Jane Austen once wrote, “What strange creatures brothers are!” That may be true, but they are also amazing and generous creatures, and I’ve been blessed with a fabulous brother and brother-in-law, both of whom were instrumental in the drafting of the original novel, The Road to You, and this expanded version of the story. I’m indebted to each of them for the different ways they contributed to my manuscript.
Although all mistakes in writing are mine alone, I was extremely fortunate to be able to ask my brother-in-law Brad, a 30-year-veteran of the police force and a retired deputy chief, hours upon hours of questions about the guns and ammunition cops used in the late 1970s, what their communication tools were like back then and the methods they employed to conduct their investigations. Truly, if cluelessness had a face when it came to correct police procedures and topics like “ways bad guys can explode things,” it would have been mine. But I loved learning so many fascinating details from you, Brad, and I’m very appreciative of your expertise and wisdom.
As for my brother Joe, let me just say that no sister on the planet has been luckier than I’ve been in having a sibling who is so consistently thoughtful, classy and smart. I’ve admired you for as long as I’ve known you, Bro. You’re one of my heroes.
Some books take a village to write and publish; this one took a metropolis...
Thank you to my wonderful Chicago-North RWA friends and critique partners—especially Karen, Lisa and Laura, to whom the book is dedicated—for all the editing you did on multiple versions of this novel. Erika Danou and Simone Elkeles, my appreciation to you both for your early feedback on the opening chapters, too.
Huge thanks to my friends Catherine DePasquale, Anita Mumm and Therese Walsh, who took the time to critique this project at various stages and offer valuable suggestions. And an extra dollop of gratitude to Sarah Pressly-James and Lexi Ryan for sharing so many insights and for simply being such fabulous women.
More thanks (and unlimited bottles of wine) to the members of the fabulous Glenview Book Club for their feedback and heartening enthusiasm, particularly: Dori Barbeau, Claudia Bianchi, Janet Conlin, Marcie Dixon, Terri Guercio, Chris Lama, Lisa Lockett, Megan Lockett, Fran Mazur, Marty Mazur, Allison Vevang and Beth Weigel. I love chatting about books with you ladies and always look forward to our delightful evenings together.
Endless appreciation to the Austen Variations authors and the entire JA community, as well as to Deb Haupt, Debbie Hoffman, Karen Karris, Jakki Leatherberry, Margie Longoria, Monica Perry, Joyce Twardock, Emily Tippetts and all of the warm and generous librarians, reviewers, bloggers and friends—online and off—who’ve supported my novels for years, no matter what the genre. Couldn’t have done it without you!
My deep gratitude, too, to all who help maintain historic sites, like those along The Mother Road/Route 66, and who strive to preserve for future generations this famous American highway with its unique connection to our country’s past.
Most of all, hugs and kisses to my family for being there for me every day through this rollercoaster ride of publishing. Special thanks to my dad for answering so many of my chemistry questions, to my husband Jeff for reliving the Chicago of the 1970s with me and to my son for being open to experiencing our own Route 66 travel adventure. I’m incredibly grateful to you all.