Finlay’s story is the first book I’ve written for an adult audience. I cannot adequately express in words how thankful I am to Kelley Ragland and Hannah Braaten for their willingness to take a chance on me and Finn. Thank you for making me feel so at home at Minotaur.
So many people have contributed their talents and strengths to the success of my books. Enormous love for the entire team at Minotaur and St. Martin’s Press, including Catherine Richards, Nettie Finn, Laura Dragonette, cover artist David Baldeosingh Rotstein, John Morrone, Allison Ziegler, and Sarah Melnyk. I couldn’t imagine a more wonderful home for Finn’s story.
And thanks to everyone working behind the scenes at Greenhouse Literary, Working Partners, and the wonderful folks at Rights People. A million thanks to Flora Hackett at WME for pitching Finlay with such amazing enthusiasm. I’m grateful for all you do.
Stretching wings and writing a new kind of book involves a leap of faith, as well as a steep learning curve. I’m grateful for the keen eyes and open hearts of writer friends who offered to read very early versions of this story. Tessa Elwood, Megan Miranda, Ashley Elston, Chelsea Pitcher, Romily Bernard, and Christy Farley—you all helped make Finn’s story so much stronger. And your enthusiasm early on, while my confidence was still a bit shaky, meant the world to me.
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Ashley Elston’s family, specifically Jim and Mary Patrick, who hosted us for dinner. We were all sitting around the table, laughing about our working lunch at Panera, when John and Sarabeth Ogburn first posed the question, “Wouldn’t it have been hilarious if those people in Panera thought you were contract killers?” That question started me down a path I never could have expected!
My mom has always been my biggest cheerleader, and during the writing of this book was no exception. Mom, thanks for all the ideas you jotted on index cards. Your excitement for my stories is unflagging and keeps my fires lit on my hardest days. I’m lucky to have an “idea person” like you. Also thanks to my mom, my dad, and Tony, for their endless patience and willingness to jump to my rescue when I need time to write my books. I could not do this job without my family’s steadfast confidence in everything I do.
Finn’s character and voice emerged from the deepest parts of myself. Maybe because we’re both authors （and therefore, always struggling）， but mostly because we’re both moms. Just like Finn, there’s nothing I wouldn’t risk or give of myself for my kids. Connor and Nick, in so many ways, every book is for you.
And last, for my readers, old and new. Thank you for embracing Finn, and thanks for being such a wonderful part of my story.