It’s normal for books to go through revisions and rewrites, some more than others, and Miss February is no exception. In fact, she kind of kicked my ass. I honestly don’t know how I could have gotten through it all without my PA, Jenn Holter. Jenn helped me focus on what I needed to do and stay focused. She became my cheerleader, my coach, a hard taskmaster, and an honest reader who wasn’t afraid to tell me she if didn’t like something. She even sent me little exercises to help me breathe when I had myself so wound up that I couldn’t think straight.
I don’t know what I would’ve done without you, Jenn. Don’t ever leave me!
Andrew Biernat, thank you for your positive messages. While I was struggling to finish the rewrite, I told Andrew I needed motivation, and boy, did he pick up the ball and run with it. Andrew, you are sweet, and smart, and you have a big, beautiful heart. I can’t wait to see you on the cover of my book later this year.
Lori Ryser, what would I do without you? Like my previous books, Lori has been the very last set of eyes to scan and correct any errors or inconsistencies. If anyone finds a mistake, I guarantee it’s something I did after she looked at it.
Thank you to my line editor, Lisa Poisso. My books shine because of you. I’m so lucky to have found you.
To my son, Garrett, thank you for another great cover. I know I drove you crazy, but I love it. And to Lisa Hopstock and Marissa Miller, thank you for the time you put into the original cover. Even though we didn’t end up going that way, you guys did a wonderful job.
Kerry Palumbo, thank you for your friendship, your love, and your support. And thank you again for helping make my back cover copy stand out.
Jade Eby, thank you for your beautiful formatting and interior design of my books. I’m always thrilled once you’ve worked your magic.
Dennis Massone, thank you for your expertise on everything from what Chase would be doing in the pits before a race, to what he’d wash his hands with, to the excitement of driving a modified stock car. I named the driver of No. 57 after you. Stephanie Harris and Stacy Mendoza, thank you for your help with my other car questions. That part of the story will appear in Mrs. February.
My dear friend Diane Lane Stone—like Dennis, I’ve known you since junior high school. You read this book when it was nothing but ideas and scattered, random chapters. You encouraged me to keep writing, so I did. Thank you. And thank you for inspiring Rain’s feisty best friend.
To one of my dearest friends, Ione Connolly. Thank you for driving me around the old neighborhoods so I could visit and photograph some of my old haunts which are used as settings in this book. Every time we’re together, I feel like I’m sixteen again. We need to do it more often.
To my lovely daughter-in-law, Olka Cimms, thank you for translating Irena’s words into Polish and helping make her a far more interesting character.
Thank you to my beta readers, Ann Travis and Lydia Fasteland. I can always count on you both to give me clear, detailed, honest feedback. And thanks to the very earliest readers, Tyra Hattersley and Rhonda Donaldson. You helped me take a hard look at where Miss February was going and change that direction.
Sandy Barg, you are amazing. You read and reread, and then read again. Not only that, you have championed me on Facebook, sharing teasers and connecting me with other authors. If I thanked you a thousand times, it still wouldn’t be enough.
Whitney Barbetti, you laugh when I call you my mentor, but seriously, you are my guiding star. If it weren’t for you, very few people would know my name or have read my books. Someday I’m going to hug you—super hard. Thank you a zillion times over for all you’ve done for me.
Jena Camp at Indie Girl Promotions, thank you for the fabulous teasers and graphics, and everything you’ve done for me as well, through this book and my last ones. You’re the best.
Nick Denmon, thank you again for your beautiful words and for allowing me to use them as my epigraph for Miss February. You touch my heart, always.
To the members of my fan group, the VIP Room, I love you guys. You’ve lifted me up when I needed it, made me laugh, gave me support, and we can’t forget Sandy’s “Good Morning” posts, (which help us all wake up with a smile!)
Thank you to all of the bloggers who have shared my work. Where would we indie authors be without you?
And lastly, to my husband, Jim. You put up with so much so that I can lock myself away in the attic and write. Thank you for everything you do for me. I would be lost without you.