This book kicked my tail, so my tail and I would like to thank:
Everyone at Thomas Nelson Fiction for all you do for my books and for me.
Editor Natalie Hanemann for making this book better and giving me the time to start over. A few times.
Editor Becky Monds for your encouragement. You have a very kind way of saying “This stinks.” I appreciate your valuable input on the book. Though you are seriously misguided in your WWE loyalties.
Editor Jamie Chavez for . . . oh, where to start? I know this book cost you a lot in time, effort, and sleep, and I am forever grateful. Thank you for sticking with me and for all I’ve learned through our eight books. I also appreciate all your fab Irish connections and for talking me into going myself. (And yes, I’m so challenged I require three editors.)
Ashley Schneider because you funny, girl. You funny.
Kristen Vasgaard for creating one awesome cover. I adore it.
Straight-up legit Irishman Gerry Hampson for your input and critical eye.
Orla Hampson for patiently answering my many e-mails about your Irish life. If you ever have any questions about Arkansas, let me know. The answer will probably be Razorbacks and pork rinds, but one never knows . . .
Andrea Ramsey for your wonderful advice on music and composition. You are one of the most talented people God has created, and I’m so honored to know you.
Erin McFarland, a gifted photographer and blog friend, for your kind words and for being part of the blog family.
Christa Allan for your snark, listening ear, and for being my conference BFF. From one short, lippy teacher to another, I am very grateful for your friendship and laughs.
Natalie Lloyd, brilliant author and sassy friend, for making me laugh and for the God-inspired encouragement. I am so blessed to know you and call you friend.
Cara Putman, Kim Cash Tate, Nicole O’Dell, and Cindy Thomson for the many prayers you’ve sent up on my behalf. I appreciate you wearing out God’s ear for me.
The Southern Belle View gang, consisting of Rachel Hauck, Lisa Wingate, Marybeth Whalen, and Beth Webb Hart, for the prayers (apparently I recruited everyone in the human race to pray for me during the creation of this book) and for all the sweet tea and porch time we share at www.southernbelleview.com. Though I have to come clean—I don’t like sugar in my tea. I’m sweet enough already. (Okay, no, I’m not, but that stuff is just nasty.)
Kristin Billerbeck for showing us all humor and Christian fiction could coexist and for opening the door that led to my career. I will name my next cat after you. My current one is a barfer, and you’re more worthy than that.
Lizann Tollett for the encouragement and silent messages (I’m not saying prayer again) to the Lord Jesus you sent up for me and this novel.
My family for leaving food on my doorstep during deadline crunch time when you knew my condition inside the house was akin to rabies.
Erin Valentine, for being my friend and my unpaid editor. Thank you for reading all 500 versions of this book.
Carol Roberts for your bravery, courage, and warrior-mom heart. You totally blessed me with your story and time.
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost for my career, another finished book without doing anyone bodily harm, and the ministry of fiction. You deliver me. Daily.
I had a lot of help from certified real Irish men and women. Any inconsistencies are my own fault in the name of fiction and sleep deprivation.