Enormous thanks to:
Jennifer Klonsky, who somehow saw the potential in this book in just a few scant pages.
Nicole Ellul, whose editorial brilliance made it a much stronger book. A million thank-yous and a hearty round of applause.
Amalie Howard, BFF and critique partner extraordinaire. I couldn’t do it without you! Seriously. I mean seriously seriously.
Cindy Thomas, for patiently listening to me moan and groan, and then cracking that whip and making me Just. Do. It. What would I do without you?
Melinda Rayner Courtney, for being my sounding board for all things Mississippi, and for sending me pictures of real Mississippi. I’m proud to call you sister!
The HB&K society (you know who you are!) for helping me figure out my plot, and for listening to me wax poetic about AJ McCarron.
My agent, Marcy Posner, for everything, all these years.
Ella, for reading all the dialogue in that super-authentic (ha!) southern accent. You made it fun!
Lastly, to my family—Dan, Vivian, and Ella (yes, again)— for keeping me sane. Love you!