When I read through this book again, I realized just how much my critique partner, Patrice Locke, had contributed. I am indebted to her ideas, her encouragement, and her support while writing this book.
To other writers, also, who’ve supported me—the list would be the equivalent of another novel—I owe my gratitude. Barbara Conrey’s encouraging admonishments to “write the damn book!” arriving in my inbox were the highlight of my day. My text group with Anne and Kary gave me second and third opinions when I doubted my own judgment.
And to those in the political world I’ve known—keep fighting the good fight. Abby, thank you, especially, for the tour of the West Wing and for getting us into the White House, during that summer of 2016 when I had the wild idea to set a book there.
To my editor, Julie Mianecki, I owe my deepest thanks for catching my many errors and inserting judicious commas.
I especially wish to thank Olena from GetCovers in Ukraine, who designed the cover for True Courage in the middle of a war, and exceeded my exacting expectations. My respect for her country, its leaders and its people, goes beyond what words can say.
Finally, I must thank my family, especially my husband, whose career has taken me around the world and whose patience has allowed me to write the stories that live in my heart.