Customer Reviews

Mahalo, My Love

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This book reads like SENSE AND SENSIBILITY meet GONE WITH THE WIND and go to BLUE LAGOON! I could almost feel the tropical breezes, the hibiscus, the ocean, the ripening sugar cane as the characters met and fell in love. I was especially interested in the multi-cultural themes of anglos and polynesians being drawn to each other, even as the American sugar barons conspire to steal the Kingdom of Hawai'i away from it's lawful native ruler. Intriguing and beguiling characters swept me along. But I have to say, the love scenes really captured me. I am running out to buy a peacock feather right away!

In this enchanting historical romance, Mahalo is the sugar plantation home of the heroine Laelani Winton. It is also the Hawaiian expression for thank-you. Two high spirited young women, one Hawaiian and one English, arrive in turn-of-the century Hawaii each with a different dream and background. Companions and friends they set the island astir.
The vivid descriptions of Honolulu in the late 1890's take you back to that time and set the stage for a royal ball, dual romances and the eventual overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. Laelani, after being introduced to the social circles of Honolulu would rather be at Mahalo than in Honolulu. Again the vivid details of the plantation, the hideaway falls, the customs and the people, transport you to a far off time and place.
Having been married in Hawaii myself, I especially enjoyed the Hawaiian wedding scene rich in detail and full of emotion. In the back of the book is a dictionary of the Hawaiian words that you'll encounter through out the book. It is a delightful story that takes you away from the fast track of today to two timeless love stories in a lush and lovely island.

Set in the sunny and splendid 1892 Hawai'i, Mahalo, My Love by veteran romance novelist Ida Hills is a captivating story of love amidst a land of beauty on the verge of being torn apart by strife, as American sugar barons clash with Queen Liliu'okalani. A double romance afflicts the hero, who in spite of being expected to marry one woman falls in passionate love with a flame-haired stranger. Ultimately, Mahalo, My Love is a fiery, exciting, and especially engaging historical romance from beginning to end.

Ms. Hills delivers a fine novel uniquely set during the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.

Laelani Winton, half Hawaiian, half English returns to her beloved Hawaiian sugar plantation only to have her dream of running her father's sugar plantation thwarted by her scheming brother-in-law. Traveling with Laelani is her English companion who has a different dream.

Under the tropical breezes and lush surroundings each spirited young woman finds adventure, success, and romance. Readers will enjoy the two love stories. Expect to laugh a little and shed a tear or two in this well-executed tale of passion and betrayal. Kudos to Ms. Hills, and kudos to Beagle Bay Books for a wonderful read and a quality edition.