My thanks are extended first to my oldest and dearest of friends, Larissa, who has, since the age of twelve, listened patiently as I told and retold my story ideas—always the plot, or synopsis of the plot, and myriad excerpts from whatever happened to be my latest creation—all when I knew you’d rather have been gossiping about cute guys!
To every other friend I’ve made over the interim years, each of whom has similarly put up with my obsession; my thanks to each one of you for your ear and for giving me the strength to carry on writing. Especially Lori Guildemiester who told me to stop worrying about whether I could or couldn’t write and just do it—I might not have done it without you.
For my husband Dave Harold—you are my anchor (my Toby). Thank you for not only putting up with this writing quirk, but also my many others.
To my children Amally, Zandr, Aubyn and Andrew—for simultaneously assisting me in recalling my youth and innocence as well as challenging me to grow up as a parent and mother.
Especially for this book, I thank Terri for being my first editor and cheerleader. My thanks also to Allister Thompson, my professional editor, for illuminating the rough edges in my writing—I’m henceforth a better writer for all that I have learned with you.
To Heather Reinhardt, both for your wonderful artistic talents and for your complete professionalism; your flexibility and patience in working with me to create the illustration for the cover of Safe is much appreciated.
To Jeremy Drought of Last Impression Publishing for consultation services and guidance throughout the process of publishing a book and for his technical skills and expertise in publication design, print management, publicity and marketing.
To Barbara Russo, my final proofreader. Many thanks. I came up with the story but you made sure it was presentable.
To my mom, sister, and members of extended family, all of whom kept assuring me that I have a talent for writing. Perhaps, maybe, I do…
To all the teenagers (friends of my children—those who attended the church youth group as well as the ones I drove to and from school every day) who made themselves available, willingly read early drafts of the manuscript, and freely offered their honest opinions of my efforts, I wouldn’t have stopped driving you to school if you had said it was no good.
And to all the others who’ve helped and supported me in my journey to get to this point—my most sincere thanks to you all…