When The Paint Dries

by Carly Smith, Hayley Smith (Editor), Hilary Rezmerski (Editor)

After surviving an abusive relationship, Sadie turns to an art therapy program hoping to find a way forward—or at least some peace. She doesn’t expect to connect so quickly with her mural partner, a former athlete grappling with the loss of everything he once knew. Their creative collaboration sparks a quiet bond, and maybe something more.

But just as their connection deepens, life pulls them in different directions. Caught between the comfort of what’s easy and the ache of what feels real, she finds herself torn.

As old fears resurface and new feelings collide, Sadie must will she protect her heart at all costs, or risk it again—for love, for healing, and for herself?

A moving story of recovery, resilience, and the complicated path to finding where—and with whom—you belong.

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

Reviews

[Travis Knops · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great pallete cleanser and well done for a debut author.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful debut book