ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

As always, this book could not have been written without the knowledge and wisdom of those willing to help.

It was a labor of love, and for that I thank:

Daniel “Chip” Bailey—cop advice

Dawn Cook—writer advice

Pat Gentry—prayer

Jeff Gerecke—selling the novel

Norman Hege—advice about gold

Kathryn Hege—advice about jewelry

Mike Hege—advice about jewelry making, gold, and the odd last-minute answer

Rod Hunter—great answers to odd questions and reading Bloodstone repeatedly

Misty Massey—writer advice, and a last-minute reading that saved my sanity

Sue Minix—writer advice

Benjamin Prater—tae kwon do information

Lynn Prater—pa information

Mike Prater—computer suggestions

Susan and Benson Prater—every weird question got an answer

Fran Riser—writer advice, and suggesting the town

Fazelle Scaggs—stone and rock and gem show advice

Miranda Stecyk—WOW! You are simply the best. Long-distance hugs and kisses!

Larry Walker—the driveway, cows, fantastic view and being a great host

Joyce Wright—my best reader, biggest fan

And many others who helped with this novel. Thank you all!