As I prepared to publish my second Christmas novel, and the fourth book in my Poppy Creek series, I was overcome with gratitude for how many people have come alongside me on my author journey. I wouldn’t be where I am today without each and every one of them.
First, I’d like to thank my incredible ARC Team—You’ve all been so generous with your time and instrumental in ensuring that each launch is as successful as possible. My deepest, heartfelt thanks goes to:
Alethea Bjune, Amy Baker, Annalisa Turner, Annette Sullivan, Bernadette Cinkoske, Carol Schmoker, Cynthia Alexander, Dawn Najpaver, Diane Laverick, Diane Moreci, Elsie Nicolette, Emily Dill, Gwenn Henderson Eyer, Heather Womboldt, Ingrid Vitalis, Jean Cottrell, Judy Frayne, Kim Pierce, Kirby B, Kristy Fluckiger, Lesley Eyre, Lisa Roth, Lisa Wetzel, Lori Raines, Michelle Severt, Muriel Logan, Pam Merrill, Pamela Bandy-Dafoe, Patti Moore Clack, Paula Cox Hurdle, Peggy Potempa, Penny Leidecker, Rebecca Brewster, Rhonda Freeman, Robin White, Sandra Tuozzo, Sherry Izell, Sherry Johanson, Vivian Morgan, and Wendy Gnau (a particularly talented typo catcher).
Next, I’d like to thank my brilliant design and editing team who turn my jumble of words into a finished product.
Ana—Your creativity never ceases to amaze me. And each new cover you design inevitably becomes my favorite.
Beth—I’m so thankful to have an editor I trust explicitly, who preserves my “voice” while transforming my prose into a polished, professional novel.
Krista—You continue to go above and beyond, proving to be the best proofreader in the biz as well as a dear friend.
Dave—You are my first line of defense. Or is it offense? I’m not sure. Either way, you see my chapters before anyone else. And your feedback and words of encouragement are often what inspire me to sit down and write the next page, which is a gift I can never repay.
Trenda—Your notes and insights were invaluable as I prepared to send this novel out into the world. Having a fresh pair of eyes read the story from start to finish gave me the confidence I needed to finally convince myself that it was ready.
Gigi, Mel, and Sarah—You ladies mean so much to me. I cherish our online chats and can’t wait for the day we can finally have one in person.
Lynn, Cheryl, and Patti—Special thanks to you three for putting in the long hours to proof my audiobooks so I could focus on writing. You’re a dream team, and I’m so grateful.
Pam and Adam of Vanguard Krav Maga—I miss you both dearly and look forward to a time when I can throw some more elbows with my Krav family.
For all the lovely men and women in my Facebook group—You’ve turned our little corner of the internet into a fun, welcoming space where I often go for advice. As someone who was previously social media shy, I can’t thank you enough for being so kind and loving. I sincerely enjoy all of our online “get-togethers.”
Unending love and appreciation for my incredible family—I wouldn’t be where I am today without you.
And last, but not least—Many heartfelt thanks to you, dear reader, for returning to Poppy Creek with me for the fourth book in the series. I hope we have many more visits ahead of us.
All my love and gratitude,
