Sand chronicles - Hinako Ashihara

After her parents get divorced, Ann Uekusa and her mother move from Tokyo to rural Shimane. Accustomed to the anonymity of city living, Ann can't get used to the almost overbearing kindness of the people in her mother's hometown. But when personal tragedy strikes, Ann discovers how much she needs that kindness.

Hinako Ashihara won the 50th Shogakukan Manga Award for Sunadokei (Sand Chronicles). She debuted with Sono hanashi okotowari shimasu in Bessatsu Shojo Comics in 1994. Her other works include SOS, Forbidden Dance, Ten-nen Bitter Chocolate.