Until I Knew Myself
Page 27
Sean either didn’t notice or didn’t care. He simply spread his arms, grinned like he owned the world and said, “Come on guys, you all know I’m the one who’s supposed to lead the toast!”
— The End —
Don’t miss April and Sean’s story in The Truth Between Us.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
About three years ago, I heard a testimony that has impacted me ever since. A part-time preacher and father talked about his walk with Christ and how for years he limped along instead of thriving. I’ll never forget the statement he gave that began a turn in his life: “If we are sons and daughters of Christ, why do we live as orphans? Why do we limp along as if we haven’t been given the Kingdom of God?”
This story was born from that moment. And from his humble words of wisdom. I pray it impacts you the same way it did me.
Now to thank those who tirelessly sacrificed to make this story possible:
To my fabulous agent, Jessica Kirkland, for encouraging me to write what I love and always supporting my publishing pathways.
To my editor, Kristin Avila. What a rocky journey this has been, but as always you saw the potential and led me to write past my boundaries. Thank you for your professionalism and high standards. You make me a better writer.
To Nicole Deese and Connilyn Cossette. The dedication did not give either of you enough thanks. I was ready to quit and you made me forge ahead, crying with me and re-plotting with me time and time again. Thank you for your honesty, encouragement, forever-long phone calls, and endless laughter. I truly could not do this job without you both.
To my sister, Angel, for being my very first beta reader and never caring that you get the “worst” version. You are my champion and I love you so much.
To my amazing writing critique partners—Connilyn Cossette, Dana Red, Lori Wright, and Laurie Westlake. Thank you for pushing me, for your constructive criticism, given so carefully and with genuine kindness, and helping me believe in myself when I am dragging in the pit.
To my proof and beta readers, Rel Mollet, Ashley Espinoza, Joanie Schultz and Julie Meadows. Thank you for encouraging me to press forward and for the invaluable advice and how to make this story great. I would not be here without you.
To my magnificent readers—you have allowed me to share my life with you, and in turn have shared yours with me. I call some of you friends now, and appreciate all the ways you lift me up and push me forward. Thank you for your e-mails, notes of praise, and consistent reviews. You are the reason I write.
And last, but absolutely not least, to my incredibly patient family—you give me lots of material for my books. Your sense of humor, crazy stories, and never-ending affection make writing about unconditional love very easy. You are my greatest joy in life and my heart. Love you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo © 2015 Karen Graham
Tammy L. Gray lives in the Dallas area with her family, and they love all things Texas, even the erratic weather patterns. She writes modern Christian romance with true-to-life characters and culturally-relevant plot lines. Often lauded for her unique writing style within the inspirational genre, Tammy believes hope and healing can be found through high quality fiction that inspires and provokes change. Her characters are real, relatable and deep, earning her a 2017 RITA award in the Romance with Religious and Spiritual Elements category.
Tammy lots of projects going on. For all the latest info, visit her website at:
tammylgray.com
or join her on Facebook at facebook.com/tlgraybooks
and twitter and Instagram @tlgraybooks