Читать книгу Love Like Hallelujah - Lutishia Lovely - Страница 6

With Gratitude…

The dictionary defines gratitude as being grateful, thankful, appreciative. I define gratitude as pure joy, because that’s what I feel when I think of all the people who, in one way or another, helped this story get told.

Of course, a shout out to family: Mama, Daddy…everybody! And to friends who said, “Girl, I can’t wait to read the sequel.” Kai, Fadzo, Sherri, my sister Cella, and all the Sex in the Sanctuary readers who contacted me about this book’s release. Here it is, y’all!

To my Kensington/Dafina family: Selena James, you are a writer’s dream as an editor and, job aside, a wonderful person. For your spirit, positive energy, smiling personality and priceless editing…thanks. To everyone I met while in New York attending BEA—how great was that, huh? Hillary, Jessica, Adeola, Mercedes, Joan, everyone in sales. Wal-Mart reps, and the Zacharius family…you’re the best! To Kristine Mills-Noble for another stunning cover design, and to Superstock for the delicious photography. Also to the people at Kensington I didn’t meet, who I don’t know, but who helped turn this “possible” to “actual”…thank you.

To the fellow Dafina writers I’ve met and whose works I’ve either already enjoyed or look forward to reading in the future: Paula Chase (I’m not getting it twisted!), Mary B. Morrison, Mary Monroe, Daaimah S. Poole, Gwynne Forster, San Culberson, Pat G’Orge-Walker, and Angie Daniels. Actually to all writers everywhere…it is an honor to be counted among you.

To my wonder-woman agent and friend, Natasha Kern. What a gem I found in you, Janice, and everyone at the agency. Here’s to years as a successful team…l’chaim!

To all the fabulous readers; we writers are nothing without you. Much love to book clubs, both in-person and on-line: you guys hold it down! Clubs like CushCity (hey Gwen!), MosaicBooks, Rawsistaz (what up Tee C?!), Sistahs Sippin’ Tea, APOOO, People Who Love Good Books, Baton Rouge Barnes & Noble Urban Fiction Book Club (headed by fellow writer Naiomi Pitre…shout out!), and every single book club on the planet. Nothin’ but love for you guys! Also to libraries everywhere and the readers who use them…muchas gracias!

To friends who I presently or in the past have shared lessons in love, and/or hallelujah good times: Evan (I don’t know…but I’m gon’ sho’ find out!), Holly, Charmaine, Ladymac, Carla, Ava, brothah-man, Lightfoot, and his “hallelujah,” Debbie.

To Nabil Issa, a brilliant contributor to the earth’s positive vibration. Much success with your book, Untapped. It’s time for the world to “get tapped” baby!

As always, to Spirit, with whom I have the continuous, illustrious pleasure to co-create; with every fiber of my being…merci beaucoup.