Surf and Sand is a heartfelt, evocative story set in the 1950s, following Mary Nell Morgan, an adventurous twelve-year-old girl living in a seaside hotel. The narrative immerses readers in her world, filled with surfing, secret passages, and the enigmatic history of the Surf and Sand Hotel. Her journey of self-discovery unfolds against a backdrop of coastal beauty and echoes of mystery, particularly revolving around a ghostly tale of a missing girl tied to the hotel’s storied past.

W.B. Edwards captures the 1950s beach culture with a vivid nostalgia that feels deeply personal. The detailed surfing scenes are pure magic, especially when young Nell conquers her first wave. The author brings the sea to life; you can feel the salt spray and the tug of the tide as Nell finds her confidence. The descriptions of her tight bond with the water were some of my favorites. I did feel that some passages about the hotel’s history, while rich, wandered a bit long, but they added to the world-building. The writing truly shines when it focuses on Nell’s emotional growth. Her loneliness and determination are palpable, especially when she explores her “haunted” pool or secretly learns to surf. There’s a sweet mix of bravery and vulnerability in her character. Her budding relationship with the local surfers, like Mike, added warmth and realism to her story. However, I thought some side characters, like her brother Lonnie, could have been developed more deeply. His subplot in the kitchen seemed promising but fizzled without much resolution. The story’s mystery element, centered on the vanished Irene Young, provides a subtle but haunting undercurrent. Nell’s fascination with the tragedy felt genuine and age-appropriate, adding a layer of intrigue. The blend of her innocence with her drive to uncover the truth gives the book its emotional weight. Still, the ghostly aspect felt underused—more could have been done to tie Irene’s story more tightly with Nell’s journey.

Surf and Sand is a beautifully crafted slice of life from a bygone era, perfect for readers who enjoy nostalgic tales of youth, summer adventures, and light mysteries. It’s ideal for younger readers or adults who remember growing up near the sea. If you’ve ever felt the tug of the ocean or the thrill of learning something new, this book will take you back there.

Pages: 346 | ASIN : B07NLJ37V9