This book exists because of the support, insight, and careful guidance of Charles Spicer and Andrew Martin, who inspired me to write a prequel to the Lenox books and then helped me make the idea a reality.
They’re the tip of the spear, but so many of the amazing people in the Flatiron were instrumental in the existence of the book, from Sally Richardson to April Osborn to Martin Quinn to Sarah Melnyk to Hector DeJean to Paul Hochman to Kelley Ragland to Dori Weintraub to David Rotstein. All of them have my eternal affection.
Elisabeth Weed, Hallie Schaeffer, Dana Murphy, the Book Group: I know how lucky I am. That’s all there is to say.
I had invaluable editorial insight from my mother for this book—besides which she is my mom, and just the best. Tim and Jenny Popp, along with their wonderful encouragement, gave me a place to work. So did the Ragdale Foundation, to which I am immensely indebted.
John Phillips named The Woman in the Water, and since I know he’ll be reading it in roughly 2021: Hi! What is the future like? Say what’s up to the gang for me. Thank you!
This has been a strange year. I have never been more thankful for the friends I’ve found on my Facebook page (who thought I would ever write that sentence!), facebook.com/charlesfinchauthor. Come and join us there if you want the best book recommendations, plus pictures of dogs and cats. Lots of dogs and cats.
Emily, Annabel, Lucy: really, nothing is for anybody but you.