Third Party
Page 31
One of the messages I hoped to convey with this book is that women are powerful. I’ve grown tired of our portrayal as catty beings always at one another’s throats. I figured it was high time we depict women as strong, caring individuals with concrete principles. In short, I wanted to do something we rarely are availed the opportunity to do in fiction: I wanted to tell the truth.
Secondly, from my humble beginnings as a stay-at-home mother to two incredibly strong, talented, and vehemently feminist girls, I understand the sacrifice of one’s own ambitions for the sake of the greater good. It’s disheartening that even in today’s climate, we’re put on the defensive upon the failing of a marriage. Too many women stay in bad situations out of fear of poverty and loneliness, or due to lack of self-worth. I want to assure women that what we do, who we are, and the people we’re raising are eminently important. Things need to change. Feminism is social, economic, and political equality for all. Pretty basic and easy to grasp, yes? So why are women left to choose between financial comfort and happiness? We’re doing more than changing diapers and wiping noses. We are raising good people. Keep on, sisters.
To my dear friends, the Coverts: as always, thanks for the example of healthy. Your children (Margaret, Jonathan, and Caroline) are proof of all I’ve said above. Thanks again to Marsh and Dad-man for being there for me always.
To my mama, who is truly self-made: your perseverance taught me self-reliance. Love, love, love to you.
To Jessica Helen and Kynslee Jane, I welcome you to our family, and I thank you for lending your names to this tale. And to my brother Ken, who brought Jess and my new niece into my inner circle: while I couldn’t fulfill your dreams to appear as a dirty cop on the pages herein, I thank you for lending your initials to one of my favorite fictional detectives to date. Dear readers, KJ is named for my little brother. And he really is badass.
To my sisters and cousins, there is a little bit of all of you in every heroine I write. Have fun figuring out which of you would just as soon deck a guy as kiss him. (Um, yes, Kristin. It’s you.)
My girls, Samantha Mary Kristin and Madelaine Josephine Michelle: you have taught me more than I will ever teach you. For the sake of your fortitude, I pulled you with me toward a better life when I followed that doe down Harvey Avenue. Together, we’ve stood tall and strong. Maybe we ate too much peanut butter and “girl” cheese (why isn’t there boy cheese?) in those lean years, but I wouldn’t change a thing—the world is spinning in the palm of my hand because of you.
And finally, to my hunky husband, who is, as always, solid proof that love at first sight exists. He stared at the Siberian husky across a crowded room, and the pup stared back. A lock of gazes, a smile, and Joshua instantly fell in love. The last thing we needed was another dog, but we named him Brady, and he’s been ruling our household for a little more than six years. He really does say I love you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo © 2017 Bella Vie Photography
Brandi Reeds is a critically acclaimed author whose most recent novel of psychological suspense, Trespassing, was an Amazon Charts bestseller. She also writes young adult novels under the pseudonym Sasha Dawn, whose Blink garnered an Edgar nomination. Her debut psychological thriller, Oblivion, was chosen as one of the New York Public Library’s Best Books for Teens, recommended by the School Library Journal, endorsed by the American Library Association, and selected by the 2016 Illinois Reading Council as a featured book. Reeds earned her BA in history and English from Northern Illinois University, followed by an MA in writing from Seton Hill University. When not working on her next book, she works as a kitchen design consultant and cabinetry specialist. She’s also an avid traveler, reader, and dance enthusiast. A Chicago native, Reeds currently lives in the northern suburbs with her husband, daughters, and four puppies. Visit her at http://brandireeds.wordpress.com and on Twitter @_SashaDawn.