Lexi Laney and Clare Hart grew up together having wondrous adventures across picturesque Nantucket. And when it was time to share intimate secrets and let their imaginations run free, they escaped to their private hideaway: Moon Shell Beach. But nothing stays the same. With the complicated pressures of adulthood, their intense bond is frayed, hurtful words are exchanged, and Lexi flees Nantucket to a life of luxury while Clare stays behind. Ten years later, a newly divorced Lexi returns to make amends with those she left in her wake–particularly Clare, who still simmers with resentment toward her friend. Their emotional reunion is beset with major challenges, as Lexi’s return sets off a series of startling events. And as Clare’s life takes an abrupt detour, Lexi wonders if the happiness and peace they once knew on Moon Shell Beach will, in the end, prove to be as fleeting as time and the tide. “There’s nothing like two best friends and a secret beach to get a story rolling, and that’s just the beginning. Ms. Thayer captures her beloved Nantucket like no one else, celebrating the island’s nature and beauty, using it as a rich backdrop for this deeply moving novel of friendship. I read it straight through, and when I was finished all I wanted to do was walk barefoot on the beach with my best friend.” –Luanne Rice “Nancy Thayer’s sense of place is powerful, and her words are hung together the way my grandmother used to tat lace.” –Dorothea Benton Frank “Best friends take center stage in this poignant testament to the enduring power of the bond between women. Moon Shell Beach is an absorbing read about the things that matter most in life. Give your best friend a copy of this big, beautiful book!” –Susan Wiggs “Nancy Thayer has a deep and masterly understanding of love and friendship, of where the two complement and where they collide. Read Moon Shell Beach and get swept away.” –Elin Hilderbrand “A beautifully textured story about love, friendship, and forgiveness, a great beach read. It will make you want to pack your bags for Nantucket.” –Kristin Hannah “Moon Shell Beach reminds readers of what they held dear as children, and if that changed as adults. It is also brings back memories of friendships and family ties and how our choices affect both.— Durham Herald-Sun “Thoroughly enjoyable . . . The focus on women’s friendship as opposed to romance makes for an enjoyable change of pace.”— Booklist Nancy Thayer is the New York Times bestselling author of Moon Shell Beach, The Hot Flash Club, The Hot Flash Club Strikes Again, Hot Flash Holidays, The Hot Flash Club Chills Out, and Between Husbands and Friends. She lives on Nantucket. Chapter One 1994 "Hi, Mrs. Laney, where's Lexi?" Clare ambled into Laney's Dry Goods Emporium, bringing a gust of crisp October air with her. Her curly brown hair was held back with a tartan headband and she was glowing from the morning's game. Her sophomore year in high school, she was throwing herself wholeheartedly into team sports. Myrna Laney was rining up a sale. "Did we win?" Clare pumped her fist. "Whalers four, Wareham a big fat egg!" "Good for you girls!" Mrs. Moody, who led the community chorus, looked up from signing the charge card. "Only one more game before the tournament, right?" "Right." Clare held up crossed fingers. Myrna slipped Patricia Moody's purchase into a bag. "Lexi's just cleaning up the dressing rooms," she told Clare. "Go on back." At the far end of the store were four dressing rooms. Lexi was there, scooping up discarded clothing and fastening them back onto the hangers. "Hey, Doe." Seeing Clare's face, she said, "Well, I can tell you guys won." "Victory is sweet!" Clare did a little dance, then picked up a sweater and folded it, helping Lexi. "I really wish you'd try out for the field hockey team." "Right. Because I'm such a jock." "I think you could be if you tried." Gangly Lexi gave her a stare. "Well," Clare amended, "I think you could be better than you think you are." "Doesn't matter," Lexi said. "I've got to work here after school and on Saturdays. I don't even have time to watch field hockey. The only time my parents let me off is for the homecoming football game." "I know." Clare ran her hands down a pair of wool slacks, smoothing them. "It's not fair." "Oh, Clare, it's fine," Lexi argued amiably. "I'm such a spaz, I don't enjoy sports. Besides, I'm saving money for the class trip to New York." "New York? I thought you were going with the French class to Paris in the spring." Lexi slumped against the wall. "Didn't I tell you? That's out. No way can I make enough money for that." "But I thought the school was paying for part of the trip. What have we been holding the car washes and lotteries for?" "Mom and Dad got a letter from the school. We still have to come up with a thousand dollars. No way can we raise that." "That sucks." Clare chewed her lip, thinking. "Well, if you don't go, I won't go." "You have a