ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I’ve often heard that it takes a village to raise a child; however, it also takes a village to write a book! First and foremost, I thank my Lord and Savior for all that I’ve been given. I’m fully aware that the gift of publication comes from Him.

Huge thanks to my parents, John and Marcia, for their constant love and support, and for raising me in a loving, Christian home. My patient librarian/reading specialist mother listened to me read my nearly thirty books out loud without complaint. Warm thanks to my beloved friend in heaven, Gary Kerr, who made time to troubleshoot computer issues and story ideas at all times, day and night. His passing left a huge void in my life. To Beth and Doug Zehr, who do it all! Thank you to idea-filled Aunt Velda Baker, who has a keen ability to catch even the smallest detail. Talented Lisa Norato, true friend, confidante, and critique partner, has worked with me on numerous projects. Thanks to New York Times bestselling author Joan Wester Anderson, who helped to launch my writing career, and also to hundreds of writers who have helped me to hone my writing skills for nearly thirty years. Of course, I couldn’t go without crediting my Amish friend, who prefers to remain anonymous, but who answers questions and reads my books from cover to cover to check that my stories are consistent with Amish life in Arthur, Illinois. I have so much respect for you.

And I couldn’t forget the friendly folks in Arthur who have contributed in too many ways to list. To my friends and family, who were with me during my twenty-four-year journey to publication, and last but not least, huge thanks to agent-of-the-year Tamela Hancock Murray, brilliant editor Selena James, publicist extraordinaire Jane Nutter, and the great team at Kensington. Secret at Pebble Creek is for all of you!