First and foremost, thank you to Jesus for sacrificing everything for me.
It takes one person to write a book, but it takes a team to help it see the light of day. The most important member on my team is always my husband, Clint, who is my biggest fan and supporter and who works with me to juggle our five children and very busy schedules so that I can always treat my career like a job instead of a hobby. I love you, Clint!
To my kids—Tyler, Jordan, Zachary, Johanna, and Isabella—you inspire me, motivate me, and fill my world with so many good things. I hope you grow up knowing that you can do anything you put your minds to.
To my mom for taking over my role as “mom” over Christmas break so that I could have long writing days to meet my deadline. To my sister for beta reading and for always being a huge fan of mine.
To my fabulous agent, Holly Root, who is both fiercely intelligent and incredibly kind. I’m so glad I have you in my corner.
I couldn’t get through the drafting and revising process without the help of my writer BFFs. Thanks go out to Mandy Buehrlen for reading the beginning as I was putting the proposal together, for always encouraging me, and for being my spirit animal. To Jodi Meadows for critiquing the synopsis and beginning as I put the proposal together and for being ever ready to offer expert advice, bounce ideas around, and talk me off ledges. To Shannon Messenger for reading the beginning and finding the perfect missing ingredient to really make it shine. And to Lauren Thoman for beta reading like a BOSS. “Moment of silence for Viktor’s cravat” remains one of my favorite comments ever.
Thanks also to Kat Kennedy for a last-minute beta read and for loving Lorelai so much. To Mireyah Wolfe, who stepped in on Twitter and helped me name Irina’s snake (you suggested Kazimir, which eventually changed to Razimir). And to Rick Lipman, who reminded me that I am an author and I can just MAKE UP NAMES. ☺
Once a draft is ready to be turned in, the expert team at Balzer + Bray steps up. Many, many thanks to my immensely talented editor, Kristin Daly Rens, who always pushes me to deliver my absolute best and who believes in me and the story with rock-solid faith. I owe you a puppy and a trip to Scotland. My appreciation also goes out to my incredible publicist, Caroline Sun; my oh-so-talented cover designer, Sarah Kaufman; my rock star marketing team of Nellie Kurtzman, Jenna Lisanti, and Megan Barlog; the fabulous team at Epic Reads for their enthusiasm; and Kristin’s insightful assistant editor, Kelsey Murphy. I adore my team and am deeply grateful for everything you do to make my stories shine.
Finally, to Lauren White. I hope when you read this book, Gabril’s words take root in your heart and grow: “You don’t go into battle because you’re sure of victory. You go into battle because it’s the right thing to do.” Your courageous years-long fight against cancer is an inspiration, and so is your heart. You are a shining light to those around you, and I’m grateful I know you.