The After Light is a poignant and powerful look at how unhealed trauma can stay hidden in the manicured lawns, picturesque homes, and perfect family holiday cards. When Sam Smith's second daughter, Kaleigh, is born in 1985, Sam does what so many mothers do-she starts writing in a baby journal to record the tender moments of her child's life: the birth, the baptism, and the beauty of watching her child grow. In the space in between, Smith does what few others do. She begins to write about what was going on behind the scenes, where mothers and fathers and extended family show up to love and support children during times of crisis, even though unhealed and unexpressed trauma exist in their own past.

Oftentimes, we cherish an image of our perfect families that prevents us and our loved ones from sharing a truth that might break that bond. The After Light explores complex family and church dynamics, people-pleasing, and how much easier it can be to bring a drink or drug to our lips instead of the truth-especially around families that don't want to listen. Smith merges journal writing with soul-stirring storytelling and offers a raw, powerful honesty that heals even when it hurts. The After Light is a deeply personal look at the sacrifices we make to belong to family, to church, and to ourselves. Like her first book, The Ancestors' Garden, this bold collection of short stories deals with tender subjects with compassion and grace while reminding us that beyond family, we all came from and return to the light.

Note to Readers: The Ancestors' Garden is available on Amazon under the author's previous name, Sandra Sam White.