Another reminder that the best gifts are given freely and without strings.
And for the first time in her life, Beth Whitaker decided not to ask questions, but instead opened up her heart, outstretched her hands and received.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
Dear Reader,
I love writing stories. I love everything about it except the parts where I get stuck. I love dreaming up names for people who will become so real to me in my own mind, I almost forget they don’t live next door. I love creating a new town and filling it with people, and I especially love pulling in elements from my own life along the way.
I first had the idea for Hometown Girl when I was visiting an apple orchard about an hour from my hometown in Illinois. I’m a Midwest girl through and through, and apple orchards are a staple in my world. Every fall, we make at least one trip to the orchard for cider and apples and our favorite, apple-cider donuts. If you’ve never been to an orchard, you may not be able to fully appreciate the ridiculously delicious taste (and smell) of an apple-cider donut, but truly, there is nothing like it. And if you can get it warm and fresh—well, you might as well just freeze time right there.
I loved the idea of exploring family relationships set against the backdrop of a place like the ones I love so much, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share it with you. Beth’s journey, especially her spiritual one, is not unlike my own. We both have trouble asking for help and feel we should have everything figured out. We’re both stubborn and sometimes take on way too much. We both need Jesus with every breath we take. Maybe you can relate?
I’d love to invite you to join my newsletter mailing list for superfun exclusive giveaways, freebies and prizes, as well as all the latest from my neck of the woods. Even more than that, I’d love to hear from you and the latest from your neck of the woods.
You can do all that by visiting my website, www.courtneywalshwrites.com, signing up for my newsletter or dropping me an email at [email protected].
Thank you again for taking the time to read this story. It means the world to me, and I’m so very grateful for you.
Courtney Walsh
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
It’s with the utmost gratitude I offer thanks . . .
To my sweet family, who cheer me on, celebrate my successes and don’t complain too much when I announce it’s “fend-for-yourself night” for dinner. Again.
To Adam, you are everything. It’s your creativity that inspires me, your encouragement that pushes me forward and your kindness that makes me better in every way. Thank you for loving me.
To my kids, Sophia, Ethan and Sam. I just love you all with every fiber of my being. And I’m so thankful I get to be your mom.
To my parents, Bob and Cindy Fassler, who still pray for me and who have always taught me so well.
To my sister, Carrie Erikson, who helps me learn more about Jesus just by living her life. I’m so grateful for the uncontrollable belly laughs (you are the loudest!), the violent sneezes, the encouragement and the wisdom you share with me. I am grateful to have you for a best friend.
To the Emenecker family: Trent, Natalie, Alex, Addison, JT and Tyler, for answering questions about life on a farm you didn’t even know I was asking. Also for opening your Fairwind Farm to people like me who seek a bit of solace in a busy, busy world. You never fail to remind me what’s really important, and I’m so grateful for your friendship.
To Natasha Kern, my agent. Thank you for finding a home for this book, which otherwise would’ve sat in a drawer. I am so grateful to you for believing in me and for helping me on this journey.
To my writing friends Deb Raney, Katie Ganshert, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg and the Grove Girls. I am so, so grateful that even in this solitary world we’ve created for ourselves I still have the friendship of so many beautiful souls. I count you among my greatest blessings.
And to you, dear reader. Thank you for picking up this book and going on this journey with me. You’re on my mind often, and I’m so thankful for you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Courtney Walsh is a novelist, artist, theatre director, and playwright. Hometown Girl is her seventh novel. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. She has written two additional books and a novella in the Sweethaven series, as well as three small-town romance novels: Paper Hearts, Change of Heart, and Just Look Up. She lives in Illinois, where she and her husband own a performing arts studio and youth theatre. They have three children. Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.
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