My other early reader and my Southern inspiration is Angi Hegner, the world’s best assistant and friend! Aren’t I blessed to have so many world’s bests in my life? She reads my chapters as I write them, devours those messy first drafts without so much as batting an eye at the horrible, glaring typos. She gets excited and holds me accountable, too. Without Angi, the books definitely would not get written in a timely manner. That’s for sure.

My editor, Megan, is another God-send. She polishes my words and somehow makes my crazy schedule work for the both of us. Mallory Rock brings my stories to life with her art, and the church dog covers are my favorites yet! My proofreaders, Jasmine Jordan and Alice Shepard, are also fantastic at what they do and such a joy to work with.

My brother, Ron, has recently moved in with our family and has helped tremendously by cooking our meals and keeping the house clean, so I can write, write, write. I love you, little bwuzzuh!

And to you, my reader, thank you for enabling me to keep doing what I love each and every day. Thank you for opening your heart to my characters and their stories, and thank you for being wonderful you!