Knitted Hearts by Amber Kelly

We’ve finally come to the end of our time in Poplar Falls. It sure was a spectacular ride.

This book was written during a time of great heartache for me personally. Covid-19 spread through our family. My husband was very ill for weeks, and my momma lost her fight on May 11, 2021, just two days after Mother’s Day. It was the hardest and darkest day of my life. She was my best friend.

I wasn’t sure I’d be able to finish this story. The outline had already been done, and I knew what was ahead for Sonia. Ironic, I know. I wasn’t in the headspace to write about these friends who were like family. Like my family. See, so much of me, my mother, my cousins, my friends, and of course, my wise aunts are sprinkled within the pages of these six books. It hurt to think about my mom, who was my biggest fan, not being the first person to read this story or any of the others she was looking forward to, to think that she didn’t get the last HEA. But then I heard her voice telling me that I’d better get back to writing and that she’d be disappointed if I stopped doing something I loved because of her. So, I pulled up my big-girl socks, let the tears flow, and did just that. I hope I did the end of this series justice. I hope Momma and Aunt Doreen are up in heaven, proud of the way I represented them.

I lost an entire month from being sick and caring for David and saying good-bye to Mom. Getting this book out on schedule was nothing short of a miracle, but it was done with the understanding and extra hard work of my team. I genuinely have the most supportive and badass team in the business standing with me.

Autumn Gantz, as always, thank you for keeping me on task and helping keep all the balls in the air for me when I just couldn’t.

Jovana Shirley, you went out of your way, and I am sure you lost sleep to make this work. I am eternally grateful. You are a blessing and a faithful friend, and commas are still the devil.

Judy Zweifel, I appreciate your eagle eyes so much. You catch all the things and help make me look good.

Sommer Stein, it will be hard to ever top this series. I can’t wait to see what we do together in the future. Thank you for your creativity.

Stacey Blake, thank you for making the inside formatting of this series so beautiful.

Michaela Mangum, all I can say is, wow. You’re an artist.

And as always, last but not least, a big thank you to my poor, neglected, amazing, and patient husband, David. I love you infinitely. You are my anchor.