| Other Notes |
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I published this story online several years ago, and went on to write a third in the series. As I explained in the Behind the Book section for Without Warning, I consolidated the trilogy in a book called Shaken, which is no longer in print. Of all the stories I’ve written, this one has generated the most response from readers. I’ve received scores of notes from those who said the tale struck a chord with them, either because they had struggled with their own addiction or with that of someone they loved. They talked about how much these characters meant to them, and how they were compelled to read Anna & Lily’s love story again and again – except this part of their journey. It was too painful, they said. When I had to chance to revisit this book, I considered lightening the angst. It is, after all, a romance, and readers have expectations of feeling warm and satisfied at the end, not battered and bruised. Alas, I decided against it. I believe in that old axiom of that which doesn’t defeat us makes us stronger, and I wanted my characters to be stronger. What I’ve tried to do instead is deliver them, hopefully in a way that convinces even the tenderest heart that their love is stronger than any challenge they might face. In the end, I think it’s the most romantic story I’ve ever told. |