I held my hair up as Justin put the necklace on me. The butterfly rested against my heart.
“It’s perfect,” I whispered.
Just like you.
It’s amazing how one voice could be so comforting, how one voice could make such a difference. Now it was time for my voice to be heard, for me to make a difference in this world.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse or rape, help is available.
Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline
24 hours a day
800-656-HOPE
Acknowledgements
Thank you to everyone at Lands Atlantic Publishing for taking my dream and making it a reality. I would like to especially thank Lisa Paul for falling in love with the story and giving me a chance, Sheila Ashdown for copyediting, Dawn Sloane-Doerr for proofreading, and Kimberly Martin for book design. I am blessed to be a part of such a fantastic team!
This book would never have been possible if it weren’t for my talented critique partners: Neil W. Harris, Deborah Brada, and Destiny Irons. The three of you pushed me to be a better writer and I am truly grateful.
I also want to thank all of my friends and neighbors who read an early version of the book and offered valuable feedback. Thanks to Lizz Goldman, Allison Martin, Randi Smee, Kim King, Nicole Marshall, Taylor Marshall, Karen Genis, Dylan Genis, Jessica Judevine, Shirley Bucci, Bonnie Keppel, Bobbie Davis, Mark Davis, and Hanna Sommer.
Thanks ParaGraphic for designing the beautiful cover, Megan Sokolowski at A Beautiful Moment Photography, and Brittany Mayer, make-up artist extraordinaire!
And lastly, I would like to thank my family: my sister, Jessica, for being my cheerleader; my mother, Shirley, for her endless support; and my dad, Jim, for instilling a love for reading. Todd, my husband, I can’t thank you enough for putting up with the late nights and listening to me ramble on about non-existent people. Your endless support has helped me achieve my dream—you’re amazing! And my three beautiful children Nathan, Landon, and Addison, thanks for sharing imaginary worlds with me and for always asking, “Can you read me just one more book?”
The Voice Page 19
