Acknowledgments

First, thank you to Aunt May whose enchanting garden inspired this story. I miss you and Grandpa every day. Love to my brother and cousins with whom I caught fireflies on summer evenings in the mountains of West Virginia.

Lydia, my stellar editor, you saw this book for what it could be, and I’m eternally grateful for it. Judi Lauren and the rest of the publishing team at Entangled Teen—Heather, Stacy, Curtis, and everyone else working behind the scenes—you’re all so wonderful in making these books come to life. And thank you to my agent, Frances Black of Literary Counsel.

To my BR writers’ group who had to suffer through all the versions of this book, and to Melissa who read it first—y’all push me to be a better writer.

Then, to my associate in Phandalin, thanks for all the matcha soy lattes.

Thank you to Kourtney and Christa for friendships that last lifetimes.

Finally, thank you to a family who gave me a childhood I’ll never forget and always treasure.