ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Bruce and our sweet babies...My pirate and my princess,

Thank you for being imaginative, inquisitive and incredible children. Writing Drew was so much fun because he has pieces of you both in him.

Thank you for understanding when Mommy had to work, when you wanted my attention.

Bruce, you’ve had to listen to me talk about fictional characters and word count for months! Thanks for hanging in there! You’ve put up with the late nights, the mood swings and me “checking out” to make this dream come true, thanks! I love you all! #myworld

Mom, Thanks for stepping in and helping out! I couldn’t do it without you! Thank you for believing in me and this crazy dream! #myhero

Cary, I can’t imagine not being on this journey together! Even when we’re both tired and grouchy, and in desperate need of coffee, we kick each other’s asses and we pick each other up! You have listened to me talk about this book, plot it, dream it and write it...chapter by chapter. You have pushed me and asked the questions that needed asking! You helped make this book what it is, because you never accepted less than my very best! Thank you! #BFF #TwinningIsWinning #nosleep #ever #messybungettingshitdone #HartandHolland #HyH

Aunt Jackie,

This book is to honor your daughter, on her birthday. My cousin, my sister and friend. It started as an idea, that became so much more. Wendy’s story changed, because Jamie’s did. I hope you find some comfort in these words about hope and healing. I love you always. #sallyjo

Hailey,

This book is dedicated to your beautiful, sweet momma. She was a light to all who knew her and I see that same light in you! Someday when you’re older, much older, you can read this! I love you Hailey Bug, Love Auntie B #luckygodmother

Shelly,

We sang Lost Boy to Jamie in that hospital room and tried to let her know it was ok to let go. Thanks for being strong for me, when I couldn’t be for myself! Love you sister! #family

My crazy, amazing, vibrant family! Thanks for inspiring me!!!! Chelsea, Happy Birthday! Remember when you first saw the sample cover? It’s came a long way! #JamieStrong

Olivia, Thanks for answering my endless random questions all hours of the night and believing in me! You saved the day with your Wendy/Willow catch! Thanks for being anal and catching what so many missed! #nsfw

Stephanie Storckman,

My dear friend...you listened to the first chapter of this book while driving in the car, two years ago. Thanks for asking for more and believing in me! #ogfriend

Stephanie St. Klaire, My ass kicking cheerleader! Thanks for truly believing in me, and sharing your wisdom! You were one of the very few people that I trusted this story with...I was going through a dark time and this story was on hold for so long. Your excitement for my vision breathed new life into this project for me!!! Thank you for pushing me! Love your face! #yawngirl #ohwiseone

Fabiola Francisco, Thank you for reading this story in the midst of your own writing deadlines and catching little things that were crucial to the integrity of the story. Thanks for seeing beyond the words and asking all the right questions. Also, for being concerned about Drew’s education! Scarlett says thanks for getting her scene added at the end! #despacito #truancyofficer

Christy Pastore, Thank you for helping me keep Piers classy and know when to say washroom and when to say loo! Thanks for letting me pick your classy and cultured brain and talking me down! #ClassyAF #cockney

Dawn aka the Coma Queen!!! Love you and all of your OCD ways. Your patience and flexibility always amazes me! #grabatissue

Tammy,

My Beta Queen!!! Thank you for your incredible eagle eyes! You’re the best beta a girl could ask for!!! Xoxo #eagleeyes

Juliana aka Jersey Girl, I’m so glad I found you! Thanks for seeing how important this story is to me...for making the formatting perfect and beautiful! #BBCQueen

Najla Qamber, This cover has been done a long time...waiting for the story to be told. Thanks for getting inside my mind and bringing my vision to life in the form of a breathtaking cover! You are magical! Xoxo! #goddess

Becca Manuel aka Becca the Bibliophile, Thank you for creating an amazing trailer and bringing Piers & Willow to life. You captured their story beautifully! I love it more than words! #destiny

To my After Hours Book House bitches, You’re my favorite country song, my favorite pair of high heels, my favorite trip, and my heart all in one! I’m continually learning from you!!! #therealmrshunt #classypineapple #jetlagged #hartbreaker #imtheoneinglasses #AHBH

To Stracey, Antonette & Niki,

The world has never known better pimps! I’m not sure what I did to deserve you three, but I LOVE you all so freaking hard!!!! Every post, tag, nomination, share, gif and meme is appreciated!!! Thank you Ant for stepping up and handling the ST and my beautiful new logo!

#PimpsRus #HollandsHustlers #jailbirds

Last but not least!!! My Binge Readers,

Thanks for all your support!!! Having you in my group, in my corner, pushes me on days I want to stay hidden away!!! Jen Williams, Heather Nobbs and Meagan Brino, who have been with me since book one! Thanks for always participating and for my daily dose of Jon Snow! Cheryl for trying to keep me organized. Jennifer Corzine and McKenzie Steffen, your beautiful and encouraging words (and your tears) helped ease my mind as this story was about to go live! Starr for the quizzes...just all of you! You’re amazing! Thank you! <3 #8inchesofsnow #getyourbingeon