Jesus—Everything I am and have is from You and because of You. Thank You for saving me and loving me—in spite of me. May everything I do glorify You.
Ty and Kay—My beautiful girls. God couldn’t have blessed me with two more amazing daughters. Thank you for putting up with all my writing quirks. For plotting with me even when it takes bizarre and hilarious tangents. For making dinner so I could write. For ignoring all the clutter and weathering the post-book cleaning sprees. Most of all, thank you for being you. I love you both beyond measure.
Dee Henderson—You are an amazing writer and an equally amazing person. Thank you for taking me under your wing and for shepherding me not only in the writing craft, but in the writing life. I will be eternally grateful for your encouragement, patience, guidance, and friendship.
Dave Long—Thank you for not running the other way when I pounced on you after your Spotlight session, for championing Submerged, and for making my publishing dreams come true.
Karen Schurrer—I love your meticulous attention to detail, your enthusiasm for stories, and your generous heart. I am a better writer for it. It is an absolute joy to work with you.
Chip MacGregor—Thank you for your knowledge, insight, encouragement, and support. Thank you for always checking in and for only being a phone call away. You have an amazing gift, and I am so thankful you decided to share it with me.
Deborah Larsen and Noelle Buss—For your creativity and joyful enthusiasm. Thank you for guiding me through the marketing and publicity process, and for answering my numerous questions with joy and patience.
The entire Bethany House team—I am so grateful to have the privilege of working with you all. I have never met a more loving and talented group. I am so blessed to be part of the Bethany House family.
Jimmy—For all you do. If I listed everything, the pages of this book could not hold it all. I am so very thankful and appreciative of your help, kindness, Christian example, and for being the best Pop-Pop my girls could ever have.
Sis—For your love and support all these years. And for understanding my wacky game clues (aka sister speak). I love you.
My family—Dad, Grammie, Beanie, Captain Awesome, Doug, and Scott: Thank you for always believing you would be holding this book in your hand one day. Thank you for your constant support and love.
Lisa—You are the best, best friend a girl could ask for.
Donna—You are such a dear and treasured friend.
Maria—Thank you for my sanity checks (aka coffee hour . . . Okay, who am I kidding—hours). I have the most fun with you—wooden Indians included. God certainly knew what He was doing when He brought us together, and I’m sure He has been chuckling ever since.
MAD Mommas—For making Monday mornings so much fun!
Shirlee McCoy—For always reading anything I send you even when your schedule is crazy. Thank you for your support and wonderful sense of humor.
Diane Wylie—For reading my manuscripts and being my conference buddy.
Gayle Roper and Gina Holmes—For your amazing critiques of the opening chapter of Submerged. Your insight and encouragement helped shape the opening pages into a story that grabbed an editor’s eye. I am so appreciative.
The wonderful ladies at Joppa Library—Donna, Rose, Bobbie, and Margie. Thank you for fueling my book addiction and for supporting me throughout my writing journey. I am so glad I get to celebrate this with you.
A special thank you to Mike Parker, with SPE Dive School, and Matt Skogebo, of Annapolis Scuba Center, for answering my dive questions and sharing their expertise. You both were a big help. Any dive errors are mine alone.
Dinah—For your guidance, support, and belief when I needed it most. I thank God upon my every remembrance of you.
Last, but certainly not least, Kelli Standish—Thank you for your enthusiasm—for me, my writing, my gorgeous Web site, and for life. It is a joy to know and partner with you.