I don’t always remember the exact moment I thought of a story idea, but I do for this one. Unfortunately, the moment is nothing glamorous—I was putting away laundry in my daughter’s room—but I was so instantly in love with the story that I immediately told two people.
My husband, Ben, was the first. Your confidence in me and my ability to actually get this book down on paper has been unfailing from the beginning. Thank you for indulging all my, “Did you know in the Twenties that . . . ?” tidbits, the crazy amount of research books that started landing on our doorstep, and the investment of time this book took.
The other person I told right away was author and friend Roseanna M. White. Thank you for every pep talk, every question answered, and every moment of hand holding that I so desperately (and constantly!) needed along the way. And thank you for letting me hold your research books hostage. I can probably send those back to you now . . .
McKenna, you have been so patient and understanding and prayerful as I’ve worked on Piper’s story. I’m so lucky to have a daughter like you. Connor, I couldn’t have written Lydia’s character without you and the journey you’re on. You teach me every day about choosing joy—thank you! Eli, thanks for completing our family. We’re so happy you’re here!
Sandra Bishop, thank you so much for your tireless faith and patience. Thank you specifically for the poolside pep talk all those years ago. Even though I hadn’t yet thought of the idea for Piper’s story, your encouragement to pursue stories I love for an audience I love gave me the assurance I needed to write this book.
Jillian Manning, it’s been a joy to work with you on The Lost Girl of Astor Street. Your enthusiasm, vision, and hard work made the book stronger and deeper. Thank you so much for believing in this story and developing its potential. I’m also grateful for the entire Blink team, specifically Breanna Dey, Jacque Alberta, and Ron Huizinga. What a privilege it is to work with such smart, creative people.
Jill Williamson, Shannon Dittemore, and Rachelle Rea, thank you for taking the time to read early versions of this story and for strengthening it with your writerly wisdom. Karen Buckman, thank you for studying something so useful in college and pointing me in the right direction when I needed sources on early forensics. Sally Bradley, thank you for taking the time to help with my Chicago research, even when this book was barely an idea.
Mom and Dad, you’ve encouraged my love of reading and writing since I was itty-bitty. Thank you for your words of encouragement then and your acts of encouragement now—watching the kids so I can write, reading early versions of my books, and understanding when I can’t do something because I have to work. You’re the best.
Ann and Bruce, thank you for all the free babysitting and support. Writing would still be on my “Someday, I want to . . .” list if it weren’t for your willingness to watch the kids so frequently.
Kelli Stouder, you once told me that you hate slow dancing because you always try to lead. Thank you not just for being such a supportive friend, but also being someone who says fabulous stuff that I can steal for characters.
There’s no way I could write if I didn’t have such amazing, loving people caring for McKenna and Connor. Thank you Lauren Sargent, Ruth Jones, Debbie Anderson, Sheila Bieberbach, and Stephanie Dickinson for loving on and teaching my kids while I worked on this book.
Lastly, thank you to the amazing writers who hang out with me on GoTeenWriters.com. It’s an honor to be on the writing journey with you!