Before Ever After (42 page)

And of course, none of this would be possible without my brilliant editor, Kate Kennedy, whose insight, passion, and patience have enriched this novel beyond anything I could conceive. Kate, you’ve taught me so much. Thank you for taking a chance on me and for championing this story.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the wonderful and dedicated team at Crown Publishers who have helped bring this book into the world. Julie, Justina, Chris, and Molly, thank you for your expertise and tireless efforts.

Finally, I would like to say thank you to the man I married, the coauthor of this great adventure we began fourteen years ago over a couple of beers and a shared love for striped caterpillars and Polgara’s hard bread, bacon, and cheese. You are my before, ever, and after.

Ad majorem Dei gloriam.

S
AMANTHA
S
OTTO
fell in love with Europe’s cobbled streets and damp castles when she moved to the Netherlands as a teenager. Since then, she has spent nights huddled next to her backpack on a Greek beach, honeymooned in Paris, and attended business meetings in Dusseldorf in the pleasant company of a corporate credit card.
Before Ever After
was inspired by her experiences living, studying, and traveling in Europe. This is her first novel.