Until I Die (26 page)

THIS BOOK WOULD NOT BE HERE, RESTING IN
your hands or playing on your audio book or appearing on your e-reader if it weren't for the following people. I owe them all my deepest gratitude.

My super-agent Stacey Glick of Dystel & Goderich, whose continued advice and hand-holding have provided me with a much-needed stabilizing force. Thank you, Stacey.

My editor, Tara Weikum, and assistant editor, Melissa Miller, who helped me tame all of my wild ideas into ones that actually worked. The patience you've shown and insight you've given have shaped this book into something exponentially better than it would have been. I am eternally grateful.

Copyeditors Valerie Shea and Melinda Weigel worked with both this book and
Die for Me
, polishing the rough edges, pointing out my mistakes, and patiently correcting my embarrassingly bad punctuation, especially the dreaded commas and em dashes.
Merci!

My crack team of beta readers were of invaluable assistance, including the indefatigable Claudia, my beloved Kimberly Kay, book-smart Olivia, and
Buffy
-quoting Katia and Kylie Mac. And my friend Josie Angelini lent a hand, both as reader and tireless cheerleader.
Mes remerciements sincères à vous tous!

Mark Ecob and Johanna Basford made the covers of
Die for Me
and
Until I Die
the works of breathtaking beauty that they are. My publicist Caroline Sun has energetically promoted the books, along with the marketing team of Christina Colangelo and Megan Sugrue. And I am in awe of the enthusiasm and support given me by my UK Little, Brown/Atom book family, including editor Sam Smith, editorial assistant Kate Agar, and publicist Rose Tremlett.

Several friends lent me and my manuscript their homes during the times I needed to run away. Much thanks to Lisa in New York, Laila and Terry in Paris, Nicolas and Paul in Saintes, and Jean-Pierre and Christiane just down the road.

I could not write without the support of my family and loved ones, especially: Laurent (my anchor, without whom I'd be drifting up among the clouds somewhere); my children, Max and Lucia; my sister, Gretchen; my darling Grammy; my resourceful cousin Melissa; my whole eccentric and devotedly loving H. clan; and my French family: Jeannine, Jean-Pierre and Christiane, Alex and Romain.

And lastly, but not any less importantly, I thank my readers. I was astounded by the enthusiasm with which you rallied behind me and my first book—you are the most supportive fans a writer could ever hope for. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. This book is for you.