by Garza, Amber
In my heart and in the stars.
Author’s Note and Acknowledgments
This was such an emotionally draining book for me to write. There were moments when I literally just sat at the computer and cried. I cried for Jackson, for his parents, for his sister, for Piper. Being the mother of teenage children, the topic of bullying and suicide is a tough one for me. But I believe it is an important one. It’s real, and it happens. However, it shouldn’t. If you are suicidal or depressed, please get help. And if you are being bullied, tell someone – your parents, your teachers, principal, or anyone that will help you. Don’t allow it to continue.
I know how hard it is when you’re not accepted, when you don’t like the person you are. I once felt that way. But as I aged, I learned to love and accept myself. I learned that what others thought about me wasn’t as important as what God thought of me, and what I thought of myself. If you are struggling and need someone to talk to, please email me: [email protected].
Most of my books are about healthy relationships. Relationships I want my readers to aspire to. This is an exception to that. If you are in a relationship like Jackson and Piper’s, you need to get out. Their relationship was co-dependent and unhealthy, and destroyed them both.
However, I do hope that you enjoyed their story and were entertained by it.
As always, there are many people to thank:
First off, my family:
Andrew, thank you for always accepting and loving me. And for showing me what true love is.
Eli and Kayleen, may you always know your worth. May you always feel loved and accepted. And never give up. You’re shining stars, and I love you both more than life.
Cameo and Cambria – thanks for keeping me motivated in our daily check-ins.
Megan – thank you for reading as I wrote. Your encouragement and enthusiasm kept me going.
Alivia – I adore this cover so much! Thank you!
Lisa Richardson – thank you for your stellar editing skills.
Scott Tedmon- thank you for your legal expertise.
Cassie and Tiffany – thank you for always supporting and helping.
There are so many other people I could thank (the rest of my family, the Indie Inked girls, all my author friends, bloggers and fans), but in the interest of ending this letter at some point I won’t list them all. You know who you are, and you know I love you.
Most of all I want to thank God, who makes all of this possible. All I do is for you.
Without this awesome support system none of my books would see the light of day. So thank you!!
Amber
About the Author
Amber Garza is the author of the Delaney’s Gift Series, the Prowl Trilogy, suspense novel Engraved, and many contemporary romance titles, including Star Struck and Tripping Me Up. She has had a passion for the written word since she was a child making books out of notebook paper and staples. Her hobbies include reading and singing. Tea and wine are her drinks of choice (not necessarily in that order). She writes while blaring music, and talks about her characters like they’re real people. She currently lives in California with her amazing husband, and two hilarious children who provide her with enough material to keep her writing for years.