Writing a book is a collaborative task. I am so grateful for the many eyes and hands who have touched this story as it made its way from idea to book.
To Caitlyn Dlouhy and her team at Atheneum: my gratitude for helping me polish this story until it shone.
To the River Writers: Shari, Kristin, Diana, and Sheena, for all the laughs and support and advice along the way.
To my international cast of writer friends: Deb, Jo, Rabia, Ryan, Cat, and Jen, for reading the various drafts and offering such sage and generous advice. And especially, my undying thanks to Elena, for pushing me and encouraging me to break the rules I had created for myself. I am a better writer and better person for knowing you.
To the women of SIFM: such shining examples of strength! My gratitude for your unwavering encouragement, support, and friendship.
To my sister, Carmen, for always being there, no matter what.
To Diana Fox: my heartfelt thanks for all that you have done. You have been a true champion and friend through all this. I couldn’t have done it without you.
And, last but never least, to Mikel Knutsson, for picking me up when I fell down (repeatedly!) and for never losing faith in me, even when I had lost it myself.