What I ask of you is this: Take a moment, if you have yet to do so, and ask your elders about their lives. Put down your phones and listen. They will astound you.
I couldn’t be prouder of this novel, which took me many years (and tries) to perfect. After writing four memoirs, I learned that writing a novel is—as my esteemed agent, Wendy Sherman, told me—akin to wrestling a bear to the ground. Well, I wrestled the bear to the ground and got pretty torn up along the way. But I learned a lot, too. The journey has been so worth it. An artist, I believe, should always be a bit uncomfortable in their work. It makes you question, worry, wonder, stretch, and ultimately, better.
That’s a great transition to Wendy, whom I just can’t thank enough … not only for being a great agent and friend, of course, but also for being much more than that. See, I didn’t think I could do this. And you never stopped believing in me. You guided, you coached, you taught, you listened, you cheered, you worried, but you never dished out false BS. Did you send me packing quite a few times? Yep. But I listened. Over and over. And when I knew you liked it, when I knew you were ready, when I said, “I’m scared,” you said, “Let me be your parachute.”
To Laurie Chittenden: Reunited and it feels so gooood … Sorry, but I’m a Peaches & Herb–era guy. Honestly, I couldn’t have dreamed of a better fit for this novel, and to be back with you a decade after America’s Boy—after we have both grown and changed so much—seems as if it has always been part of a bigger plan. Your early enthusiasm for The Charm Bracelet (I mean, you have a charm bracelet!) has meant the world. You have also helped make this book infinitely deeper, richer, and more resonant. It’s never “work” to work with you.
Speaking of early and ongoing enthusiasm: To the entire team at St. Martin’s Press and Thomas Dunne Books—Sally Richardson, Tom Dunne, Pete Wolverton, Jen Enderlin, and Lisa Senz—huge, heartfelt thanks. I have never been met with such a warm embrace, and it means the world. Thanks also to Melanie Fried (a Michigan girl!) as well as Cameron MacLeod Jones, whose charm illustrations were (pardon the pun) absolutely charming and truly captured the beauty and sentimentality of the novel and my family’s charms.
To Jenny Meyer: Gracias! Danke sch?n! Grazie! How many ways are there to say thank you? You seem to have found plenty! Truly, an author’s dream is to see their work published around the world, and you have made that dream come true. To see offers for The Charm Bracelet to be translated into German, Russian, Italian, Polish, Spanish, and on and on has made me cry every time. You are amazing at what you do. And a wonderful person to boot. (Same to you, Shane King!)
Heartfelt thanks to Kim Perel, who offered wonderful early insights and directions for making this book come to life.
Huge hugs to McLean & Eakin Booksellers (Jess, Bess, and Kirstyn … and, of course, you, too, Matt!) and Jill Miner and Jody Chwatun at Saturn Booksellers, who were also early readers of the manuscript, and who took time from their insane schedules to offer key, critical feedback that made this book better. I would not be here without you.
Caroline Leavitt: Your talents know no limits. You are not only an amazing writer, you are also a gifted editor. You pushed me, encouraged me, and—more than anything—believed in me when my soul needed a major hug. You also helped me at the drop of a hat more times than I can count with more things than I can count. I am so proud to call you a friend. We are manic, creative, kindred spirits.
Nancy Thayer: I remember how nervous I was reaching out to you. I remember how gracious you were in return. Thank you isn’t enough. I adore you.
Debbie Macomber: Reaching out to Debbie for an early blurb was sort of like me saying, “I’m going to fly to the moon.” It didn’t seem possible. But that’s the thing about dreams: They often come true. Thank you, Debbie. Your early support was instrumental in this book’s momentum and success. For you to squeeze my book into your insane schedule is beyond humbling. And to Renate Roth: Thanks for helping every step of the way!
Adriana Trigiani: To see a flurry of exclamation points and x’s and o’s from you and then seeing you would love to blurb my book nearly landed me in the hospital. But being hoarse the next day was so worth it. You are one of my inspirations. Your kindness equals your talent.
To my mutts, Doris and Mabel: You keep me sane. Along with wine, coffee, and lots of running. And wine.