The Wish House

"An invitation to an art exhibit sets off memories in a now grown-up Richard of the pivotal summer of 1976 when, as a lonely and naive fifteen-year-old vacationing in South Wales, he comes under the enthralling influence of the artistic, uninhibited, sometimes cruel, and ultimately tragic Dalton family."@en
"An engrossing, atmospheric novel--following a teenage boy as he uncovers the secrets of the mysterious and provocative Wish House. It's the start of summer vacation, and 15-year-old Richard has discovered that a family has moved into the usually deserted Wish House. Richard is intrigued by both the house and the bohemian family now living there. The father, Jethro Dalton, is an internationally renowned painter; his seemingly licentious wife is fascinated by herbs and cures. But it's their beautiful and vibrant daughter, Clio, the muse for Jethro's paintings, who draws Richard into the Daltons' world. Soon Richard finds himself so captivated by Clio that he steals off to the woods to spend days and nights with her, meanwhile struggling to understand and fit in with her eccentric clan. How could he know that some mysteries are best left alone--and that some betrayals can never be forgiven?"@en