To my publishing family—the parent company Penguin Random House and the imprint WaterBrook Press. You’ve supported me faithfully and thoughtfully for ten years. Thank you.
To Shannon Marchese, my editor for ten years. Equally important as the many things I mentioned in the dedication for this book, I thank you for a decade of hearing me and intervening so that I’ve been blessed to work with Carol Bartley.
To Carol Bartley. Thank you! From my debut novel to my nineteenth book, you’ve been my trusted copy and line editor, a skillful, gentle corrector, and a wonderful, thorough fact checker. I’m awed and honored that I’ve had the pleasure of working with you for a decade! And I’m very glad you enjoy my zany humor that strikes time and again as we hone each other’s work.
To my son Tyler and my daughter-in-law Erin. Without your encouragement, help, and wonderful skills, I couldn’t have completed the last two fiction books. Thank you.
And to Catherine King, a one-time reader of my books and now a wonderful brainstorming partner. Thank you!