The acknowledgments should be the most exciting part of finishing a novel. For me, it’s always the most difficult because I can never seem to find the words that adequately describe the level of appreciation that I feel. My apologies if I’ve left someone out.

First, and always foremost, I thank my Heavenly Father. The Iron Tiara wouldn’t have been possible without inspiration from above, and so it is with a grateful heart that I give credit where credit is due. Thank you, Lord, for once again bringing me to a new level of spiritual awareness. You issued a challenge which I battled against for almost five months. I was convinced it just couldn’t be done Your way. But, You proved me wrong. May You always continue to prove me wrong as I seek Your will.

If any of my readers think they might know what this challenge was, I’d love to hear from you at . I’m always up for a good old-fashioned God discussion since He happens to be my favorite topic!

Jim, Kelli and Katie. Thank you for being a continued source of strength and unconditional support for this crazy passion I found so late in life.

And now, in alphabetical order by first name, I give my heartfelt gratitude to the following:

Adriana Leiker and Nisha Reading. Thank you for the extraordinary privilege of being your friend. I am so grateful that the Three Musketeers are still as strong as the day we first discovered each other. I love you both to The Milky Way and back!

Adriana Leiker, Christy Baldwin, Darlene Ward Avery, Kell Donaldson, MeLissa Ferlita, Nicole Sands, and Nisha Reading. Thank you for your amazing beta reading skills. Your attention to detail, keen insight and passion for me and my stories is evident by the giving of your time and words of wisdom. I am eternally grateful to each and every one of you.

Amy Donnelly. Thank you for your tireless efforts in editing this story. And I do mean tireless because I know there were some days I drove you nuts! You’re not just a fantastic editor, but you are a cherished and trusted friend, and I'm honored to have you in my life. Your faith in me and The Iron Tiara kept me going. I love you, Amy!

Cameran Morgan Beckman. Thank you for helping me to keep Naples true to how it was in the seventies. Your help was much appreciated.

Cheryl Desmidt. Thank you for your willingness to put the finishing touches on The Iron Tiara for no other reason than because you love me and my crazy stories.

Christine Pappas, Eli Peters, Kali McQuillen, Tracy Justice, and Trisha Bass. Thank you for agreeing to help me with a last-minute favor. Your willingness to jump in at the eleventh hour was so very appreciated.

Jay Aheer. You took an almost impossible vision and created a masterpiece. Thank you for a book cover that went well beyond my expectations.

Judy Zweifel. You are always the last stop before publishing, and you never disappoint. Thank you for your excellent proofreading skills.

Kim Holden. Thank you for being you. I am always on the receiving end of your wisdom, your guidance and most importantly, your love. And for that, I am eternally grateful. You are my sunshine, Kim.

Maggie J. Cullin Nosbusch. Thank you for advising me on law enforcement verbiage. Any errors or deviation from standard are my own. Your help was greatly appreciated.

The Niners. Writing can be a singular and lonely experience, yet you make me smile every single day. Your love for me and my stories has brought immeasurable joy for which I will be forever grateful. Thank you from my whole heart.

Tijan. I remember you being one of the first authors to reach out to me when Nine Minutes started to get some notice. You’ve been a trusted friend since, always offering advice and guidance. Thank you for the gift of your friendship. You’re as classy as your name, and I love you!

I did very little research regarding Cherokee and Seminole heritage and customs sometimes choosing to create my own or expound on myths or stories I may have come across in the past. Any deviation from Native American culture was spun strictly from my imagination, and no disrespect is intended.