The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba(104)

In creating Marina’s character, I wanted to pay homage to the immense courage and strength of spirit of the real-life women who fought for Cuban independence and the plight of the reconcentrados. Through her character I followed my fictional Perez family through history, witnessing the beginning of Cuba’s independence, and learning a great deal about my heritage researching this time period in Cuba’s history.

Cuba ultimately gained its formal independence from the United States on May 20, 1902.





ACKNOWLEDGMENTS


Publishing a book takes a village, and I could never do it without the support of all of the people who do such extraordinary work on my behalf and the friends and family who step in and offer help when I need it most along the way.

Thank you to my fabulous editor Kate Seaver and amazing agent Kevan Lyon who make all things possible. You’re the best team, and I am so happy to be on this adventure with both of you.

To my wonderful publicists Erin Galloway, Tara O’Connor, and Stephanie Felty, and fabulous marketing representative Fareeda Bullert—thank you for working so tirelessly on my behalf and for sharing your talents with me. Thank you to the team at Berkley Publishing for giving me such a welcoming and supportive publishing home: Madeline McIntosh, Allison Dobson, Ivan Held, Christine Ball, Claire Zion, Jeanne-Marie Hudson, Craig Burke, Tawanna Sullivan, and Mary Geren, as well as the sales department, subrights department, and the Berkley art department, particularly Sarah Oberrender who designed the stunning cover, and all of the others who support my books. Thanks to Patricia Nelson and Marsal Lyon Literary Agency for your efforts on my behalf. Thank you to Reese’s Book Club for all of your support for me and my books, and for welcoming me into your extraordinary community.

I couldn’t do this without my family and friends. Thank you for your love and for understanding when I sometimes disappear back in time even though dinner needs to be made and the laundry needs to be folded. You all jump in to help me when I need it most, and I couldn’t do it without you. Thank you to my wonderful author friends—especially my fellow Lyonesses—who are always there to offer guidance and encouragement.

I am so grateful to all of the booksellers, bloggers, librarians, readers, and reviewers who read and support my books and have embraced the Perez family. Thank you for making this dream of mine a reality.