© 2002

I am so grateful to Alessandro Pini and Elena Sardelli for showing me the beauties of Tuscany. Bill, I couldn’t have had a better companion on those unforgettable walks than you, even if you had to squeeze those (fabulous) shoulders into the tiny Italian showers. I am especially grateful that Maria Brummel came into my life at just the right time to help with the Italian translations. (Thanks, Andy, for having the good sense to marry such a wonderful young woman.) Thank you, too, Michèle Johnson and Cristina Negri for your invaluable help when I needed it most.

Once again, my fellow writers came to my aid with their knowledge and insight, especially Jennifer Crusie, Jennifer Greene, Cathie Linz, Lindsay Longford, and Suzette Vann. Jill Barnett, Kristin Hannah, Jayne Ann Krentz, and Meryl Sawyer, I can’t imagine doing this job without the friendship and phone calls. Barbara Jepson, you were the best present I’ve ever given myself. Without the many things you do for me so efficiently and cheerfully, I’d have no time to write.

Thanks, Zach Phillips, for sharing your wisdom about metaphysics and human behavior patterns. Lydia, you’re not only the best sister in the world but the best listener, too. We’ll always have Paris! Steven Axelrod, I’m eternally grateful for the way your steady hand keeps us on course. Ty and Dana, sharing your happiness has brought me such joy this past year. To the “Seppies” on my website bulletin board-you’re the world’s best cheerleaders. Cissy Hartley and Sara Reyes have done an incredible job creating and maintaining my website. And to all the readers who write me such wonderful letters and send that encouraging e-mail, thank you so much. It’s a great way to start the day.