First, I want to thank my agent, Stephen Fraser. Steve took me on as a client a few years back with a dark novel then called A Glimpse Is All I Can Stand. He knows the business of books, has soothed my bruised ego countless times, and even brought me flowers to brighten my hotel room. He is not only my agent, but a dear friend. When I suggested the wonderful Alexandra Penfold as a possible editor for Glimpse he agreed whole-heartedly. Alexandra is wonderful to work with and helped me extensively, making the book work better and more smoothly. Having an editor who wants you to succeed makes the revision process all that more exciting. A big thank-you, too, to Lizzy Bromley who created the gorgeous cover.

I want to say a special thank-you to Phyllis Reynolds Naylor who, for years, has helped writers achieve their dreams. A version of this novel won The PEN/Phyllis Naylor Working Writer Fellowship. Hugs and thanks to committee members Lucy Frank, Patricia Reilly Giff, and Ann M. Martin for choosing my novel out of so many that also deserved the honor. I cannot express how much this award boosted my confidence as a writer. As well, many thanks to Nick Burd, Literary Awards Program Manager at the PEN American Center, and the PEN staff for making my time in New York lovely. I smile still, remembering those few days with you all.

I was lucky enough to attend Vermont College for two years and had the first twenty pages of this book workshopped by an amazing group of writers. My class leaders were Marion Dane Bauer and Martine Leavitt, whose careful criticism made me believe I could keep working on a book that I had spent nearly half a decade revising.

A special thank-you to Cheri Earl, Rick Walton, John Bennion, Ann Dee Ellis, Chris Crowe, and Lu Ann Staheli. These writers are good friends with the ability to give smart critique.

Finally, and mostly, a thank-you to all my daughters—Elise, Laura, Kyra, Caitlynne, and Carolina. You have always believed in me even in the dark times (and there have been plenty). Thank you for having faith in a flawed parent. I adore you all.

Keep reading for a preview of

Signed, Skye Harper

by

Carol Lynch Williams

Surprise

Nanny sat at the kitchen table when I wandered in at dusk from swimming, not a light in the house on, just a cigarette glowing.

“Hey, Winston girl,” she said. “You got a minute?”

She didn’t sound too happy. In fact, I’d say she sounded right miserable. I strained to see more than the glow of her ciggie but was hypnotized by the red burn.

Blinking, I said, “What’s wrong?” I slid onto the rattan chair, my behind almost not making it. My chlorine-smelling swimsuit made my shorts and T-shirt wet. I let out a sigh. Since turning fifteen, I’ve found myself sighing an awful lot. That’s my family’s fault.