Some projects—like some people—you can’t help falling in love with. I was lucky enough to fall in love with both the project and the people when I helped Craig and Kathryn Hall write A Perfect Score (Hachette, September 2016).

I still remember the day Dupree/Miller & Associates’ literary agent Nena Madonia called to ask if I’d be interested in ghostwriting a book about wine. I’m such a wine aficionado that I almost started laughing. My being involved with A Perfect Score was a perfect match.

I didn’t know how perfect until I met the Halls. They’re smart. They’re driven. They’re warm and down-to-earth. In short, they’re great.

I would figure out just how great over the months when we worked together. As a ghostwriter I interview my authors extensively, then weave together their words. So I get to know them pretty well, especially since in this case I also worked with the Halls as a writing coach.

“I just talked with my dad,” I told them over dinner at their Napa Valley residence, which like their two wineries showcases stunning art inside and out. “I said I hoped he didn’t mind, but I was going to try and convince you to adopt me.”

Like all creative endeavors—and relationships for that matter—we hit a couple of speed bumps during the writing process, but we made it through. The prize?

This Sunday, less than two weeks after its pub date, A Perfect Score will hit the New York Times bestseller list (#11), which makes this the second national bestseller I’ve penned.

And I have added two wonderful friends to my life.

Cheers to both!