Winter Storms

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book is for my brother Doug, who makes a fictional cameo appearance as Dougie Clarence, the CBS meteorologist. Just as I have wanted to be a writer since I learned the alphabet, Doug always dreamed of becoming a weatherman. He presently works as a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in the office of communications and he was instrumental in explaining the science behind a winter storm.

I was lucky enough to have a member of the U.S. Marine Corps describe in colorful detail what he endured to become a Marine, and although he preferred to not be identified by name, I thank him and every single other serviceman and -woman of this great country. God bless America. My heart goes out to the parents of these brave young men and women.

It pains me to have finished with my beloved Quinn family, but to all of you readers who steadfastly followed me from the crystalline days of summer into the crazed holiday season and fell in love with these characters as much as I did: thank you.

And finally to you, Nantucket Island, forever my muse. You are beautiful at every time of year. No matter how far afield I travel, real joy is always found in coming home.