Love at Any Cost (42 page)

First and foremost, to my reader friends all over the world who have blessed me with their precious friendships—when I count my blessings as a writer,
you
are right at the top.

To Julie Gilmore Graves and Rachel Fallin—not only winners of my newsletter contest to have a character named after them in this book, but two of the sweetest reader friends I've ever had the privilege to meet. You guys ROCK!

To the truly remarkable people at Revell with whom I am privileged to work—you guys deserve an award for putting up with this CDQ (caffeinated drama queen)! Extra hugs to Michele Misiak for her cheerleading and patience, to Cheryl Van Andel for her creativity and patience, to Barb Barnes for her good humor and patience (and for keeping me honest), and to Donna Hausler and Claudia Marsh, two sweet friends who can warm my day with a single email. You guys are amazing and just like family . . .
without
the danger of actually being related.

To my agent Natasha Kern and my editor Lonnie Hull Dupont—two of the most amazing women I have ever met, who have brought the best out of me as a writer, both with laughter
and with tears. I treasure your friendship and am in awe of your wisdom.

To the Seekers—my lifeline in the world of writing—what a gift from God you are in my life!

To my prayer partners extraordinaire and very best friends—Joy Bollinger, Karen Chancellor and Pat Stiehr—this ship would sink without your prayers and friendship to keep me afloat.

In loving memory of my precious Aunt Julie—I cannot tell you how many times in a week I miss your sweet smile. And to my simply amazing mother-in-law Leona Lessman, whom I love to pieces—if there was a Miss Mother-in-Law pageant, you would win hands down!

To my sisters, Dee Dee, Mary, Pat, Rosie, Susie, Ellie, and Katie, and to my sisters-in-law, Diana, Mary, and Lisa—I humbly retract the first line of my debut book
A Passion Most Pure
—sisters (and sisters-in-law) are
not
overrated but so very necessary to the joy and fun of family.

To my daughter Amy, son Matt, daughter-in-law Katie, and truly gorgeous grandbaby Aurora Grace—my love for you all grows deeper and deeper with every breath I take.

And finally to the love of my life, Keith Lessman—I never,
ever
get past the awe of you in my life. Twenty-four/seven, babe, and it only gets better and better.

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of
“Passion with a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and winner of 14 RWA awards, Julie Lessman was voted #1 Romance Author of the year in
Family Fiction
magazine's 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, as well as #1 Historical Fiction Author, #3 Author, #4 Novel, #3 Series and
Booklist
's 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction. Julie resides in Missouri with her husband, daughter, son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter. You can contact her through her website at
www.julielessman.com
, where you can also read excerpts from each of her books.

T
HE
D
AUGHTERS
OF
B
OSTON

A Passion Most Pure

A Passion Redeemed

A Passion Denied

W
INDS
OF
C
HANGE

A Hope Undaunted

A Heart Revealed

A Love Surrendered

T
HE
H
EART
OF
S
AN
F
RANCISCO

Love at Any Cost

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