Acknowledgments

To my family, especially my husband, Harley, who is my first reader and biggest fan, and to my kids, Trace, Avery, Shea and Dylan, with love always and forever. To my mom, Pat Sturdivant, and the extended Sturdivant and Wise families, love you all. To my friends in Columbus, Malibu, and Laguna Beach, and from Vanderbilt and beyond, you add the wonderful to my life and I’m blessed to know you. And, as a note: Columbus is a spectacular, booming city, a great place to live and visit, no matter Paul’s snide comments.

Special thanks for this novel’s existence goes to my wonderful agent Katie Shea Boutillier, to my brilliant friend Andrea Katz of Great Thoughts, Great Readers who pushed me to pitch this book and never stops pushing in the best possible way, and to Laura Garwood, my first go-to editor. What words can I use to adequately describe my fabulous editor Margo Lipschultz, who sought me out at the same time I was looking for her? Our partnership was meant to be, Margo, and I hope it continues for years to come. Your insights into the story, along with those of Brittany Lavery, made Paul’s adventure so much better, so much creepier. Thanks, too, to Tahra Seplowin #besteditorsever. I’m more than thrilled to be helping launch Harlequin’s new Graydon House Books imprint, and am amazed by the talent and creativity of the entire team, especially Loriana Sacilotto, Dianne Moggy, Susan Swinwood, Merjane Schoueri, Amy Jones, Ana Luxton, Diane Lavoie, Sheree Yoon, Erin Craig, Michelle Renaud and Lisa Wray. At HQ UK, thanks to Lisa Milton and Charlotte Mursell. At HQ Australia, thanks to Lilia Kanna and Jo-Ann Milne. Thanks to Dilan Swain and Michelle Kroes of CAA who took on the film rights, and believe Paul belongs on the big screen.

Thanks, too, to Laguna Beach Books for their continued support of my stories, to my fabulous author communities including the Tall Poppy Writers and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Special thanks to Jennifer Tropea O’Reagan from Confessions of a Bookaholic, Marlene Engel from Book Mama Blog, and all of the amazing book bloggers for cheering me on from the beginning.

And finally, to you, the reader. Thank you. I couldn’t be living the life of my dreams without your support. I hope you enjoyed Best Day Ever.