I hold deep appreciation and admiration for my publishing family at Thomas Nelson. Allen Arnold, thanks first and foremost for getting it, for giving me (and my crazy ideas) a place to call home. You’re an absolute genius, and I feel lucky to call you both publisher and friend. Mike Hyatt, thanks for the taking the time to encourage me, even when I was just a twinkle in Thomas Nelson’s eye. Amanda Bostic, thanks for your ceaseless enthusiasm and creative focus. I fear I would be lost in the creative woods were it not for you lighting the path ahead! Jennifer Deshler, thanks for your undying fervor and amazing ability to dream big. To my other friends and supporters there—Ami McConnell, Natalie Hanemann, Lisa Young, Mark Ross, Heather Adams, Carrie Wagner, and so many more!

The research for this novel was extensive, and could never have been accomplished without the diligent eyes and mind of Casey Mask. Thanks for going above and beyond what was asked of you.

Thanks to the kind people at Greenville College, the Huntington Library in California, the Morgan Library in New York, and the exquisite Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

This novel grew by leaps and bounds in the deft hands of Erin Healy, whose title as “editor” falls well short of the importance it includes. World-changer, idea-exploder . . . these seem like better titles (though probably less professional sounding!) Thanks for pushing, pushing, and then pushing some more for the absolute best.

I must thank my manager, Dave Steunebrink, for not batting an eye the day I told him, “I’m writing a book.” I think if I said, “I’m building a rocket and flying to the moon,” he would simply say, “Awesome. How can I help?” He’s simply the BEST, and I don’t have enough fingers and toes to count the number of times he has blessed me with his grin. I also must thank Lani Crump, who balances budgets and calendars and a million other things, and contributes daily to my madness. Keep those fresh ideas coming!

To my writer-friends, who humble me with their abilities: Ted Dekker, Robert Liparulo, Chris Well, Allan Heinberg, Eric Wilson, Sigmund Brouwer, Reed Arvin, Xan Hood, Tom Davis, and so many others: thank you, thank you, thank you. Art would be meaningless without community.

I wish I could go on. This book would double in length if I were allowed to finish this list. Wait! My sisters, Emily (Pardy) and Erin (Stansbury), and their respective families; my good friend Jeremy Bose; the Swansons; the Duvalls; more Bronleewes; and so many others! This is too unfair. To everyone that I can’t thank in writing, I hope to in person!

Before parting, I must give thanks to the Great Writer, the Magnificent Creator, my loving and inspiring heavenly Father, without whom nothing would be possible.