Since writing Trixie Belden fan fiction during fifth-grade recess, becoming a published author has been my dream. A dream that would have never come true without the help and support of all these fantastic people:
My rock-star literary agent, Katheen Rushall of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. I can’t thank you enough for your support and encouragement and for always believing that Cookie’s story would find the perfect home.
My incredible editor, Natashya Wilson. I am so grateful for your time and help in making this book as good as it could possibly be. Working with you has made me a better and more thoughtful writer.
The whole team at Harlequin TEEN, including Evan Brown, Linette Kim, Shara Alexander, Gigi Lau, Laci Ann, Margaret Marbury and Gabrielle Vicedomini. Extra-special thanks to Bryn Collier for being an early advocate of my story, to Lauren Smulski for all your support (and not being annoyed every time I ask for books), to Laura Gianino for believing in this book and Krista Mitchell for all your encouragement on social media.
The HarperCollins Children’s Sales Team. A huge part of the dream for writers is seeing their books on store shelves and you make that happen. Thank you for all you do to connect writers with readers.
My daughter, Evelyn. Thank you for your love, patience and for always being my instant teen focus group. Whenever I feel down about the world, I remember that someday you and your generation will be running it. Nothing fills me with optimism more than that idea.
My mom, May Porter. Luckily, my real mom is nothing like Cookie’s. Thank you for always being there for me. I couldn’t have done this without you!
My friends and family. Massive thanks to Cassidy Pavelich, JoAnn Fuller, Amie Allor, Debbie Pirone, Shanna Weissman and Rita Sivigny for not laughing when I said I was working on my novel and for always enthusiastically supporting this book.
Riki Cleveland, my BFF and BBFF—best book friend forever. Thanks for all our Sunday writing sessions, for being my very first reader and, above all, for your friendship.
The Kick-AZ girls, Tawney Bland, Lisa Arneth and Amy Trueblood. I still miss our old critique group and was so fortunate to find you all when I did.
The AZ YA/MG writer community. Thank you all, especially Dusti Bowling, Stephanie Elliot, Kristen Hunt and Lorri Phillips for sharing your books, coffee, advice and camaraderie.
Kate Brauning, Sarah Hollowell and Abigail Johnson. Thank you for reading early versions of this book and providing invaluable feedback. Any mistakes are my own.
Kaitlyn Sage Patterson, an incredible author and person. I’m inspired by your work and am thankful we are friends.
Patricia Nelson. I’m so grateful for your early support.
The online writing community. Thanks especially to my Pitch Wars 2014 buds for being the best community ever, to the Electric Eighteens for sharing our debut experience and to Class of 2K18 for friendship and fearless fiction.
My amazing husband, Jim deVos. Thank you for your unconditional love and support and always believing in me and my dream. Taking that seat next to you in Junior English was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Finally, to you, the reader. Thank you. I can’t tell you what it means to me that I was able to share this story with you.