Dear Friends,

     This is an exciting time for me and my family. I just published my first novel, SOLEMNLY SWEAR.

     The book is new; however, the story has long held a special place in both my heart and my mind for over 10 years. Throughout my Air Force career, I have toyed with the plot with the long-term ambition of putting ideas to paper, and then to print.

     In the book, I have returned to visit the many cities in my home States of Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire. I hope you enjoy reading SOLEMNLY SWEAR as much as I enjoyed revisiting the many colorful places of New England that are so rich in history

and tradition. Bon Voyage.

                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                     Joe Porrazzo

SPECIAL THANKS

Solemnly Swear, albeit fiction, is based on a synergistic view of my life and those around me. The plot was born in my mind in the mid-1990s when I was on active duty, but it has its roots in my childhood in the Boston area. For the development and production of this book, I feel a deep sense of gratitude:

—to Diane, Joe Jr., Alex, and Maria for their love and support through not only this book’s production process but also my twenty-five years of military service, moving them all around the country. Their support and devotion is everything.

—to my siblings, Bettina Laverriere and husband, Don, in Maine; Toni Mann and husband, Bob, in Washington state; Dave and wife, Sandy, in California; and George and wife, Debbie, in California; and, of course, to their wonderful families (including Petty Officer Third Class George Mann in San Diego). Thank you for the countless readings and words of encouragement.

—to the happy and loving memory of my parents, George and Mary Porrazzo.

—to Andrew Greeley, Managing Member of the Literary Partners Group, in Tucson, Arizona, for generously sharing his time, knowledge and experience—a good friend and a great mentor.

—to dear friends and colleagues, especially Dani Anich, Val Harris, Jim Haugen, Amanda Jones, Agnes Osborne, Adrianna Poteste, Susan Vale, Missi White and Tom Wilson, for their invaluable editing and feedback and for giving generously of their time; and Carolyn Ammons, Lori Pluchinsky, Steve Woods, Tony and Tonya Mena, and Teresa and Karl Schwehm, for “the boost,” their encouragement, and their valued friendship.

My sincere regrets if I have missed anyone. I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to so many family members and friends who helped make this dream a reality.