First among them is my fabulous editor, Jen Smith. Jen worked tirelessly on this novel, guiding me from draft to draft. She does her fine work with intelligence and grace. I feel incredibly lucky to work with her.My agent, Sally Wofford-Girand, performs miracles. She sells books, foreign rights, movie rights, and in her spare time offers her insight, comfort, and assurance. Sally, you’re my rock.Sometimes I feel like the happiest writer in publishing—because Ballantine has wrapped me in their arms and made me one of them. Jane Von Mehren, you’re an all-star.Thanks also to Gina Wachtel, Leigh Marchant, Cindy Murray, Susan Corcoran, Hannah Elnan, Maggie Oberrender, and my team of heroes at Ballantine and Random House.Many people read early drafts of this novel and helped my characters and me find our way in the dark. I couldn’t do it without you all. Thanks to Elizabeth Stark, Rosemary Graham, Nina Schuyler, Lalita Tademy, Antonya Nelson, Amanda Eyre Ward, Nick Taylor, Melissa Sarver, Boris Fishman, Kelli Fillingim, and Neal Rothman.I spent a month in Bali doing research for The Paradise Guest House (best research job a writer could dream up!).
