THIS BOOK IS THE PRODUCT of many individuals working behind the scenes (just like the employees of Project Scrooge!), all trying to bring this particularly bratty Ebenezer’s story to the happiest possible ending. I have so very many people to thank:
My unstoppable team at HarperTeen, starting with Erica Sussman, my brilliant and insightful editor, who spent so much time on the phone with me discussing Holly and her world. (You’re always right. It’s kind of annoying. But you’re right.) Also, a huge thank-you to Stephanie Stein, who is the best Stephanie. Also a big thanks to Elizabeth Ward in marketing; Gina Rizzo, my rocking publicist; Jenna Stempel, who designed this knockout cover; and my copy editor, Alexandra Rakaczki.
Katherine Fausset, my agent. You’re a rock star. Thanks for always having my back.
Jolyn Dunn, my Bonneville High School theater teacher, who cast me as Fan in A Christmas Carol all those years ago and instilled my ever-burning love for poor old Mr. Scrooge.
Leslie Hammond, who’s been a friend ever since we both played elves in another Christmas play—Reckless!—at the College of Idaho. Thanks for helping me wrestle with this novel for the past two years. Your insights were so helpful, and your excitement about Holly and her story was so encouraging.
My Boise friends: Amy Yowell, who’s the greatest friend and cheerleader in the whole world; Wendy Johnston, who made me a great Christmas mix tape to inspire me when I was working on the book in the middle of July; and Lindsey Hunt, who always wants me to read my stuff to her.
My Janies: Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows. It’s awfully hard to write a book without you two, but even when we’re not working on the same project, you’re so supportive and inspirational and fun. Thanks for talking through plot with me and for letting me drag you over the bumpiest cobblestone road ever (with our suitcases!) to visit the Charles Dickens Museum in London.
Victoria Scott, for letting me steal your name. You’re the best.
My students. Thank you for reinvigorating my love of teaching, for your hard work, for your good writing, and for always being excited to hear about how this book was coming along.
My mom, Carol Ware, and her husband, Jack. For all the immeasurable ways you support me and lift me up, both as a writer and as a person.
My dad, Rodney Hand, and his wife, Julie. For always believing I can do what I set my mind to. And for taking the kids on long ATV rides so I could work.
Will and Maddie, the little people. Thanks for being so patient with this never-ending process of writing books. And thank you for still wanting me to snuggle and tell you stories at the end of the day. I’m so excited that you’re learning to read, so someday I can tell this story to you.
Mr. Dickens. You’re one of the Ghosts, now, but even so, you continue to inspire me, not only as a writer, but as a writer who tried to make a real difference in this troubled world. You wanted people to see as Scrooge saw, so that they might change as Scrooge changed. I love you for that. And I hope my story can haunt my readers half so pleasantly as yours.
Speaking of my readers—thank you, thank you, with all my heart, thank you. Over the years you have been the best support and most unexpected friends. Bless you, every one!