Sweet Forgiveness (35 page)

T
homas Goodwin said it best when he said, “Those blessings are sweetest that are won with prayer and worn with thanks.” I give thanks every day, and still the sentiment feels grossly inadequate. Having a novel published was a dream; having a second novel published seems downright fanciful. And if it weren't for the enthusiasm, conviction, and gentle prodding by my fabulous agent, Jenny Bent, I may still be tapping away on this one.

I'm thrilled to have, along with Jenny, a publishing dream team led by Clare Ferraro and my extraordinary editor, Denise Roy. Denise, I can't begin to thank you for your keen eye and insight, your remarkable accessibility, and your uncanny ability to create urgency and calmness simultaneously. My sincere thanks and admiration to Ashley McClay, Courtney Nobile, Rachel Bressler, John Fagan, Matthew Daddona, and the entire sales force at Penguin/Plume. And I cannot forget the gem of a woman behind the scenes, Victoria Lowes. You wear each of your many hats beautifully.

My deepest love and gratitude to my incredible husband, Bill. A better writer would have the words to tell you what you mean to me. Thank you to my loving parents, who are my biggest cheerleaders, my wonderful aunts, cousins, stepchildren, and siblings, especially my sister, Natalie Kiefer, who continues to rally friends for nearly every book event.

A special thank-you to David Spielman, my talented brother-in-law and NOLA consultant. The phone calls, e-mails, and personalized maps were invaluable. Thank you to the lovely broadcast journalists who generously offered their expertise: Sheri Jones, Rebecca Regnier, and Kelsey Kiefer. A heap of praise to my dear friend and fellow teacher, Gina Bluemlein, for her brilliant scheme with the stolen Walkman (actually a stolen phone), and allowing me to use it in my book. Additional thanks to Sarah Williams Crowell for inviting me to my very first book club and sharing the white carpet story. I knew I wanted to include it in my novel, a tribute to your beautiful spirit as well as to your parents, Don and Nancy Williams.

My love and appreciation to my wonderful friends, for every kind word and show of support. Humongous and heartfelt thanks to my generous, self-appointed assistant, Judy Graves. Every writer should be so lucky to have a friend like you.

To my early readers, Amy Bailey Olle and Staci Carl, your notes and suggestions were invaluable. And Amy, you're the best writing partner a gal could have.

To all the booksellers, bloggers, and book clubs who have graciously hosted me or promoted my book, it's been a thrill and an honor. Special thanks to Kathy O'Neil of the R Club, and to the Fairview Adult Foster Care Home—the lovely and spunky Marilyn Turner, in particular. And to my dear friend, Dorothy Silk, your spirit still shines.

For me, the biggest perk of writing has been the new reader and author friends I've made, including Julie Lawson Timmer and Amy Sue Nathan. Being able to share insecurities and celebrate with you, along with Kelly O'Connor McNees and Amy Olle, has saved me oodles in therapy.

And to you, my dear reader, for investing your precious time and entrusting me to tell you a story. I am humbled and honored, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

And finally, having written a book about forgiveness, I'd be remiss if I didn't say I'm sorry. Because I am. Truly.

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