Falling Out of Stride - Katharine E. Smith

As the new year swings into view, Ruth's family are sticking together, yet quietly coming apart at the seams.

While eldest daughter Annie becomes increasingly distant from her husband, middle child Kitty is reeling from the break-up of her own relationship. In the midst of their grief, feelings become muddled, and a complex situation begins to take shape.

Husband Graham is lost in his own world, stunned by his bereavement and struggling to forge a route through these darkest months, or even find a reason he should want to. Blinkered, he is missing what is happening in his own family, under his own roof.

Only Tom, the youngest, seems to have things in hand, presenting an admirable appearance of acceptance to the world. With a new relationship on the cards, life doesn't look quite so bleak for him. Appearances can be deceptive, however, as Ruth knows only too well.

From her unique vantage point, she sees it all and longs to help. While her family learn to live without her, she faces new lessons of her own, chief amongst them that she must let them find their own way.