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Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

It seems like only yesterday that I was signing the contract for this five-book series. I could hardly imagine a day when the first book would be finished, let alone a day when I’d be writing “the end” on the final book! But here I am, and I must admit I shed a few tears saying good-bye to the Whitman family. We authors are strange that way. Our characters truly do become like family to us.

And once again, I’m struck with awe at how many people it takes to make a book become a reality. And how many people I owe such deep gratitude.

It would take an entire book to thank everyone who contributed to this series, whether through help with research, critiquing and editing, or the all-important “author support,” which my dear friends and family do so well.

As always, my agent, Steve Laube, deserves a huge thank-you. We’ve been traveling this road together for over thirteen years now, and I can’t say enough how much I appreciate you, Steve.

My critique partner and dear, dear friend, Tamera Alexander, has been walking with me even longer—ever since she offered to critique my novella at the very first ACFW conference in Kansas City in 2002. Tammy was published a few years later, quickly became one of my favorite writers on the planet, and has been running circles around me ever since! You are a gift from God, Tammy.

My original editor, Ramona Richards, shared my vision for this series about an ordinary yet extraordinary family simply living out their faith and learning to hang tight to God through the ups and downs of life. She and Jamie Chavez have given me such tremendous editorial direction throughout these past four years. I’m so grateful for you both.

The team at Abingdon Press has been wonderful to work with, and I am grateful and honored to be one of your authors.

To my dear Club Deb and my precious friends who know me better than anyone—and still somehow love me: Courtney, Mary, Roxy, Sharon, Terry. I can never express how much your friendship means to me.

So many friends, family, acquaintances, and complete strangers help in the research stage of a novel. I’m especially grateful to Noah and Julia Collins, Veronica Brayboy, and others who shared their experiences with me.

To my own big, loving family—my precious mom and dad, my wonderful spunky mother-in-law, my brother and sisters, my kids and in-laws of all varieties: thank you all for loving me, believing in me, offering support and encouragement. Daddy, I think you single-handedly sold (and gave away!) more books than most of the bookstores! Vicky, thank you for reading galleys for me when my deadlines didn’t allow.

And as always, to the man who makes this earthly life So. Much. Fun. The love of my life, the man of my dreams, my best friend and garage-sale buddy, the father of my children, and the “papa” in Papa and Mimi. There simply are no words, babe, to say how much I love and respect you. But give me a few more years, and maybe I’ll come up with something.

Finally, to my Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ, how very grateful and humbled I am that You have written my name in heaven.