Conflicted (Secrets and Lies) (47 page)

I have to give a huge shout out to my very first reader Teri. Bless your heart for taking this story in its rawest form and reading it and not smacking me over the head with all the errors. Your feedback, suggestions, thoughts, opinions, and support got this book to the finish line. I truly believe that the path life takes us on dictates the people that we meet within our lives. I am so grateful that our paths intersected leading to a wonderful friendship. I have learned so much about life, love, strength, courage, and faith through you.

To my second reader and dear friend, Maureen, thank you so much for everything. As you know, I was absolutely terrified to give you my story. You are a bright, intelligent, and well-read woman so I knew it had to be up to par to put into your hands. The feedback and encouragement you gave me has been invaluable. Most importantly, you gave the untitled book a title that I still absolutely love. I cannot express enough thanks for your support and countless hours of listening to me ramble. It is truly difficult to come up with enough ways to say thank you for all that you did for me on this journey.

To the first part of Sassafrass, Emily, I am truly blessed to call you a friend. You have one of the kindest souls I have ever met. We are alike in so many ways yet different in all the ones that help make me a better person just by knowing you. I cannot thank you enough for listening to me go on about this crazy little idea of writing and giving me your support. Our friendship is one that I will always cherish.

To my first work wife, Amber, I am so grateful that we met each other. You are one of the sweetest, kindest, funniest, and carefree spirits I have encountered and I'm so happy we have remained friends all these years. Thank you for all your thoughts and enthusiasm with this story. It has helped more than you will ever know. The biggest thank you is for giving me the gift that keeps on giving - Marley. He is my every day example of unconditional love.

To my second work wife, Siobhan, I am glad you got over your aversion to me quickly so that we could become the amazing friends that we are now. I have never met anyone that compliments my personality as much as you do. Thank you for being one of my beta readers and boosting up my confidence on the days that I need it and tearing it down on the days I need a reality check.

To my dear friend Sam, thank you so much for taking me into your family. It's rare that we get to meet people that understand exactly what we mean when we tell a story from the past. There are so many things that I've been able to share with you that have helped me heal and for that I am so grateful. You have helped me out so much over the years and a thank you will never be enough. I appreciate everything you have done for me more than you will ever know.

To my counterpart mole at work, Kelly, thank you for keeping me sane at the place that pays the bills. I am so grateful that we met and that we have maintained a friendship with one another even though we never see each other. Your support throughout this adventure of mine has been so important. It's another fine example that life leads you to the people are you supposed to have in your life. I'm thankful our paths crossed.

To the guys at
www.ebooklaunch.com
, thank you for a cover that I absolutely adore. You patience with me as I requested subtle revisions was much appreciated. I will be returning to you for all my future writing projects as your professionalism and quickness amazed me.

Finally, Jakob, Kade, and Kali, thank you so much for touching my heart in so many ways. There is nothing more wonderful than seeing the world through the eyes of a child. Thank you for inspiring me each and every day with your innocence and brilliance.

The greatest thank you goes to each person that gave this novel a chance. Please know I share your love for a good story. I truly hope that you were entertained and thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking a chance on Mia and me.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Photo Credit: Amber Eckman

M. M. Koenig, a graduate from the University of Minnesota, has remained in the Twin Cities area with her loving dog Marley. She is a passionate person with many interests. The greatest of those is a good story accompanied by a killer soundtrack.

Complicated, Secrets and Lies Volume II, is due to come out in the spring of 2014. While readers absorb the second installment, she will be back in the writers cave working on the next installment in this saga.

For more information about the Secrets and Lies series or the author, please visit her website
http://www.mmkoenig.com
.