• Age: 14 to 17
• Grade: 9 to 12

Seventeen-year-old Arion Rush has always played the obedient sidekick to her older sister’s flashy femme fatale—until a mysterious boating accident leaves Lilah a silent, traumatized stranger. As her sister awaits medical treatment with their mother, Arion and their father head to his hometown in Maine to prepare a new life for them all. Surrounded by the vast Atlantic, songwriting is Arion’s only solace, her solid ground.

Unexpectedly, Arion blossoms in the tiny coastal town. Friends flock to her, and Logan Delaine, a volatile heartthrob, seems downright smitten. But it’s Bo Summers—a solitary surfer, as alluring as he is aloof—that Arion can’t shake. Meanwhile, Lilah’s worsening condition, a string of local fatalities, and Arion’s own recent brushes with death seem ominously linked…to Bo’s otherworldly family. As Arion’s feelings for Bo intensify and his affections turn possessive, she must make a choice. How will Arion learn to listen to her own voice when Bo’s siren song won’t stop ringing in her ears?

Mimi Cross is an author, singer, and songwriter. Grammy award–winning artist Rosanne Cash has described Cross’s writing and singing as “Fusing delicacy and power, heart and gut. Inspiring, evocative, and refreshing.” Cross received a bachelor of music from Ithaca College and an MA from New York University and is the creator of Body of Writing, a practice combining yoga and writing that boosts creativity. Her debut novel, Before Goodbye, was published by Skyscape. She resides with her young son in New Jersey.

Mimi Cross' profile page

“Cross’s songwriting experience comes across in the poetic language and descriptive passages.” —Publishers Weekly

“A lyrical and leisurely writer, Cross, of Monmouth Beach, dips into the young adult world with a novel that weaves mythology, teen angst and family drama. Arion is a singer, songwriter and guitar player like Cross and the moments when the girl pours her soul into her music feel authentic. There are rough seas to travel and cannot be explained without spoiling an excellent ending…as someone who loves classical mythology it’s fascinating to see someone bring it gracefully to modern times.” —The Newark Star Ledger

“The written dialogue in this book is one of its best features. It feels genuinely authentic and age appropriate. Each character also seems to have his or her own voice, which helps make the characters more complex. I especially like the witty banter between Arion and Logan. It is very funny and charismatic. I often found myself smiling at their repartee.” —YA Books Central

“Shining Sea will appeal to those who love, love triangles, the supernatural, and mystery! If you love all three of those then you will be a diehard lover of this book! The characters and music aspects of this story is just breathtaking! You won’t go wrong by checking out this book.” —Night Owl Reviews, TOP PICK