A Mother's Secret (40 page)

A
s always, I’m thankful for my loving family, including my mother, Lola Goebelbecker; my husband, Joe; and my sons, Zac and Matt. I realize I’m absolutely no fun when I’m stressed, especially when I’m on deadline. Thank you for not throwing me out or changing the locks on the doors when I’m in the midst of a book project. You’re all saints for dealing with me, and I’m so blessed to have such an awesome and tolerant family.

I’m more grateful than words can express to my patient friends who critique for me, including Stacey Barbalace, Amy Lillard, Janet Pecorella, Lauran Rodriguez, and, of course, my mother. I truly appreciate the time you take out of your busy lives to help me polish my books. Thanks to your hard work, my editor thinks I’m actually capable of writing without many typos or missing words. (Please continue to keep the truth a secret!) Thank you for always making me look good!

I’m so thankful for the people who helped me with the horse research, including Jim and Mary Frazier, Andy and Lucia Hunter, Bobbi Kendrick, and Michelle Melton. You were lifesavers since the only animal I can say I’m an expert in knowing anything about would be the common spoiled house cat. Special thanks also to Stacey Barbalace for helping
with research and also for tolerating my constant emails with strange questions.

Special thanks to my special Amish friends who patiently answer my endless stream of questions. You’re a blessing in my life.

Thank you to my wonderful church family at Morning Star Lutheran in Matthews, North Carolina, for your encouragement, prayers, love, and friendship. You all mean so much to my family and me.

To my agent, Mary Sue Seymour—I am grateful for your friendship, support, and guidance in my writing career. Thank you for all you do!

Thank you to my amazing editor, Sue Brower. I appreciate your guidance and friendship. Thank you also to editor Becky Philpott for your friendship and guidance. And thank you to Jean Bloom for her amazing edits and help with this book. I also would like to thank Laura Dickerson for tirelessly working to promote my books. I’m grateful to each and every person at HarperCollins Christian Publishing who helped make this book a reality.

To my readers—thank you for choosing my novels. My books are a blessing in my life for many reasons, including the special friendships I’ve formed with my readers. Thank you for your email messages, Facebook notes, and letters.

Thank you most of all to God—for giving me the inspiration and the words to glorify you. I’m so grateful and humbled you’ve chosen this path for me.