Book excerpt: “The novel uses the empty storefronts and windy beaches of autumn to explore loss, confusion and love.” —The New York Times Book Review. It's off-season at the Jersey shore. The boardwalk belongs to the locals—including Rosie and Skate, sisters who are a year apart in age but couldn't be more different. Rosie's fifteen, shy, and waiting for her life to begin. Skate, sixteen, is tougher and knows what she wants. Readers will be totally caught up as the sisters' story plays out within the embrace of their quirky, warmhearted community.