I look into the shadows under this magnolia tree, recalling how dark some moments of our story have been. Lots of prayer and determination were the driving forces to get us to the point of no longer hiding. Such a freeing place. One we discovered was right there all along.

I’m not one to believe in the hype of happily ever after. I most certainly know better. But I do believe in healing ever after. It won’t happen fully in this lifetime, but I’ve had tastes of healing’s nectar along this journey.

The day Pa walked out of the mental health facility with a newfound grasp on reality and a peaceful smile on his face.

Finally saying “I do” to the man I know without a doubt God sent to me.

The miracle of my body birthing two perfect babies.

Witnessing my siblings reach those moments of career, marriage, and children for themselves.

Those milestones celebrate the fact that the Fosters overcame the hardships life tossed our way. Truly, we have survived, and we live to tell the tale.

A lot may have been hidden out at Nolia Farms, and that which was hidden may have come mighty close to leveling the Foster family, but the freedom from unearthing it helped us find our way to a healing ever after.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

To Team Lowe. Life is a team sport. One cannot manage a successful season of life alone. We are supporting players, rooting Lydia on at a softball game, helping Nathan prep for another year of college, critiquing Bernie’s love of golf, or cheering me on as I near the finish line of another novel. No matter what, we are in this together. Bernie, Nate, and Lu, I’m honored to be on your team. Love you to the moon and back.

I’m indebted to my reading confidantes, who are always my first choice in reading new manuscripts: Trina Cooke, Lynn Edge, Teresa Moise, and Jennifer Strickland. Your honesty and consistent support keep me on track and make me a better storyteller. Love each one of you!

Christina Coryell, my critique partner and author sister, I recall your text after you finished reading the manuscript for Under the Magnolias before I sent it to my agent. You said if my agent didn’t like it, she was nuts! (LOL. Thankfully, she’s not.) You mean so much to me. Can’t thank you enough.

I want to thank my brilliant agent, who is not nuts whatsoever, Danielle Egan-Miller. I still pinch myself every so often to make sure it’s true that you are my agent. Such an extravagant gift for me as an author to have you in my corner. Your passion for this novel tells me all I need to know. I think we did good here! I couldn’t have done it without you. Again, thank you.