This is the hardest part for me: expressing my feelings to the people who have made such a difference in my life—from the moment I typed the first word in my debut novel, to when I typed “the end” in this one. I’ve been the recipient of so much unconditional love that it continues to amaze and astound me on a daily basis.
First and foremost, I would like to thank my Heavenly Father for seeing me through this journey. He alone knows the personal struggles that went into writing this novel. He alone knows my heart and how it has swelled with love for the people who have shared their love for me and the whirlwind that has been Nine Minutes.
To Jim, Kelli, and Katie Flynn, my husband and daughters. You have selflessly given a part of yourselves to help me realize my dream. I always tell people “family first,” but each of you has allowed yourself to become last so that I could do my best to continue to bring this story to life. Your patience, love, understanding, and willingness to support my newfound love of writing is a blessing, and I could not have done it without you.
To Kelli Flynn. Thank you for not only agreeing to be my muse for Ginny, but for meticulously coordinating the photo shoot. I love that I get to see your beautiful face every time I glance at my cover. I love you, firstborn.
To Allison Simon. Thank you for your kindness, your patience, and your dedication to guiding me through the final steps of publishing my books. You never say no to me and you never make me feel like I'm bothering you -especially when I know I am. You are a true friend and I am blessed to have you in my life.
To Joseph and Patricia Blasi. Thank you for being the best parents in the world and my biggest fans. Your love and support means more than you could ever know. I love you both so very much.
To Jennifer L. Hewitt. Thank you for taking me by the hand and patiently introducing me to the online book world and for helping me navigate it ever since. I will be forever grateful for your love of Nine Minutes and your determination to get it “out there.” It worked!
To Adriana Leiker and Nisha E. George. Thank you for being the better two-thirds of our Three Musketeers Club. Your daily devotion to helping and supporting me cannot be measured. I value your friendships and could not, would not, have gotten through this book if it weren’t for the two of you. I love you both to Jupiter and back. But you already know that.
To Jessica Brodie. Thank you for being the best editor an author could ask for. I am so very grateful for your hard work and dedication. I just came up with the story, but you are responsible for making it shine. Thank you, my friend.
To Cheryl Desmidt. Thank you for your eleventh-hour saves. You swoop in when I need you the most and go above and beyond. Your love and dedication to my story causes my heart to swell with love and gratitude.
To Josie Melendez. Thank you for “stumbling upon” my story and sharing it with your friends. You were there from the beginning, and I am so glad you never left. You are the first person who told me you would not accept the fact that Grizz was dead. I was okay with that because I knew the truth all along.
To Sommer Stein. Thank you for creating a cover that not only tied my trilogy together, but exceeded everything I dreamt it could be. It is absolutely gorgeous. YOU are amazing and I am forever grateful.
To Ashlee Rumery. Thank you for creating the perfect look for Kelli. Your talent and expertise is greatly appreciated.
My continued love and heartfelt appreciation also go to the following people who, in their own special way, are responsible for contributing to seeing this novel come to fruition. My apologies if I accidentally left someone out: Aleksandra Adamovic, Allison M. Simon, Anitra Townsend, Beverly Tubb, Catherine Gray, Charity Pierce, Chelsea Cronkrite, Cheryl Desmidt, Christine Pappas, Christy M. Baldwin, Connie Thompson, Corinne Regan Bridges, Denise Sprung, Eli Peters, Ellen Widom, Erin Thompson, Eva McFarden, Heidi Wiley, Jackson Tiller, #JamieOskavarek, Jessica Frider, Jodi Marie Maliszewski, Kate Sterritt, Kelli Blasi, Kim Holden, Lisa Mondragon, Liz Himsworth, Louise Husted, Lynsey Simpson, Marcia Miller-Rogers, Maria Angie Mendoza, Mary Dry, MJ Fryer, Melissa Rice, Nicole Sands, Nicky Boutte, Paola Cortes, Samantha Cobb, Samantha O’sarah Deonarine, Sara Lopez, SE Hall, Shasta Baumgarner, Sunshine Lykos, Suzanne Perry, Teresa Childress, Tesrin Afzal, Vanderline Thorpe and Wendy LeGrand.
Again, my deepest gratitude goes to you all.