ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and always will be to God, my Savior. Whether I deserve it or not, He loves me. He’s blessed me with a beautiful, healthy family and that’s enough. I love you, Lord. And am so thrilled You’re on my side.

This is the second time I get to write acknowledgements and I know I’ll forget someone, even though I’m so wordy. Ha! I apologize if I do.

Travis, my husband. I’m so proud to be able to call you this name. Every day you make me laugh, feel loved and calm my crazy. You hold our family on your shoulders and never complain once and man… it can’t be easy. We’re a needy bunch. I love you so much, Trav. Beyond words.

Joey, my oldest. The one who gave me the name Mama. Growing up to be such a good kid. Always happy, laughing, making others feel the same thing. You make every day an adventure and lead with kindness. I’m so grateful to call you mine. Thanks, kid, for being awesome. I love you. Beyond words.

Jake, my middle. The one who keeps the peace like only a middle child can. There’s a reason why your teachers can’t say enough amazing things about you. You’re so sweet, so kind and loving. You give the BEST hugs ever. I’m honored to be your mama. Thanks for being you. I love you. Beyond words.

Riley, my youngest. You, girl, keep us on our toes and I couldn’t be happier for that. I love your excitement over the little things, your sweet and spicy attitude and the love you give to all of us. It’s a privilege to be your mom. Thank you for being beautiful, inside and out. I love you. Beyond words.

My family. My parents. My in-laws. You all give me so much support and love. Whether it’s when you read my words and tell me you love them, encourage me to never stop, or are being amazing grandparents to the kids… I don’t say it enough but thank you.

Our siblings and my nieces and nephews. Your love and happiness is all I need. Luke, your sister writes sex scenes. I’m sorry. (Not really, though.) Jodi, thank you for being like a sister to me and always being a great ear to listen!

Julia, you’re always there when I need you. No judgment. No one I would rather laugh with. You’re my best friend and bonus! I get to call you family! I love you.

Michelle, my Soul Sister. You have given me a friendship I will never take for granted. I feel blessed to call you my friend. We cry together. We laugh together. Mama Bears for life. (ha!) I love you, girl.

Deann, again. You and your family have given ours so much. Blessed us in so many ways. I hope you’re alright with being stuck with us for life because I’m hanging on to your friendship, girl. Love you!!!

Jill, our phone calls are the best but knowing you’ve got my back, that you’re here for me and I’m here for you is the best gift ever. You were my first book friend but you became so much more. I love you.

Erin, words aren’t quite adequate. You’re amazing and you’re mine.

Rachel, your guidance, support and love has been so enormous. We need to shrink the distance between Idaho and Iowa so we can hug. Love you!!!

Staci Hart, you probably don’t realize the little things you do for me but I do. And they’re not little. They’re huge.

My beta readers, Alison, Michelle, Yessi, Becca, Lisa, and Ella. This one was tough to send out. I loved it and felt more nerves than I have yet. You guys gave me enough praise to feel like I could write forever but helped me with so many of the details that flushed this thing out to what it is today. Thank you for having my back and wanting to make sure A Better Place was… better.

The Mastas. You ladies are crazy and one day when we all finally meet and avoid eye contact for point two seconds before we crack up with laughter the world will shift.

I have had the privilege of becoming friends with some amazing authors who have never made me feel like my questions are dumb or that I’m less or insignificant in this giant world of publishing. Every day I feel grateful for their help and support. Kim Holden, Beth Ehemann, Sara Ney, Alison Bailey, RS Grey, Elizabeth Lee, Rachel Van Dyken, Erin Noelle, Kristin Vayden, JL Berg, Jessica Prince, and so many more. THANK YOU!

To the rest of the authors who work their butts off writing stories that make us smile, provide a little of the escape we’re all desperately searching for. I feel like a minnow in an ocean of awesomeness and still feel honored to be considered one of you.

BLOGGERS! Goodness – some of you have supported me from the very beginning, loved From the Ground Up and spread the word. I didn’t realize how humbling that would feel but seriously, it is. There is something special about your love for reading and books and it’s nothing short of amazing.

Blue Tulip Publishing, thank you for once again taking a chance on this newbie. I’ll forever be grateful for your support.

Paula, my absolutely incredible editor. You kicked my butt and helped me turn A Better Place into something that I feel incredibly proud to call my own. Thank you!!!

Kara, my ah-maz-ing proofreader. I’m making a call and you’re stuck with me forever. I hope you’re okay with that. Thank you for taking such time with this story!

Jena, my cover designer. You helped me go through photo after photo and gave me such honest feedback until we found the perfect one. Thank you for everything! I love how James and Carly turned out.

Whether I’ve written one, two or twenty books, I will forever acknowledge the teachers who make our education system go round. Your job is seriously no joke. Recently I’ve been reminded of what my kids have in their schools and to say I’m in awe is not doing it justice. What you give to your students every day… THANK YOU! I beg everyone to take a moment and recognize what teachers, coaches, administration, and staff do every day. It’s more than commendable.

And thank you, readers. I know first-hand it’s not easy to choose what to read every time I pick up my Kindle. Thank you for choosing mine. I hope you loved Carly and James as much as I do!