Overview
A group of siblings captured in an iconic beach nostalgia photo reunite on a sunny California island, where they’re forced to face the fallout of their unconventional upbringing—and the golden secret that has been simmering ever since…
“A love story to an era of sun, salt air, and freedom. I promise, you will devour this novel.”—Julie Clark, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Flight
“Doan’s latest pulls you straight to the end like a powerful riptide. Unforgettable!”—Jessica Anya Blau, bestselling author of Mary Jane
It’s 1980s California, and everyone’s dreaming of the endless summer: sun-drenched beaches, infinite waves, and most of all, beautiful, beautiful freedom. For the Merrick siblings, this idyllic vision is their reality, as they travel up and down the coast with their parents in a van year-round, surfing and swimming their days away. But when a photographer secretly snaps a stunning photo of the family with their boards in the sand, and the image ripples across the country, the only life they’ve ever known is put at risk.
Decades after, the now-distant siblings gather on a gorgeous, wild island to honor their late father. But their reunion is complicated when a journalist, eager for the truth behind the famous photo, discovers their identity and tracks them down. As the siblings reckon with the possibility that more of their lives could be shared, a revelation about their past forces them to confront long-held heartaches. Together, they’ll have to decide whether to let the same tensions rip them apart again—or if telling their story on their own terms might just be the way to recapture the family magic.
Review
The Merrick siblings, this idyllic vision is their reality, as they travel up and down the coast with their parents in a van year-round, surfing and swimming their days away. But when a photographer secretly snaps a stunning photo of the family with their boards in the sand, and the image ripples across the country, the only life they’ve ever known is put at risk.
This is truly a unique family with some crazy rules. I love how they seem separate…but cause them some problems and they circle around each other in protection.
This is told in two different time periods. I wanted a bit more distinction between the two. But, this could have been because of the format. The audiobook might have caused part of this issue for me.
But y’all…the setting of the different California beaches and riding the waves…freedom at its best.
The narrator, Ann Marie Gideon, is pretty good. She was not as emotional in some areas as I felt the story needed.
Need a family drama with a great setting…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
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