Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

Acknowledgments

I could not have written this story without the help of many people in my life. This is my meager attempt to thank them for pushing and pulling and lifting me through a task that felt completely insurmountable at times.

Thank you to everyone at Shadow Mountain for believing in me and this story, even when I was sure it was the worst story ever written and missed my deadlines over and over. Special thanks to Heidi Taylor, for endless pep talks and great lunches; Chris Schoebinger, for his unflappable good humor and optimism; Lisa Mangum, for begging me for a happier ending (and being right about it); Suzanne Brady, for her impeccable editing skills; and Heather Ward, for the drop-dead gorgeous cover and design.

Thank you to my agent, Laurie McLean, who has been a cheerleader, a coach, and a safe harbor in every storm. I would have felt adrift without you.

The Writing Group of Joy and Awesomeness—what can I say? You gave me joy; you gave me awesomeness; you saved me from my demons time and time again. Thank you all for being so wise and compassionate and funny and brave. Here’s your shout-out: Erin Summerill, Jessie Humphries, Katie Dodge, Donna Nolan, Ruth Josse, Peggy Eddleman, Kim Krey, Sandy Ponton, Jeigh Meredith, Julie Maughon, Christine Tyler, and Chantele Sedgwick.

A big thank-you to my dear friend Marla Kucera, for the adventure of our trip to England. You made everything so fun, you didn’t scream much from my driving, and the cat following you around the cemetery was just icing on the cake.

Thank you to my beta readers for being friends I can trust with a very rough draft: Jinjer Donaldson, Jaime Richardson, Stacey Ratliff, Pam Anderton, Julie Dixon, my mom, and members of the Writing Group of Joy and Awesomeness.

Thank you to my readers who loved Edenbrooke and begged for more. Thank you to all of my online fans for helping me with my brainstorming needs and coming along for this journey. This story is for you!

Thank you to Christine Walter for the beautiful artwork that inspired my story.

Thank you to my dear Fred, Adah, David, Sarah, and Jacob for putting up with me through the stress of missed deadlines, missed family vacations, missed soccer games, and many other missed things. You have my overwhelming love and gratitude. Thank you also to my parents, Frank and Ruth Clawson, for moving closer to me and being a lifeline time and time again. Thank you to my sisters, Kristi, Jenny, and Audrey. I love you lots. And I’m grateful for my in-laws, in all of their numbers: all of the Donaldsons and Hofheins, and Nick, and the Hinmons and Clawsons.

And I once again must acknowledge God’s help in my writing. As far as lifelines and safe harbors go, nothing surpasses Him.