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.

After the death of her father, Ellie is sent to live with her aunt and uncle in California. The surf scene is a stark contrast to the life she left behind in New York. Ellie finds herself at odds with being the new kid in school, being away from all of her friends and missing her mom who is still in NY. Soon, surfing becomes a passion and an escape for her from everything negative in her life. Eventually, however, Ellie is forced to face it. Will she be able to come out on top?

Great book with lovable characters. Filled with typical themes that will resonate with YA readers. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review an ARC. 3.5 rounded up to 4.

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.

this was a great debut novel, I really enjoyed the concept of the book. It had what I was hoping for from the description and characters. Vezna Andrews had a great writing style that I enjoyed getting to read this. I loved the use of surfing and loved getting to know Ellie. I can't wait to read more from Vezna Andrews.

"What else could you have done? She couldn’t live alone in the city while you were at the hospital . . . and you said you didn’t have the money.” “That’s true,” said Mom. “She’ll start a new year here in the fall and everything will be okay.”

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.