I extend my utmost gratitude to my publishing team at Revell. They not only help make these Texas Gold stories shine, but they support me as an author with their time, their ingenuity, and their marketing budget. Jen, Kelsey, Lindsay, Robin, Jessica, and so many other unnamed publishing champions at Revell—you deserve many more cupcakes!
My agent, Natasha Kern, is the best in the business. Joining arms with Natasha was one of the smartest decisions I ever made as an author. Her guidance and support mean the world to me.
Much gratitude goes to the retailers, bloggers, reviewers, and industry folks who support these Texas Gold novels. Thank you!
The time I spend with my writing partner on the phone each morning is simply a gift from God. Lynne Gentry is one of the finest word crafters I know. As a friend, she listens and points me to Jesus. A girl can’t find better than that.
I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge my prayer warrior, Diana Haibel, a woman who has prayed for me and my loved ones for years. May God pay you back, my friend.
The paralegal character in this book is named after a real young man, Seth Jinks. Sadly, Seth lost his battle with addiction last fall, leaving behind a devastated family. I met his mother at a book club, and she has become a friend. Vicki is a woman of incredible strength and dignity who now works tirelessly to support others affected by addiction. I admire her.
Big thanks go to the best hair designer in Texas, Shannon Morgan. Sitting in her chair once a month is so fun. The epilogue for this book was her idea. Thanks, Shannon!
I couldn’t help but think of my husband when I wrote the character Cyril Montavan. Allen is such a hard worker and a man of integrity. We’ve been through a lot together in our thirty-plus years, and I am blessed.
Together, we raised two boys who are my heart’s treasures. I am so stinking proud of the men Eric and Jordan have become. I may garner accolades for my novels, but my sons are by far my best work. I love them both more than can be adequately expressed. It was such a pleasure to dedicate this book to them.
Now a special note to my readers—thank you for purchasing my books, and for the reviews you post on Facebook, Amazon, Goodreads, and more. Your messages telling me how much you like these stories mean the world to me. You are always foremost in my mind when I write.