Secrets and Shadows: A 13 to Life Novel

by Shannon Delany

  I remembered how, as our car pulled down the drive, Dad and Wanda gingerly helped Pietr to his feet, their faces a mix of shock and fear. And I knew that no matter where I was being taken, if they could finally come together, there was still hope for all of us.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I figured doing the acknowledgments for the second book in a series must be easier, right? But something I’m learning as I go is that things don’t necessarily get easier: They’re just different the second time around.

  I have some different folks to thank this time. Please note: There will inevitably be people I’ve forgotten or whom I can’t yet acknowledge because of timing. But hey, that’s why it’s doubly great there’s yet another book in the series!

  Thanks to the generosity of Karen Alderman and her husband, Kevin, who set three alarms to place the winning bid. They won the 13 to Life ARC and swag I donated to Do the Write Thing for Nashville. Talk about understanding teamwork and charitable giving! Likewise, thanks to Myra McEntire, Victoria Schwab, and Amanda Morgan, who organized and handled the fundraiser. Through their efforts (and the generosity of authors, bidders, and others) they raised more than seventy thousand dollars in ten short days for a city in need. Jess would have been proud of their efforts—I know I am!

  Thanks also to the generosity of Scott and Debbie of Texas who supported BeInANovel.com in 2009 and its charity, Operation Joy of Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Because of their bid Jess “got back on the horse,” so to speak.

  To my ARC tour guides! Carla Black who immediately expressed interest in 13 to Life and initiated a great UK ARC tour and has become one of my greatest cheerleaders after reading the book. She’s already read this one, too; it has her Wolf Girl seal of approval. Thanks to Katie Bartow of Texas, who picked up a faltering United States ARC tour and spread the wolf love! To Alyson Beecher, who read and loved 13 to Life enough to pass it along to people to read and consider carrying in their stores and libraries. It’s through such efforts that books are discovered. I (and many other authors) very much appreciate such support.

  To Lynsey Newton, who knew I was struggling with titles for this book and sent several awesome lists filled with great ideas.

  To Jennzah Morris, who somehow got skipped over in 13 to Life’s acknowledgments and has been a stalwart supporter of mine since Textnovel 2008! You rock, hon!

  To the Class of 2k10! A wonderful group of talented debut YA and MG authors that made my debut year at once wonderful and amazingly busy. I recommend you read their books—there are some powerful voices emerging that I had the great pleasure of reading early on! You can check us all out at Classof2k10.com.

  To Katy Hershberger in the St. Martin’s Press publicity squad and Eileen Rothschild in marketing, who cheer me on and gladly check out things I think might be worth pursuing. These girls are awesome, and I’m so glad they’re working on my series.

  To Antonio Avanzato, whose local weekly radio show, The Voice of the New Italy, inspired a short but important moment between Jess and her dad. Thanks for allowing me to use a great phrase!

  To Matt Cooper and Celina Simms, owners of Capresso—one of my very favorite places in the whole world to do copyedits. They understand when to chat and when to let me spread papers all over their beautiful tables.

  To my CPs who stuck through this one the whole way: My husband, Karl, and my good friend Robin Wright. To my Book Two betas: Carla Black, Rachelle Reese, and Alyson Beecher. I appreciate the time and thought you’ve already given this series.

  To my agent, Stan Soper, who reads my manuscripts, gives great input, and steps up when needed.

  To my editor, Michael Homler, who asks the right questions and has an attitude that makes my being a new novelist not nearly as terrifying as it could be.

  And, last, but far from least: to my readers and fans! I hope you love Secrets and Shadows!

  ALSO BY SHANNON DELANY

  13 to Life

  This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  SECRETS AND SHADOWS. Copyright © 2011 by Shannon Delany. All rights reserved. For information, address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.

  www.stmartins.com

  ISBN 978-0-312-60915-3

  First Edition: February 2011

  eISBN 978-1-4299-9449-1

  First St. Martin’s Griffin eBook Edition: February 2011