As always, this book wouldn’t exist without some very amazing people: Agent Extraordinaire Michelle Wolfson, Editor Supreme Sarah Landis, the ever-awesome Alice Jerman, and the rest of the HarperTeen team. Thank you for all your wisdom, insight, and support.
Even before making it to the in-box of my editor or agent, I have some brilliant beta readers that help whip it into shape: Stephanie Ryan, Candice Kennington, Jenn Johansson, Renee Collins, Natalie Whipple, Michelle Davidson Argyle, Sara Raasch, Julie Nelson, and Kari Olson. I love these ladies. They are my very closest friends.
I’d also like to thank some other authors who helped guide me through my debut year: Ellen Oh, Elsie Chapman, Megan Shepherd, Erin Bowman, Brandy Colbert, Shannon Messenger, Alexandra Duncan, April Tucholke, and Mindy McGinnis. Thanks for sharing the journey with me.
And, of course, I wouldn’t be able to write at all if not for the support of my best friend and husband, Jared, and my amazing kids, Hannah, Autumn, Abby, and Donavan. I truly feel so blessed to be their mom. Speaking of moms, mine is amazing. Thanks, Mom, for everything.
Since this is a book about brothers, I feel the need to personally thank mine for teaching me how awesome (and pesky) brothers can be. I couldn’t have written this book without knowing the bond a girl can share with her brothers. Love you, Jared and Spencer.
I have the world’s best, most supportive (and very large) family. If I attempt to name them all, I’m sure I will leave someone out and then I will feel guilty for life. So I will just say thanks to my parents-in-law: Vance and Karen (whom I adore); to all my sisters: Heather, Stephanie, Rachel D, Zita, Shar, Rachel B, Angie, and Emily; to the rest of my brothers: Eric, Brian, Jim, Rick, Dave, and Kevin; and to all the kids who go with all these people. I love you all.