A love for literature runs deep in this book, and I would be remiss not to begin by noting my eternal gratitude for the works of Shakespeare and Jane Austen. Yes, I know neither of them will be reading this, but one must give credit where credit is due.
Next, to my Portland Midwest crew: Clara Kensie, Erica O’Rourke, Lynne Hartzer, and Melanie Bruce, thank you for the endless love and support. Shout-out to Clara and our long sock Sundays getting all the words.
Thanks to Shannyn Schroeder and Ricki Wovsaniker for their insightful, honest critiques. A big not-sweaty hug to Christine Palmer, my morning workout partner who understands what deadline stress is and was a constant cheerleader as I dragged myself across the finish line.
Much love to my Golden Heart sisters, the Mermaids and Rebelles, for their priceless words of wisdom and equally priceless sense of humor and generosity of spirit. Special thanks to Kari Cole and Alyson McLayne; I never would have reached “the end” without being able to sprint at all times of the day and night with you ladies.
My editor, Jennie Conway, who adores Jane Austen as much as I do. Thank you for gently pulling me back when I got carried away. Also, when you told me Bonnie and Theo are your OTP that was perhaps the best compliment ever, and I will never forget it. I’d also like to extend a note of thanks to my copy editor Christa Soule Desir, who makes me glow with happiness because she totally gets my sense of humor and catches all my references. I have been truly blessed with a phenomenal team helping bring this story, and this series, to the world, and I am grateful to everyone at St. Martin’s Press for their time and talent.
To my mom, whose pride in me makes me feel like I can do anything, thanks for the unwavering love, and for telling every person you meet to buy your daughter’s books.
To my daughters, both fierce and feisty redheads, clever and funny and beautiful, the heroines in their own stories. Thank you for filling my life with joy and understanding when mom needs her “writing time.” Lots of love and thanks to my husband, whose affection for my freckles may have found its way into this book.
Finally, for my readers—most especially my fellow Shakespeare lovers and Austen-ites, and those who coo over stationary supplies and get goosebumps in bookstores—this one is for you.