Thank you to my writers’ group and beta readers: Joanne Osmond, Mary Rose Lila, Kelli Neilsen, Deborah Brooks, Paulette Swan, Tiffany Blanchard, and Candice Toone. I will never stop being grateful for the day Joanne said, “We should start a writers’ group!” I look forward to all the years of growth, encouragement, and creative kismet ahead.
I also have some amazing Lake Union authors that make my creative life so complete. All the Ladies and Lads of the Lake, I love reading your Facebook posts and the comradery you all help me feel in this sometimes lonely profession. Publishing is such a team sport, and I cheer for each and every one of you.
Thank you in particular to my newest LU friends: Camille Di Maio, Rochelle Weinstein, and Heather Burch. I feel like I found kindred spirits when we finally met face-to-face at RWA. You ladies have my heart and my admiration. Never stop texting me about the dangers of Diet Coke, and I’ll never stop sending you pictures of me chugging a cold one. I love that we get to share so many wonderful milestones together.
To my fellow author Mallory Crowe—you, lady, are the real deal. You are smart, kind, thoughtful, and creative. I count myself lucky to have met you online in the AQC chat room after googling “how to publish a book.” Keep moving forward, my friend. You deserve happiness, success, and the bright future I know you have ahead of you.
Emily Hanson—the best “friend turned assistant” any lady could ask for. You are a hard worker and inspire me with your quick mind and fierce dedication. Though you are far away, I will always feel connected to you. Thank you for being a friend, a colleague, and my guiding light when I needed you most.
Dearest Kelli Swofford Nielsen—I don’t think you know how special you truly are. Thanks for your hard work on this story. Your editorial eye and willing hand carried me through writer’s block, self-doubt, and impending deadlines. I’m not sure how one person can embody so many impressive qualities. I really hope I can be just like you when I grow up—one day . . .
Thank you to the author team at Lake Union Publishing. Gabe Dumpit—you are such a rock star. Thanks for celebrating your thirtieth with all of us and being the best dang author relations manager the world has ever seen. Ever. I asked. Everyone. In the world. You are the best. Here’s to many more books and birthdays through the years. Thank you as well to Dennelle Catlett for your wonderful PR work and to the rest of the team that works tirelessly to put lives on pages of paper and dreams in physical form.
To my developmental editor, Tiffany Yates Martin—thank you over and over again for your patience and hard work. This was a fun one, wasn’t it? I’m always so eager and grateful for your insights and guidance. I love seeing a manuscript transform into a novel as we work together through the editing process.
To my newest editor, Chris Werner—it has been a pleasure and adventure working on our first story together. I appreciate your input, support, and gentle, guiding touch. Thanks for sticking with me through ups and downs and seeing this story for what it could be while helping me wrangle it into what it has become. I’ve learned I can trust your editorial eye and your taste in Netflix recommendations. I’m currently watching The Great British Baking Show—how about you?
Danielle Marshall—the woman who keeps placing bets on my career, thank you for giving my voice a place to be heard. Whether in person, on the phone, or through email, I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better and have mad respect for your skillz in this business. Yeah, you read me right—skillz with a z.
Thank you to Marlene Stringer, my superagent, for reading the synopsis of this story and calling me immediately, saying, “This! Write this!” Your passion for this project has kept me going full steam ahead. I can never thank you enough for taking a chance on me four years ago and continuing to do so every single day since.
Thank you to my readers. You are such a loyal and thoughtful group. I love getting to know each of you; hearing your stories; connecting with you through email, Facebook, and my blog; and visiting with your book clubs. Please keep reaching out, and I will keep reaching back. I can’t wait to hear what you think about Veronica, Gillian, Mark, and Sophie.
Mom and Dad—you’ve really stepped up and helped me learn how to balance life as a single mom of four kids. Thank you, endlessly, for your love and support. I hope my kids will look at me one day and know that I love them as unconditionally as you love me.
To my siblings—I’m so glad we have each other. There is nothing else in the world like being friends with the people who knew you when you hair sprayed your bangs and snuck down to see the Christmas tree at 3:00 a.m. just to make sure Santa came despite your naughtiness. It’s too late—you are stuck with me, and it is a biological imperative that you at least pretend to like me.
My sister, Elizabeth—you get your own thank you. You’ve given me so much of your time and heart. Thanks for your calls, texts, and amazing advice. I don’t know how I would make it through my day, much less my life, without you.
And to my sweet and ingenious kids—you are my biggest inspiration and my favorite fans. Thanks for cheering me on and for your endless patience with the balancing act that is our lives. We are on an awesome journey together, and I love having each of you by my side every step of the way. Onward and upward, my little ones . . .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo © 2018 Organic Headshots
Emily Bleeker is a former educator who learned to love writing while teaching a writers’ workshop. After surviving a battle with a rare form of cancer, she finally found the courage to share her stories, starting with her debut novel, Wreckage, and followed by the Wall Street Journal bestseller When I’m Gone and Working Fire. Emily currently lives with her family in suburban Chicago. Connect with her or request a Skype visit with your book club at www.emilybleeker.com.
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