House of Belonging

by Andrea Thome

  To my merry band of friend-editors: Lisa Salyers, Terri Carrick, Kara Clarke, Lekshmi Nair, Dawn Wood, Shannon Murante, Erin Doppke, Trish Alikhan, Mim (Aunt Merilynn), and my sweet cousin Gina Tolomeo. You have no idea how it makes my heart sing to be able to send you my unpolished pages, knowing that I can trust you and that you’ll be honest but kind about the art that I’ve created. There is no one else I’d be able to be so vulnerable with. Thank you for your gentleness. Thank you to my dear friend Julie Burns for your friendship and support, and for sharing my books with so many of your friends and contacts. And thanks to Patra Dunn for making sure my books were so well traveled.

  Mim: You deserve a special shout-out for always being so willing to go the extra mile to share my books with the world. Whether it’s schlepping copies to libraries all over Michigan (and Ohio!) or hand delivering them to anyone you might meet along your travels. Thank you for being such a cheerleader for me. I love you.

  To my mom’s cousin (and mine), Kim Frum. Thank you for so willingly importing the Hesse Creek Series to your friends in West Virginia. I hope I’ll get to meet them all in person during this next book tour.

  I wouldn’t have a beautiful book to show the world if it weren’t for the amazing team at Girl Friday Productions: Christina Henry de Tessan, Nicole Burns-Ascue, Meghan Harvey, Rachel Marek, Paul Barrett, Stefanie Hargreaves, Michelle Hope Anderson, and Carrie Wicks. Thank you for the thoughtful feedback, the extensive editing, the beautiful cover design, my gorgeous website, and so much more. The GF team is the absolute best. If I could do a free commercial for you, I would. I hope my books make you as proud as they make me, since they were a complete and total team effort.

  I’ve had so many lovely bookstore author events and media opportunities thanks to the hard work of my publicists at JKS Communications. Angelle Barbazon, Ellen Whitfield, Marissa DeCuir, and Sydney Mathieu, along with the rest of your incredible team—what would I do without you? Thanks for not only coordinating my bookstore events but also making sure that local media knows I’m coming, and that I’m always supported in every way. You’ve been instrumental in connecting me with book bloggers, whose efforts have been so critical to my success. Thank you to author Susan Alexander for all of your help and guidance as I dipped my toe into the world of online advertising. What a difference that has made! Thank you to my friend and local publicist Stephanie Krol of SKPR for all of your help with the local Chicago media opportunities—I’m so lucky to have met you at the beginning of my writing career.

  ATTENTION, BOOK BLOGGERS: I say prayers of thanksgiving for you every single night. I’ve been blessed to receive good feedback about my Hesse Creek Series from some incredible bloggers. Thank you in particular to those that both reviewed and took time to post those reviews on either Amazon or Goodreads for me: Publishers Weekly; NDP Book Review; Barbara Bos from Women Writers, Women’s Books; A Beautiful Book Blog; Happy Ever After Blog—USA TODAY; RT Book Reviews; Susan at The Book Bag blog; Dianne at Tome Tender; Kristen Kranz at Hypable; Kandice Cole at Windy City Reviews; NY Literary Magazine; Kristina Hickey; Jennifer at Bookish Devices; The SubClub Books; The Book Bellas; Kelly’s Thoughts on Things; Traveling with T; Reviews by Crystal; Cristina Reads; The Blabbing Bibliophile; Stranded in Books; The Bandar Blog; Sweet Book Obsession; Katy’s Library Blog; Everlasting Charm; Cleveland Scene; Bookish­amanda; library­cutie; books_on_books; bookworm­everlasting; lifeinlit; thebookgawker; booknerd­native; reading­bringsjoy; and so many more. (This goes to print early, so if I missed you this time around, I’ll certainly thank you in the next book! Please know how grateful I am to all bloggers who show such wonderful support for authors.)

  I really love visiting with book clubs. It’s so fun to be surrounded by smart, funny, welcoming women talking about our mutual love of reading. Dee Bauer—thank you for not only hosting one of my first book clubs, but for hosting a second, and also for urging people who liked my books to follow up with reviews, which you know are so important for up-and-coming authors like myself. I am grateful for your friendship and support, and take much inspiration from the way you live your life, giving back to others. Our HJWC book club is such a blessing in my life. I love all of you ladies so much, and can’t wait to spend more time together in the future. Alison Peters—I’m so excited to be connected with such an amazing writer—thanks for your support. And to Jeannie Stawoiak—a special thankyou for hosting my very first book club for Walland. They say you’ll never forget your first.

  One of the coolest experiences I’ve had has been hearing my books come to life. I’m blessed to have Marnye Young as the voice of the entire Hesse Creek Series. I cannot imagine anyone else having voiced my beloved characters so perfectly. And thanks, too, for the introduction to the supremely talented voice artist, Sean Patrick Hopkins, who joins us in voicing the men of House of Belonging. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of a dynamic working relationship going forward. You’re an amazing talent, Marnye. Thank you.

  The book tour for Seeds of Intention was an absolute blast. I’m humbled by the willingness of bookstores and booksellers to go out on a limb to support up-and-coming authors. Thank you to all of you who chose to say yes!

  In Chicago, thank you to Georgette at Barbara’s Bookstore in Burr Ridge for coordinating and hosting my launch event for Seeds of Intention, and to all the family and friends who came out to support me. I loved my humble event at Garfield Ridge Library, too. Thank you to Mina for hosting me and passing my books along to your book club. And thanks to Paula Wilding at Prairie Path Books in Wheaton for hosting me for a lovely author talk and signing. And special thanks to Michelle Rollins for connecting us in the first place! Special thanks to Scott Jonlich and Rosie Conway for the generous cover story in the February issue of Hinsdale Magazine. I fully expect to see Rosie’s book on the shelves one day soon. Gratitude to a friend I met thanks to our mutual love of books and baseball (and the White Sox!): Michealene Redemske— it’s been such a pleasure getting to know you better.

  In Cleveland, thanks to Fireside Book Shop for hosting my signing, and to the Chagrin Valley Today for the lovely preview piece letting people know I was coming. Roxanne Washington at the (Cleveland) Plain Dealer, thank you for helping me get the word out once again. It’s always fun to talk with you. And special thanks to Colleen Smitek at Cleveland Magazine for writing such a nice article and for the opportunity to grace your December cover with my sweet husband. Mark Nolan—thanks for always letting us crash your various hosting duties when we’re in town. It’s so fun to visit with old friends at WOIO, and to spend the morning with you and Jimmy Malone and Tracey Carroll at WMJI. Thanks to Margaret Daykin, Stefani Schaefer, and our friends at the WJW Fox 8 in the Morning Show for having us back again to talk books and baseball. (And Outlander :) Thank you to the ladies at the Chagrin Valley Woman’s Club for inviting me to be their guest author and keynote speaker. It’s a delight to be able to help support students from one of my very favorite cities in the world.

  In my husband’s hometown of Peoria, Illinois: Thank you once again to Bonnie at Barnes and Noble for always welcoming us with open arms. It’s a treat to visit with you each and every time. In you, I’ve found a kindred spirit. I’m blown away by the support of our family, friends, and even strangers who embrace us every time we visit Peoria. Many thanks to both WMBD-TV and WEEK-TV, along with the (Peoria) Journal Star, for featuring my work in advance of my author event. Stacy Litersky—thank you for your support and friendship for all of these years.

  In Aspen, Colorado, thank you to Margaret, Mark, and Katelyn at Explore Booksellers for hosting my friends at a lovely event in mid-September. You’ve shot up the list to become one of my all-time favorite bookstores. I look forward to the chance to return as soon as possible. To the girlfriends who made that trip so special: Natalia Alem, Sondra Fowler, Monique Thanos, Jacquie Parrillo, Kelly Milne, Erin Doppke, Dawn Wood, Tifani O’Rourke, Dee Bauer, Cindy Short, Katie Mueller, Kara Clarke, and Karen Wooley Hood. I love
you all, and I’ll cherish the memories of that trip forever.

  We are one of the lucky families that had the chance to live in the Twin Cities for a while, which is why I was so excited to return for an author event at Subtext Books, one of the best independent bookstores around. Thanks to Mary Ann Grossmann at Pioneer Press, who wrote the nicest article, spreading the word about my visit, and thank you to Sue Zumberge and Matt Keliher at Subtext for organizing my visit and being such gracious hosts. Leslie Bergstrom—thank you for coming and spreading the word about my books. You’re an amazing friend. And what a wonderful opportunity to see and spend time with my baby brother. I love you, Nick.

  I had the remarkable opportunity to share the stage as a fiction panelist with some amazing authors at the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA) convention in New Orleans. Thank you to Wanda Jewell and everyone at SIBA for putting on such a lovely event, and for connecting authors and booksellers from across the South. I was so grateful for that special opportunity.

  Carole Sullivan and the folks at Today in Nashville: thanks for having me visit one of my favorite cities to talk about books with you! I’m grateful for how readily you’ve opened your arms to me.

  Laurie Kirby from “Women’s Watch” on WBZ/CBS Boston—thank you for having me on the airwaves! And a big thank-you to Southern Distinction Magazine in Atlanta for featuring my work.

  Thanks to my fellow Woman’s Board members at Children’s Home and Aid in Chicago for asking me to emcee their gala last September. What an honor it was to play a small part in helping to raise funds for families and children in crisis.

  Suzy Sparacio: you’re our angel. We couldn’t love you any more if you were actually related to us. Thanks to both you and Michael for allowing us to travel, knowing that our kiddos are in the very best care in our absence. We love you, and can’t wait to share in the evolution of your own personal love story this year.

  Thank you to Paula and Chris Murphy for all of your help last summer, allowing me generous amounts of time to write House of Belonging while in California. I’m grateful to you both and wish you love and light always.

  Sean Finnegan, you must be properly thanked for paving the way for me to join Soho House. It’s been such a blessing to have a quiet (and super-cool) place to write when I need it. Thanks to Jerry Azumah and Brenda Robinson for vouching for me as well.

  Thank you to my friend Sonia of Sonia Mani-Joseph Photography and Nicee Martin of Miss Motley Photography for the lovely head shots and fabulous pictures from my launch party. I love knowing such amazing women who can take kick-ass pictures the way the two of you can! Remember: you must try your very best to make me look young and skinny! And Heather Ann Thomas—you’ll always be the one who first inspired me.

  Sally Gries, Ed Bell, and Brent Ballard: we couldn’t do anything without you. The words “thank you” will never be enough. Pam Ziegan and Shannon Gallagher: you’ve each saved us a time or two—or fifty. Thanks for your friendship and continued support.

  To everyone who took the time to come out to one of my author events, read my books, post words of encouragement to me, or just send good vibes when I needed them most: thank you so very much. I love being a writer, and it means the world to me to know that my work is helping to connect with others in some small way.

  The hardest part of writing acknowledgments is the feeling that I’m leaving someone out. If I have, please know it wasn’t intentional. Every single person who passes through my life leaves footprints on my heart. I’m a lucky girl, and I know it.

  I have the best family in the world.

  Dad, thank you for teaching me to say yes . . . and for always being willing to jump in and help us out. We couldn’t do it without you, and I love you so much. (Wear your helmet!)

  Lila and Landon: I couldn’t imagine my life without you. You’ve both grown into lovely human beings, always ready with a kind word for others and a hug for your tired mom when she needs it. You’re my everything, and I’m so proud of you both.

  Finally, to my husband, Jim. You are a Hall of Fame human being, and there is no one else that makes me laugh like you do. I love the fact that after twenty years of marriage, you still grab my hand when we’re walking beside each other. Thank you for loving me and supporting me and letting me sneak away to my “writing retreats” when needed. What a gift to get to live with my best friend every single day. I feel very lucky that our kids have you as their dad.

  OK. Time to get to work on the next series. Who’s ready to head to the Pacific Northwest?

  (Prepare yourselves to meet three remarkable brothers. I can’t wait to introduce them to you.)

  In the meantime . . .

  Remember, whenever possible, be kind.

  (And it’s always possible.)

  Until next time . . .

  Andrea

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Andrea Thome is a former broadcast journalist, having covered both sports and news during her career. In her novels, Andrea explores some of her favorite travel destinations, from the foothills of the Smoky Mountains to the Colorado Rockies, painting rich backdrops that become characters themselves. Thome lives in Chicago with her husband (a retired professional baseball player) and their two children. She spends her spare time traveling and pursuing her other passion—photography. You can see a sampling of her photography and learn more about her books at www.andreathome.com. House of Belonging follows Seeds of Intention and Walland in the award-winning Hesse Creek Series.