A NOVEL IS NEITHER written nor published alone; instead, it takes a community of unselfish souls sharing their knowledge and gifts. During the writing of Lost and Found I was blessed with such a community.
Thank you to James Warrick, who quoted Madame Jean Guyon during one of our coaching conversations and set me on a road of discovery. Thank you, too, for your support as I learned what it meant to pick up my cross and follow Christ.
Leslie Vernick, your book, The Emotionally Destructive Relationship, offers hope and healing to many. It changed my life. Thank you for the many hours you graciously spent reading this manuscript and advising me on characters and plot. May those who recognize themselves in the pages of our books turn to God for healing and freedom.
Cretia Martinson, your training with the Meyers and Briggs' personality types and your willingness to share your knowledge with me as I created characters was both great fun and so helpful. Thank you.
Dr. Orville Easterly taught me the important principle that when we live to please others we will always fail and we will always lose ourselves. I used that principle to inform this story and also as a direct quote from one of the characters. Thank you, Dr. Easterly.
Thank you to Steve Burlingham, family law attorney, for your interest in my writing and your willingness to share your knowledge with me regarding family trusts. Your phone call with the exact answers I needed was invaluable. Your love for God is so evident and a gift to your clients.
Thank you to Dee Bright, Neil and Sharol Josephson, and Laurie Breining. You each provided a refuge and a home for me as I wrote. As I pressed toward the deadline, Laurie cooked, cleaned, and kept the dogs quiet (a major feat) so I could write.
Jan Johnson and Tricia Rhodes both shared their knowledge of Madame Guyon's life through their books and e-mails, answering my many questions and encouraging me. I am so grateful to both of you.
Glenna Salsbury, your teaching on Matthew 10:39 was invaluable, and your friendship is a blessing.
Thank you to Linda Sommerville for advising me on the scenes involving spiritual direction and for answering my many questions. I love calling you "friend."
I owe a debt of gratitude to Rick Acker, who helped me move forward with the story by brainstorming the business and financial fraud plot with me. I couldn't have done it without your expertise.
To my writers group and incredible friends who read early drafts of Lost and Found—you advised me (over and over), prayed for me, and cheered me on. I love you all!
Karen Ball, editor and friend—I love working with you! Thank you for your wise insights and your willingness to let the story go where I wanted it to go. And thank you for talking me off the ledge a time or two when I was sure I wouldn't make my deadline.
Steve Laube, as always, I value your expertise and advice as my agent. I also highly value your patience with my unending stream of questions.
To my B&H Publishing family—you are a group of gifted souls who works hard each day for the glory of God. I am blessed by each of you.
And finally, to my sons, Justin and Jared—Justin, you advised me on cars and always willingly answered my e-mails or texts about what cars are cool. Thank you. Jared, thank you for listening to me over lunch one day and offering insight into the business plot I was struggling with. Thank you both for your interest and enthusiasm in what God is doing through my books. Thank you, too, for your understanding when I had to say no to lunch or dinner dates because I was working. More than anything in the world, I LOVE being your mom!