Incredibly well written middle grade contemporary fiction with a unique premise. 12 year old Fern and her mother live in an off the grid community in New York run by a man named Dr. Ben. It's been their home for 6 years. One night, Fern's mother has them leave their home behind, and they drive all the way across the country to California. Fern is confused and wants nothing more than to return to her home, as she starts to the experience the real world and learns that maybe things weren't quite what she thought they were.

I couldn't put this down. I was caught up in Fern's story and rooting for her and her mother to find their way away from their past life. I adored the people they met in Driftwood Beach and the friendships they developed. I was frustrated with Fern trying so hard to get back in touch with Dr. Ben but found it to be so realistic given how she had been raised.

Also loved that the fictional town was based on Rockaway Beach in Pacifica which is an area I know very well. And that the beloved tea shop was based on a local darling, Lovey's Tea Shop which is one of my favorite places to get tea!