I could not have finished this book without my amazing in-laws. That’s right, amazing and in-laws in the same sentence. It happens. And I’m so grateful it happened to me! Like Chad, I prayed for my future spouse since I was thirteen, and boy, did God answer. Not only did I get a terrific, incredibly handsome husband, but he came with a terrific family as well. Twice a year, the whole gang comes down here to Tampa. It’s kind of like the McKormick clan—lots of noise, lots of fun, and lots of food. This year, when the gang was down for spring break, I handed my kids off to their grandparents/aunts/uncles and waved good-bye. I had a deadline coming up and a lot of blank pages to fill. My in-laws, in true McGee fashion, kept my kids so entertained, they had no idea Mom was holed up in her room, immersed in Kara and Chad’s story. The kids had a blast, and I was able to meet my deadline.
As always, a huge “shout-out” goes to my students at Citrus Park Christian School. The only thing I hate about my job is that every single year, students graduate and say good-bye. The good ones, though, always come back to visit (hint, hint).
This book wouldn’t be in your hands without the immensely talented Thomas Nelson fiction team. From editing to marketing to the fabulous cover, these men and women are godly, professional, and lots of fun. I am honored to be part of this amazing team.
Julee Schwarzburg takes my mess of words and cleans them up, always with tact, grace, and smiley faces. Her input is invaluable.
My husband, Dave, and my three kids, Emma, Ellie, and Thomas, are the greatest gifts on earth. I thank God every day for the privilege of getting to go through life with them.
But as great as all these people are—and they are great—the real reason I write, that I live and breathe and do anything, is because of Jesus Christ. My prayer for you, my reader, is that you grow to know him better, to experience his love and grace and power in your life, and to know that our story is HIS story and that everything he writes is perfect.