Glass Beach [Paperback]

Jill Marie Landis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1998

Elizabeth Bennett was in paradise. Her loveless marriage was at an end, and now she was blissfully alone to raise her young daughter on their lush Hawaiian estate. Then everything changed when a dark, handsome stranger appeared on her doorstep. His name was Spence Laamea, her husband's illegitimate son. And according to her husband's will, Spence was to run the estate until her daughter came of age. This man she knew nothing about held sway over her and her fate. And made her heart beat with a passion she'd never felt before. See centerpiece feature.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Jill Marie Landis captures the stunning landscape and fascinating culture of 19th-century Hawaii in this moving story of a white woman's forbidden love for the native man with whom she shares responsibility for her deceased husband's cattle ranch. The painful pasts of Elizabeth Bennett and Spence Laamea add convincing complexity to their evolving relationship, which Landis conveys with sensitivity and skill. The story is enhanced by a secondary romance between two Hawaiians, an ambitious dressmaker and her determined cowboy suitor; by Elizabeth's fierce love for her frail daughter Hadley; by Hadley's growing trust for Spence; and by a devastating hurricane that arrives without warning. There's a lot to admire here, and attentive readers will find Glass Beach both powerful and memorable.

From Publishers Weekly

In her novel set in late-19th-century Hawaii, Landis splendidly recreates the slightly fetid lushness of tropical nature and the islands' unique blending of Anglo, Asian and indigenous culture right down to the Hawaiian and pidgin that her characters speak. However, paradise has its tensions. In 1888, Elizabeth Bennett and her young daughter Hadley have no reason to trust Spencer Laamea, the hapa haole (half-white) illegitimate son of Elizabeth's abusiveAand now thankfully deadAhusband. Her first introduction to this striking young man is when she discovers Spencer is trustee of the near-ruined cattle ranch on Kauai until Hadley turns 18. Land rights, cultural clash and deep-seated mistrust, plus life-threatening dangers create tension throughout, though Spencer's tragic loss of his young wife gets surprisingly thin treatment. Landis weaves together a strong drama and an unconventional ending, which interestingly omits marriage, in keeping with the prejudices of the times.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 355 pages
• Publisher: Jove (June 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0515122858
• ISBN-13: 978-0515122855
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #562,517 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

JILL MARIE LANDIS'S twenty+ novels have earned distinguished awards and slots on such national bestseller lists as the USA TODAY Top 50 and the New York Times Best Sellers Plus. She is a seven-time finalist for Romance Writers of America's RITA Award in both Single Title and Contemporary Romance as well as a Golden Heart and RITA Award winner.

Her works include historical romances, contemporary single title romance with a hint of suspense, inspirational historical romances, and most recently the new Tiki Goddess Mystery series that launched with the successful Mai Tai One On.

Jill Marie resides in Hawaii with her husband. When she's not writing or sitting on the beach reading, she enjoys visiting with family and friends, raising orchids, working in her garden, plunking on the ukulele, dancing the hula and quilting, but not all at once.

She enjoys hearing from readers at www.jillmarielandis.com
facebook, and at www.thetikigoddess.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very well written, October 12, 2000

By 

Yacinta Gerrardo (Honolulu) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Glass Beach (Paperback)

An utterly beautiful romance. The characters in this book had a tragic feel to them. It was a welcome change from the gushy arrogance of England-set historical novels. The exotic setting, the cultural and racial issues, the emotional complications between the two main characters, all blend together to make a beautiful book. Couldn't put it down!

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story., June 10, 2010

By 

Helena James (Phila, PA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Glass Beach (Paperback)

This book was captivating. I took it everywhere with me and truly could not put it down. It's been a while since I've read Jill Marie Landis's work and I had forgotten how wonderful she is. For anyone that wants a great romantic getaway, take it from me. Get 'Glass beach' as soon as you can. Too bad I can't rate more than 5 stars, I would.

5.0 out of 5 stars FABULOUS!, July 2, 2000

By 

Robin (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Glass Beach (Paperback)

I absolutely LOVE the way Jill writes. Mony, or whoever, you must have no heart or imagination not to fall in love with this book. I haven't finished reading it but I just think Mrs. Landis is a great author!