Acknowledgments - The Woman of the House

To my earliest readers: Alanna, Tess, and Malika. Thank you for lending me your eyes and for encouraging me to keep writing. Your feedback and, more importantly, your friendship mean so much to me.

Thank you to the Saturday afternoon group: Anne-Marie, Kathy, and Lori, whose notes and edits helped shape this book into what it is today. To write is to share a piece of yourself, and I know my words and I are always safe with you.

To my dear mentor and friend Jerrilyn Farmer: I value your continued support and unwavering encouragement more than you know. I’m a better writer because of you and for that I’ll forever be grateful. Thank you.

Thank you to my agent, Nicole Cunningham, and the team at Trellis. Thank you for believing in this story and for believing in me. Nicole, this book has benefited so much from your meticulous mind and your fantastic ideas. I pinch myself every day that I get to work with you. Thank you thank you thank you.

To my incredible editor, Michelle Vega: Thank you for championing me, for understanding me, and for being on the same page as me every step of the way. I’m not sure what I did to find myself in your magical orbit, but I sure am lucky.

To the entire team at Berkley: Annie Odders, Danielle Keir, Kim-Salina I, Jennifer Lynes, Christine Legon, George Towne, Sarah Brody, and Tyriq Moore. I can’t thank you enough for your collaboration, commitment, and passion.

Thank you to my sounding board, Jimmy. Your unwavering certainty means everything.

To my husband, Donnie: Thank you for helping me chase my dreams. Without you, Cullen, and Lena, none of it matters.