Dear Reader,
Thank you for reading my book! I hope you are enjoying this series and were rooting for Ella to find both love and happiness as much as I was.
When I began this novel, I wavered back and forth about whether to put Katie’s point of view in it. In the end, I decided to include it because I really could identify with her love of reading. I was never very precocious—I was way too shy for that—but I could definitely relate to Katie’s eagerness to be in the summer reading club. Maybe some of you have also participated in that a time or two?
This letter wouldn’t be complete without offering my thanks to many people. First and foremost, I’m so thankful to my husband, Tom. Tom, I could never write so much without your help and support. Thank you for listening for hours about made-up people, and for cooking and cleaning that kitchen!
Thank you, also, to my critique partners, Heather, Cathy, Hilda, and Tonya. For over ten years now, we’ve met and eaten donuts and sipped coffee and laughed. What would I do without y’all? Thanks for quickly reading chapters, giving me encouragement, and letting me know when I’ve really messed things up. I never take your advice, your help, or your friendship for granted.
Thank you also needs to go to my editor, Cindy DiTiberio. Thank you, Cindy, for making so many of my dreams possible—and for letting me follow the characters where they want to go . . . even when the novels aren’t quite like I proposed. Because of you, writing is still so very fun.
And, finally, thank you to all of the readers who’ve reached out to me in countless ways. Thank you for coming to book signings, for asking your librarians to order copies of my novels, and for giving my books as gifts. Thanks for finding me on Facebook and for visiting my Web site. Thank you for your prayers and your kind words and your encouragement. I’m forever grateful for your support.
With His blessings and my thanks,
Shelley