They say it takes a village.

This is dedicated, with love, appreciation, and gratitude, to my various tribes and villages for all the fabulous help I received on Hattie’s book.

To

The women of Port Orchard: Lois Faye Dyer (with particular thanks for coming up with the fabulous title), Rose Marie Harris, Krysteen Seelen, Kate Breslin, Darlene Panzera, and Ramona Nelson. You helped make this a better book—and are just plain good company.

To

My hooligan-writer-friends crew: Stephanie Laurens, Victoria Alexander, Linda Needham, Suzanne Enoch, and Karen Hawkins. Y’all have been my support group from the mid- to late nineties right on through to today, with our retreat each year and all the little trips in between. I value our friendship beyond measure.

And last, but by no means least,

To

My agent, Meg Ruley, and my editors Cindy Hwang and Sarah Blumenstock. Meg, you rock, and have since we worked on our first book together (also in the mid-nineties). Cindy and Sarah, you two are my absolute dream team. I love the way you truly got Hattie’s story and how much your suggestions improved it.

So, the ubiquitous “they” say it takes a village.

I wholeheartedly agree but will just add this: women friends and colleagues are the best!