Acknowledgements

I have so many people to thank for supporting me in this. First and foremost, my family. My father and brothers who are my greatest cheerleaders and always encourage me. My mom, sisters, and extended family, who are unfailingly enthusiastic and believe in me. 

Thanks to all my online friends, especially in the TWD community. Though you have little invested in this particular fiction, you're a huge part of my life. You keep me grounded, sane, entertained, and feeling loved. A special thanks to everyone in the Safe Zone for your unfailing support and generosity.

Thank you to all my fellow authors. Camaraderie and support among peers is priceless, so I thank all those who give up themselves, bring so much enrichment to my life, and make my writing life so much easier.  

Thank you to my critique group, who keep me both working and laughing. Most especially Author Jernae Kowallis, Wyatt Winne, and McKella Sawyer. I love you guys! I hope we can all screw around—uh, get stuff edited together for many years to come.

Thank you to Chris Loke for the beautiful cover art. It's gorgeous and brings so much to the story.

Special thanks to my little nieces and nephews who so enrich my life. Their shenanigans keep me laughing, keep me grounded in reality, and remind me that a sense of humor is the most valuable treasure on earth. 

Thanks as always to Professor LaRae Larkin of Weber State University, who taught me Russian history to begin with and whose passion for it infected me from day one. Without you, this trilogy would not exist. The world needs more great teachers and historians like you.