Adam Cooke - Director of Player Development, NJ Red Hawks
Angela Harper – Kensington’s mother
Anthony Calabrese – employee, Joey Tomatoes
August Deegan (Auggie) – Real Estate Agent
Caitlin James – cofounder, TitleWave
Camilla Ramos Chase – Marcus' wife
Cole McGuire – NJ Red Hawks Shortstop
Connor Harper – infant son of Philip and Megan
Declan James – college friend, Caitlin’s twin brother
Derek Lattimer – bartender, Rush Dessert Bar
Diane McGuire – Cole’s mother
Ed Harper – Kensington’s father
Emmy Akins – bartender at Rush Dessert Bar
Evan Thomas McGuire –NJ Sentinels Quarterback
Gabriella “Brie” Hayes – cofounder, TitleWave
Gail Walters – Literary Agent with Breakaway Publishing Group
Hugh McGuire – professional photographer & Cole’s cousin
Jack McGuire – Cole’s father
Jamie Todeski – Cole’s former girlfriend
Joe– Waiter at Martell’s, dating Brie
Juliette McGuire (Jette) – co-owner of Rush Dessert Bar
Kensington Harper (Kenny) – writer & owner of TitleWave
Kensington Layne – nom de plume
Lucas Luu – Actor, Auggie’s boyfriend
Marcus Chase – General Manager, Rush Dessert Bar
Megan Harper – Kenny’s sister in-law, Philip’s wife
Noah McGuire – firefighter & Cole’s cousin
Paige McGuire – Reed’s wife
Paul Marks – Kensington’s fan
Philip Harper – member of Point Pleasant Police force
Reed McGuire – Marine Hornet Pilot & Cole’s cousin
Reese Barrett – Juliette’s college roommate
Ryan – Joe’s friend, dating Caitlin
Sandra Davis – private investigator
Shea Keilani – Derek’s girlfriend
Staci – barista at TitleWave Coffee Shop
Acknowledgments
“Writing is a solitary endeavor, but not a lonely one. When you write, your world is populated by the characters you invent, and you feel those people filling your life.” ~Danielle Steele
Upon writing the last word of the Running Series, I was not yet ready to say a final good-bye to the small circle of friends who have become a part of my family. And so I decided to widen their circle and invite more people in. A few of the characters we’ve met before (ever so briefly), but most are new additions. Like any family, it grows and changes over time creating new connections and testing the bonds that bind them all together.
This story took much longer to write than I had hoped. Not because of indecision, uncertainty or the demon known as “writer’s block”. Sure, I’ve had moments where I questioned myself, but those brief occasions passed quickly.
The main barrier that kept me from meeting my own goals was life and family. Over these past two years, I have been a witness to and a part of the most important part of parenthood – watching my oldest child expand his wings and fly. I got to witness my son become engaged, move away from our familiar home at the Jersey Shore, and become an urbanite living and working in the city that never sleeps. I took time away to help announce his engagement, plan the wedding, and again to celebrate the big day.
Putting words on a piece of paper took a back seat for the best of all possible reasons. And boy did it feel good as I wrote the final words of this particular tale. What I had forgotten is that so much of the work was yet to be done – the part that requires me to open myself up to the harsh criticisms of both friends and strangers alike.
As an elementary school teacher, I am surrounded by some of the most remarkable women I’ve ever met. And who knows how to point out mistakes while putting red marks on a paper better than a teacher?
I am so fortunate to collaborate with my friend and editor, Amanda Douglas. Thank you for your insight, guidance, encouragement, and enthusiasm.
My deepest gratitude to Jill Kempner, my ghost editor and sounding board. Few teachers are better with a red pen than Jill and boy, does she wield that particular weapon with skill and precision.
Thank you to my test pilots – my beta readers! My book is infinitely better for their feedback. They’ve made thoughtful and insightful comments and suggestions, showed me things I couldn’t see myself, and triggered thoughts that created solutions. My heart-felt appreciation goes out to Carin Atkins, Erin Bonifas, Melissa Colins, Karen Ford, Laurie Sickles, and Meredith Rowe.
My final remarks are for my readers. Thank you for taking a chance on me, for embracing this book, and giving an underdog Indie author like me a chance to entertain you.
Another Chance at Love (Another Series Book 1) Page 56
