I’m incredibly grateful to God for coming alongside me in this book. From the planning and note-making stage on, every new stage I reached, I felt like he was already there, waiting for me to catch up, enjoying the dance through the pages together. This process was incredible and difficult and eternally valuable to me because of his presence in it. Talk about making something out of nothing, shedding light on a dark situation—or novel—no one compares. No one.

Rachel and Angie—you wanted to be in one of my books so here you are . . . until I can work you in as two of my characters one day. You girls are the absolute BEST encouragers, brainstormers, and what-if friends. This book took shape largely because of your help and all those brainstorming sessions. You’re creative, endlessly kind, and lots of fun!

My dad talked me through just about every plot point from the initial stages of planning this book, helping me sort through what worked and what didn’t. There’s no one else to whom I can just prattle on about every angle of every idea, who will then come alongside me and help me sort through them.

Two other women were HUGE helps in shaping this story. Susan Tuttle, my wonderful critique partner who helped me untangle the mess I made of this story in my head, has listened to me talk about this story endlessly for over a year now. Her buoyant spirit toward every project often helped buoy mine. Thank you, Susan! Also, Jennifer K. was just about the best cheerleader I could ask for as I wrote this story. Her invaluable insight, her background in music therapy, and her gracious friendship really saw me through the draft of this book. I’m thankful for you, friend!

My wonderful Revell team has gone above and beyond in cover design, polishing manuscripts, and introducing my books to readers. I’m so grateful for their talent and their gracious help for me and many other authors. You all are a stellar team, and I thoroughly enjoy you!

My grandpa. Honestly, I don’t think I’d even know how to write about the value of people without watching him. He was one of those rare men who saw value, not just potential, in everyone he met. Really—everyone.

I am also eternally grateful to friends like Rachel and Faith for watching my children and giving me writing breaks to finish this novel. Of course, my husband, Vince, is the superhero of all this, and I couldn’t do it without him.

About the Author