The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks

Book Preface

It would be impossible to begin any acknowledgments without thanking Cathy, my wife of nearly fourteen years. You’re the sweetest person I know, and I love you more than you could ever imagine.

And, of course, no book would be complete without thanking the kiddies. Miles, Ryan, Landon, Lexie, and Savannah can be a handful, but are nonetheless a source of endless joy. My days would be incomplete without you.

Theresa Park of Sanford Greenburger Associates also deserves my thanks. Theresa, you’re my agent and manager, but also a genius and a sympathetic ear. You’re also one of my dearest friends. It’s hard to believe we’ve been through seven novels so far, and I look forward to many more in the future.

Jamie Raab, my editor, is quite simply the best editor in the business, and this book, more than any other, needed her patient guidance. Jamie, I couldn’t have completed this novel without you, and it’s my honor to work with someone as wise and kind as you are.

Denise DiNovi, the producer of Message in a Bottle and A Walk to Remember, has become one of the most special people in my life. Denise, thank you so much for changing my life for the better. I don’t know if there will ever be a way I can repay you.

Julie Barer, an agent at Sanford Greenburger, was gracious enough to read and offer suggestions for the manuscript while on vacation. Julie, I can’t thank you enough for what you did, and I hope you’re pleased with the main character.

Howie Sanders and Richard Green, my film agents at UTA, also deserve my thanks for their work not only on this project, but on all of my novels. They are the best at what they do.

Scott Schwimer, my entertainment attorney, is not only fabulous at what he does, but also a friend who makes my job a lot easier. Thanks for always sticking by me.

Dave Park, my television agent at UTA, has patiently guided me through the intricacies of the television world, and deserves my thanks for all the work involved with The Rescue.

Lorenzo De Bonaventura and Courtenay Valenti of Warner Brothers, Lynn Harris of New Line Cinema, Mark Johnson, Hunt Lowry, and Ed Gaylord II have all been tremendous to work with and deserve my thanks.

Jennifer Romanello, Emi Battaglia, Edna Farley in publicity, editor John Aherne, and Flag have all helped to make my career what it is. Thanks all.

And finally, thanks to Todd Robinson for working so diligently on the television series. I’m fortunate to have been able to team up with you.

Prologue