This is always the hardest part. I have so many people who make this journey what it is. The book wouldn’t be what it is without the help of those who are close to me. Whether you helped me work through a scene or you just messaged me to say “hello”, you were a part of this. If I leave you out please forgive me, I literally hate this part.
To my readers, thank you isn’t enough. You took a chance on a debut author and the love and support was beyond anything I could ever imagine. Thank you for leaving reviews, messaging me, joining the group, and spreading the word. You’ll never know the difference you’ve made in my life.
Mandi Beck- my sweet, supportive, amazing, and fantastic friend. You’re the glue that keeps me together. There’s not a word you don’t read, or a call you decline. Your love of Jackson has never waivered, even when you were pissed at him. I don’t know how I would’ve made it through this journey without you.
Jennifer Wolfel– as much as you scare the crap out of me, I couldn’t wait to send you the next chapter. You push me. You make me work hard on every paragraph, sentence, and word. Your wisdom made me fight through the scenes and the fact that I made you cry…makes me happy. I love you and thank you immensely.
Melissa Saneholtz – there are people who come into your life and make things brighter. That’s you. I can call you anytime I need you, trust your guidance and you keep me in check (which is no small feat.) Thank you for the countless hours you spend with me, the laughs we share, and your friendship. I couldn’t imagine doing this without you!
My betas: Roxana Madar, Megan Ward, Linda Russell, and Ninfa Maisano – Thank you for taking the time to read over and over and give me all your feedback. My early readers: Alison Manning, Lara Petterson, and Susan Rayner – you’re the first people to see it and give me the best idea on how it flows. I can’t thank you enough.
Christy Peckham – You my Stabby Jr. are so important to me. You’ll never know how much I love and appreciate you!
Cara Arthur- My person. I feel like those two words say more than anything I could write…but I still will. You may not have read the words this time but you were in my heart. (I hope you heard that BUT loud and clear sister). Somehow, I still heard you telling me to slow down and all the other Caraisms I know and love.
Stephanie, Ninfa, Julie, Carla, Melissa, Jennifer, Amy B., Jillian, Debbie, Tanya, Jessica, Annette, Robin, Michelle, Sherry, Mindi, Amy C., Laura, April, and Wendy… You are my lifeline, my friends, and my heart.
Pam Carrion – I’m giving you a face right now… did you smile? You’ve been a saint! A godsend! No matter what crazy idea I came up with you were there to help. You’re an amazing blogger and I’m fortunate to have you as a friend.
Linda Russell – Woman…no freaking words. Just THANK YOU! You were the first person to read Beloved and I’ll never forget the way you rallied behind me. This book wouldn’t have been half of what it became without you.
Sharon “Satan” Goodman – Oh, my love. You are so far from being Satan…you’re more like an angel…that might be pushing it. I love you so much. Thank you for keeping me on track by being afraid of Maleficent and not allowing us to have tangents. You’re one of the best people I know.
Crystal Pugh – My giant pain in the ass. If it weren’t for you the cover wouldn’t have happened. Thank you for being my friend. You know the ugly and you still find the beauty. Thank you for driving me insane but then turning around, making me laugh, and offering to make out with me.
Laurelin Paige – You’re constant support is invaluable. You keep me grounded and make me laugh when I need it. The world is a better place because of friends like you. If you never encouraged me, this would’ve never happened. Thank you for changing my life.
Claire Contreras – You’ll never know how much your friendship has changed my life. You’re an inspiration to women and me. #FYTTMCC except I would say #ILYTTMCC.
FYW – I’m so blessed to have you all in my life.
Lisa, my editor, thank you to for fixing my words and your endless support. You forced me to dig deep and fight hard to give them the story they deserved.
SG4L – You are my sisters, my friends, and I can’t imagine life without you.
Bloggers, without you I wouldn’t be here. You always give your time, thoughts, and support. Thank you for taking a chance on me and telling your readers. You are truly some of the best people I know. Thank you!
Danielle and Alex – You made this cover more beautiful than I could’ve imagined. Thank you both for in the midst of your move doing the photo shoot and gracing the front of this book.
My family, thank you all for supporting my dream and encouraging me. Even if most of you will never read, I still appreciate you. To my mother: Without you, none of this would’ve been possible. You’ll never know how much I love you and appreciate all you’ve done for me.
My husband, a long time ago I fell in love with you. I pushed you, pulled you, and sometimes I ran from you…but you were always there. You love me no matter what and I can only pray our children find a love like ours. Thank you for putting up with my crazy and showing me I’m enough.
My children, you’re my biggest cheerleaders and I love you more than my own life. You both make me smile at your praise (even though you’ll never read.) I love that you tell your friends parents to read and you are the best things I ever did.