After a tragedy fractures her past, a woman must decide if survival is enough in this emotionally gripping novel about identity and trauma.

Este Foreman is on the verge of making it in Hollywood. The only problem: Her life is built on a lie.

Today, Este is the polished assistant to actress Alyson Reeves. Ten years ago, however, she was Dr. Alexandra Sivak, a rising neurosurgeon in San Diego—until her boyfriend’s unsolved murder shattered her life and drove her into a new identity.

Now, a new love and a long-awaited professional opportunity have Este believing she can finally put the past behind her. But when another murder reopens the notorious case that erased her identity, Este is pulled back to Ocean Avenue, where everything went wrong.

Returning means remembering all the things she’s tried to forget: the promising future she once had, the loss that stole it, and the unanswered questions swirling. As old relationships are tested, and buried emotions resurface, it becomes harder to maintain who she’s become. In order to move forward, Este must first go back and reassemble the pieces of who she used to be and what really happened that night.

Marit Weisenberg is the author of several novels for teens. This Golden State, which she adapted for the screen, is currently in active development, and The Insomniacs was a YALSA nominee. Beneath the Bright Surface is her adult debut.

Marit received her BA in English from Bowdoin College and her master’s degree from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television. She has worked in film and television development at Warner Brothers, Universal, and Disney.