Message in the Sand

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Wendell Combs, a lifelong resident of Saybrook, Connecticut, returns to his hometown to find solace as the head caretaker of Alan Lancaster's picturesque estate, White Pines. A middle-aged bachelor and war veteran, Wendell cherishes the tranquility of the estate, while Alan's fifteen-year-old daughter, Julia, enjoys its beauty in her own way—spending her days riding horses, swimming, and painting. As her parents prepare for their annual summer gala, Julia is more captivated by her budding romance with the boy next door than by the event itself. However, the night takes a tragic turn, leaving the town reeling and Wendell and Julia grappling with an uncertain future. Amidst their grief, two women return to Saybrook: Ginny Foster, Wendell's first love, and Candace Lancaster, Julia's estranged aunt, who has long distanced herself from the family estate. As Julia clings to her connections with Wendell and White Pines, she faces the possibility of losing both. Through sharp and evocative prose, this stirring tale delves into the intricate ties between people and place, exploring the essence of family and the enduring impact of love and loss.