And in my sleep, I felt a flurry of joy.
Acknowledgments
Thanks to all who have helped to make the Holly’s Heart series a successful reality. I’m forever grateful to Charette Barta and Sharon Madison, who believed in Holly. Heart from her earliest beginnings, as well as to my superb editor, Rochelle Glöege, whose suggestions and encouragement are so valuable to me.
Big hugs to my terrific teen consultants—Shanna, Larissa, Mindie, Amy, Brandy, Cindy, Kelly, Jonathan, Janie, and Julie. With their fantastic ideas and input, they made the Holly’s Heart series even more fun to create!
Hurrah for my SCBWI critique group, as well as reviewer Barbara Birch, my witty sis, who dreamed up the idea of Holly and friends being snowbound at school.
Three cheers for my husband, Dave, whose thoughtful comments, loving support, and super sandwiches made this series possible.
And finally, my deep appreciation to my many fans who think Holly really does live somewhere in Colorado. Your many cards, letters, and email messages have brought joy and encouragement to this writer’s heart. I’ve enjoyed every minute spent writing Holly’s Heart just for you!
From Bev . . . to You
I’m thrilled that you’ve chosen to read Holly’s Heart. As my first young-adult protagonist, Holly Meredith remains dear to my heart, and I laughed and cried with her as I wrote every one of these books.
Holly-Heart and I have quite a lot in common. While growing up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, I wrote zillions of secret lists and journal entries (and still do!). I also enjoy my many e-pals, and sending snail mail letters and notes to encourage family and friends has always been one of my favorite things to do. And I know all about the importance of having a true-blue best friend. Mine was Sandi Kline, and while we didn’t have Loyalty Papers, we did write secret-coded messages to each other. Once, we even hid a few under the carpet of the seventh step leading to the sanctuary of my dad’s church!
Thanks to my books, I’ve had the opportunity to develop friendships with people of all ages, from the grade-schoolers who love my picture books to the teens and senior adults who enjoy my novels. Through the years, some of you have even written to confide in me or share some of the difficulties you’ve faced. Growing up can definitely be tough sometimes. I’ve always found hope in the words of Psalm 139, which describes the amazing love of our Creator-God. It’s comforting to know that the same God who formed us in our mother’s womb, who knows the number of individual hairs we’re washing and blow-drying each day, also sees the fears and concerns of our lives. Our heavenly Father sees and understands. What an enormous blessing that is!
To learn more about my writing, sign up for my e-newsletter, or contact me, visit my Web site, www.beverlylewis.com.
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Holly's Heart Collection Three Page 36