Chapters (65)
- Cover
- Dedication
- Epigraph
- Part One
- One
- Two
- Three
- Four
- Five
- Six
- Seven
- Eight
- Nine
- Ten
- Eleven
- Twelve
- Thirteen
- Fourteen
- Fifteen
- Sixteen
- Seventeen
- Eighteen
- Nineteen
- Twenty
- Twenty-One
- Twenty-Two
- Twenty-Three
- Twenty-Four
- Twenty-Five
- Twenty-Six
- Twenty-Seven
- Twenty-Eight
- Twenty-Nine
- Thirty
- Thirty-One
- Thirty-Two
- Thirty-Three
- Part Two
- Thirty-Four
- Thirty-Five
- Thirty-Six
- Thirty-Seven
- Thirty-Eight
- Thirty-Nine
- Forty
- Forty-One
- Forty-Two
- Forty-Three
- Forty-Four
- Forty-Five
- Forty-Six
- Forty-Seven
- Forty-Eight
- Forty-Nine
- Fifty
- Fifty-One
- Part Three
- Fifty-Two
- Fifty-Three
- Fifty-Four
- Fifty-Five
- Fifty-Six
- Acknowledgments
- About the Author
- About the Publisher
Speaking of which, I am forever grateful to my agent, Marly Rusoff, who started the Loft many years ago. Thank you for believing in me and in this book. In our early emails and phone calls, I felt an instant connection with you, which has only deepened. Your vision and tenacity are a wonder. I can’t believe how lucky I am to work with you. And to the uber-talented Julie Mosow: this work would not be what it is without your developmental engagement with these characters and their story.
To my wonderful editor, Sara Nelson at HarperCollins: thank you for taking a chance on me. Your deep knowledge and keen insights have been invaluable. From our first conversation, I knew I was in great hands. I am profoundly grateful for the way you understood these characters and expertly shepherded this book into the world. And thank you to Mary Gaule and the amazing members of the Harper team, for all the million things you do behind the scenes.
This novel would not have happened if not for my coconspirators in the Friday Morning Writing Group. Chapter by chapter, you lovingly critiqued it. Thank you for your outstanding feedback and limitless encouragement, Roxanne Sadovsky, Tom Schierholz, Heidi Schneider, Rachel Jensen, Margaret Peterson, Gretchen Van Hauer, Heather Awad, Dawn Hill, Gillian Brecker, Paula Shames, and Melanie Brening. I can’t wait to see those “Team Digger” T-shirts.
To Rosalie O’Brien, Mary Finley, Makenzie Krause, and Corissa Pennow: thank you for taking the time to carefully read and comment on an early version of the manuscript. Let me put it this way: you were right, and I am in your debt.
Other brave early readers include Rachel Awes, Sam Awes, and my dearly loved and recently departed uncle Mel and aunt Sue, who wrote me the most supportive email I have ever received. To my entire family, book club sisters, and sweet friends far and wide: thank you for your inspiration and love.
To my dad, Michael Halleen: you are the writer who taught me to appreciate words and story and grammar, and, most of all, to trust myself. I hear your wise and tender voice encouraging me when I have doubts.
Thank you, Milo Bunting, for reading my short stories when you were just a kid. I can’t wait to read your books someday.
Pearce Bunting: Remember the time we all took turns reading the manuscript while on vacation in Florida? I’ll never forget that morning when you finished it and showed up at my door, moved with emotion. Thank you for your fierce love and bounteous reading. Your energy could fuel a small nation.
Stephanie Halleen, my sister and longest friend: thank you for always being there, always helping, and always reading. I trust your eye and judgment, as does everyone else who has ever worked with you. What a gift to be able to collaborate with you.