Spirit Ascendancy (36 page)

“Hey, what are you pickpocketing me for?” he asked, scowling at me.

“I need something to read on the plane. I’ve heard it’s pretty great. You don’t mind, do you?”

He tried to maintain the frown, but couldn’t. “No, I suppose I don’t.”

The car hummed to life and crunched along the gravel drive through the castle gates and out onto the open road. I turned and watched Fairhaven Hall shrinking into the heavy English morning mist, watched the cradling arms of its valley enfold it. I told myself I would never see it again, if I could help it.

I was wrong, of course. But that, as they say, is another story entirely.

To my readers, no words can express my gratitude to you, not only for taking a chance on this series and reading the first page, but for buckling in and journeying with Jess and the crew until the end. I will forever be grateful to every one of you for making this childhood dream come true. I’ve always been a writer, but you’ve made me an author, for a story without an audience is like a ship without sails. Thank you for every minute you’ve spent with the characters I love so much.

To my ridiculously talented cover designer, James Egan at Bookfly, thank you for the stunning design for this third and final installment in the trilogy. Your talent and vision has sold many a book by its cover.

To Norman Gautreau and Susan Reynolds, for your valued opinion, friendship, and advice on all things literary, and to Becca Flint for your keen editing eye and our mutual love for Milo.

To my two wonderful children, thank you for putting up with mama staring at her computer so much. You make me laugh every day, even if you also exhaust me beyond the ability to write coherently on many a night.

And to my incredible husband, without whose love, support, and relentlessly masterful marketing work, this series would never have seen the light of day. We are, and have always been, a fantastic team. Thanks for putting up with me.

E.E. Holmes is a writer, teacher, and actor living near Boston, MA with her husband, two children, and a small, but surprisingly loud dog. When not writing, she enjoys performing, watching unhealthy amounts of British television, and reading with her children.

 
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