Touching Stars

Book excerpt: A war correspondent’s return to his ex-wife and their children tests what it means to be family in this emotional saga by a USA Today–bestselling author. Gayle Fortman has built a good life for herself and her three sons as an innkeeper in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. She has even maintained a cordial relationship with her ex, charismatic broadcast journalist Eric Fortman, covering with the boys for his absences and broken promises. 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, having nearly lost his life in Afghanistan. Worse, he has lost his way and his courage, and needs a place to recover. Gayle realizes this might be the last chance for her sons to establish a real bond with their father, and offers him a summer at the inn and a chance to put things right. Gayle and Eric are all too aware that their onetime love and attraction are still there. But can the pieces of their broken lives be mended, or are they better laid to rest? Praise for Touching Stars “Magically interpreting the emotional resonance of love and loss, betrayal and redemption through luminously drawn characters, Richards’ latest installment in her irresistible, quilt-inspired Shenandoah Album series glows with transcendent warmth, wisdom, grace, and compassion.” —Booklist “Romance Writers of America award–winner Richards gets the emotions right and writes credible dialogue when the adults speak to children.” —Publishers Weekly