Loss of mother haunts daughter in ‘Moonglass’

Anna Ryan's life is turned upside down when her lifeguard father accepts a job far from her home, her friends, her beach and the waves that took her mother's life.

Now, in Crystal Cove, she is even more haunted by the loss of her beloved mother as she discovers it is the same place her mom and dad met and fell in love. Although she and her father have a good relationship, Anna feels that mentioning her mother is taboo.

Instead of dwelling in the past, Anna makes plans to try and enjoy her dwindling summer. After all, there's a new beach, new boys and new friends waiting for her. But the discovery of a few family secrets could change everything.

In her debut novel, “Moonglass,” author Jessi Kirby delivers a delightful coming-of-age novel that includes a sweet love story plus a heart-wrenching mystery.

As Anna adapts to her new surroundings, she becomes friends with the perky Ashley, who is determined to help Anna fit in at school, and fellow running fan Jill. She also finds love with handsome seasonal lifeguard Tyler, who soon holds the reins to Anna’s heart.

Anna also enjoys searching for pieces of sea glass along the beach — a tradition she and her mother shared. As she wanders the new beach, she finds herself drawn to a dilapidated cottage.

Anna explores the old home despite her father’s warnings in the hope of finding answers about her mother and why she felt compelled to walk into the ocean. She discovers a hidden message that seems to resonate within her heart — three words painted in one of the upstairs rooms — Beauty, Grace, Strength. Could this be a message from her mother, left behind so many years ago?

“Moonglass” blends the heartwarming story of a girl blossoming into a woman with an intriguing mystery. This brilliant novel is a perfect end-of-summer read for both young adults and adults alike.