Every book, I tell myself that I’ll do better about writing long paragraphs of gratitude to the people who’ve helped me in the process of getting the story from plot to The End. Michael was the most difficult book to follow through that process. He and Brooke challenged me, made me want to rip my hair, made me cry and made me laugh. So while my brain is mildly fried from getting this book ready to go into the world, I’m going to try my best to give proper thanks to the people who helped me.

My husband, who never judges me when fictional people stress me out to an insane degree, for never guilting me when I’m up into the wee hours writing, for always supporting my schedule and this dream I keep pursuing. I promise that someday, I’ll write a book set in Banff so that we can research the crap out of that place.

To one of my dearest and oldest friends, Sarah, who has been doing my hair since we were 16 and stupid and used those highlighter caps that never did a good job, and now is the BEST cosmetologist in the world. She let me pick her brain about what Brooke's worst kind of day would be and what her dream in-home salon would look like. 

There were two people who I sent countless voice messages to, spent time on the phone with, picked their brain to the point that they’ll probably be as happy about this book being out as I am, and that’s Jena Campbell and Amy Daws. Y’all kept me sane (kinda sane, I guess) throughout this process, and you’ve championed Brooke and Michael is a major way. You’ve championed me in a major way, and I’m so thankful. You both knew I was writing a book that was a little different than the norm for me, and you never hesitated in your honesty and support and encouragement.

Stephanie Reid came in at the end, held nothing back when it came to Michael, then held my hand so we could talk through it, and my book is so much better because of it. All of my books have been better because you’re reading them for me.

Whitney Barbetti, who made the unfortunate decision to cowrite a book with me when I decided to up my release date by two months, thereby getting the crazy end of Karla for a solid two weeks. Heh. I promise never, EVER to do that again. But despite that, you never pressured me when I was at the end of my rope and needed sleep instead of writing the chapter I was supposed to.

Caitlin Terpstra for your honesty, and support in always reading what I throw at you!

The women who made this book clean and beautiful- Alexis Durbin, Ginelle Blanch, Amanda Yeakel, Najla Qamber and Jade Eby.

And the cover. Oy with the cover. I love it! Brittainy Cherry, who just decided to be like, OH HECK YEAH we can find you a hot couple for this cover! And she did. She found Alexa Kait and her husband, who are the perfect muses for Brooke and Michael. And because of finding them, she found me Braadyn Penrod, who took the beautiful pictures, and I hope will keep taking beautiful pictures so I can continue using them!

My reader group, the Sorensen Sorority, for being awesome.

The author groups that I’m in who give information and encouragement and laughs and SANITY. All of which are endlessly needed in this career. (I’m lookin at you, Staci Hart, for those bad boys. I don’t know what I’d do without them.)

My parents and friends and family for getting it when I disappear into the writing cave, even if they might not understand why!

Give Me Books for the promo! I’m so thrilled with all of your help.

The readers. Whether you’re a blogger or a reader or whatever you call yourself … without YOU, I wouldn’t be doing this. None of us would be doing this. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I’ll keep saying it, because you make all the crappy days worth it.

My boys. Who are finally old enough to understand that sometimes Mommy needs to hide behind her laptop and ‘work’. It’s all for you in my pursuit of happiness (Needtobreathe).

And my Savior, for the forgiveness that I could never deserve, but is given freely anyway.