Acknowledgments
“A girl who writes letters to her missing brother, and the boy who reads them.” I wrote that line down in my brainstorming journal on November 20, 2020, uncertain of where it would lead me. Of whether this enticing story morsel had enough magic to grow wings and become a novel. And yet here we are, Iris and Roman. I’ve always believed the right books find you at just the right moments, both as a reader and as an author, and I will never get over this wonder.
What a journey this novel has been, from its origins as a stray thought in my journal to a finished product that you’re now holding in your hands or listening to or reading on a screen. There are countless people who have invested their time, love, and expertise into this story and into me as an author, and I want to illuminate them here on these pages.
First, to Ben, my better half. You were with me every step of the way with this novel, and I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge here that you wrote soul-stirring love letters to me when we were dating. When I was in the mountains of Colorado and you were in the golden fields of Georgia.
We didn’t have enchanted typewriters, but we had paper and pens and stamps, and it was all the magic I ever needed. And even now, years later, you continue to leave me notes here and there to find around the house. I love you.
To Sierra, for being the best watchdog and making sure I leave my desk to go for walks. Also, for cuddling next to me on the couch while I was revising this book.
To my Heavenly Father, who continues to take these small dreams of mine and multiplies them beyond anything I could ever imagine. Who loves me just as I am, and always has. You remain the strength and the portion of my heart.
To Isabel Ibañez, my soul sister and critique partner. You read this book while I was drafting it, and your insights and notes transformed the story from a messy draft into something I am incredibly proud of today. Thank you for all the hours you’ve poured into my stories, and for giving me a second home in Asheville. You truly are the best.
To my agent, Suzie Townsend. Words could never describe how thankful I am for you and all you do in making my dreams a reality. For being my champion and my rock in the ocean that is publishing. To the amazing Sophia Ramos and Kendra Coet—thank you for reading my drafts and providing notes and encouragement, as well as keeping me organized.
A heartfelt thank-you to Joanna Volpe and Dani Segelbaum, who were there to guide me when this book went on submission. To Veronica Grijalva and Victoria Hendersen, my subrights team, who have helped my books find the perfect homes overseas. To Kate Sullivan, who read this book in preparation for submission, and who always has the best notes. To the amazing team at New Leaf—I’m so honored to be one of your authors.
To Eileen Rothschild, my inimitable editor. I’m beyond excited to be working with you on this series and am so thankful for how much you love Roman and Iris’s story. Thank you for helping me make this story the best it could be. To the incredible team at Wednesday Books who have been an absolute delight to work with on this duology: Lisa Bonvissuto, Alexis Neuville, Brant Janeway, Meghan Harrington, Melanie Sanders, Lena Shekhter, Michelle McMillian, Kerri Resnick. My eternal gratitude to Olga Grlic for designing the beautiful cover for this story. A huge thank-you to Angus Johnston for copy editing.
To Natasha Bardon and Vicky Leech—I’m so honored this story has found a home at Magpie Books in the UK. Working with y’all and your team is such a dream come true.
To Leo Teti, who has championed my books in the Spanish market.
Thank you for helping my stories find their readers overseas, and for
inviting me to take part in so many amazing trips.
To Adalyn Grace, Isabel Ibañez, Shelby Mahurin, Rachel Griffin, Ayana Gray, and Valia Lind, for taking the time out of your busy schedules to read an early copy and provide amazing blurbs. To Adrienne Young and Kristin Dwyer, for encouraging me countless times and for cheering me on when I first told you about this book.
To my local independent bookstores that have been and continue to be integral to the success of my books: Avid Bookshop in Athens, Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, The Story Shop in Monroe, and The Inside Story in Hoschton. Thank you for being light and magic in our communities.
Two books were incredibly helpful when it came to my research for trench warfare: Warrior by R. G. Grant and World War I by H. P. Willmott.
I also want to acknowledge two films that I found deeply moving, heartbreaking, and atmospheric: 1917 and Testament of Youth.
To my family: Mom and Dad and all my siblings. To my grandparents, who continue to inspire me daily, and to the Ross, Wilson, and Deaton clans. All of you hold me together and make me stronger.
And to my readers, for all the love and support you have given to me and my books. I’m so honored that my stories have found a home with you.
Thank you for going on this journey with me.
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