The book centers on Leticia Lili’uokalani Lang, a young woman who defied the expectations of how proper women should behave with her strong will, and independent spirit. The story begins with Letty’s return home to Hawaii after spending some time in a boarding school, which was intended to tame her spirit. As you might guess, this was a fruitless endeavor, as strong spirits aren’t easily tamed. We learn right away that Letty is an animal lover and protector. She causes quite a spectacle when she jumps into the ocean to save a horse.

Of course, this brave (crazy?) act hints at the series of events that will unfold in the subsequent pages. While author Katherine Kayne does take some liberties, her appreciation for the history and culture of the Hawaiian people is evident. The book takes place shortly after the Hawaiian monarchy was dissolved, with the would-be Queen playing a strong supporting role in Letty’s story.

And with all historical fiction that has caught my interest, there is a compelling love story.

I was unsure whether this book would ultimately turn out to be “just” a romantic novel, but it proved to be much more than that. Touching on the strong connection between the Hawaiian people and their land, Letty’s force is something she must face and learn to manage in order to live her life to its fullest.

The novel is easy to read, interesting, left me intrigued to learn more about the early 20^th century Hawaiian experience, and satisfied my desire for a good love story.

I highly recommend that you grab yourself a copy and escape to the islands for a bit.