The most delightful part of my publishing journey has been becoming part of this phenomenal author community. It is a friendly and nurturing environment full of comic relief, humility, reassurance, and cheerleading. For all the friends I’ve made here – I love you people from the bottom of my heart. Special appreciation to the authors who’ve said cool things about my books: Samantha M. Bailey, Mary Kubica, P.J. Vernon, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Samantha Downing, Jeneva Rose, D.J. Palmer, Vanessa Lillie, Megan Collins, Wendy Walker, Sherri Smith, Alice Blanchard, Jamie Freveletti, Joanna Schaffhausen, Sophie Littlefield, E.G. Scott, and Lisa Unger.

To the librarians, booksellers, bloggers, and bookstagrammers, you are treasured. I have enjoyed spending time with the inspiring Bookstagram community this past year, loving your clever videos, beautiful photos, and thoughtful posts. Much appreciation to all who have reached out to me. So many of you have become friends.

To all of my friends who have been shouting out my book to everyone they know, I owe you.

To my mom and mother-in-law, sisters, in-laws, nieces, and nephews, your unconditional support means the world. I’ve got my vaccine appointments scheduled, and hopefully, by the time this book is in bookstores, I’ll have hugged all of you.

I began Confess to Me before the pandemic but finished the first draft (along with countless drafts and edits) during the pandemic, with my three kids doing school from home. Woodworking earmuffs became part of my writing costume and working routine. Occasionally I escaped to the car to meet deadlines. Thank you to Marc, Ed, Jon, and Sam for picking up my slack, helping with the cooking, dishes, cleaning the flooded basement, fixing the broken refrigerator, and with everything else that went sideways this year. I know you older kids are sick of your parents. I am sick of us too. Thank you for sticking it out and keeping your heads screwed on. Little One, thank you for the cuddles and Dog-Man comedy. Marc, thank you for your enduring love and support. My books are dark, but my life with you four is all light.

Love to Indy, the glue of this household, everybody’s best furry friend, hug-partner, and confidant. Good dog.

Lastly, immense gratitude to the readers. You make the book-world go round.

About the Author

Sharon Doering lives in the Chicago area with her husband, Marc, their three kids, and a peculiarly civilized dog, Indy. In her other life, she was a science professor, a biotech stock analyst, and a xenotransplantation researcher. She has also been a good waitress, a mediocre bartender, and a terrible maid. Sharon is working on her next novel.

@DoeringSharon