First, I want to acknowledge YOU! Thank you for picking my books, reading them, recommending them to others, and for all of your kind messages. It means the world to me. Thank you! Thank you! YOU ROCK!!

My boys, Boo Boo and Chachi: You two are my heart. Even though I write for a living, I don’t have words to express how much I love you. I appreciate every second of every single day with you. You continue to inspire me and show me how to be a better person. Thank you for being proud of me.

Rhonda Helms, Kathy Bosman, and Tandy Boese: Thank you all for your kindness, enthusiasm, and guidance in helping to make Open Your Heart the fun and fabulous story it is today. I truly appreciate how each of you helped me polish this book to make me look like an English pro. I’m so grateful your keen eyes catch the areas where I trip up.

Elizabeth, Amber, Kristen: Thank you for beta-reading and critiquing Open Your Heart. I value your opinions and honesty, and appreciate how wonderful you are at kicking my butt into shape, while still being kind. Thank you for all of your encouragement and support. It means the world to me.

Sunni: Thank you for your encouragement, positivity, and kindness. And for coming up with the awesome new name for my readers group. I’m so grateful our love of Missio, and other amazing bands, brought us together.

Missio. (Matthew and David): I first heard your music in January 2017, when I was going through an extremely difficult time in my life. Your music, along with your genuine kindness and openness, helped me on my path to discover who I am and who I want to be. Thank you for being a light for me and countless others. I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.

#Loners. #MissiFam. #MissioMafia: 2017 was an amazing year of self-discovery for me. Those discoveries brought me to Missio, and in turn, to each of you. I’m grateful for your encouragement, support, and friendships. You lift me up and make life richer. I’m so glad I got to connect personally with many of you in my travels. I look forward to doing it again and again and…

The phenomenal staff at Amélie’s French Bakery and Free Range Brewing on North Davidson in Charlotte, NC: Not sure if anyone in either place realized that I wrote this entire book within that bakery and brewery, but I did—edits and all. I was drawn in by the delicious food and tasty drinks, but I return for the wonderful people and eclectic, all-encompassing, positive vibe. Thanks to everyone at both places for creating a space where anyone can come in, sit down, and feel comfortable.

I’m extremely grateful and humbled to have phenomenal friends: I will always take a moment to thank my #TZWNDUBC peeps and original RT ladies because I couldn’t imagine my life without your encouragement and support. I’m proud to call each one of you my friend, and appreciate that you’ve always accepted me as I am, no matter what stage of my life.

Every author, reader, blogger, and friend I’ve connected with in the writing world: This truly is an amazing community of people who build up their peers to help each other succeed. I’m so fortunate to be part of such a supportive environment.