ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

On any journey, it is the unplanned happenings that make the trip unique. The past year since the publication of Tending Roses has been a jump completely off the map. I have so many times been helped along by the grace of friends, the kindness of strangers, and the guidance of those who knew the world of book publishing much better than I did. I could write a volume about the good deeds and happenstances that have led to the publication of this second book, Good Hope Road. But that is another story, so I will settle for this quick list of wonderful people to whom I am indebted for many reasons.

My thoughts, prayers, thanks, and gratitude go out to the many readers of Tending Roses who took the time to write letters and e-mails, to share emotions, struggles, prayers, encouragement, and to share the book with others. There are no words to express what your letters meant and what your recommendations meant to the success of the book. I am honored beyond measure, and truly blessed.

My heartfelt thanks go out to friends who helped with the research and editing of Good Hope Road—in particular Amanda Carter, for incredible proofreading; to Dr. Phil Webb and Pam Slagle, for invaluable medical consultation, and for not slapping me when I confessed that, what I know about emergency medical treatment, I learned from watching soap operas. Thank you also to my treasured friend and favorite computer girl, Mandy Koger, for using your talent and expertise to create the Web site, www.LisaWingate.com.

My gratitude once again goes out to my wonderful agents, past and present, Lisa Hagan of Paraview, and Claudia Cross of Sterling Lord (Literistic). Thank you for holding my hand, yanking it when needed, and guiding me through the strange and awesome publishing process. Thank you also to the fantastic staff at New American Library, and especially to my editor, Ellen Edwards.

Thank you to all the booksellers, librarians, and book clubs who have so graciously invited me for book signings and speeches for Tending Roses. My gratitude also to all of the newspaper and television personnel who gave coverage to the book and to the story behind it. You have made this year everything I hoped for, and more than I ever dreamed. Special thanks to those booksellers who devotedly recommended and shelved Tending Roses, including Michelle, Lavone, Verna, Sharon, and many more, but especially Christopher Cleveland, for being the first bookseller to read a premarket copy of Tending Roses and telling me there was a big audience out there for the book. What an incredible kindness that was.

Last, thank you to my family, to my aunts, uncles, brothers, parents, and grandparents on both sides for helping to drum up publicity, for housing me when I came for book signings and speeches, and for each buying at least one copy of the book. Sometimes it helps to come from a big family!

My love and thanks also, and as always, to my husband and my two sons. You are my heartbeat, the three of you, the answer to my prayers, the thing I treasure most. How blessed we are to have each other.