Читать книгу Celia's Shadow - Sandy Levy Kirschenbaum - Страница 2

I started this fictional novel so far back in time that I think the first chapters were stored on eight-inch floppy discs. Celia was my maternal grandmother’s name—she used to sneak food under the table to my dog Heidi. I didn’t know where this story would go, but I did know the title would be Celia’s Shadow.

William Charles was my father’s (Leonard Levy) photography studio in Salem, Massachusetts. I miss him every day.

There are many people who encouraged, supported, doubted, and laughed at me. I’d like to thank those who encouraged and supported me.

My wonderful husband Howard, your love and support inspired me throughout this entire writing adventure. Thank you for allowing me to read chapters to you and for saying you liked them—I used many of your funny suggestions. You make me laugh. I love you more and more each day.

My twin sister Susan Schale, thank you for everything you did to help make this book happen—creating the perfect cover to depict Celia and her dog (it is exactly the way I dreamed it would be), taking my photograph, reading every word, and providing me with your wonderful feedback. Oh, and thank you for taking those science tests for me in high school.

My niece Alison Levy (might be Alison Thompson by the time this book is published) and Winnie, thank you for giving up your Saturday to pose for the cover image and for your positive feedback on the chapters.

Lenna Kutner, thank you for reading this book (some chapters repeatedly) from cover to cover and word for word. Your sharp eye, as a fellow author, found key and important points throughout the pages. You helped to make the storyline flow smoothly and to keep it chronologically correct. Thank you for being my friend.

Stephanie Levy, my sister (in-law), thank you for being one of the first to read and comment on the chapters. I loved the notes you wrote in the margins—your words of reassurance kept me going.

Peggy O’Connor, thank you for reading Celia’s Shadow so quickly and for your honesty. Your friendship means the world to me, and I’m happy I could share Celia with you. You are an inspiration in so many ways.

Jane Krakauer, Judy Sharoff, and Peggy Simmons, thank you for your enthusiasm about Celia’s Shadow. You continually toasted my accomplishment and supported me along the way. You believed in me, when I doubted myself. You have been a great pep squad during our travels and your excitement for my success was contagious.

Rick Bettencourt, your honesty during our writing group made an incredible difference. You encouraged me to take chances and make Celia jump into scenes. It’s amazing how helpful you were.

Wendy Leavitt, thank you for your positive words and the time you took to read this book.

Mary Elliot, Lisa Burke, Alison Doris, Nancy Dyer, Janet Kazmierczak, Michael and Donna Greenburg, you most likely have no idea how your encouragement and praise helped me find the confidence to write the final chapters for this book.

And to my mom Rose Levy and the rest of my family—thank you for your love and support.