ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

EVERY STORY HAS A NUMBER OF “CHEFS,” and while I might be head chef, I have a crew of talented sous-chefs and assistants in the kitchen, dedicated to the creation of a great story.

My deepest gratitude goes out to the following people:

Aliya Rose Marxen —amazing chef and the brains behind all of Max’s and Grace’s culinary creations for the Honolulu Chop competition. Her ability to take ingredients and make them into something tasty will win her awards someday. Thank you for making me hungry and for showing me what it looks like to love food and create culinary masterpieces. You are the inspiration behind Grace Christiansen.

Sarah Warren —our family wedding enthusiast and inspiration for Eden’s wedding colors and venue. I’m so looking forward to watching you walk down the aisle for your own Memorial Day wedding!

David Warren —my in-house book doctor. Thank you for asking me the hard questions that help me put a plot together.

Noah and Peter Warren —my athletes and inspiration for Max the fun guy in Hawaii. “No, Peter —don’t touch that turtle. No, Pete, stop, stop!” Thank you for giving me the most terrifying moment of my life. At least I could use it in a book.

Andrew Warren —for cooking. You are Max, the master chef. I’m terribly spoiled.

Rachel Hauck —my brilliant writing partner. Oh, thank you for walking through every scene with me and making me think through every motivation, every action. Our daily conversations inspire me!

The My Book Therapy core team —Beth Vogt, Lisa Jordan, Reba J. Hoffman, Edie Melson, Melissa Tagg, Alena Tauriainen, Michelle Lim. Your daily prayers fueled me and kept me moving all the way to the end. I’m so blessed to have you in my life!

Steve Laube —my awesome agent, who always knows just what to say. I’m so thankful you’re on my team.

Karen Watson —for knowing just how to help me craft an amazing story. I’m so thankful for your partnership!

Sarah Mason —for the polish and craft you bring to the editing process. Your talent is fabulous.