I cross the stage, drawn back to Thomas. He places an antique snow globe with a brass base on the edge of the stage. My pulse quickens as I pick it up. Inside the glass is a woman surrounded by a field of wheat. When I shake the globe, bright wildflowers swirl. It’s beautiful—like nothing I’ve ever seen. I tip the globe again and spot an address written on the bottom. When I meet Thomas’s gaze and nod, his blue-green eyes shine. Hope takes flight.

My hands no longer shake as I place the globe on the small wooden table set between two leather chairs, center stage. I walk forward and address the audience again, Moose at my side. “Final introductions and we can begin. This is Moose. Every time I stand up here, I’m nervous. Moose helps. Telling the truth is going to help even more. Some of these get-togethers may not be what you need, and for that, I’m sorry. All I can promise is to try my best.” I smile and the audience does, too.

“So here we go. Welcome. My name is Sylvie Ravanelle Young. Let’s begin . . .”

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We did it! And by we I mean the village of people who worked to make the dream of Some of It Was Real a reality. I know authors always say this in their acknowledgments, but it’s true. I couldn’t have published this novel, from cover art to the final page, without the tireless efforts, skill, creativity, and professionalism of the Berkley publishing team. I’m honored to work with them!

The first thank-you always goes to my husband, Henry. Each novel starts with a question that slowly morphs into an idea. Henry is willing to listen (a lot!) and talk through countless possibilities. He never doubts my ability to turn an idea into a story (that makes one of us!), and he’s always my first reader. Thank you, H—you hang my galaxy and together with Boone you’re my perfect family.

A giant thank-you to my editor at Berkley, Kerry Donovan! Every author knows what it’s like to be on submission, waiting to hear if there’s an editor who wants your story. It’s exciting but also terrifying. Kerry, when you called I was over the moon. Despite my nerves, your kindness and love for this book were immediately evident and put me at ease. This was our first novel and I really appreciated your excellent editorial eye and keen insights. You made Some of It Was Real a better book. Thank you so much. I can’t wait to work on the next one together!

Huge thanks to the entire Berkley team, including Kerry’s assistant, Mary Baker, senior marketing manager Fareeda Bullert, production editor Jennifer Lynes, managing editor Christine Legon, copy editor Joan Matthews, publicist Tara O’Connor, and cover designer Emily Osborne.

How do I thank my agent, Stephanie Kip Rostan? With lots of compliments that don’t come close to expressing how much I value her! Steph, your brilliance, wicked sense of humor, brainstorming abilities, and top-notch editorial skills make me a very lucky author. If I haven’t said it lately, thanks again for picking me.