What Lies Beneath
Set in the United States home front as the U.S. enters World War I in 1917, this entertaining fantasy-tinged YA follows 17-year-old Emma Verlaine. She’s been raised by her geologist father and a series of colorful nannies and tutors. When her father is called to serve in Washington, her own efforts to serve as a nurse or secretary are thwarted by her age and inexperience.
Emma and a more worldly cousin are sent to stay for the summer with her Gran on an island off Cape Cod. She loves island life and draws the romantic interest of several young men, but Emma only has eyes for Malcolm, part of an eccentric hotel owning family. Together they delight in the antics of the local seals, who take an intense interest in Emma.
On the island, a new Navy Air Station guards the coast from German U-boats. Soon spies and saboteurs enter the picture and resourceful Emma must unlock the secrets of her mother’s past and her own identity in order to join Malcolm in saving the island she’s come to love.
Enchanting Selkie tale joins well-researched history in this light-hearted adventure that teens are sure to enjoy.
