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book cover for The Resilience Of Red Thread

The Resilience Of Red Thread

A Novel

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Pub Date Jul 21 2026 | Archive Date Jul 1 2026

Books Forward Audiobooks | She Writes Press


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Description

For fans of Roisín O’Donnell’s Nesting, an intense, suspenseful story of a young mother’s fight to save herself after the man she thought was her white knight turns out to be just as dangerous as the man he helped her escape. 

After twenty-one-year-old Emily Miller flees her ex-husband, Lee, with the exterminator she hired to kill hornets in her backyard, she finally feels safe. Jake Clayton offers Emily and her daughter a beautiful place to live where neither Lee nor her mother, who wants custody of Jenna, can find them. Unlike Lee, Jake has a steady job, doesn’t drink (she’s never met a man who doesn’t), and doesn’t hit. And he doesn’t think Emily is too much—too mouthy (Lee), too large (her mother), too extra.

Isolated in a cabin in the Santa Cruz mountains with only a three-year-old for company, Emily distracts herself from the liquor cabinet and from worrying that Lee will track her down by planning a surprise for Jake: a reunion with the sisters he hasn’t seen since foster care. But the deeper she digs into Jake’s past, the less he seems like the man she trusts—and when she learns Lee has disappeared, she suspects Jake could have done . . . something. But that’s ridiculous, right? Sure, Jake is bossy about where she goes and who she sees. Sure, he has a temper. But murder? That’s just her being dramatic—like Lee and her mother always say she is. 

Right?
For fans of Roisín O’Donnell’s Nesting, an intense, suspenseful story of a young mother’s fight to save herself after the man she thought was her white knight turns out to be just as dangerous as the...

A Note From the Publisher

Catherine Marshall-Smith realized her calling to be an author after many years teaching 6th grade writing. She published her debut novel, “American Family,” in 2016, and the novel has sold internationally. She earned her 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. Catherine is in charge of philanthropy with the Women's Club of Marin and The Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) of Novato, California. She lives with her husband in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Catherine Marshall-Smith realized her calling to be an author after many years teaching 6th grade writing. She published her debut novel, “American Family,” in 2016, and the novel has sold...


Advance Praise

“A nuanced portrait of what it means to be a family” 

—Kirkus Reviews

“A poignant literary pageant of custody battles, alcoholism, 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… will leave every dad moved.” 

—PopSugar

“Emotionally harrowing... 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 is skilled in the instrument of the heart, a writer who takes you on a harrowing journey to the inner depths of what it means to be human.” 

—Rhodi Hawk, author of “This Town Won't Tell”

“Plan to settle in before you start this amazing book. Pour yourself a cup of tea, coffee or a glass of wine. Once you start reading ‘The Resilience of Red Thread,’ you will not want to put it down. A well-written and suspense-driven story that will envelop you — this is a page turner!”

—Amy S. Peele, author of “Last Bite”

“A nuanced portrait of what it means to be a family” 

—Kirkus Reviews

“A poignant literary pageant of custody battles, alcoholism, religious restraint and family turmoil, this tremendously moving read...


Available Editions

EDITION Audiobook
ISBN 9798896363460
PRICE $17.99 (USD)