Broken Veil (Harbinger #5)(101)

It’s true that I put my characters through many trials and miseries in my books. But isn’t life that way? I’ve experienced some dark events while writing this series, but I have hope that the experiences have taught me lessons on being a better person. I deliberately made Cettie and Sera flawed—each made serious mistakes, each struggled with doubt and regret. I wanted to give you, my readers, hope. That good can still come when tragedy strikes. That tears can be later remembered for the good they ultimately do.

So I leave you with a final quote, from my hero C.S. Lewis, who put it this way: “That is what mortals misunderstand. They say of some temporal suffering, ‘No future bliss can make up for it,’ not knowing that Heaven, once attained, will work backwards and turn even that agony into a glory. . . . The Blessed will say, ‘We have never lived anywhere except in Heaven.’”

Until we meet again in another world, another story.

—Jeff Wheeler, Imperial City, Beijing China





ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This has been a rewarding and thrilling series to write. I love period dramas, and it was so enjoyable to write one but with all the excitement and intrigue you’ve come to expect from my books. I’ve been blessed with an amazing team, without which my books would have floundered long ago.

To Jason, for his astute feedback and endless championing for my career. His ideas help improve each story, and he has kept up with a truly dizzying pace to get this entire series to you in about, more or less, a year. That would be daunting for any editor, but Jason is a superstar.

To Angela, my brilliant developmental editor, who adds so much to the romance and tension, and can spot an inconsistency miles away. She earns her nickname “Eagle Eyes” with every book.

I’m also grateful to my other editors Wanda and Dan who have been with me for a while too. There are so many mistakes that happen in a manuscript. No book is totally flawless, but they sure make me look good by finding the majority of them!

And to my dedicated first readers who endure the torture of keeping quiet about my latest works: Emily, Shannon, Robin, Travis, Sunil, and Sandi. Thank you all!

My daughter Isabelle left on a mission for our church and won’t be able to read this final book until she gets home. Her influence and input on this entire series has been so helpful. I couldn’t be prouder of her.