Richard and Michael, both three years sober, have just decided to celebrate their love by moving in together when Richard—driven by the desire to do the right thing for his ten-year-old-daughter, Brady, whom he has never met—impulsively calls his former father-in-law to connect with her. With that phone call, he jeopardizes the one good thing he has—his relationship with Michael—and also threatens the world of the fundamentalist Christian grandparents who love Brady and see her as payback from God for the alcohol-related death of her mother. Unable to reach an agreement, the two parties hire lawyers who have agendas far beyond the interests of the families—and Brady is initially trusted into Richard and Michael’s care. But when the judge learns that the young girl was present when a questionable act took place while in their custody, she returns Brady to her grandparents. Ultimately, it’s not until further tragedy strikes that both families are finally motivated to actually act in the “best interests of the child.” "A nuanced portrait of what it means to be a family, with a bit of melodrama but plenty of heart." — Kirkus Reviews "A poignant literary pageant of custody battles, alchoholism, religious restraint and family turmoil, this tremendously moving read will leave you in bouts of feels all summer long." — Redbook "An emotionally gripping read that explores the deepest of cracks in a dysfunctional family, this poignant book belongs in the hands of every parent this summer." — Working Mother "This emotionally gripping tale about a gay man who must battle his way to sobriety and convince his ex father-in-law he is worthy of a relationship with his 10-year-old daughter will leave every dad moved. If you want your gift to finally induce your dad to weep in your presence, this might be your chance." —Popsugar "When Richard confronts his daughter’s fundamentalist Christian grandparents for a second chance at fatherhood, the most emotionally harrowing and heavy family drama of 2017 unfolds. Be sure you pack tissues in the glove compartment." —Brit+Co "A heartbreaking and emotionally riveting reading experience that reminds readers that most every American family has its dysfunctional ghosts. This explosive novel will add drama to your summer from Page 1." —SheKnows Catherine Marshall-Smith published her debut novel, American Family , in 2016. She is a founder of Café Writers Online, a weekly interactive forum for discussion led by experts on the craft of writing and publishing. She holds a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley in English literature, a teaching credential from San Jose State University, and a Writing Credential from UCLA, where she was nominated for the James Kirkwood Award for excellence in the writing of fiction. A former English teacher, she lives with her husband in the San Francisco Bay Area. American Family A Novel By Catherine Marshall-Smith She Writes Press Copyright © 2017 Catherine Marshall-Smith All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-63152-163-8 CHAPTER 1 MOVING DAY Moving in with Michael should have been perfect. It wasn't supposed to feel like this. Richard stood on the honey-colored oak floor of the upstairs study and inhaled the scent of the Pacific Ocean coming through the dormer window. He whistled to convince himself he was happily preoccupied with unpacking, but the sound grated against his ears. As he stooped to pick up another box, he saw the corner of the letter poking out, demanding attention. He yanked it out and unfolded it, as if somehow this time it would read differently. Brady's picture fell out. It was the standard school-picture pose. She smiled in it because she had been told to do so. He searched for himself in her face. Except for the curly hair, she didn't look like him or what he could remember of Brenda. He touched the picture and leaned closer to the window, but there was no breeze and the sun pressed in on him. Sweat trickled down his back. He closed the window and turned on the AC. He shelved a box of books on the mahogany bookcases that matched the Civil War–era desk Michael had given him to encourage his writing on the same period. Richard had admired the desk in an antique store but had never mentioned it. Today while Michael was at work, it was delivered. The gesture, so tender, caught him off guard and made him cry. Now he ran his hand over the surface of the desk and then slipped the letter inside a paperback of Lillian Hellman's Pentimento. He'd never be able to write until he settled things with Brady. Desperate to stop thinking, Richard decided to go running. Thinking hurt. Trying not to think hurt more. Maybe going for a run would clear his head. Richard selected running clothes that comforted him, his shirt from the Big Sur Marathon that qualified him for the Boston and the lucky hat he earned running it. He placed his crusty Nikes against the wall and began stretching mostly so he could tell himself he had done so. He pressed