Sidelines (Wounded Hearts #1) (39 page)

Acknowledgements

This book wasn’t going to get finished if it weren’t for the grace of God—and I don’t mean that in any exaggerated way. This story has changed so much from its original design and there were big gaping holes I couldn’t figure out. But when I took the time to stop and just ask Jesus what He wanted from this book, all the pieces came together. So thank you, dear Lord, for not giving up on me.

Michele, Erica, and Sarah, thank you ladies for being there, every day, with encouraging words and being wonderful friends and sounding boards. Thank you for keeping me sane (even if you didn’t know you were at the time).

Desiree, Becky and my fabulous sister, Jessica, thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to read a terrible rough draft and helping me sand out the edges so that it all came together. Thank you for treating my baby as your own and helping me foster it into something I pray will speak to hearts for years to come.

Alicia Harris, thank you for being just as invested--if not more so--in putting a pretty picture on the cover. Thank you for not kicking me out of our shoots when I get crazy excited and for exceeding your promises in making it look so much better than I could have ever imagined. Oh, and thank you, Rusty, for taking care of the kiddos so I could steal your wife…again.

Keith and Caitlin Gellar, you two were such a joy to work with. Thank you for sharing your love and your time and bringing faces to Allie and Logan. I wish you both the happiest marriage.

A big thank you to my uncle Jeremiah and my favorite girl, Abby, for accepting me for who I am and being willing to hear out my weirdest requests. Oh, and for letting me borrow your dog, too.

Christa, from Paper and Sage Designs, I think we’ve established you are a genius. You are so patient with me and treat me so well. You’re a blast to work with and I make sure to tell anyone and everyone who asks all about you. Thank you for simply being awesome.

A huge thank you goes out to my parents for taking good care of my baby girl while I worked on various aspects of this book and for being such tremendous supporters. I love you guys more than I can ever say.

Ian, my love…what else is there to say that I haven’t told you already? Your encouragement and patience is such a blessing and although I tend to not use your suggestions, I cherish the time you take to talk plots and characters with me. You’re an amazing father and friend and I’m so thankful to have you in my life.

Before someone cues up the music to cut my acceptance speech off and start closing the stage curtains, I need to mention you wonderful readers. Thank you for your investment and support. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be able to continue to do what I love. Thank you just doesn’t seem to be enough, but until I find the words to express just how grateful I am for all y’all, thank you will just have to do.

God Bless you all!

Happy Reading!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah (S.M.), her husband, and her sweet little lady just recently relocated to the great state of Texas. So far she’s learned that big hair is still a thing, sweet tea is more precious than water, and if your religion doesn’t allow you to watch football, then you shouldn’t even be allowed in the state. She tends to say things that she shouldn’t, eat things that aren’t on her self-approved diet, and spend more time curled up in awkward positions reading than working out. But she loves Jesus and people and hopes that through her stories, you’ll find His grace and His love.

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