The Village by the Sea - Softcover

Sent to the seaside to stay with her Aunt Bea while her father undergoes surgery, Emma, feeling lonely and confused, creates her own magical world by the water's edge

father goes to the hospital for surgery, she is sent to stay with Aunt Bea the "terror" and kindly Uncle Crispin. Emma wonders how she will survive two weeks with the always hostile Aunt Bea.
Luckily, Emma makes a friend, Bertie, and the two girls begin a project on the beach. Together they build tiny houses out of stones, shells, and all sorts of sea treasures. Here at the beach with Bertie, Emma finds comfort and friendship and takes pride in her carefully planned village.
Then one day Emma and Bertie's village is destroyed...