An Elegant Façade (Hawthorne House Book #2) (35 page)

I know you’ve finished the book, but don’t stop reading now, because this is the place I get to thank all the people who made this book possible, whether they’re living, dead, fictional, or something other than an actual person.

My first gratitude will always go to God, for allowing me the opportunity to do what I love and share it with you. He has also blessed me with the most gracious and supportive family imaginable. To the Hubs and the Blessings, I couldn’t do it without you, even though I frequently kick you out of the room.

Next, I must acknowledge Scrivener for allowing me to write a novel entirely out of order and for allowing me to keep some semblance of sanity while working on the parts that overlap
A Noble Masquerade
. If you are a writer, I don’t recommend doing that. Ever. Unless it makes an incredible story like this one. Then, of course, you do it, because the chances of keeping a hold of your sanity through the entire book-writing process are slim anyway.

To my most amazing beta readers, Alana, Amanda, and Jacob, thank you for your honesty and your feedback and your willingness to provide both in a ridiculously short time frame. I’d like to take this opportunity to promise that I’ll never cut it that close to the wire again, but we all know I’d be lying, so I’ll just say thank you and you’re awesome.

Much appreciation goes to Dr. Pringle Morgan, James Hinshelwood, and the many other scientists and ophthalmologists who started the ball rolling on the examination of dyslexia in the late nineteenth century. Though acknowledgment didn’t come until many years after Georgina would have dealt with the issue, treatment and options have come a long way since then. I applaud the many of you walking this difficult path today. May you have all the support and encouragement you need to live life to the fullest despite an additional obstacle.

Mark Hall and Kristena Tunstall, my deepest appreciation to you for taking the time and opening up about how dyslexia has affected so much more than just your ability to read. Your openness about the mental, emotional, and spiritual impacts of dyslexia helped me make Georgina real. I can’t thank you enough for that, because I know it wasn’t easy or convenient for either of you.

Huge thanks to the many teachers, such as Dianna Shuford, who shared tips with me on ways they’ve helped their students over the years, so that I could give Georgina an authentic bag of tricks. If you see a teacher today, give them a hug. These men and women do incredible work and care so much for their students. Thank you for taking the time to share some of those experiences with me.

When it comes to writing the actual book, I have to send some thanks to Laurie Alice Eakes for helping me brainstorm my way out of a panic attack when I realized Colin couldn’t be an American. War of 1812 and all that. Scottish turned out to be
much better anyway. (Insert a shout of agreement from all Scottish people here.)

Karen, Raela, and the rest of the Bethany House team deserve a huge plate of cookies. Which I would send, except they’d probably end up as a big box of crumbs if I packed them myself, and I’m too cheap to buy anything from one of those gourmet cookie-delivery services. (If a reader runs one of these and would be willing to cut me a deal on sending this incredible team some treats, let me know!) Hugs to the cover art team for continuing to make me such gorgeous, eye-catching covers. Y’all make me look good.

Speaking of making me look good, check out the incredible new headshot for which I can thank my unbelievably talented cousin. Thanks, Brett, for marrying such a sweet lady. And if you’re getting married in Alabama, look into using Rebecca Long Photography because she’s amazing and I’m not at all biased on the subject.

Of course, none of this would be possible if it weren’t for you, the readers, because a story can’t do anything unless it’s heard. Thank you for joining me on this adventure.

Lastly, I want to thank Georgina. Telling her story has been a life-changing journey for me. Getting to know her, seeing the similarities in myself, and growing along with her was so much more than I expected it to be when I started this series. I hope you’ve fallen in love with her and Colin as much as I have. While there’s a part of me that knows they aren’t real, there’s also a part of me that has to thank them for letting me be the one to tell their story.

Also participating in the inspiration for this book, Rob Long.

Kristi Ann Hunter
graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in computer science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is an RWA Golden Heart contest winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at
www.kristiannhunter.com
.

H
AWTHORNE
H
OUSE

A Lady of Esteem*

A Noble Masquerade

An Elegant Façade

*e-novella only

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bethanyhouse.com/AnOpenBook
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