I want to thank all my first readers: Nicole Hohmann, Kimberly Gabriel, Kimberly MacCarron, Annette Christy, Gia Camiccia, Christine Grissom, Taylor Gardner, Liz Edelbrock, and Elise Bungo. Shout-out to my literati critique group: Suzi Guina, Kaitlin Hundscheid, Tara Creel, Katie Nelson, and Heidi Lang. A special thanks to Malia and Renée for helping me with the Russian words and names in the book.

Thanks to my Pitch Wars mentor, Kristin Wright, for showing me how to revise, and to Brenda Drake for starting such a great contest. Thanks to all my Pitch Wars 2016 people who let me vent and always encourage me to continue writing. Thank you to my Golden Heart sisters, the Rebelles, who inspire me with how hard they work and how supportive they continue to be. And thanks to all the talented writers in my Novel Nineteens debut group and the Class of 2K19 books.

If we are mindful of the small moments that make our lives special, then each of us can be memory keepers for those we love, and they in turn for us.

For my family:

Thank you, Stanley, for always supporting me and never complaining when we have pizza for dinner. Thank you to Nicolas, for telling everyone I was a writer way before I thought of myself as one. To Tessa Jewel, who is always my first reader. Thank you for your honesty and belief in me—you always make each book better. To Vince, who told me to remember Dr. Seuss, and to never give up on my dream. I hope I’ve inspired you to reach for yours. And thank you to Lucas, for offering to be my agent while I was querying and my publisher while I was on sub. You have all given me an abundance of memories to cherish each and every day. I love you more than you’ll ever know.

Thank you to Larry McKnight, who encouraged my love of reading, and to Terry Semerad, who reads everything I write—even when it’s a blazing trash fire. To Jean and Stan Camiccia, for watching my children so I can write. I love you all so much!

Thank you to Ryan, Melissa, and John. You made growing up an adventure that I plan to use in many future stories. To Chris—the best dad in the world (next to my husband and my brother, of course). Much appreciation and love to my sisters-in-law, Michele and Allyson. So much love to Stanzi, Jack, Rocco, Prezli, Pixxie, Reilly, and Dylan. Each of you inspires me with your unique personalities. Thank you, Cindy, for your kindness and generosity. To Dominic, thank you for making my daughter happy. Leah, thank you for being a kindred spirit.