There are many people to whom I owe a debt of gratitude for their efforts on this book. The staff at Kensington have been so enthusiastic and encouraging that I simply cannot thank them enough. In particular I have received thoughtful guidance and support from John Scognamiglio every step of the way. Vida Engstrand has been tireless, and Kristine Mills has continued to thrill me with her creative and eye-catching covers.
Once again I owe heaps of thanks to Diane Salzberg, Karen Clemens, and Melissa Gelineau, who all read multiple drafts and never hesitated to ask great questions and press me to reach higher. My agent, Kathy Green, had a particular impact on this story, and I am grateful to her for that. John Paine also gave me solid encouragement and direction very early on and helped me find my way.
I must also call out the extraordinary support I have received from family and friends. It has been truly humbling.
In writing a story set in the past, many hazards abound. People much smarter than I may detect errors in the history I have unfurled, and I take full responsibility for the liberties I took. Some were allowed for the sake of the tale while others, I fear, are the result of too much daydreaming when I was in school. Either way, those belong to me alone.
The only other person I must acknowledge is Russ Hoffman, for his impact upon these stories is as vast as the hole he left behind.
Thank you everyone!