by Tina Maurine
I opened my eyes and saw intense, hopeful ones looking back at me.
Acknowledgements
First I want to thank God for instilling my love of writing and for giving me the gift of expression through writing. There were many times I wondered if I were on the right path, but I always came back to Him and when I did I became refocused and confident in my choices. Writing centers me and genuinely makes me happy.
To my family—my husband and kids—who never complain when my face is staring at a screen and my hands are making music on the keys. You’re never angry that my spare time—and sometimes even family time—is spent writing stories and creating other worlds. Thanks for understanding and always supporting me.
To Erin…and the team at Crazy Ink. Thanks so much for letting me express myself and for loving my form of crazy. Like you say, ‘it takes all kinds!’ Thanks for believing in this book and for publishing it.
To Simone…you always frost my work, put the icing on the cake. We work so well together that it’s always seamless.
Thanks again for making time for me in your already too- full schedule, and for an amazing blurb lady!
To Bec…it’s a marvel I found you. Thanks for being there amidst your busy life and hectic schedule. The gift of your time is as invaluable to me as is your feedback. Thanks for working this through with me and making my work shine.
To Kristi…for ALWAYS making time for me. You’re my biggest reader and best critic. Thanks for reading everything I throw your way. Love ya!
Lastly, to Jude, Mary, Kristi, Simone, and all the other women who support me by pimping my books, THANK YOU! THANKS TO ALL the others who have read my books and reviewed them. Without your help, I’d never sell a book. So again, thank you!
About the Author
Tina Maurine is the gal on the sidelines at the party. The gal who smiles at everyone, but rarely initiates conversation; never the center of attention, but always taking notes on those who are. She loves watching people, their authentic responses to everyday occurrences and in turn has turned years of notes into fodder for her stories, an encyclopedia of emotions and character traits that come alive on the page.
She never feels more alive than when she is creating; be it stories, music, graphic art, or painting rocks and canvases with her daughter.
She is a wife, mom, best friend, secretary, teacher, cheerleader, house-straightener, chef, chauffeur, video game playing, Barbie doll dressing domestic multi-tasker. She likes her French baguettes crispy, her beer dark, and her
chocolate even darker. Her music tastes are eclectic, but if there’s a beat, you can bet her body is moving to it… even in the car… and the louder the better.
Tina Maurine lives in Oregon with her amazing husband of twelve years, and their two beautiful children. Prior to marriage and children, she served eight years in the United States Navy and saw the world. She and her husband share their love for travel with their kids, and take as many family trips as their busy schedules allow. When they aren’t hitting the road or the skies, and when she isn’t teaching, Tina is content to sit at the table in their backyard with her keyboard or a good, sexy book, and watch the kiddos play.
Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @ TinaMaurineAuth Email: [email protected] http://facebook.com/tina.maurine.1 http://tinamaurine.com
