It takes a village to raise a book. I want to thank:
The brilliant, hardworking team at HarperCollins, including Kate Jackson and Susan Katz, for their enthusiasm and support of Clara and her world; Sasha Illingworth, who turned my plain little pages into such a gorgeous, sparkly book; Catherine Wallace, for all her behind-the-scenes hard work; and so many others who made this book possible, most especially my editor, Farrin Jacobs. I was born under a lucky star indeed to end up with such a wise and thorough editor. I like every colored-pencil Farrin, even blue.
Katherine Fausset, the best agent a writer could wish for, for guiding me so smoothly along the path to realizing my wildest dreams.
My mother, Carol Ware, for staying up late to hear the newest chapter and for (bless her) always loving it, and my father, Rodney Hand, for wholeheartedly supporting my decision to study writing even though he was pretty sure it meant I’d go hungry.
Joan Kremer, my writing partner, a big part of why writing this book was so much fun.
My best friend extraordinaire, Lindsey Terrell, for being a beacon of love and sanity in a crazy time.
My early readers: Kristin Naca, Cali Lovett, Robin Marushia, Amy Yowell, and Melissa Stockham, the most loyal cheerleaders and funniest peanut gallery ever.
My readers from Bishop Kelly High School, Victoria Agee and Katy Dalrymple in particular. You so totally rock.
The friendly and informative rangers at Teton National Park, and the students and staff at Jackson Hole High School, with a special shout-out to Gary Elliott, the now-retired principal, who welcomed me so warmly and answered my endless questions with gracious enthusiasm. Without you, Clara’s world would have been so much more generic.
Shannon Fields (and Emily!) for taking such great care of my son so that I could work without worry.
My amazing and talented students at Pepperdine, who are always eager to hear the latest book news and who keep me honest as a writer, and glad to be one, day after day.
And last, but certainly not least, I want to thank John Struloeff, my husband, co-conspirator, editor, sounding board, and support system, who helped me in more ways than I can name. And my son, Will, who’s the reason I started writing about angels in the first place.