Between Tides & Thunder

BEFORE BECOMING AN AUTHOR, I never paid much attention to the Acknowledgements section. I either had a book hangover or I didn't, and I moved on. Now, I read them low-key obsessively because, knowing how much work it takes to create a novel, I want to know who helped the author along the way. Because it is not easy. It is not pretty. It's a grueling, blood-freezing labor of pure love. So, dear reader, I hope you'll take the time to read about who helped me, because I can guarantee I wouldn't have been able to publish this book without them.

To my husband—somehow I have tricked you into loving me, and oh my Tides, the way you love me is perfect. I spontaneously decided to change our lives a year ago by deciding to publish my story. Now, I demand more time to write, more hugs, and more humoring when I'm in a mood. And, my love, you deliver. Every. Single. Day. You do whatever you can possibly do to take care of me, to put me before anything and everything else. I love you so much, my bones ache with phantom pain if I dare imagine a life without you. You are the most incredible husband and father, and I am by far the luckiest woman in the world to call you mine.

To my sister-in-law—I am so grateful for you! You showed so much excitement and enthusiasm for this book, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate you. Imposter syndrome strikes down the best of us, and you were right there with your praise and positive feedback when it came for me. You were one of the first seven people in the world to read BTaT, and the first person in the entire world to read it a second time (not counting me). I can't imagine writing anything without you first reading it! I feel blessed to have a sister like you.

To my sister—you are the best aunt the world has ever seen. I've never met kids luckier than mine, or a sister luckier than me. And I feel really proud that BTaT made you tear up. That in itself is the biggest accomplishment I could've hoped for. Thank you for always having my back!

To my writing soulmates—you know who you are. I'm in your DMs everyday with unhinged voice notes. I am so incredibly lucky to have met you. You changed my life, and it feels impossible to imagine life without your support and love! Thank you for alpha reading, consulting on art commissions, MAKING MY MAP, spiraling over covers, and EVERYTHING in between. We may be separated by miles, but you're in my DMs, my Google Docs, and my heart.

To my street team—I am beyond grateful to have such an amazing group of people supporting me! Thank you for all your time and love and enthusiasm for my stories! I feel lucky to call you my friends. I'm honored to have you in my corner.

And, lastly, to you, dear reader—thank you for reading Between Tides & Thunder. This story was born from the depths of my heart, and it took a lot of effort and love to shape i