Chasing River (Burying Water #3) (45 page)

37. Sail around Ha long Bay on a junk boat. Vietnam.

38. Stay overnight in a trulli. Alberobello, Italy.

39. Take a Tai Chi lesson at Hoan Kiem Lake. Hanoi, Vietnam.

40. Zip line over Eagle Canyon. Thunderbay, Ontario, Canada.

41. Rent a moped. Greece.

42. Barely avoid mutilation and/or death by pipe bomb: Dublin, Ireland.

43. M
AKE A FOREIGNER FALL MADLY IN LOVE WITH ME
. I
RELAND
.

If you’re reading this now, it is because you have made it to the end. I hope you made it here with a smile. I had so much fun writing this book and creating Amber and River’s story. Perhaps it is because I was just in Ireland last year, and it sparked a great deal of nostalgia. Perhaps it is because of my weakness for all things Irish. Whatever the reason, I’m desperate to visit there again, this time armed with a great deal more knowledge of the country’s rich history and its struggles.

Thank you to my readers, who continue along with me on this journey. Whether you buy a print copy at your local bookstore, order it online, or borrow from your library/sister/friend/mother, you are helping to give me the opportunity to write books.

A special thank you goes out to a few readers in particular:

To the bloggers who continue to share my book releases within their world.

To my followers on social media, who answer the random questions I put out there every once in a while, when I’m trying to gain insight that’s not clear from my Google searches.

To the readers who helped me come up with ideas for “Amber’s Travel Bucket List” at the end of this book. Of course, when they submitted entries into the contest, they didn’t know exactly how I’d use those ideas. There were many great entries and it was a difficult process to select a handful. Thank you to Amanda Pedulla, Danielle Beckles, Kate Kirk, Amy Barnes Smith, Amanda Tse, Kaley Stewart, Jenny Doss, Peggy Ryan, and Maddalena Di Rienzo, for providing ideas that worked best for this story and for Amber.

To Stefanie Smith—my resident Irish “bird.” I put out a request on Facebook a few months back, looking for a reader from Ireland who would be willing to answer random questions from me. Stefanie accepted that challenge and soon found herself being quizzed about all things Ireland, IRA, and the like. I’m not entirely sure that she didn’t soon regret accepting the job, but she has tolerated me for over two months, providing answers and invaluable advice. Thank you so much, Stefanie (and Ray, the very knowledgeable chef!).

To my publicist, KP—for keeping the momentum going while I’m deep in my writing hole and for running to my aid when I come out in a panic.

To my agent, Stacey Donaghy—for your mutual love of all things Irish. Sometimes I think you are my own personal Superwoman, there to save me when I need it.

To my editor, Sarah Cantin—Every time I submit a first draft to you, I bite my nails in anticipation that you’re going to come back and tell me that I just can’t take it there. I swear, as I typed “IRA” into the first draft of this book, I was sure it would be this time. Thank you for, once again, letting me run with it.

To my publisher, Judith Curr, and the team at Atria Books: Suzanne Donahue, Ariele Fredman, Tory Lowy, Kimberly Goldstein, and Alysha Bullock—I get complimented all the time on what beautiful books I have, and I owe that to you.

To Lia and Sadie—You recently asked me why my books don’t have pictures in them. I said that all the words put together make a picture. That sparked a round of “why” questions as well as some frowns. I can’t wait until you’re old enough to see that picture.

To Paul—your cooking, cleaning, and laundry skills are far better than mine.