—A Season for Everything
I let go of Sang’s hand. I let go because I don’t need to anchor myself to him to know that I love him. I let go because I’m certain I’ll want to reach out again.
I let go because letting go doesn’t mean what it used to.
I keep my eyes on his as I tell him what I’ve never been able to tell anyone else on the first day of autumn. “I love you,” I say, confident and sure.
He brushes a stray piece of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering on my skin.
And he smiles because he already knows.
Acknowledgments
This book is my wildest dream come true. Thank you so much for reading it.
I have dreamed of being an author since I was ten years old, and it is only because of the support and encouragement of so many people that this is now my reality. I doubt I will ever be able to convey the depths of my gratitude, but I’m sure going to try.
First, to Elana Roth Parker, my incredible agent who pulled me from the slush pile and saw the potential in this story. Thank you for fighting for my dreams and being such a fierce champion for my work.
Laura Dail Literary Agency, especially Samantha Fabien—thank you for your enthusiasm and support.
To my amazing editor, Annie Berger. You saw straight to the heart of this story and helped me turn it into something I’m immensely proud of. Thank you for your brilliant insight and being so wonderful to work with—your love for this story has made it so much stronger.
To the entire Sourcebooks Fire team, including Cassie Gutman, for turning my manuscript into a book that shines, Alison Cherry, Caitlin Lawler, and everyone else working behind the scenes to bring The Nature of Witches into the world. To Beth Oleniczak, thank you for your excitement and tireless work to get this book into the hands of readers. To Nicole Hower, for designing the cover of my dreams, Monica Lazar for the incredible photo, and Michelle Mayhall for the gorgeous interior—I blame all of you for the hours I’ve lost to staring at this book. And finally, thank you to my publisher, Dominique Raccah. I could not imagine a more perfect home for this story.
Rachel Lynn Solomon, I am forever grateful that you were my first writer friend. Thank you for being my sounding board, answering my most ridiculous publishing questions, and letting me introduce you to flatbreads. I love you.
Adrienne and Kristin, Annie Porter from the nineties classic Speed says that relationships that start under intense circumstances never last. But ours has, and I’m so thankful.
Adrienne, thank you for inviting me on that retreat and then never letting go. I can’t wait for our next five-hour dinner. Kristin, your fierce loyalty and the way you support your people astounds me. I will never forget the way you scream-cried when I sold this book. Isabel, thank you for being so incredibly generous with your time and talents. You’re my favorite late-summer / early autumn witch. Adalyn, you inspire me to dream big for myself and believe those things are possible. Thank you for never letting me forget my worth. Shelby, thank you for not leaving the group chat when you discovered what a crier I am. Your steady presence is everything, and I cannot wait to hug you in person. I love you all.
Thank you to this book’s early readers, many of whom read it several times. Your feedback and encouragement mean so much: Christine Lynn Herman (whose brilliant suggestion to write epigraphs has stayed with this novel in every iteration), Jenny Howe, Miranda Santee, Tyler Griffin, Rachel Lynn Solomon, Heather Ezell, Tara Tsai, Courtney Kae, and finally, Rosiee Thor, whose unfailing belief in this book pulled me through my worst moments of doubt.
I am so fortunate to have found the Pitch Wars community early on in my journey. Thank you to Brenda Drake and the incredible class of 2016. And to my mentor and dear friend, Heather Ezell: you gave me my very first yes and taught me so much. Thank you for your endless support, wisdom, and love.
To Cristin Terrill, Beth Revis, and the Wordsmith Workshops community, especially the 2018 Port Aransas group—thank you for all the brainstorming, feedback, and delicious food.
To my fellow 21wonders, I am grateful to be debuting with such a talented and supportive group of writers. I can’t wait to read all your books.
To everyone who read my earlier manuscripts, especially Peter Mountford—thank you for being so encouraging. Anthony and Sharlene—you believed in me before I believed in myself. Thank you.
To Julia Ember, Diya Mishra, Stephanie Brubaker, Nova McBee, #TeamElana, and my #mentorsonthemountain/sound friends. I am so thankful to be on the journey with you.
To my non–writer world friends who have cheered me on and supported me during this journey. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Endless love to you all.
My pup Doppler has sat by my side as I’ve written every single book and never once tired of her spot, even through five manuscripts and eight years. Infinite snuggles to my best girl.
Chip, you completed our family and gave us the most perfect group of best friends there ever was. You and Mir are our people. Thank you.
To my family, grandmother, and especially my parents. Mom and Dad, thank you for raising me to love books. Our Red Robin and Barnes & Noble dates are some of my favorite memories, and I’m so lucky to have had your support and encouragement all these years. I hope this book makes you proud. I love you.
Mir. What can I say that would ever convey the depth of my love and gratitude for you? You were my first soulmate, first cheerleader, first fan, and biggest support. This book would not exist without your ride-or-die love for me. I can’t believe how lucky we are. I love you.
To Tyler, my love. So much of this book was inspired
