Book Title: One With the Waves
Author: Vezna Andrews – debut author
Publisher: Santa Monica Press
Genre: Teen/YA
Pub Date: May 23, 2023
My Rating: 3.4 Stars

Story setting novel is in the 1980s in Manhattan Beach, Southern California-
Sixteen-year-old Ellie was born and raised in NYC. However when her father unexpectedly dies her world has changed forever.
Her mother sends her to Manhattan Beach, California to live with her Aunt Jen and her Uncle Charlie—both avid surfers. At first Elle doesn’t fit in with the ‘valley/beach girls’ at her new high school. Aunt Jen and Uncle Charlie encourage her to try surfing. Doesn’t take long and it is not only her new love but also her refuge. She becomes close to Aunt Jen, Uncle Charlie, and their community of surfers.
Through surfing, Ellie develops the confidence and strength needed to navigate her own path in life—surfing literally saves her.
As a high school guidance counselor who lives in Southern California and although I am not a surfer, I love the ocean and love this message. I already have students in mind whom I am excited to recommend and share this debut story!
Want to thank NetGalley and Santa Monica Press for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 23, 2023

High school Ellie is struggling with her father’s death. When they had moved to New York, her mother ran her art gallery while Elli and her father explored New York. Ellie’s mother is drinking too much due to the death of her husband. Ellie goes to California for an extended visit with her Aunt Jen and Uncle Charlie and thei big dog. It’s a different world for Ellie. Aunt Jen loves to surf and takes Ellie with her. On her first outing, Ellie feels the dolphins are calling her to come and play. She decides to stay in California even though it creates a new dynamic in her relationship with her mother.

The author write about Ellie’s challenges such as adapting to a new school, standing up to bullies and “ first love.” Ellie experience being a surfer and feeling one with the ocean. This novel is a “coming-of-age” which made me happy for her.

This book is a great coming-of-age book that I read in about two days. I love the way the main character left her home and her family after her fathers death and went to live with family in a new environment across the country.
The main character showed an exponential amount of growth that makes you, as a reader, become proud of all her obstacles she has overcome.
Would recommend and will be recommending. 4/5 Stars :)

Fun story about surfing, relationships, and family.
Ellie's father has dies and her mother is taking it very hard, going into deep depression and alcoholism. While her mom goes into rehab, Ellie is shipped off to her aunt and uncle in CA. A big change from cold, NYC. Although she really misses her dad and is angry with her mom, Ellie soons learns to fit into the CA lifestyle, which includes surfing. Out on the water, swimming and surfing with dolphins, Ellie slowly heals and begins to make some friends. She gains confidence in herself and learns to stand up to her mom to fight for what she needs rather than what her mom thinks she needs. Ellie has finally found a home and community with her aunt and uncle.

One with the Waves was an amazing story with an 80s vibe. Did I mention a song list? At the end of the book there is a song list of the best beach/surfing songs.
Ellie moves to CA after the death of her father to live with her aunt and uncle. She meets awful, mean, bullying girls at school and takes it in stride. The ocean is her medicine.
She learns to surf and becomes one with the ocean. The waves help her heal and deal with all that life throws her way.
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC. Highly recommend!!

This book feel into my hands at the perfect time. Being able to read about some were warm and the ocean when it’s freezing outside. I don’t know anything about surfing but her way or writing made me feel like I was right there catching waves with them. I also cried from the start of the book when her father, her rock passed away. To the very end which turned into happy tears. I loved the 80’s language and at times I just wanted to strangle the mom. This author just turned into an automatic buy for me!

This was a great story, although a little too sappy in parts for my liking. It seems like the author made a semi-biographical novel. After reading the afterwards, it especially seemed so. Things were just a little too predictable for me, but all in all, a good story about how a move and surfing changed Ellie’s life and helped her heal from her father’s death.

Many thanks to both Santa Monica Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of One with the Waves.

Expected Publication May 23, 2023

One with the waves is a story about family and friendship, set in 1980s Manhattan Beach, California. After moving from New York to Southern California, Ellie does NOT fit in with the preppie girls at her new high school. Ellie begs her aunt to teach her how to surf, and surfing becomes Ellie's passion and refuge. She experiences surfing's spiritual and healing qualities, including (My favorite part!) magical experiences with wild dolphins, whales, and sea lions.

Through surfing, Ellie develops confidence and finds a group of like-minded souls who show her what true friendship is. I think teenagers will love this book!

3.5 Stars, rounded up.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a short mostly upbeat read. The book is a very well written journey of an interesting young woman. The 80's theme was well done.

I liked the 80s vibe in this book. It read realistic and following Ellie journey with surfing and life made this book a fun read.

Thank you NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.