Taking this novel from the seed of an idea to publication has been a joy, and it’s a pleasure to recognize some of the folks who assisted in the journey. I want to thank my fabulous editor Nicole Fischer for her discerning eye as we crafted the story into its final form. My agent, Jill Marr of the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency, is an unwavering source of support. I’m indebted to my copy editor, Tracy Wilson, for her fine work. Showers of thanks go to my friend Cassie Priest for her outstanding editorial assistance. Professor Stanley Leasure generously shared examples of regional vernacular. And I couldn’t have tackled the subject matter of this story without the wise counsel and legal expertise of Jill Patterson, John Appelquist and Susan Appelquist.
As always, I must thank the three people who mean more to me than words can express: my beloved husband Randy, my precious Ben, my darling Martha.