An IndieNext Notable Pick, this is a story about three generations of artists who are grappling with the source of creativity and the limits of love. Claire has a successful career as a food photographer, a loving husband, a gorgeous home on the beach, and a daughter whose career as a painter is in the brink of taking off. The one thing she doesn’t have is the acceptance of her father, a legendary landscape photographer who believed that, in their family, genius skipped a generation. When her father drops dead, Claire suddenly loses confidence in herself and her art. Even worse, she starts to feel jealous of her daughter’s success. As she helps prepare a retrospective of her famous father’s work, she uncovers evidence that he struggled and loved in ways she never imagined – a revelation that changes everything she believes about herself. This story was inspired by the years I spent as a child in the wildnerness of the American West with my dad, a leading figure in the environmental movement.

"I finished reading The Only True Genius in the Family, and I have to say I like it more than your first! Loved the realism of the character, flaws and all. Keep writing!"-- Gayle, Inklings Bookshop, Yakima WA

"Last night I finished The Only True Genius in the Family and was sorry to have it end. It was a wonderful read, with characters so well carved out I could see them in a movie. I could picture the paintings, the photographs, the scenes both at the beach house and in Driggs.... could even hear the voices of Claire and Bailey. I just loved it!" -- Kathryn, Kat4Studios

"Just a quick note to say I LOVED your novel! Gobbled it right up! I can't wait to blab to everyone about it." --Cynthia M, blogger

"I absolutely loved it. In fact, I couldn’t put it down." Melissa Donovan, Writing Forward

“A 5-star most enjoyable read…perfect for book clubs.” -- Armchair Interviews

“A true page-turning delight.” -- Book Club Classics

“My heart started pounding as I read it. You touched on some profound ideas. It’s a beautiful story.” -- Jim Brandenburg, wildlife photographer,

“Honest, deeply felt, smartly paced, and highly relevant.” -- Beth Kephart, novelist