Author’s Note

I am indebted as always to my agent, Jennifer Weltz, who continues to champion my work with enthusiasm and expert guidance, as well as to her colleagues at the Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, Inc. I am also grateful to my editor, Charlie Spicer; assistant editor April Osborn; copy editor Eva Talmadge; and the creative team at St. Martin’s Press. In the United Kingdom, my editor, Suzie Dooré, and her team at Hodder & Stoughton publish me with vigor and I am so appreciative for their support, especially to Suzie for her keen editorial skills. I also wish to give thanks to my friend Linda Dolan, who read an early draft of this book and provided suggestions for improvement, as well as my friend Sarah Johnson, who is always there to talk me through the shoals of my profession and read portions of my works in progress.

At home, my partner supports and encourages me, taking care of everyday details that I neglect in my preoccupation with writing. I am indeed blessed to have him. My cats, Chu and Mommy, have endeavored to fill the void left by the loss of my beloved corgi, Paris, and bring me joy, laughter, and love every day, reminding me that tuna time, naps, and belly rubs are not optional.

Independent bookstores are my heroes; in this increasingly complex era of digital revolution and entertainment choices, they continue to promote the importance of the printed word. I especially wish to thank Bookshop West Portal and Orinda Books for handselling my books, recommending me to book groups, and supporting local authors.

In that vein, I am also grateful to all the bloggers who participate in my virtual tours, as well as those who discover my books and take the time to review or mention them.

My author friends, in particular M. J. Rose, Margaret George, Donna Morin, and Michelle Moran, keep me sane when it all starts to feel overwhelming, sharing this often perplexing path of being a fellow writer with me, with all its myriad ups and downs.

Last, but never least, I thank you, my reader. Your e-mails, social media messages, comments on book-related sites, and ongoing support mean so much to me. Without a reader, a writer’s words are mute. You give them voice. I hope to entertain you for many years to come.

Rescue work is my passion. Every day in the United States, over ten thousand homeless animals die because of irresponsible breeding and ownership. I will continue to fight against shelter euthanasia and for the rights of animals who cannot defend themselves.

To learn more about my work and schedule book group chats with me, please visit: www.cwgortner.com.