To my amazing editors, Shana Drehs and Margaret （MJ） Johnston, it’s been an honor and tremendous privilege to work with you again, and I’m beholden to you for your patience, wisdom, thoughtful advice, and exceptional edits, which made this book stronger. Much appreciation to my associate managing editor, Heather Hall; my wonderful copy editor, Diane Dannenfeldt; and my proofreader, Carolyn Lesnick, for their excellent and wise editing. To dearest Margaret Coffee, Valerie Pierce, Broche Fabian, and all the amazing and brilliant Sourcebooks team working diligently and tirelessly behind the scenes for authors—you are the very best of the best.
Much gratitude to book woman Christie Hinrichs for all your generous support connecting my book to readers.
Thank you to Stacy Testa, my dear friend and colleague, for your excellent edits, wise advice, and tremendous support on yet another book journey.
I’ve been blessed to have my books surrounded by amazing talent: singer extraordinaire Ruby Friedman, thank you for your gorgeous, rich tribute songs, and great appreciation to the remarkably talented actress Katie Schorr, who makes my novels shine and sing with pitch-perfect narration. It’s been a privilege working with you both. Masterful wordsmiths and friends Abbott and Sara, I love and thank you for your never-failing support and compassion during the good, bad, and crazy talk-me-off-the-ledge times.
Much love and gratitude to Virginia Berger for your always-generous spirit in lending GJ’s keen eyes and valuable insight to my work.
To Joe, my love and a Tommie in your own right. For decades, you worked selflessly and tirelessly, helping countless women survivors obtain justice—this one is for you—a compassionate man, husband, father, and best friend. As always, you never once wavered when you heard the call of the abrupt oo-oo—and I love you always like salt loves meat and send out a musical coo-coo-coo to your unshakable quest for justice.
About the Author
New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and USA Today bestselling author Kim Michele Richardson has written five works of historical fiction and a bestselling memoir. Kim Michele was born and raised in Kentucky and lives there with her family and beloved dogs. She is also the founder of Shy Rabbit, a writers’ residency and scholarship. To learn more, please visit Kim Michele on her Facebook page or on her website at kimmichelerichardson.com.