Thank you for taking a chance on this book. It’s a departure from the emotional love stories I usually write, so I very much appreciate you coming on this journey with me.
Most of my books are traditionally published through Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster. I appreciate all they have done for my books in the past and all they’ll do with my future books.
Verity, however, is a personal indie project, which is why you might not be able to find this book in physical form anywhere other than online. It’s a project I was excited to branch out and write on my own, and I am very grateful to Atria Books for allowing me to have that opportunity.
It’s been a while since I’ve been through the entire process without the delicate hands of a publisher, so I have a lot of people to thank. Bear with me.
1) My mother. Always. With every book I write, it gets harder to find that same level of excitement I had while writing my first book. Without fail, my mother always brings that back to me. She makes me believe I have a brilliant mind, when really it’s mediocre. She makes me think the book I’m writing is the best book I’ve ever written, even though she says it with every book I write. Sometimes I’ll call her in the middle of the night and say, “Please, just read this one chapter!” And she will. Or she at least pretends to. Either way, it keeps me moving forward and is the sole reason any of my novels ever reach completion. Thank you, Mom. Your belief in me makes me want to believe in myself.
2) My favorite group on Facebook, Colleen Hoover’s CoHorts. We’re close to fifty thousand members now, yet it still feels like such a close-knit community. When someone is having a bad day, you encourage them. When someone can’t afford a book, you help them. When someone has something to celebrate, you celebrate with them. There is nothing but absolute love and support in this group, and I will defend that ‘til the end. We have no room for negativity or (metaphorical) dicks. But we do have plenty of room for new readers if you want to come check us out. I LOVE YOU, COHORTS!
3) Lauren Levine. I will forever be grateful to you for being part of the team that brought Confess to life. And while witnessing one of my books become an actual TV show was a phenomenal experience, it has been nothing compared to your friendship. Your support is unmatched. Someday I will return the favor.
4) Tarryn Fisher. I don’t even know where to start. I’m very lucky to have supportive people in my life, but I’m not sure anyone wants to see me succeed like you do. You celebrate the success of others like no one I know. You are the Tarryn to my Colleen. Because you literally are.
5) Lin Reynolds. You’re my favorite sister.
6) Murphy Fennell. You’re also my favorite sister.
7) To my granny, Vannoy Gentles. You are too sweet to read a book like this. Which is exactly why I’ll be giving you the first physical copy. ;)
8) To those of you who are in my life because of the book world but would continue to be in my life without it. Chelle Lagoski Northcutt, Kristin Phillips Delcambre, Pamela Carrion, Laurie Darter, Kay Miles, Marion Archer, Jenn Benando, Karen Lawson, Vilma Gonzalez, Susan Gilbert Rossman, Tasara Vega, Anjanette Guerrero, Maria Blalock, Talon Smith, Melinda Knight and about two hundred more of you, THANK YOU for always being willing to let me run paragraphs, chapters, and entire novels by you. And for all you do to support my career. I love each and every one of you.
9) E.L. James. Your successful career does not impress me nearly as much as your soul. You’re amazing in so many ways, but my favorite thing about you is the love and appreciation you have for your readers. You set a great example to authors everywhere.
10) Kim Holden. I just wanted to thank you for being you. Keep being that. #DoEpic
11) Caroline Kepnes. One time, years ago, I wrote half of a book in second person, only to be told by my publisher that one of their other authors was soon releasing a book in second person and I might want to rethink it. I didn’t know you. I muttered profanity in your direction, as I had to rewrite half of my book. When my publicist mailed me your book to read early, I cursed even more as I read it because it was so great. And then, somehow, we became friends after I sent you a message and threatened to murder you. I believe my friendship with you has a weirder beginning than any other friendship I have. Which makes it perfect. I am so grateful you are in my life. Even though I’m a little afraid of your mind. Congratulations on your new phenomenal television series. When YOU hits Netflix, it’s going to explode even more than it already has. I’m so excited for you.
12) Shanna Crawford and Susan Gilbert Rossman, the two of you have made my life more manageable than I could have ever imagined. The work and dedication you both put into Book Bonanza and The Bookworm Box is unmatched. I couldn’t have two better people running that half of my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
13) Johanna Castillo. We had almost seven great years together. I’m heartbroken you are no longer my editor, but ecstatic for your new adventures. One thing that will never change is our friendship. I miss you and can’t wait to see where your new journey takes you!
14) Jane Dystel. In the beginning of my career, I was a fish lost at sea without a single clue about this business. It’s been seven years now, and I am STILL a fish lost at sea without a single clue about this business. But with you at my side, I never have to worry. Thank you for taking all the stressful pieces of this business I don’t want to deal with and attacking them like no one else could. I am beyond grateful for you.
15) Lauren Abramo. You are a machine. I hope you take a full week off for the holidays and turn off your phone. I’ve never known anyone more dedicated and organized than you. Your patience with my lack of organization knows no bounds. Thank you for all you do!
16) Elissa Down. Thank you for bringing Owen and Auburn to life in Confess. You’re a phenomenal director and an equally phenomenal human. Working with you was such a wonderful experience, I hope we get to do it again.
17) Brooke Howard. I just love you. Everything about you. Thank you for putting up with me.
18) Joy and Holly Nichols. Y’all are two of my favorite people. I’m so happy y’all are in my life now.
19) Stephanie Cohen. I pretty much owe everything to you. All of it. You are amazing in so many ways and I am so lucky our paths crossed. I can’t imagine my life without you in it. I can’t imagine I would even have this career if it weren’t for you. You are the epitome of what humans should strive to be, and I mean that. I know it isn’t easy running my life because I make it way more difficult than it should be. But because of you, I don’t have to change who I am. Thanks for that.
20) Erica Ramirez and Brenda Perez. My favorite sister duo and two of the sweetest people I have the pleasure of knowing. I appreciate you both so very much and am so lucky to have you both in my life.
21) Book Club. I know I’m the worst book club member, but thank y’all so much for that one night every month when we just get to hang out, talk books, and eat cake. It’s my favorite night of the month.
22) Melinda Knight. I’m so grateful for you and your whole family. All you guys have done for our charity is appreciated. I’m so happy that Cale and Emma have each other. Now move to Hopkins County, already.
23) Tiffanie DeBartolo. Thank you for your books and thank you for your excellent taste in music. You are my go-to when I need good art in my life.
24) Kim Jones. Thank you for…well…maybe I’ll remember by the time I write the acknowledgments for my next book.
25) Social Butterfly, Murphy Rae, Marion Making Manuscripts, Karen Lawson, Elaine York. Thank y’all for the edits, the marketing, the cover design, the formatting, and the work each of you put into this book.
26) Shannon O’Neill. Thank you for all you’ve done for The Bookworm Box and the book community in general. You are a shining star in this industry.
27) KA Tucker. I still want to collaborate on a book with you, so I’m thanking you in advance for agreeing to it. I’ve been told what you put into this world will manifest, so this is me, manifesting our collaboration.
28) Tillie Cole. I know we don’t know each other all that well, but I just wanted to thank you for your insta stories. Watching you talk is like therapy for me. You should probably bill me for all the therapy sessions I’ve saved money on now that I have your stories.
29) Jenn Sterling. I need new post cards for my computer, Jenn. Get on it. I miss your face. I’m so happy to see you happy.
30) Abbi Glines. Thank you for all you’ve done for me this year. I know it isn’t easy being away from that precious family of yours, but I am and always will be grateful for your friendship and the time you give. You’re a rockstar.
31) Ariele Fredman Stewart. Thank you for letting me steal a name from you. You shouldn’t have such great taste in names and terrible taste in friends. I love you.
32) Kathryn Perez. How you’ve handled the past year of your life has been nothing short of inspiring. Thank you for being you, for being there for me, and for being so positive in a world that sometimes makes that difficult.
33) BB Easton. Will you say hello to Ken for me?
34) Dina Silver. Your cat is dumb.
35) Kendall Ryan. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to give me advice and encouragement. I appreciate it more than you know!
36) Levi, Cale, and Beckham. I love you all so much. You make me proud every day. Please don’t read this book.
37) Heath Hoover. You aren’t allowed to read this book, either. I love you and I would like to stay married to you.
38) Thank you to bloggers. The hard work you put into your careers simply because you love books is inspiring. I’m sorry the ARCs for this particular book were such a hot mess. That happens when you don’t finish the book until four days before release. I will do better next time, I promise. Thank you for ALL you do.
39) To every one of you reading these acknowledgments. Whether you’re here because you hate this book or here because you love it, the important thing is that you are reading. Thank you for that. Now that you’ve finished this one, go devour another one. <3
40) To Vance Fite, the man who raised me since I was four years old. You were and still are a huge inspiration. I miss you. We all do.
“With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.” –Desiderata by Max Ehrmann