With every book I write, it seems the list of people who help me grows longer. As always, I have to start with my awesome-beyond-imagining family. My husband, David, who gets excited over minute historical details with me. My adorable kids, Xoë and Rowyn, who look at me every day and ask, “Aren’t you done writing that one yet?” My mother-in-law, who saves my sanity with a weekly babysitting time. My parents, for their never-ending encouragement and faith. My grandparents, for their pride in me. And my sister and brother-in-law, both artists and art teachers, for inspiring me.
I have an amazing collection of friends who form my support group. Stephanie, who is subjected to every random thought to flutter through my head—the price of being my best friend. Amanda, who is always so quick to read my chapters and offer her fabulous historical eye. Dina, with her outstanding instinct for plot. Thanks to Naomi for being a brainstorming buddy, and to “Louisiana Rachel” for reading all my manuscripts to check the fashion details for me. I have to deliver my gratitude to Laurie Alice, who sent me a list of research books to read before attempting to write this era, and all the ladies in my prayer group—I know I can go to you with hopes and fears big and small, and that you’ll stand with me before our Father.
And, finally, the team at Harvest House. I’m pretty sure I have the most fantastic publishing family in the world, and the more we work together, the more I appreciate each and every one of you who toil to make these books a success. Special thanks to Kim, for listening and laughing with me over all my random questions, for being my champion and friend—I couldn’t ask for a better editor. And, of course, my agent, Karen Ball, who wows me with her expertise and never fails to make me laugh. I couldn’t possibly write this series without you all.