by Hope Collier
There are so many people who made this journey move from dream to reality. I owe each of you more than I can say. Grab a drink and get comfortable, because this may take a while. Much love and thanks to the following:
My amazing publisher, Jeremy Soldevilla and Soul Fire Press, for taking on not only my book but the madness that is my life. Thanks for enduring my ceaseless questions with a smile.
Neil Noah, my cover designer and sanity saver. Your abilities amaze me. Thanks for all your hard work and willingness to get things right. I look forward to our future projects.
My parents, Greg and Angie, for always fostering my love of writing and for believing in everything I do. My sister, Erin, for being there to stretch my imagination. So much of our childhood goes into my writing.
My very own Yoda and master editor, Elizabeth Isaacs, AKA Chi. If it weren’t for you, this book would’ve never happened. Your wisdom (and the ability to make me laugh in spite of myself) is worth more than I could ever repay you.
Megan Curd, my cosmic twin, cohort, and Twinkie for life. You’re a blessing in ways only you could understand. Thanks for filling the gaps in my technology lack of know-how. The check for my I.O.U tab is in the mail. Have a Peach Nehi on me.
Italia Gandolfo, AKA Rennie. You are my (super)hero in more ways than one. One of these days you’ll actually reveal your true identity, right?
Virtual cupcakes to my beta readers, critique partners, and all-around cheerleaders: Alicia Kerr, Erin Walters, Todd Keisling, Trish Wolfe, Mindy Ruiz, Lorna Suzuki, Rachel Harris, Brandi Kosiner, Layla Messner, Jenn Thompson, Jami Slack, Regan Coomer, Tori Scott, Morgan Lee and all the amazing folks at Chirenjenzie. You are the most supportive and incredible group of people on Earth. Thanks for putting up with me at my worst. I’m honored to call you friends.
Julie Brazeal at A Tale of Many Reviews. You have put more work into promoting this novel than anyone, and it means the world to me. I owe you an organ, or at the very least, the biggest, most awkward hug I can drum up.
To the musical stylings of: Luke Asher, Silversun Pickups, Florence + the Machine, The Fray, Bon Iver, Sia, and Stateless. Your creative genius fuels my muse. Thanks for being awesome!
My always sensational daughters, Rylan and Teagan. I’m blessed beyond measure. I love you guys! Thanks for sharing Mommy with her computer. And yes, Rylan, the book is finished now.
Last, but never least: to my husband Matt, who is, and will always be, my supporter, encourager, reader, motivator, promotional guru, best friend, and love of my life. You are the epitome of greatness. Thank you for always believing in me and for pushing me to believe in myself. I love you!
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
