Acknowledgments

It takes a special person to be married to a writer. My husband, Steve Barnett, has taken on far more than his share of the load . . . of everything. Steve, I will never be able to write a hero that can hold a candle to you.

I am thankful for my kids, who have graciously allowed me to drag them to museums, car shows, historical societies, and antique stores. They have been wonderfully patient with their mom even when it means vacating the house so I can write.

Many wonderful writing friends have offered both critique and encouragement on this project, especially Connie Brzowski, Heidi Gaul, Marilyn Rhoads, Patricia Lee, and Tamera Bowers. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me!

I am grateful for the many writing instructors and mentors from the American Christian Fiction Writers, Oregon Christian Writers and the amazing Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, especially Randy Ingermanson, Brandilyn Collins, Mary DeMuth, Tricia Goyer, and Lauraine Snelling.

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the kind people of Port Angeles, particularly Kathy Monds and the staff of the Clallam County Historical Society, the Historic Joyce Depot Museum, and Don Perry of the Port Angeles Underground Heritage Tour. (I apologize for my characters referring to Port Angeles as a “dirty mill town”—today it is a sparkling gem in the shadow of the Olympics.)

Thank you to my dear friend Sarah Sundin for her guidance with the pharmacy scenes and to Dr. Aaron David for helping me refine the medical scenes. As always, any errors are mine alone.

I could not have done this without the prayers and encouragement of my church family at Willamette Community. Thank you!

To my agent extraordinaire, Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Agency: your calming spirit has seen me through many anxious moments. I can’t imagine walking this road without your wise guidance. And to my fellow Bookies—I love you all.

And finally, I will be forever grateful for Abingdon Press and their willingness to take a chance on a new writer in a tough market. I particularly want to thank Ramona Richards, Cat Hoort, Jenny Youngman, Susan Cornell, the fantastic art department, and everyone else who has worked behind the scenes to make this project a success. It’s been a blessing working with you.