Acknowledgements
I didn’t include an acknowledgements section in my book. I was in a weird place with relationships and was in the process of leaving a community. I also didn’t want to write the same old “it takes a village” obligatory rendition.
But there are some folks who deserve extra credit:
To Emily, my BFF, who has read every one of my books (sometimes multiple revisions) and whose notes have definitely made me a better writer. You’re a gifted editor, and since my grammar is notoriously bad, I think I’ll keep you around. (Always pick friends who have skills you don’t.)
To my editor, Michelle. Thank you for telling me to cut the first chapter. Seriously. I needed someone to tell me it was okay to remove a portion of the book that had existed since the beginning. The book is way better for it. So thanks. You’re also a genius.
To Susanne, thanks for putting up with my neuroticism for basically six months during the artwork. You’re a saint.
To the dozen or so proof readers who gave me your feedback on the different versions throughout the years, I can’t remember everyone, and I don’t want to name some when I can’t name all, but you know who you are. Because of you, I knew the world would love Allison and Ethan’s love story. I also appreciate that a few you wanted Elizabeth to experience a sexual revolution. While I only went so far as to give her a hot dream, I can promise you, she currently has the most passionate sex life.
And finally, to my four sisters who gave me the idea for this story in the first place. Thanks for helping the Hartford sisters come to life by letting me borrow from the hilarity of spending many years sharing rooms with you and sneaking into the kitchen during the middle of the night to make pancakes and talk about boys.
However, I’m really glad I didn’t have to find husbands for you.