, and determined group of publicists an author could ask for. I wouldn’t be where I am without you. Looking forward to seeing you in Lake Geneva this summer!

More than my thanks—my heart and soul to those I hold close. Fergus, you’ve turned into such a cuddler, I’m not sure you’re the same unhappy cat I adopted four years ago. Angel, that little German Shepherd puppy who couldn’t sit still for a photo with the Lake Geneva PD is long gone—and you’re actually growing into your name. And Charles William Maclay. Congrats on your graduation from Western Colorado University with a Master’s of Fine Arts. Congrats on your first published short story. Congrats on placing in two separate screenwriting competitions. I’m so proud of you. Thanks for accomplishing all that while taking more than your fair share of duties so I could kick out another novel on time. Pretty soon, we won’t be “the educated one” and “the successful one.” We’ll just be successful together.

Also, we survived a pandemic together without murdering each other. If that isn’t winning at life, I don’t know what is. I love you.