I've always been the type of reader who scours every word of the acknowledgements page. I find it fascinating to see the amount of support and encouragement that surrounds authors, so I would be remiss if I did not thank those who have helped me accomplish this lifelong dream. First of all, I have to thank my mom for sharing her love of books and writing with me from an early age. She has always been my biggest cheerleader. I would be lost without you, Mom. Thank you to my dad for showing me I could accomplish any dream if I was willing to put in the time and effort and for teaching me to never quit, even when the going gets rough. I love you, Dad. Thank you to my outstandingly supportive and encouraging husband. Without you by me side, I don't know where our beautiful boys or I would be, though I suspect it would be still in our pajamas, watching a Jessie marathon. :) Thank you to my boys, the lights of my life, for telling people that your mom was going to be an author so that I had to live up to that title. You are the beat of my heart and the breath of my soul. And to my many students who also encouraged me to "practice what I preach" and work to make my dreams come true--every one of you will always hold a special place in my heart. To Gemma Halliday, thank you for giving your time and taking a chance on this fledgling author. I will forever be one of your biggest fans. Thank you to all of my professors at Pittsburg State University, especially Dr. Meats, Dr. DeGrave, Dr. McCallum, Dr. Morris, Dr. Carlson, and Lori Martin, for pushing me and inspiring me to believe in my writing. Thank you to Lori Norbury for your belief that this dream would come true. Here's to Scary Cherry Tales. And of course, thank you to my test readers. To Gabriel Franklin and Marilyn A. Entrikin, thank you for not only being two of the best friends anyone could ask for, but also for taking the time to give me thoughtful reviews on my manuscript. Gabe, you are world's best commuting buddy. And Marilyn, your photography skills are out of this world! Thank you for sharing your talent to try and make me look presentable. :) To Misty, Ellie, and Wyatt Ohnemus, thank you for being such amazing and dear cousins and for giving me honest feedback on Emily's first adventure. And to Connor Bobbett, thank you for reading this book and asking me insightful questions. Not many teenage guys would take time away from his summer break to help out an unknown author. You're one in a million! I hope I get to teach you one day. Finally, thank you to all of my family on both the Comstock and Coffman sides. I am truly the most blessed girl in the world. I thank God for each and every one of you.