I am not a writer but I am a story teller with a tale to tell. This novel is based, to some extent, on things that happened during my years on and around Sullivan s Island, South Carolina. This story is about a mother, her husband and three children who lived on Sullivan s island near Fort Moultrie during World War II and several decades after the war. It includes living through hurricanes, eating what the ocean had to offer, enjoying the beach and the friends and relatives who affected their lives. In the middle of all this is another story.....a love story between the mother and a soldier, whom she introduces to her family, even to her husband as a friend. The surprise ending brings to the reader an interesting conclusion. Remember this is not a true story but one that could have happened. I was born on Sullivan s Island over 80 years ago. I grew up there and lived through most of the events from which my imagination took over and built this story. Since being married almost 60 years to my husband Bill, the love of my life, we have traveled to all fi fty states, parts of Europe, South America, Canada and cruised all over the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. In addition to our traveling we enjoy duplicate bridge, reading, senior activities at our church and writing. Writing has always been my passion but this is my fi rst attempt at writing a novel. I just love what I ve done and have another in the back of my mind. We have three daughters and seven grandchildren and currently live in the clay hills of Chapin, South Carolina but I just cannot get the beach sand from between my toes.