Jessica Simpson - Open Book

Like my life, this bookone of pain, loss, forgiveness, perseverance, hope, light, fear, laughter, beauty, and abundant joyhas been inspired and led by my cousin Sarah. At seventeen, her wise soul took flight to change the world as she sat next to her true companion, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I was fifteen when she introduced me to myself, inspiring me to find my purpose, my calling, by picking up a pen to communicate to God and to her. They held me accountable, so that I could be who I am today: Me. All of me. When I was upset or ashamed, I didnt walk away from God, I walked toward him. Faith was never a choice, it was the essence of my life because of her. Sarah led my way, and now I hope to lead with her, providing hope to those that need to find a friend in themselves.

I am grateful to HarperCollins Publishers and Dey Street Books for valuing my sense of purpose in creating this book. Thank you to Liate Stehlik, Ben Steinberg, Kendra Newton, Anwesha Basu, Kelly Rudolph, Andrea Molitor, Renata De Oliveira, Caitlin Garing, Suzanne Mitchell, Mumtaz Mustafa, Andy LeCount, and Tatiana Dubin. To my editor, Carrie Thornton, thank you for understanding how important this book is to me, and allowing me to make sure every word, detailand birdwas just right.

Lauren Auslander, you are my champion and the gatekeeper to my heart. I could never have done this book without you believing in my intuition. In times when most people would think I was out of my mind, you always know how to listen to my heart. Your passion and loyalty have given me the confidence to take on the world with strength and gratitude. Thank you for pulling me out of the dark and helping me rediscover the power of the light. I love you. You are the creator of LUNA, and I would also like to share my thanks with your amazing staff. Kylee Kilgore, Kevin Smith, and Erin Cullen, the endless ways that yall as a team make talent shine is a treasure.

To Lacy Lynch, my literary agent. You poured your heart into this book from the moment it was just an idea, and your faith in me as an author has meant the world to me. You believed in a fellow Texas girl, and I am indebted to you for being such a good advocate for me. Thanks also to the entire Dupree Miller team, especially Jan Miller and Dabney Rice.

Kevin Carr OLeary, you are the Shakespeare to my thoughts. Thank you for teaching me that the hidden places of my heart are the most powerful to find and share. God sent you my way, and together we have become part of a real and true purpose.

To the tribe of ladies that make the Jessica Simpson Collection a true labor of love, thank you. Not just from me, but all the confident women around the world that yall have helped to feel beautiful. We are a family business, one who lives and breathes the value of a womans worth. Tina (Mom), Beth, Norma, Juliann, Lolo, Dre, Peggy, and Koko... Going on fifteen years and weve only just begun!

CaCee, everyone needs someone like you in their life so they can exist to their full potential. You bring truth, courage, confidence, laughter, and whole lotta love. You are my constant, forever more. I love you.

Koko, I couldnt get through a day without your friendship. Thanks for always being the joy in the room. Nobody can get things done quite like you. Your passion for the collection and my life makes me excited to keep doing as much as I possibly can.

Steph, thank you for always helping me find the beauty in broken moments and reminding me to look to God for answers. We have been friends since the beginning and will be to the very end. I love you.

Adrienne, the depth of you is beyond human. Your extraordinary perspective has always given me clarity. I truly respect and adore your wise ass.

Lolo, my fairy. You are the connector of all beautiful things.

Turkey, there is so much magic in your heart. Thank you for breaking the mold. You always are fearlessly yourself. I love you, weirdo.

Erin, thank you for always teaching me that I deserve whatever my heart desires. You have given me insight to a very authentic part of myself, one that pushes boundaries to find a greater artistic depth. I love you and Dylan!

Jessie: BFF, wildflower, loving soul. Your love is family.

Kathy, thank you for always checking in and being the best listener.

Nicole C., you always see me as I am. You embody style and youre a lover of life.

Jenthe Queen of Venice; there is nobody on this planet who doesnt want to soak in your radiant glow.

Morgan, thank you for your willingness to help at any moment and for always being your true self.

Jon and Jonathanmy extended family. Every day I am grateful for our purposeful connection. Love yall.

Trish, Bonnie, Renee, Kev, Laura, Ann Marie, and Stella: Thank you for giving me the space to focus on this book, all while being present for my children. Without yall I could never be the mom I am today.

Anna, I am so blessed to have you by my side every day. Thank you for always being so selfless and full of integrity. You get this family through all of the craziness with structure and love. This has been one of the most challenging years of my life, physically and mentally, yet you are with me holding my hand, making it all seem possible to manage. Love you, lady.

Evelyn, Sonia, and Marlene: All day, every day I appreciate how you take care of me and my home, my sacred place. This family loves yall so deeply.

To Kristin, the queen of collages. Thank you for documenting all of my moments. When I look back on this life, I will be able to see the entire metamorphosis as an artistic memory youve captured.

Driver Dan: Copy that, 10-4. Love you.

David, thank you for loving me like your own and believing in the power of a woman. I love you.

Cate, your support is endless. I adore you. Thanks for making sure my bills are paid on time! I promise I will make returns. Ha ha.

Teresa, thank you for not just listening to my voice, but actually hearing how it could impact the lives of others. You have a way about you that can move anyone into the heart of a song. There is not one person in the music business that compares to you.

Bart, you are the best vocal producer I have ever worked with. Thank you for allowing me to break down to break through, every single writing and vocal session. I love you.

Carol, you bless my family enormously every day with your devotion, unconditional love, and prayer. That heart you possess is bigger than Texas, and I hope to be half the woman of God you are in this lifetime. God listens to all of us, but somehow, I know that your tap on the shoulder is the most familiar to Him. I love you as much as you love me and my children, which I know is as much love that exists.

Randy and Beth, you have been my valiant protectors since childhood. You are family to me, and have proven time and again that youll do anything it takes to ensure that I am safeguarded. I trust you both with everything I have.

Aunt Debbie and Uncle Boyd, I am so grateful that you gave me your blessing to share Sarahs story and example. You have been models of strength and mercy for me on my journey through life. I love you.

To all my aunts, uncles, and cousins in our beautiful family: I was blessed to grow up with you in Texas, and to continue to have you in my life now. I thank you for every shared moment. I love you.

Mary Jo and Steve, thank you for raising the greatest love of my life. Each and every day, I see how Eric embodies the nurturing values you taught him. You led by example in your marriage and family, and we all benefit from the love you showed him. I am also grateful that you moved out here from Boston so you could be present for the kids and so involved in their lives. They adore Mojo and Pop Pop Ringo.