I went back to Paris again last year so I could capture the magic I’d felt when I started the book. Large swaths of the story were written in Hemingway’s old haunts. There is an energy to these dark bars and sunny cafés; the spirits of the literary masters linger on for those who wish to honor them. I have no doubt my words were influenced by their presence.

Lie to Me was a huge challenge for me, the biggest one thus far in my career. I stretched my wings in completely new ways. My book journal is full of reversals and new ideas, many of which were abandoned as the story grew. I have several notebooks full of notes and plans and snippets of dialogue. It’s very fun to read these nascent thoughts; the enthusiasm is clear. Even now, several months removed from finishing, it bleeds through the page.

I am so excited to share Ethan and Sutton’s story with you. I had a specific goal in mind with this story—stretch myself beyond my limits. My daily to-do list had a permanently starred entry: Be willing to take one more step with LTM. I have, and I’m thrilled to take you along with me.

J.T. Ellison

Nashville

November 2016

Acknowledgments

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I owe debts of gratitude to so many people who believed in, cheered for, and otherwise stood by my side while I wrote this novel.

First, the incredible folks at MIRA Books, who saw the potential in me years ago and have stood by my side waiting for this book to come along, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I couldn’t do it without you. Most especially, I need to thank my brilliant editor, Nicole Brebner, who helped me see the forest for the trees and made this book sing. The rest of the family deserves more accolades than I can possibly give: Craig Swinwood, Loriana Sacilotto, Brent Lewis, Merjane Schoueri, Margaret Marbury, Amy Jones, Randy Chan, Heather Foy, Stefanie Buszynski, Emer Flounders, Shara Alexander, Linette Kim, Margot Mallinson, Catherine Makk, Miranda Indrigo, Malle Valik, Susan Swinwood, Monika Rola, Olivia Gissing, Larissa Walker, and last but never least, Sean Kapitain—who designed this gorgeous cover. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for everything.

My loving tribe of friends and fellow writers, without whom I would be lost: Laura Benedict, Ariel Lawhon, Paige Crutcher, Jeff Abbott, Helen Ellis, Allison Brennan, Catherine Coulter—you keep me motivated and sane and full of memes and philosophical conversations and queso, and walk me away from the many cliffs that arise when a book is being birthed. I love you all!

For those who help with more than only words: Sherrie Saint, Joan Huston, Andy Levy, Lyzz Pickle, Sara Weiss, Anna Benjamin, Brandee Crisp—you are all incredible!