This book saved me. My world was crashing down around me, and I was being erased from my reality. It was this book that built me back up. Every time I sat down to write A Sweet Mess, I saw myself in it—and it was my best self. Not who I was or the shell of myself that wandered vacantly through life, but my very best self—the person I was meant to be. And through the publication of this dear book, I am who I’m meant to be.
I found my courage to live life to the fullest by writing this book, and I hope that reading it gives my dear readers laughter, hope, and courage to thrive.
To my spectacular agent, Sarah Younger, thank you for believing in me, and for busting your ass to help make this book the best that it could be. My dream wouldn’t have come true without your faith, frankness, support, and hard work. You are truly a blessing in my life.
To my editor, Tiffany Shelton, and your wonderful team at St. Martin’s Griffin. Your passion and excitement for this book inspired me, and made me work harder than I thought possible. I hope our hard work enriches the lives of our readers, the way it enriched ours.
And to the very first people who read this book for me—my best friend, Lulu Lin, Eleanor Welke, Traci Critton, and author Jennifer Hoopes. Thank you for your loving support and for helping me believe in myself as a writer. Without you, I would not have finished this book.
To Judi Lauren, my freelance editor, who did my very first professional editorial letter. Thank you for convincing me not to shelve this book, and also for introducing me to Sonya Weiss, my straight-shooting mentor. Sonya, you taught me so much about writing and about life. You are an inspiration.
To my baker friend, Allison Holcher, thank you for coming into my life at the perfect moment—literally not a day too late or early—to create a delicious, A Sweet Mess–inspired cookie recipe for my readers. You are too sweet. And to Simone Dole, thank you for teaching me everything about the ins and outs of running a bakery. Aubrey sounds realistic and knowledgeable about running a bakery because of your help. Also, to the lovely duo of Shaida Kafe-ee and Luis Armando Gomez, thank you for patiently teaching me about the intricacies of commercial real estate and the work that goes into leasing a new location for a bakery.
And to my dearest family, thank you so very much for always being there for me. Especially to my dad, a poet, for giving me the writing gene, and my mom for teaching me the tenacity to persevere against all odds. I know your hearts broke to watch me struggle, but I hope you will be healed as I have been through the publication of this book, and the hope it carries with it. Now, I want your hearts to soar not sink when you watch me, because my struggles have made me stronger and made me the truest version of myself. Thank you for loving me without faltering through every stage of my journey. Your constant, unconditional faith in me is everything.