I had been wanting to write this story for some time. The idea formed over a year ago and manifested it’s self within my virtual library of my mind. And I enjoyed every moment creating the world of Maguire and Holland.
But there was more I wanted to capture. Could you hate a woman so much and still have pity for her. It was what I was attempting to portray with Christine. Most of my readers would hate her and it was understandable. We all know Christines in our life, but this woman was truly broken and in need of help. Grace and forgiveness would be hard to muster, especially when it came to our kids, but it was this emotion I attempted to attain. There’s no right or wrong with this—Holland didn’t need to forgive her. We would all understand but at the end of the day, she also recognized no one won in this impossible situation.
As far as things I learned along the way….my research revolved around burns and their recovery time. Sanding was another subject I had to understand. My husband looked over my shoulder one night and asked if I was planning to take up a new hobby. Oh, how this had made me laugh. And toward the end, I had read several articles about communing with the dead. And let’s not forget (though this was in the first book) I must have created four to five different routes for a cross country trip, having finally decided on one.
This story was a pleasure to right. I won’t lie, it was hard too. But as my mom always said, anything worth having—means hard work.
Thank you so much for reading my story! It means so much to me.
~Leigh
It Takes a Village!
First and foremost, to the women who take the very rough draft of my words in the rawest form and treat it with the utmost care and respect. Nancy George—you’re the first woman I come to with new ideas and you help me make sense of them as you ask questions to help me shape my story! I am so lucky to call you my friend. Kymberly—you and your eagle eyes—I can’t thank you enough for your help. You’re my name guru, helping me come up with better names for each character. Thank you for the name Teagan. It fits much better. Kelly Green—you’re a great addition to my beta team! You helped me with content—pushing me for more. And let’s not forget the scene before the fire and how you thought it needed a little more steam. And I delivered! LOL!
Auden—two years ago when I met you at a conference, who knew you’d be such an influential person in my life! I couldn’t do this business without you being my cheerleader!
Amie—I adore you so much! Thanks for embracing my kind of crazy! You always know when you come to my house, I will have enough cheese to feed an army.
Ellie McLove—Thanks so much for the help on this book—with your guidance as I improved Holland and Maguire’s story.
Emma—You are amazing! You find parts of my story, I’ve never even considered—helping me write a smoother book.
Julie Deaton—I can’t say enough about you! You are a gem and always there to help me—even when I PM you on a weekend with a grammar question.
Najla Qamber—You did it again! People are going crazy over this cover! What can I say, you made Maguire come to life. Thanks so much.
Give Me Books—Thanks for all the outreach you do for me! It’s fun working with all of you great ladies.
Angela—I have adored working with you but more so, I look forward to working with you more in the future!
Kelly—Wow, I never knew I needed you until you came into my life! You are one hell of a PA! You’ve come in and blown my mind with all you do for me! You’re such a help to me in so many ways. You’re always needed and appreciated by me. Thanks so very much!
Elizabeth—I tell you every story so many times, you know my characters as well as I do. This book has been no different. You are so encouraging, knowing how much my writing means to me.
Dawn—My best friend after twenty-five plus years! When I first embarked on this career choice, you were in awe of my ideas and because of this encouragement you gave me, it gave me the nerve to sit down and start my first story. Thanks for being one of my persons in life.
Succulent and Sassy Reads! You all are so awesome and I am humbled you follow me and encourage me to continue writing.
Thanks so much to my incredible arc team and to everyone who read an advance copy and posted a review. You ladies are so valuable to me!
Oh my gosh. My readers! Y’all are amazing. Without you, this would not be possible!
Of course, none of this would be a possibility without the Hubs and our little ones who call me mom. I love you more than I can express.
~Leigh
About the Author
Leigh Lennon is a mother, veteran and a wife of a cancer survivor. Originally with a degree in education, she started writing as an outlet that has led to a deep passion. She lugs her computer with her as she crafts her next story. Her imaginary friends become real on her pages as she creates a world for them. She loves pretty nails, spikey hair and large earrings. Leigh can be found drinking coffee or wine, depending on the time of the day.
Other Books by Leigh Lennon
The Unbreakable Stand-Alone Collection:
Unfiltered (Justine and Nick’s Story) https://amzn.to/2MalyI4
Unacquainted (Rose and Brody’s Story) http://bit.ly/2Dz4kz1
Unwanted (Emma and Tyler’s Story) https://amzn.to/2HlidXZ
Unknown—coming soon (Ryan’s story)
A Jake Davis Novella Series:
The Holiday Package https://amzn.to/2D4SL4u
The Sweetest Package https://amzn.to/2Haj4KN
The Breathless Series:
The Last Breath https://amzn.to/2AFkWWg
Continue Breathing (coming soon)
Stand Alone Books:
Stockholm https://amzn.to/2FpqVlS
Fans of Football Series:
Color Blind https://amzn.to/2wVfBbF
Rules of Submission https://amzn.to/2Hhbezg
The Power of Three Love Series:
Foundations https://amzn.to/2skCrGM
Please Stalk Leigh Lennon on Social Media
Facebook Group Page:
Succulent and Sassy Reads
Author Leigh Lennon's Website
Table of Contents
Dedication
Playlist
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
A Note from the Author
It Takes a Village!
About the Author
Other Books by Leigh Lennon
Please Stalk Leigh Lennon on Social Media