Last summer, I had the honor of reading an advanced galley of SEA, a debut novel by Heidi Kling. I’ve been dying to tell you all about it ever since, and today, I can finally say it…

Happy Book Birthday, SEA!

SEA hits the shelves across the country today, and people are already chatting it up all over the Intertubes. It’s a beautiful, heartbreaking story about an American teen named Sienna (aka “Sea”) who reluctantly travels to tsunami-ravaged Indonesia with her father to help orphans cope with post traumatic stress. Sea, whose own mother died in a plane crash on a similar trip, has already experienced her share of tragedy and struggle. Visiting the makeshift orphanage in Indonesia forces her to face some of her most personal and guarded demons. Through her eyes, with the help of a smokin’ hot boy named Deni, we get a glimpse of the immeasurable grief and trauma the families in Indonesia have endured, but we also learn a lot about their culture, their relationships, and their determination to rebuild. Sea’s own personal struggle parallels the larger tragedy, and through facing both, she just might find the strength to rebuild herself.

Check out the book trailer:

Romantic and heartfelt, lyrical and deep, SEA should be at the top of your summer reading list! Besides, Hedi is just an all-around sweetheart. So I hope you’ll join me in wishing her all the best on her debut… and when you see this gorgeous cover on the shelves at your favorite bookstore, pick it up!

Congratulations, Heidi!