Acknowledgments

Last year, the Blue Ridge Literacy Council of Henderson County, North Carolina, offered at auction to the highest bidder the naming of a character in a Miss Julia book. This is that book.

Although I do not know Diane Jankowski, whose most generous bid won her namesake a prominent role in Miss Julia Inherits a Mess, it was a pleasure to work with my version of her. I have given that character a professional background as an accredited furniture appraiser and, as such, she is a great help in extricating Miss Julia from the mess in which she finds herself.

Through the many months of working with “Diane Jankowski,” I have come to know that character quite well. I can only hope that the real Diane likes her as much as I do.

My thanks to you, Diane.