The Fifth Doll(76)

“I will explain later,” Matrona promised, “but where all can hear.”

He nodded slowly. “Now is the time, then. A town meeting.” He gestured back toward Sacha’s home. “To figure out where to start, I guess. And to learn what we’ve missed.”

He extended his hand toward her.

Matrona tucked the doll beneath her blanket. She reached for Jaska’s hand, glancing back to where she had seen the kite.

The Fukuruma doll shuddered from within.





ACKNOWLEDGMENTS


Another book done! This one barreled down the pipeline almost out of nowhere, but I’m happy with how it turned out. Many thanks to my husband and kids, who put up with their wife/mother tucking away to punch out words. You all are so supportive (even if the little ones don’t realize they’re being supportive, yet).

A big thank-you, as always, to Marlene Stringer, Jason Kirk, and Angela Polidoro, who helped make this book what it is, from idea to print. Together we’re an unstoppable team.

Thank you to my friends who read this book and helped me get it into shape: L. T. Elliot, Laura Christensen, Caitlyn Hair, Rebecca Blevins, and Kimberly VanderHorst. You guys are dedicated and sharp, and I would flounder without you.

Thank you to Bill Giles, Chris Baxter, and Wendy Nikel, who helped me get religious facts and Russian names correct. Thank you also to Katie Purdie, who shared her research with me.

I’d like to tip my hat to the LDStorymakers conference because I came up with the idea of enchanted Matryoshka dolls while putting together a workshop for you. You’re the best.

My gratitude to the cover designer, editors, and layout folks who made this book pretty and readable.

And keeping with tradition, thank you so much to my Heavenly Father, who still somehow finds it amusing to let me dabble in my fantasy playground. Cheers.