Touching Stars

In this compelling and emotional new novel, Emilie Richards asks when is a family no longer a family? Gayle Fortman has built a good life for herself and her three sons as an innkeeper in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Divorced from charismatic broadcast journalist Eric Fortman, Gayle has made a success of Daughter of the Stars. She has even maintained a cordial relationship with Eric, covering with the boys for his absences and broken promises. Family was never a priority for her ex. Luckily Travis Allen, her closest neighbor, has been a loving surrogate father to the boys and her own best friend. Then, on the eve of oldest son Jared's graduation, Eric returns, but not for the celebration. He nearly lost his life in Afghanistan. Worse, he has lost his way and his courage, and needs a place to recover.