Acknowledgments

The Great Smoky Mountains and rolling hills of East Tennessee provide the stunning backdrop for this story, though the town of Sophie Trace exists only in my imagination. How I have enjoyed lingering there during the writing of this series.

I drew from several resource people, all of whom shared generously from their storehouses of knowledge and experience. I did my best to integrate the facts, as I understood them. If accuracy was compromised in any way, it was unintentional and strictly of my own doing.

I owe a debt of gratitude to Commander Carl H. Deeley of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for responding so quickly to my many questions and for reading various scenes and offering suggestions and valuable input. It’s been fun working with you, Carl. I’ve learned a lot. And I love it that you’ve read every book I’ve written.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to my friend Paul David Houston, former assistant district attorney, for helping me understand sentencing and parole, and what is involved when an inmate is released from prison. As always, Paul, thanks for being so accessible and quick to respond. You’ve been a lifesaver.

I’d like to say thank you to my sister Caroline Berry, for receiving these chapters via email and saving them so I’d have a copy “off premises.” I appreciated the effort and the peace of mind it gave me.

A special word of thanks to those whose prayers seemed, at times, almost tangible: my tenacious prayer warrior and sister Pat Phillips; my online prayer team—Chuck Allenbrand, Judith Depontes, Jackie Jeffries, Joanne Lambert, Adrienne McCabe, Susan Mouser, Nora Phillips, Kim Prothro, Will Ray, Kelly Smith, Leslie Strader, Carolyn Walker, and Sondra Watson; my dear friends Mark and Donna Skorheim, Susie Killough, Judi Wieghat, Don and Pearl Anderson; my friends at LifeWay Christian Store in Tyler, Texas, and Nashville, Tennessee; and my church family at Bethel Bible Church. I cannot tell you how much I value your prayers.

To the retailers who sell my books and the many readers who have encouraged me with personal testimonies about how God has used my words to challenge and inspire you. He uses you to fuel the passion that keeps me writing.

To my novelist friends in ChiLibris, who allow me to tap into your collective storehouse of knowledge and experience—what a compassionate, charitable, prayerful group you are! It’s an honor to be counted among you.

To my agent, Beth Jusino, and the diligent staff at Alive Communications. Your standard of excellence challenges me to keep growing as a writer. I only hope that I represent you as well as you represent me.

To Cris Doornbos, Dan Rich, and Don Pape at David C. Cook Publishers for believing in me and investing in the words I write; and your hardworking staff for getting this book to the shelves. What could be more exciting than being colaborers “on the same page” for Him?

To my editor, Diane Noble, for being a trusted encourager, advocate, and friend. Your insightful suggestions resulted in a stronger inspirational message and a tighter story line. You always make me look better than I am. Thanks!

To my husband, best friend, partner (and roadie), Paul, who has carried my books when they were light and when they were heavy; when the distance was short and when it was far—and still looked out for my interests every step of the way. Your servant attitude brings tears to my eyes. Surely a special crown awaits you.

And to my Lord and my God, who saved me by grace and called me into relationship with You, breathe life into my words and motivate Your people to proclaim the gospel boldly and without shame—whether on distant shores or in our own neighborhoods.