I am honored to be a part of the Tyndale House family. It’s always an exciting journey to work with you on bringing a story to readers, this one in particular. My city gal, Jan Stob, and my country gal, Karen Watson: you ladies rock! I treasure you both. Can’t wait to see what God has in store for this book. Thank you for believing in it.

This book would not be as strong had it not been for the guidance of my editor, Kathryn Olson. You sent me an email recently saying that it’s always fun to work with me. I feel the exact same way about you. I told Danielle from the get-go that I trusted only you with Under the Magnolias, knowing your vision would be in tune with mine. Even when you throw those curveballs, I trust and respect your instincts.

My lovely publicist, Amanda Woods, I so enjoy our email exchanges and love talking book boyfriends with you. Your enthusiasm is contagious and I truly enjoy working with you on promoting my stories.

I cannot write a book about tobacco farming without acknowledging the Prince family. In my youth, I learned many a lesson in your tobacco fields about life and the importance of hard work. I’ve carried those lessons with me, and I know they were fundamental in shaping me into the woman I’ve become. Thank you.

My readers, what can I say? I view you as my friends and cannot thank you enough for supporting my little dream to write by reading and sharing my stories. I seriously could not be T. I. Lowe without you!

My heavenly Father, we sure did have some long conversations about this book. I have no doubt that you gave me this story with an important purpose. My prayer through this journey has been that I wouldn’t get in your way. Still praying I don’t.

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