by Kelli Stuart
Thank you to my friend and agent, Rachel McMillan, who is a wealth of knowledge in the industry of writing and publishing. I am in awe of your talent, Rachel, and thankful for your encouragement and support.
This story is more than just a work of fiction. In the depiction of Annie, I wrote a love letter to the beautiful, broken road of adoption. To all the birth mothers who make the difficult but brave decision to place their children for adoption, thank you. As one who has been touched by adoption in its many facets, I write from a place of deepest respect and humility.
To the men and women of the Russian Heritage Society in St. Petersberg, Florida: Thank you for accepting me so openly into your group, and for your overwhelming support. What a gift you all have been to me.
Finally, I must thank my family who make the entire process of writing a book possible. To my parents, Richard and Candy Martin, who first put me on a plane to the former Soviet Union as a teenager, and who have since supported me unwaveringly in my many adventures, thank you both. I am most blessed to be called your daughter.
To my children: Sloan, my firstborn and enthusiastic cheerleader. Thanks for cheering me on. You make me want to keep writing. Tia, my daughter who has taught me what it means to want something and chase it without fear of failure. You are one of the hardest workers I know. Landon, the child who models what it looks like to delight in your gifts and talents. Thank you for always making me smile. Annika, the surprise gift with big eyes and an even bigger heart. Thanks for still curling up in my lap and holding my hand in public. And to Sawyer, the child who is teaching me how to love in a whole new way. You just might be the bravest boy I know. I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for you.
To Lee, the man who has faithfully stood by my side and pushed me to chase my dreams for nearly two decades now. I’m not sure he knew what he was getting into when he married the girl with big dreams and an even bigger imagination, but he’s never once held me back from pursuing both. Thank you for loving me so well.
And finally, thank you to all of you, the readers who pick up books and look for new adventures on the page. It is a daunting task to try and dig through a history that is layered and complex. Thank you for picking up this book and reading it, and for trusting that I did my very best to bring you a story that was both engaging and historically factual. It is a great gift to be able to deliver stories into the hands of those who appreciate them.
Also by Kelli Stuart
Like a River From Its Course
2017 Carol Award winner for Best Historical Fiction
2017 Christy-nominated Best Historical and Best Debut
“Gritty and Touching.”
~ Publisher’s Weekly
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