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Red Sky Over Hawaii
Inspired by real places and events of WWII, Red Sky Over Hawaii immerses the reader in a time of American history full of suspicion and peril in this lush and poignant tale about the indisputable power of doing the right thing against all odds.
The attack on Pearl Harbor changes everything for Lana Hitchcock. Arriving home on the Big Island too late to reconcile with her estranged father, she is left alone to untangle the clues of his legacy, which lead to a secret property tucked away in the remote rain forest of Kilauea volcano. When the government starts taking away her neighbors as suspected sympathizers, Lana shelters two young German girls, a Japanese fisherman and his son. As tensions escalate, they are forced into hiding—only to discover the hideaway house is not what they expected.
When a detainment camp is established nearby, Lana struggles to keep the secrets of those in her care. Trust could have dangerous consequences. As their lives weave together, Lana begins to understand the true meaning of family and how the bonds of love carry us through the worst times.
The attack on Pearl Harbor changes everything for Lana Hitchcock. Arriving home on the Big Island too late to reconcile with her estranged father, she is left alone to untangle the clues of his legacy, which lead to a secret property tucked away in the remote rain forest of Kilauea volcano. When the government starts taking away her neighbors as suspected sympathizers, Lana shelters two young German girls, a Japanese fisherman and his son. As tensions escalate, they are forced into hiding—only to discover the hideaway house is not what they expected.
When a detainment camp is established nearby, Lana struggles to keep the secrets of those in her care. Trust could have dangerous consequences. As their lives weave together, Lana begins to understand the true meaning of family and how the bonds of love carry us through the worst times.
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 9, 2020
800 people are currently reading
9226 people want to read
About the author
Sara Ackerman
9 books1,483 followersSara Ackerman is the Hawaii born, USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and historical novels set in the Islands.
Sara's books have been labeled “unforgettable” by Apple Books, “empowering & deliciously visceral” by Book Riot, and New York Times bestselling authors Kate Quinn and Madeline Martin have praised Sara’s novels as “fresh and delightful” and “brilliantly written.” Amazon chose Radar Girls as a best book of the month, and ALA Booklist gave The Codebreaker’s Secret a starred review.
Find out more about Sara and her books at www.ackermanbooks.com and follow her on Instagram @saraackermanbooks and on FB @ackermanbooks.
Sara's books have been labeled “unforgettable” by Apple Books, “empowering & deliciously visceral” by Book Riot, and New York Times bestselling authors Kate Quinn and Madeline Martin have praised Sara’s novels as “fresh and delightful” and “brilliantly written.” Amazon chose Radar Girls as a best book of the month, and ALA Booklist gave The Codebreaker’s Secret a starred review.
Find out more about Sara and her books at www.ackermanbooks.com and follow her on Instagram @saraackermanbooks and on FB @ackermanbooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 601 reviews
June 11, 2020
Red Sky over Hawaii is a beautifully written story that captures a sense of home, family and what bonds a family together. Sara Ackerman also captures a sense of time here with the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor and what it was like for people living on the island. She gives us some things to think about and provokes some emotions here with the bonds and conflicts the characters have.
It's all about the characters and setting here for me, and the focus is on the characters and their bonds and connections. The setting is beautiful and captures the land and history of it. I felt like the setting was speaking to me, and it became so vivid as a character itself. It created a sense of family and protection yet danger after the events that bond the characters together. , and it became so vivid as a character itself. It created a sense of family and protection yet danger after the events that bond the characters together. The characters are likable and relatable with heart and love for each other. There are some lovable, fun, friendly and loyal characters here with great dane Sailor and geese Gin and Tonic!! I loved Lana and her strength to protect the people who have become her family.
The story is a lighter, heartwarming yet heartbreaking. In the end, I was left with a feel-good feeling, and I think it's a perfect one for a summer read. I highly recommend it!
I received a copy from the publisher for a blog tour!
It's all about the characters and setting here for me, and the focus is on the characters and their bonds and connections. The setting is beautiful and captures the land and history of it. I felt like the setting was speaking to me, and it became so vivid as a character itself. It created a sense of family and protection yet danger after the events that bond the characters together. , and it became so vivid as a character itself. It created a sense of family and protection yet danger after the events that bond the characters together. The characters are likable and relatable with heart and love for each other. There are some lovable, fun, friendly and loyal characters here with great dane Sailor and geese Gin and Tonic!! I loved Lana and her strength to protect the people who have become her family.
The story is a lighter, heartwarming yet heartbreaking. In the end, I was left with a feel-good feeling, and I think it's a perfect one for a summer read. I highly recommend it!
I received a copy from the publisher for a blog tour!
May 24, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin- Trade Publishing( MIRA) for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
Based on real events in Hawaii during WWII, Sara Ackerman details the aftermath of the bombing of Pearl Harbor in which many Hawaiian people of Japanese and German heritage were rounded up and placed in internment camps. The main protagonist, Lana Hitchcock, returns to her childhood home after the death of her father. Fleeing from an unhappy marriage, Lana soon becomes the caregiver for two young girls when their parents suspected of being secret Nazis are arrested by the American military. Lana, It also offers a safe haven for two Japanese friends. But if Lana's secrets are discovered, there could be very devastating consequences.
Easy to follow, Red Sky over Hawaii is a novel that features historical parts that are fascinating but the book does suffer at times from the protagonist becoming a little too interested in her love life. Also, I found there was a lot of horseback riding/cycling and perhaps not enough time illustrating how fear was infecting the daily lives of the inhabitants. For my personal reading experience, I tend to like WWII dramas that are a little heavier in content.
Goodreads review 24/05/20
Expected Publication 09/06/20
3.5 stars
Based on real events in Hawaii during WWII, Sara Ackerman details the aftermath of the bombing of Pearl Harbor in which many Hawaiian people of Japanese and German heritage were rounded up and placed in internment camps. The main protagonist, Lana Hitchcock, returns to her childhood home after the death of her father. Fleeing from an unhappy marriage, Lana soon becomes the caregiver for two young girls when their parents suspected of being secret Nazis are arrested by the American military. Lana, It also offers a safe haven for two Japanese friends. But if Lana's secrets are discovered, there could be very devastating consequences.
Easy to follow, Red Sky over Hawaii is a novel that features historical parts that are fascinating but the book does suffer at times from the protagonist becoming a little too interested in her love life. Also, I found there was a lot of horseback riding/cycling and perhaps not enough time illustrating how fear was infecting the daily lives of the inhabitants. For my personal reading experience, I tend to like WWII dramas that are a little heavier in content.
Goodreads review 24/05/20
Expected Publication 09/06/20
August 21, 2020
Lana Hitchcock receives a message from her estranged father Jack Spalding that he’s unwell and she leaves immediately to go and see him on the Big Island in Hawaii. But she’s too late he passes before she arrives, while trying to deal with the death of her father and the end of her marriage the next day the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, her safety and the other civilians in Hawaii is unknown. Rumors are rife, no one really knows what’s happening is it a one off attack or are the Japanese going to land, take over the whole island and it be cut off from America?
Lana decides to help two girls Marie and Coco whose German parents are taken in for questioning by the FBI and a Japanese friend of her father’s Mochi and his son Benji. Red Sky over Hawaii is about Lana’s actions and the decisions she makes after the Japanese attack the beautiful island paradise, due to the possible threat of invasion and helping four people. She decides to take them to a secret property her father owns and it's tucked away in the remote rain forest of Kilauea volcano.
It's an emotional story about forgiveness, suspicion, self discovery, survival and love. I enjoyed the book, four stars from me, I have shared my review on Goodreads, Amazon Australia, Twitter, Kobo and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Lana decides to help two girls Marie and Coco whose German parents are taken in for questioning by the FBI and a Japanese friend of her father’s Mochi and his son Benji. Red Sky over Hawaii is about Lana’s actions and the decisions she makes after the Japanese attack the beautiful island paradise, due to the possible threat of invasion and helping four people. She decides to take them to a secret property her father owns and it's tucked away in the remote rain forest of Kilauea volcano.
It's an emotional story about forgiveness, suspicion, self discovery, survival and love. I enjoyed the book, four stars from me, I have shared my review on Goodreads, Amazon Australia, Twitter, Kobo and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
May 8, 2024
Anchors away! Hawaii, here we come!
I knew that a Sara Ackerman novel would be the perfect choice to kick off my vacation. Sarah writes books with aloha; she’s Hawaiian born and her books are set on the islands. Red Sky Over Hawaii is about a bereaved young woman who creates a refuge in Hawaii Volcano National Park for her diverse found family.
“I miss you so much, the inside of my heart hurts.”
The story opens the day before the bombing of Pearl Harbour as Lana Hitchcock arrives in Hilo to visit her estranged father, Hilo Jack, in hospital. With heightened suspicion of the ethnic diversity living in Hilo, the FBI takes, among hundreds, Lana’s father’s German neighbours, Mr./s. Wagner, in for questioning. Lana assumes responsibility for their daughters Marie (13) and Berta/Coco (8) and goes to check on her father’s elderly fishing buddy, Mochi. Realizing that these friends would be targets for authorities, Lana encourages them to flee with her to her father’s remote cabin near Kilauea. Her split-second decision, made possible by her father’s foresight, changes the trajectory of this eclectic ‘found family.’
If historical fiction isn’t your favourite genre, don’t worry. Ackerman’s book is more focused on family, friends, and connections than the wartime events. I’ve always loved that she includes the lore, language, diversity, fauna and food of the islands. Although this one is focussed on the importance of family, connections and the humanity that links the diverse cultures of Hawaii, it also features a beloved Great Dane named Sailor, two Nene geese named Gin and Tonic, several horses, and bees.
After reading about malasadas, I have to try them when we arrive in Maui.
This will be a perfect supplement to our day at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park!
If this setting, the promise of a clean read, and a focus on love and friendship midst the tragedy of war appeals to you, you’ll want to read this one!
Out of the four Ackerman books I’ve read, I’m ranking it as my favourite. They’re all five-stars, but this one was special
I knew that a Sara Ackerman novel would be the perfect choice to kick off my vacation. Sarah writes books with aloha; she’s Hawaiian born and her books are set on the islands. Red Sky Over Hawaii is about a bereaved young woman who creates a refuge in Hawaii Volcano National Park for her diverse found family.
“I miss you so much, the inside of my heart hurts.”
The story opens the day before the bombing of Pearl Harbour as Lana Hitchcock arrives in Hilo to visit her estranged father, Hilo Jack, in hospital. With heightened suspicion of the ethnic diversity living in Hilo, the FBI takes, among hundreds, Lana’s father’s German neighbours, Mr./s. Wagner, in for questioning. Lana assumes responsibility for their daughters Marie (13) and Berta/Coco (8) and goes to check on her father’s elderly fishing buddy, Mochi. Realizing that these friends would be targets for authorities, Lana encourages them to flee with her to her father’s remote cabin near Kilauea. Her split-second decision, made possible by her father’s foresight, changes the trajectory of this eclectic ‘found family.’
If historical fiction isn’t your favourite genre, don’t worry. Ackerman’s book is more focused on family, friends, and connections than the wartime events. I’ve always loved that she includes the lore, language, diversity, fauna and food of the islands. Although this one is focussed on the importance of family, connections and the humanity that links the diverse cultures of Hawaii, it also features a beloved Great Dane named Sailor, two Nene geese named Gin and Tonic, several horses, and bees.
After reading about malasadas, I have to try them when we arrive in Maui.
This will be a perfect supplement to our day at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park!
If this setting, the promise of a clean read, and a focus on love and friendship midst the tragedy of war appeals to you, you’ll want to read this one!
Out of the four Ackerman books I’ve read, I’m ranking it as my favourite. They’re all five-stars, but this one was special
June 16, 2020
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
RED SKY OVER HAWAII by Sara Ackerman is a historical fiction/romance story set in the Hawaiian Islands and begins right before the attack on Pearl Harbor. This new to me author had me immersed in the beautiful island setting which suddenly becomes full of suspicion and peril.
Lana Hitchcock’s marriage is over on all but the paper, when she receives a call from her estranged father. She rushes to the hospital, but her father is dead when she arrives. Lana returns to her father’s home and meets the new neighbors who are German immigrants. With the recent bombing on Pearl Harbor Lana suddenly finds herself responsible for the couple’s two young daughters when they are taken away for questioning by the FBI. As they plan to leave to the home her father left her as a secret escape in the rainforest of the Kilauea volcano, she also takes her father’s old Japanese friend and his son before they are rounded up by the FBI, also.
As they struggle to keep their secrets, they also begin to come together as a family unit. Then Lana meets Major Grant Bailey, who runs the interment camp down the road from their home in Volcano. She feels there is something special between them, but she has to keep all of her charges safe. They keep running into each other and they become closer, but Lana’s secret is about to be revealed and Grant hates liars. Then what will happen to Lana and the children?
This story is written around many historical events that occurred on the islands, but the focus is on the fictional characters. Lana started off so wounded and almost immediately becomes responsible for four other peoples lives while she is still floundering in her own. As Lana begins to connect with the girls, she does so by teaching them things her father taught her about the strength and beauty of nature. The youngest, Coco was the character I loved the most with her affinity to all the animals and her connection to the magic of the island. I felt the initial reaction of Grant to Benji, because he was Japanese was believable and I liked how Lana was told to teach him to see beyond his prejudice, not get mad at it.
This story has the anxiety of separation, loss and the unknown due to war, but then it also shows how all the characters work to build trust and love to survive together. The author was able to weave all the emotions, characters and lush island beauty into a thought provoking and engaging read.
I recommend this book for those who love the 1940’s setting and history, but the main focus for me were the characters.
RED SKY OVER HAWAII by Sara Ackerman is a historical fiction/romance story set in the Hawaiian Islands and begins right before the attack on Pearl Harbor. This new to me author had me immersed in the beautiful island setting which suddenly becomes full of suspicion and peril.
Lana Hitchcock’s marriage is over on all but the paper, when she receives a call from her estranged father. She rushes to the hospital, but her father is dead when she arrives. Lana returns to her father’s home and meets the new neighbors who are German immigrants. With the recent bombing on Pearl Harbor Lana suddenly finds herself responsible for the couple’s two young daughters when they are taken away for questioning by the FBI. As they plan to leave to the home her father left her as a secret escape in the rainforest of the Kilauea volcano, she also takes her father’s old Japanese friend and his son before they are rounded up by the FBI, also.
As they struggle to keep their secrets, they also begin to come together as a family unit. Then Lana meets Major Grant Bailey, who runs the interment camp down the road from their home in Volcano. She feels there is something special between them, but she has to keep all of her charges safe. They keep running into each other and they become closer, but Lana’s secret is about to be revealed and Grant hates liars. Then what will happen to Lana and the children?
This story is written around many historical events that occurred on the islands, but the focus is on the fictional characters. Lana started off so wounded and almost immediately becomes responsible for four other peoples lives while she is still floundering in her own. As Lana begins to connect with the girls, she does so by teaching them things her father taught her about the strength and beauty of nature. The youngest, Coco was the character I loved the most with her affinity to all the animals and her connection to the magic of the island. I felt the initial reaction of Grant to Benji, because he was Japanese was believable and I liked how Lana was told to teach him to see beyond his prejudice, not get mad at it.
This story has the anxiety of separation, loss and the unknown due to war, but then it also shows how all the characters work to build trust and love to survive together. The author was able to weave all the emotions, characters and lush island beauty into a thought provoking and engaging read.
I recommend this book for those who love the 1940’s setting and history, but the main focus for me were the characters.
October 21, 2020
I feel like this deserves more stars for the beautiful writing; but the story just wasn’t that engrossing to me. It’s the kind of book I put down and never thought of again, and had to remind myself what was going on. I think the somewhat sappy romance took away from it as well. I loved the dog. (As in life, dogs are so often the best part!)
June 14, 2020
This is the first book I have read that is connected to the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. I was completely engrossed in this story as it revolves around a woman named Lana Hitchcock. The story develops as Lana is rushing to see her father on the Big Island when he phones and tells her that he is ill. However, she arrived too late and he died after slipping into a coma.
However, her father was someone that made a big impression on the Big Island, and so Lana remains in order to learn more about him. Instead she discovers a secret property in the rain forest of the Kilauea volcano. To her shock, the government had been taking people away that were said to be sympathizers when it came to the war. So, Lana steps in and makes a huge move. She takes in two young German girls whose parents had been detained, a Japanese fisherman named Mochi and his son Benji.
This is no easy task for Lana. In fact, she must lie to protect everyone, keeping their secrets as best she can. There is one other person that Lana becomes involved with at this time and his name is Major Grant Bailey. Lana begins juggling matters when it comes to growing feelings for Grant all while she is trying to keep everyone safe.
What a touching story! The theme of family surfaces over and over again - whether it is due to Lana's previously fractured relationship with her father, the girls she is caring for and how much they miss their parents, and even when it comes to how her relationship with Grant grows.
Although the backdrop of this story involves the attack on Pearl Harbor, it is the characters that are the main focus. We learn much about who Lana is. We also learn a bit about how war separated families and the lasting impact that resulted. We also learned about trust and how not knowing what side to be on during the war affected relationships. This bittersweet story brought on a barrage of emotions, and was pleased to be led to a satisfying conclusion.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
However, her father was someone that made a big impression on the Big Island, and so Lana remains in order to learn more about him. Instead she discovers a secret property in the rain forest of the Kilauea volcano. To her shock, the government had been taking people away that were said to be sympathizers when it came to the war. So, Lana steps in and makes a huge move. She takes in two young German girls whose parents had been detained, a Japanese fisherman named Mochi and his son Benji.
This is no easy task for Lana. In fact, she must lie to protect everyone, keeping their secrets as best she can. There is one other person that Lana becomes involved with at this time and his name is Major Grant Bailey. Lana begins juggling matters when it comes to growing feelings for Grant all while she is trying to keep everyone safe.
What a touching story! The theme of family surfaces over and over again - whether it is due to Lana's previously fractured relationship with her father, the girls she is caring for and how much they miss their parents, and even when it comes to how her relationship with Grant grows.
Although the backdrop of this story involves the attack on Pearl Harbor, it is the characters that are the main focus. We learn much about who Lana is. We also learn a bit about how war separated families and the lasting impact that resulted. We also learned about trust and how not knowing what side to be on during the war affected relationships. This bittersweet story brought on a barrage of emotions, and was pleased to be led to a satisfying conclusion.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
June 8, 2020
Enticing, exotic, and touching!
Red Sky Over Hawaii is a tender, heartwarming tale that sweeps you away to the island of Hawaii in the days, hours, and minutes leading up to Pearl Harbor and the year after and into the life of Lana Hitchcock, a young woman who after losing her father suddenly takes on the responsibility of hiding four individuals whose nationality makes them a target for detainment and internment.
The prose is expressive and lush. The characters are multilayered, troubled, strong, and compassionate. And the plot is an evocative tale of life, loss, love, self-discovery, war, secrets, friendship, determination, survival, romance, and the true meaning of family.
Overall, Red Sky Over Hawaii is a beautifully written, informative, absorbing tale with intriguing characters that I devoured from start to finish. I’m a huge fan of Sara Ackerman’s writing, and this novel didn’t disappoint. If you enjoy well researched WWII novels with a fresh and unique perspective, then I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Red Sky Over Hawaii is a tender, heartwarming tale that sweeps you away to the island of Hawaii in the days, hours, and minutes leading up to Pearl Harbor and the year after and into the life of Lana Hitchcock, a young woman who after losing her father suddenly takes on the responsibility of hiding four individuals whose nationality makes them a target for detainment and internment.
The prose is expressive and lush. The characters are multilayered, troubled, strong, and compassionate. And the plot is an evocative tale of life, loss, love, self-discovery, war, secrets, friendship, determination, survival, romance, and the true meaning of family.
Overall, Red Sky Over Hawaii is a beautifully written, informative, absorbing tale with intriguing characters that I devoured from start to finish. I’m a huge fan of Sara Ackerman’s writing, and this novel didn’t disappoint. If you enjoy well researched WWII novels with a fresh and unique perspective, then I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2020
Ackerman's effortless writing skillfully navigates the early days of WWII with captivating characters bonded by circumstance. Mystery and magic are woven around Lana and the pages of this book, delivering a beautiful and thoughtful novel that pays tribute to the lore of the islands, their people, and those who stand up for the ones who cannot.
January 14, 2020
A charming and touching story of a made-up family coming to terms with loss and an uncertain future.
Lana, a young woman who returns home to Hilo, Hawaii to care for her father suddenly finds herself caring for ragtag family that she never had: two young German girls, a great Dane called Sailor, a Japanese boy and his father and two nene geese. Throw in an attractive American army office and, well, I'll let you read what happens.
Because Pearl Harbour was bombed by the Japanese, anyone of Japanese origin was placed into camps during the war. However, I was unaware that others were placed into camps such as Germans and Italians.
I really, really enjoyed this story and could easily see it becoming a film.
Lana, a young woman who returns home to Hilo, Hawaii to care for her father suddenly finds herself caring for ragtag family that she never had: two young German girls, a great Dane called Sailor, a Japanese boy and his father and two nene geese. Throw in an attractive American army office and, well, I'll let you read what happens.
Because Pearl Harbour was bombed by the Japanese, anyone of Japanese origin was placed into camps during the war. However, I was unaware that others were placed into camps such as Germans and Italians.
I really, really enjoyed this story and could easily see it becoming a film.
February 11, 2020
Red Sky Over Hawaii is the 3rd book in what I’m affectionately calling author Sara Ackerman’s WW2 Pearl Harbor series.
As many of us know after Pear Harbor happens many islanders thought by the US government to be Japanese sympathizers were rounded up and taken to “camps”. Red Sky Over Hawaii touches on those left behind. The uncertainty of what happens next.
As always the author weaves a story that immediately transports the reader to the lush islands of Hawaii. We get a novel full of love and heartache all rolled into one with a suspenseful twist.
I have become such a fan of this authors WW2 Pearl Harbor Hawaii series that I hope she continues the theme. You keep writing them I’ll keep reading them!
(Thank you for the early copy for a review!)
As many of us know after Pear Harbor happens many islanders thought by the US government to be Japanese sympathizers were rounded up and taken to “camps”. Red Sky Over Hawaii touches on those left behind. The uncertainty of what happens next.
As always the author weaves a story that immediately transports the reader to the lush islands of Hawaii. We get a novel full of love and heartache all rolled into one with a suspenseful twist.
I have become such a fan of this authors WW2 Pearl Harbor Hawaii series that I hope she continues the theme. You keep writing them I’ll keep reading them!
(Thank you for the early copy for a review!)
June 6, 2020
Linda's Book Obsession Reviews "Red Sky Over Hawaii" by Sara Ackerman, MIRA, June 9, 2020
WOW! Sara Ackerman, author of "Red Sky Over Hawaii" has written an intriguing, captivating, memorable, and thought-provoking novel. The genres for this novel are Historical Fiction and Fiction. The timeline for this story is during World War Two, and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The story takes place in Hawaii. The author describes her characters as courageous, brave, frightened, complex, and complicated. The characters are living during a tragic time in history.
I love the way Sara Ackerman vividly describes the beauty of the people, their customs, and the land in various locations of Hawaii. This contrasts with the evil and destruction of war. I appreciate that the author also mentions the animals in the story, and the love and security they give to the people. The author also discusses the importance of family, friends, neighbors, equality, forgiveness, and second chances in certain circumstances.
Lana Hitchcock gets a call from her estranged father, who is dying. He asks her to come back home. Unfortunately, by the time that Lana arrives, her father has passed away. In his home are some kind German people that are living there. She finds that her father had a special home built away in a remote area in Hawaii.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the government is taking away German people and Japanese people for questioning. Lana is left with the two German children while the parents are away. Lana leaves for the special home her father has built with the 2 German children, and her father's friend and adopted son who is Japanese. They also leave with the family dog and some other animals. The younger German daughter is out-spoken and personable. Lana finds out there is a detainment camp for prisoners nearby.
I would highly recommend this wonderfully thought-provoking book for readers who appreciate Historical Fiction.
WOW! Sara Ackerman, author of "Red Sky Over Hawaii" has written an intriguing, captivating, memorable, and thought-provoking novel. The genres for this novel are Historical Fiction and Fiction. The timeline for this story is during World War Two, and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The story takes place in Hawaii. The author describes her characters as courageous, brave, frightened, complex, and complicated. The characters are living during a tragic time in history.
I love the way Sara Ackerman vividly describes the beauty of the people, their customs, and the land in various locations of Hawaii. This contrasts with the evil and destruction of war. I appreciate that the author also mentions the animals in the story, and the love and security they give to the people. The author also discusses the importance of family, friends, neighbors, equality, forgiveness, and second chances in certain circumstances.
Lana Hitchcock gets a call from her estranged father, who is dying. He asks her to come back home. Unfortunately, by the time that Lana arrives, her father has passed away. In his home are some kind German people that are living there. She finds that her father had a special home built away in a remote area in Hawaii.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the government is taking away German people and Japanese people for questioning. Lana is left with the two German children while the parents are away. Lana leaves for the special home her father has built with the 2 German children, and her father's friend and adopted son who is Japanese. They also leave with the family dog and some other animals. The younger German daughter is out-spoken and personable. Lana finds out there is a detainment camp for prisoners nearby.
I would highly recommend this wonderfully thought-provoking book for readers who appreciate Historical Fiction.
June 8, 2020
Red Sky Over Hawaii is primarily set during the days surrounding the attack on Pearl Harbor. This may lead you to believe that it is a WWII historical fiction but it is not. The focus is not on the war nor on the internment camps, although the book opens with the rounding up and detention of Japanese Americans and German immigrants alike. Red Sky Over Hawaii reads more like a romance novel. This becomes evident when Ackerman chooses the moment when as the climax point. "And in that moment her world locked into place." From this point (95%) the book jumps ahead to 1943 and all the other subplots are wrapped up with a pretty bow. To me I took it as if those storylines were an afterthought when I wanted to see them take center stage. But I found Red Sky Over Hawaii to be a comforting, light-hearted read. With a take home message about living in the moment and believing in magic it certainly warmed my heart.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes happily-ever-afters and found families.
Special thanks to Justine Sha from Harlequin Books, NetGalley and Sara Ackerman for advanced access to this book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes happily-ever-afters and found families.
Special thanks to Justine Sha from Harlequin Books, NetGalley and Sara Ackerman for advanced access to this book.
December 27, 2019
This is my new favorite book! I fell in love with Sara Ackerman's writing after reading Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers and couldn't wait for this one. Her books are full of heart and there is something so rich and layered about them. Red Sky Over Hawaii is more of the same. Also, it's set at the Kilauea Volcano, which adds an enchanting element to the story. What I love most about the book: Coco the young German girl and her adorable Great Dane Sailor, the chemistry between Lana and Grant, the volcano and all its mysteries, how there was such a diverse group of characters who all melded together, the house. Do yourself a favor and read this book. Not only will you be unable to put it down, you will learn a ton in the process. I knew about the Japanese being held in camps, but not about the Germans, and not at the Volcano. Be warned though, you may feel the urge to book a ticket to Hawaii! All the stars! *Got on NetGalley
February 4, 2020
This is a charming book about a woman who pulls together an unlikely group of people to form a family in Hawaii. Set in the days immediately after Pearl Harbor, this novel explores the daily lives of civilians caught up in the fear and upheaval after the attack. A young woman, Lana, has left her husband to seek out her father the day before the attack. She ends up mothering two teens, a child, and an old man while shacked up in a hide-out prepared by her father in case of invasion. She also falls for a military officer overseeing detainees.
The plot of this book gently meanders along. It's all about relationships among those thrown together by crisis. I enjoyed the book as light, interesting reading. There's lots of information about the plants, birds, and topography of Hawaii in this book, setting a nice tone for the book.
The plot of this book gently meanders along. It's all about relationships among those thrown together by crisis. I enjoyed the book as light, interesting reading. There's lots of information about the plants, birds, and topography of Hawaii in this book, setting a nice tone for the book.
February 26, 2020
Another must-read historical fiction novel set in Hawaii from Sara Ackerman with unforgettable characters - including a Great Dane, a shy horse, and a hive of bees! From the strong female lead character, who assists two orphaned girls, and a Japanese father and son, to her possible love interest, Major Grant Bailey, the author takes you on their journey through heartache and uncertainty, to the strong bond of a homemade "ohana." Ms. Ackerman makes you feel that you are back on the island of Hawaii during the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor, experiencing the tumultuous and terrifying events of the time, while also allowing you to enjoy the lush backdrop, the sumptuous local food, and even the chill of the Volcano area. Especially enjoyable was the undercurrent of strong intuition in some of the characters, as well as the mystical elements added to the story. Another wonderful theme within the book was forgiveness, which all of the characters transitioned through, each for their own deeply-felt reasons. I did not want this book to end and was sad to leave the characters, who will definitely stay within your heart. I highly recommend this book, along with the other books by Ms. Ackerman - Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers, and the Lieutenant's Nurse. I won an advance copy of this book in a giveaway.
May 23, 2020
3.5 stars
I was so excited to have won this ARC from a Goodreads giveaway. I have read a ton of WWII historical fiction books, but none set in Hawaii, so I loved the fresh perspective. The descriptions of the Hawaiian landscape were stunning. I really enjoyed the story, but I did not care as much about the romance storyline and wanted a bit more history. That is definitely a personal preference, so if you like your historical fiction to have a heavy romance element to it, I would definitely recommend it! I still enjoyed this book overall and am glad I read it. It is set to be released on June 9th!
I was so excited to have won this ARC from a Goodreads giveaway. I have read a ton of WWII historical fiction books, but none set in Hawaii, so I loved the fresh perspective. The descriptions of the Hawaiian landscape were stunning. I really enjoyed the story, but I did not care as much about the romance storyline and wanted a bit more history. That is definitely a personal preference, so if you like your historical fiction to have a heavy romance element to it, I would definitely recommend it! I still enjoyed this book overall and am glad I read it. It is set to be released on June 9th!
May 11, 2020
Red Sky Over Hawaii is a historical novel set in Hawaii from the days just before Pearl Harbor through 1943. This is the story of Lana Hitchcock, who returns to her old home to reconcile with her father. Sadly, he passes and she is unable to, although Pearl Harbor brings her a new family -- two young German girls whose parents are detained, an elderly Japanese man who was her father's friend, and that man's son. As they settle into a secret house her father built, Lana's life changes, including ongoing safety concerns and a tentative romance with a military officer, Grant, who is working nearby.
I wanted to read this novel because The Lieutenant's Nurse by Sara Ackerman was one of my favorite reads last year. I was intrigued by the World War II/Pearl Harbor/Hawaii setting.
Initially I found this novel a slow read and it took me several chapters to get into the pace of the book. There are multiple storylines and a number of characters in the book and most were introduced early on. It took me a while to really engage with the characters.
However, as Lana's makeshift family settled into her father's house, I found I really cared about what happened to them, and I especially felt concerned for the safety of the children/teens whose lives were uprooted by the war -- the young German girls Coco and Marie and the young Japanese boy Benji.
I also really liked Lana as a protagonist. She is a wounded person in many ways, but she tries to be strong for others and acts with tremendous compassion and courage. Grant is a wonderful addition to the story, and I loved the slow building Lana-Grant love story.
There is an element of magical realism that appears midway through the book. It was the least appealing aspect of the story for me, and I found it rather detracting.
The historical elements of this book were exceptional and Sara Ackerman does a beautiful job at evoking early 1940's Hawaii. Her descriptions were lovely and really helped set the scene.
I recommend Red Sky Over Hawaii for fans of historical fiction, and especially for anyone who enjoys fiction set during the 1940's. I also highly recommend the author's earlier novel, The Lieutenant's Nurse. Although the books are not connected except by the 1940's Hawaii setting, I think they would be a lovely back-to-back read.
I wanted to read this novel because The Lieutenant's Nurse by Sara Ackerman was one of my favorite reads last year. I was intrigued by the World War II/Pearl Harbor/Hawaii setting.
Initially I found this novel a slow read and it took me several chapters to get into the pace of the book. There are multiple storylines and a number of characters in the book and most were introduced early on. It took me a while to really engage with the characters.
However, as Lana's makeshift family settled into her father's house, I found I really cared about what happened to them, and I especially felt concerned for the safety of the children/teens whose lives were uprooted by the war -- the young German girls Coco and Marie and the young Japanese boy Benji.
I also really liked Lana as a protagonist. She is a wounded person in many ways, but she tries to be strong for others and acts with tremendous compassion and courage. Grant is a wonderful addition to the story, and I loved the slow building Lana-Grant love story.
There is an element of magical realism that appears midway through the book. It was the least appealing aspect of the story for me, and I found it rather detracting.
The historical elements of this book were exceptional and Sara Ackerman does a beautiful job at evoking early 1940's Hawaii. Her descriptions were lovely and really helped set the scene.
I recommend Red Sky Over Hawaii for fans of historical fiction, and especially for anyone who enjoys fiction set during the 1940's. I also highly recommend the author's earlier novel, The Lieutenant's Nurse. Although the books are not connected except by the 1940's Hawaii setting, I think they would be a lovely back-to-back read.
April 11, 2020
I enjoyed Sara Ackerman's Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers, so I was really excited to get her upcoming novel, Red Sky Over Hawaii. This is another historical novel set in Hawaii at the beginning of WWII.
This review contains spoilers!
Lana Hitchcock thinks she's heading home to visit her father in the hospital, but that's not at all what happens. She quickly finds herself responsible for two young daughters of her German neighbors, and two Japanese neighbors, just as the FBI is rounding up enemy nationals. This theme of distrust towards Japanese Hawaiians was in Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers as well, but now that I've lived on Oahu, and seen how Hawaiian life and food are connected with Japanese culture, it seems even stranger and more upsetting.
Fortunately, her father's left her a map to a half-finished hidden home in the beautiful but fairly isolated jungle by the Kilauea volcano. I'm reading in quarantine now, with a 9:00 PM curfew here in Boston, and weird gaps on the grocery shelves, so I particularly enjoyed reading about their struggles to make the best of things and stay safe at home.
Before the book really opens, Lana's marriage fell apart when she and her husband struggled to get pregnant. I don't usually like tragic-infertile backstory, so I was delighted that her story did not wrap up with a surprise pregnancy! I dislike magical solutions of "when you stop worrying it happens" and I dislike babies as the end to a woman's character arc. Instead, Lana finds family connection in Marie, Coco, Benji and Mochi, and Auntie, (and Grant, to some extent, but she was never looking for romantic love, she was looking for her family).
I really enjoyed the first 95% of this book, but found the ending too abrupt and easy. After chapters of wartime shortages, endless bad news in the background, awkwardly found families, the end jumps forwards a year and a half, and then has to back-explain how Grant and Lana worked everything out. I understand the impulse to bring our characters through the war, and yes, I was glad to see everyone made it safely, but it felt rushed and too easy, after a book about the slow and awkward forming of bonds under pressure.
This review contains spoilers!
Lana Hitchcock thinks she's heading home to visit her father in the hospital, but that's not at all what happens. She quickly finds herself responsible for two young daughters of her German neighbors, and two Japanese neighbors, just as the FBI is rounding up enemy nationals. This theme of distrust towards Japanese Hawaiians was in Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers as well, but now that I've lived on Oahu, and seen how Hawaiian life and food are connected with Japanese culture, it seems even stranger and more upsetting.
Fortunately, her father's left her a map to a half-finished hidden home in the beautiful but fairly isolated jungle by the Kilauea volcano. I'm reading in quarantine now, with a 9:00 PM curfew here in Boston, and weird gaps on the grocery shelves, so I particularly enjoyed reading about their struggles to make the best of things and stay safe at home.
Before the book really opens, Lana's marriage fell apart when she and her husband struggled to get pregnant. I don't usually like tragic-infertile backstory, so I was delighted that her story did not wrap up with a surprise pregnancy! I dislike magical solutions of "when you stop worrying it happens" and I dislike babies as the end to a woman's character arc. Instead, Lana finds family connection in Marie, Coco, Benji and Mochi, and Auntie, (and Grant, to some extent, but she was never looking for romantic love, she was looking for her family).
I really enjoyed the first 95% of this book, but found the ending too abrupt and easy. After chapters of wartime shortages, endless bad news in the background, awkwardly found families, the end jumps forwards a year and a half, and then has to back-explain how Grant and Lana worked everything out. I understand the impulse to bring our characters through the war, and yes, I was glad to see everyone made it safely, but it felt rushed and too easy, after a book about the slow and awkward forming of bonds under pressure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2020
*I received a copy of this via the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Lana Hitchcock's life has been turned upside down in a matter of days. First, she arrived back home too late to reconcile with her estranged father, and then an attack at Pearl Harbor leaves her stranded. Once her neighbors start being taken by the government as suspected sympathizers, Lana takes it upon herself to shelter two young German girls, a Japanese fisherman and his son. Lana discovers a secret property her father had tucked away, and the group hides away hoping for everything to blow over. They soon learn that this hideaway is more than meets the eye.
When a detainment camp sets up shop right near their secret house, Lana finds it increasingly difficult to keep those in her care safe. Especially when she strikes up a flirtation with one of the soldiers. As the days go by, Lana begins to understand a new meaning to the word family, and how trust and love will get you through even the darkest of times.
I love historical fiction, especially when it's inspired by true events, so I was hoping to really enjoy this. Overall, while I did like it, I felt like it was missing something. I did enjoy Ackerman's lush writing and all the imagery which really captures the wild beauty of the island. The found family aspect was lovely and heartwarming. That being said, I did find the beginning to be a little confusing with jumping between days, and I felt for the length of the book, not a lot happened. If it focused more on the actual history of Pearl Harbor and less on the romance, which didn't feel very real to me, I may have liked it a bit more. While I didn't love this, I'd still recommend if you're a fan of the genre.
Lana Hitchcock's life has been turned upside down in a matter of days. First, she arrived back home too late to reconcile with her estranged father, and then an attack at Pearl Harbor leaves her stranded. Once her neighbors start being taken by the government as suspected sympathizers, Lana takes it upon herself to shelter two young German girls, a Japanese fisherman and his son. Lana discovers a secret property her father had tucked away, and the group hides away hoping for everything to blow over. They soon learn that this hideaway is more than meets the eye.
When a detainment camp sets up shop right near their secret house, Lana finds it increasingly difficult to keep those in her care safe. Especially when she strikes up a flirtation with one of the soldiers. As the days go by, Lana begins to understand a new meaning to the word family, and how trust and love will get you through even the darkest of times.
I love historical fiction, especially when it's inspired by true events, so I was hoping to really enjoy this. Overall, while I did like it, I felt like it was missing something. I did enjoy Ackerman's lush writing and all the imagery which really captures the wild beauty of the island. The found family aspect was lovely and heartwarming. That being said, I did find the beginning to be a little confusing with jumping between days, and I felt for the length of the book, not a lot happened. If it focused more on the actual history of Pearl Harbor and less on the romance, which didn't feel very real to me, I may have liked it a bit more. While I didn't love this, I'd still recommend if you're a fan of the genre.
August 29, 2022
From the author of Radar Girls but I confess that Radar Girl was my favorite.
It remains a sweet read with some angst and heartache about a woman, Lana, who will get a "found family" unexpectedly after the Japanese attacked in the Pacific.
What follows is a story filled with good sentiments, adorable little girls, bouncy dog and handsome major.
Bitter sweet and very enjoyable.
It remains a sweet read with some angst and heartache about a woman, Lana, who will get a "found family" unexpectedly after the Japanese attacked in the Pacific.
What follows is a story filled with good sentiments, adorable little girls, bouncy dog and handsome major.
Bitter sweet and very enjoyable.
June 7, 2021
Red Sky Over Hawaii by Sara Ackerman is inspired by real places and events of WWII immerses the reader in a time of American history full of suspicion and peril in this lush and poignant tale about the indisputable power of doing the right thing against all odds. Arriving home on the Big Island too late to reconcile with her estranged father, Lana Hitchcock. And as she begins reacquainting herself the attack on Pearl Harbor changes everything for her. She is left alone to untangle the clues of her father's legacy, which lead to a secret property tucked away in the remote rain forest of Kilauea volcano. When the government starts taking away her neighbors as suspected sympathizers, Lana shelters two young German girls, a Japanese fisherman and his son. When a detainment camp is established nearby, Lana struggles to keep the secrets of those in her care. The author gives a very descriptive and fascinating account of life on the islands before, during, and after the Japanese surprise attack. As their lives weave together, Lana begins to understand the true meaning of family and how the bonds of love carry us through the worst times.
June 16, 2020
3.5 stars
I'll confess to being drawn to this book by the cover along with the chance to read with a Hawaiian setting. It isn't often to read with a point of view from that side of the ocean during WW2.
Red Sky over Hawaii was a slow burn that took its time in developing into something that grabbed my attention. The first few chapters were a little long-winded just getting Lana to where my interest peaked. After that this book showed what life was like for those deemed the enemy, no matter the age. I didn't realize that there were detainment camps on the islands, not just the mainland. The author notes expounded on that a bit.
With vivid descriptions of the Island, nature, and the struggle to survive when always watching every step, I enjoyed my time reading this book. Secrets were key to protect those more vulnerable and there are always repercussions.
Sara Ackerman is a new author for me, I will be checking out her backlist.
My thanks to the publisher for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'll confess to being drawn to this book by the cover along with the chance to read with a Hawaiian setting. It isn't often to read with a point of view from that side of the ocean during WW2.
Red Sky over Hawaii was a slow burn that took its time in developing into something that grabbed my attention. The first few chapters were a little long-winded just getting Lana to where my interest peaked. After that this book showed what life was like for those deemed the enemy, no matter the age. I didn't realize that there were detainment camps on the islands, not just the mainland. The author notes expounded on that a bit.
With vivid descriptions of the Island, nature, and the struggle to survive when always watching every step, I enjoyed my time reading this book. Secrets were key to protect those more vulnerable and there are always repercussions.
Sara Ackerman is a new author for me, I will be checking out her backlist.
My thanks to the publisher for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2020
I was absolutely thrilled at the chance to read this book. The cover was eye-catching and the blurb really hinted at the depth of the story I was about to read.
The words from the very start were stunningly beautiful and so many of the scenes stirred my emotions.
To know that real people experienced much of what these characters did was eye-opening. So much fear and uncertainty made for one very emotional read.
I loved the blend of secrets, realizations, understanding, love, forgiveness, and magic. It was such an incredible story and woven together with pure artistic genius.
I am now officially hooked on Ackerman's books from here on out.
The words from the very start were stunningly beautiful and so many of the scenes stirred my emotions.
To know that real people experienced much of what these characters did was eye-opening. So much fear and uncertainty made for one very emotional read.
I loved the blend of secrets, realizations, understanding, love, forgiveness, and magic. It was such an incredible story and woven together with pure artistic genius.
I am now officially hooked on Ackerman's books from here on out.
June 30, 2020
Immediately following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Japanese, German, and Italian families living in the U.S. were rounded up and held under suspicion of spying for the enemy. After Lana's father's neighbors in Hilo, Hawaii are taken into custody, she cares for their daughters, 13 year old Marie and 8 year old Coco. Already reeling from the recent loss of her father, Jack, and unable to have children of her own, Lana flees with her newly created 'ohana (family) to her father's hideaway house in Volcano. When will the girls' parents be freed, and how will they survive in the mean time?
"There might be a war going on, but that doesn't mean you have to stop living."
I love stories about friends who are like family, and this was no exception. I felt much awe and respect for Lana as she immediately stepped in to protect and care for the girls (and their Great Dane, Sailor, and two Nēnē Geese), especially since she had just met them. "What matters most is what lives in your heart." The descriptions of Hawaii were stunning, and I loved "revisiting" the places we toured four years ago during our first trip to Hawaii. I loved learning more about Hawaii's rich history and a bit about Hawaiian legends, gods, and the hint of magic surrounding them. We definitely felt the magic while there, and I felt it again while reading this book.
Lastly, if you enjoyed this story and want a more in-depth look at the prison camps, then I would highly recommend Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (4 stars) by Jamie Ford. Red Sky is the first book I've read by this author, and I look forward to more!
Location: Hilo and Volcano, Hawaii
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
"There might be a war going on, but that doesn't mean you have to stop living."
I love stories about friends who are like family, and this was no exception. I felt much awe and respect for Lana as she immediately stepped in to protect and care for the girls (and their Great Dane, Sailor, and two Nēnē Geese), especially since she had just met them. "What matters most is what lives in your heart." The descriptions of Hawaii were stunning, and I loved "revisiting" the places we toured four years ago during our first trip to Hawaii. I loved learning more about Hawaii's rich history and a bit about Hawaiian legends, gods, and the hint of magic surrounding them. We definitely felt the magic while there, and I felt it again while reading this book.
Lastly, if you enjoyed this story and want a more in-depth look at the prison camps, then I would highly recommend Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (4 stars) by Jamie Ford. Red Sky is the first book I've read by this author, and I look forward to more!
Location: Hilo and Volcano, Hawaii
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
June 22, 2021
I survived the last day of school with students, but I will say I was asleep thee second we put Sydney down at 7pm. Haha
Last week I listened to the audiobook Red Sky Over Hawaii by Sara Ackerman. I initially bought it because I fell in love with the cover and I hoped it would give me similar feelings to The Flight Girls by Noelle Salazar.
This takes place right after Pearl Harbor when Lana tries to return to Hawaii to reunite with her dying father. Unfortunately she doesn’t make it in time. In the midst of everything going on she ends up taking in two German girls as their parents are taken in as suspected sympathizers and a Japanese fisherman and his son. She ends up taking them to her father’s secret home on a volcano. This is a huge secret to bear and is threatened to be unraveled at every turn.
❤️Review❤️
Unfortunately despite liking the narration this book just didn’t do it for me. I never fully connected to Lana. They tried to give us a backstory for her, but I never found myself caring. She also has a romance thread that just felt super unnecessary especially since part of her backstory was that she was still technically married and she was keeping secrets from her love interest. I think one of the difficult things about this book is that a majority of the story takes place in this secret home and they aren’t having a ton of interaction with the outside world. As a historical fiction novel I really wanted to know what was happening. There was also a strange twist at the end with a store owner that also felt thrown in. I really enjoyed learning about the girls and seeing the girls’ relationship with their parents. I really just wanted more from this one because as it continued it just felt like I was listening forever and I didn’t always want to repick it back up.
3 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
#HistoricalFiction #BookReview #UnpopularOpinion #Bookstagram #BeautifulBookCovers #SummerReading #AudioBooks #BooksBooksBooks
Last week I listened to the audiobook Red Sky Over Hawaii by Sara Ackerman. I initially bought it because I fell in love with the cover and I hoped it would give me similar feelings to The Flight Girls by Noelle Salazar.
This takes place right after Pearl Harbor when Lana tries to return to Hawaii to reunite with her dying father. Unfortunately she doesn’t make it in time. In the midst of everything going on she ends up taking in two German girls as their parents are taken in as suspected sympathizers and a Japanese fisherman and his son. She ends up taking them to her father’s secret home on a volcano. This is a huge secret to bear and is threatened to be unraveled at every turn.
❤️Review❤️
Unfortunately despite liking the narration this book just didn’t do it for me. I never fully connected to Lana. They tried to give us a backstory for her, but I never found myself caring. She also has a romance thread that just felt super unnecessary especially since part of her backstory was that she was still technically married and she was keeping secrets from her love interest. I think one of the difficult things about this book is that a majority of the story takes place in this secret home and they aren’t having a ton of interaction with the outside world. As a historical fiction novel I really wanted to know what was happening. There was also a strange twist at the end with a store owner that also felt thrown in. I really enjoyed learning about the girls and seeing the girls’ relationship with their parents. I really just wanted more from this one because as it continued it just felt like I was listening forever and I didn’t always want to repick it back up.
3 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
#HistoricalFiction #BookReview #UnpopularOpinion #Bookstagram #BeautifulBookCovers #SummerReading #AudioBooks #BooksBooksBooks
October 13, 2020
I was so excited to read this because the setting is on the Big Island of Hawaii, the east side to be precise, and which also happens to be where I live. It’s not often (or ever) that I find a book that takes place here so you can imagine my excitement when I came across this one.
The story begins a day after the Pearl Harbor attacks take place, when our main character Lana is on the Big Island, and then jumps back to the day before the attacks when Lana is still on Oahu. The chapters alternate like this for a while before they meet in the a day after the attack in Hilo.
Without giving away too much, Lana flies from her home on Oahu to Hilo where her father is dying. She meets German neighbors at her fathers house with daughters who she ends up having to care for after the parents are taken away due to being suspected spies in the war. There you have the peak of excitement in the first 80 pages of the book.
Literally nothing happens for the rest of the story and my interest severely began to wane and it was a struggle to finish. I enjoyed the many place and cultural references of Hawaii but I feel like someone who who hasn’t been here would find themselves confused as there are no explanations. The characters were dull, the plot was non existent, it wrapped up too quickly in the end, and the writing was very simple. It looks like many others enjoyed this story, so I guess it just wasn’t for me.
The story begins a day after the Pearl Harbor attacks take place, when our main character Lana is on the Big Island, and then jumps back to the day before the attacks when Lana is still on Oahu. The chapters alternate like this for a while before they meet in the a day after the attack in Hilo.
Without giving away too much, Lana flies from her home on Oahu to Hilo where her father is dying. She meets German neighbors at her fathers house with daughters who she ends up having to care for after the parents are taken away due to being suspected spies in the war. There you have the peak of excitement in the first 80 pages of the book.
Literally nothing happens for the rest of the story and my interest severely began to wane and it was a struggle to finish. I enjoyed the many place and cultural references of Hawaii but I feel like someone who who hasn’t been here would find themselves confused as there are no explanations. The characters were dull, the plot was non existent, it wrapped up too quickly in the end, and the writing was very simple. It looks like many others enjoyed this story, so I guess it just wasn’t for me.
June 28, 2020
Lovely, poignant story set on the Big Island of Hawaii during Dec. 1941.
The author did a great job of immersing the reader in the panic-stricken, almost paranoid, reactions of the local population. The rumors and conspiracy theories managed to rapidly fly around (no Internet needed). The sudden roundup of certain local Japanese men, as well as German and Italian residents, did nothing to calm the overall mood of worry and distress.
As in her previous books, this was a story of people caught up in a major world event. Lana, our heroine, and her found family became dear friends of mine over the course of the book. I shared their worries and celebrated their small victories. I loved the rural setting; the volcano and the park were such a big part of the story.
The author is now an auto-buy for me.
ps--as someone who grew up in Hawaii, the book also made me home-sick.
The author did a great job of immersing the reader in the panic-stricken, almost paranoid, reactions of the local population. The rumors and conspiracy theories managed to rapidly fly around (no Internet needed). The sudden roundup of certain local Japanese men, as well as German and Italian residents, did nothing to calm the overall mood of worry and distress.
As in her previous books, this was a story of people caught up in a major world event. Lana, our heroine, and her found family became dear friends of mine over the course of the book. I shared their worries and celebrated their small victories. I loved the rural setting; the volcano and the park were such a big part of the story.
The author is now an auto-buy for me.
ps--as someone who grew up in Hawaii, the book also made me home-sick.
July 28, 2020
4.75 stars.
Set during the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attacks, Lana Hitchcock arrives in Hilo, Hawaii to resolve the tension between her and her father, who have, until now, led primarily separate lives. Before anything is resolved between them, he passes away suddenly, leaving Lana to search for answers on her own. The government begins taking suspected supervisors, two of which happen to be Lana’s (innocent) neighbors with two children. Lana brings it upon herself to provide a safe home for the two German girls and eventually, two (innocent) German men. Things become more complicated when a detainment camp is established nearby Lana’s home, causing the members of Lana’s household to become close-knit and develop bonds that will carry them through the end of the war.
I think this book was great! It was super hard to put down and also, I’ve read lots of WWII fiction, but I’ve never read one set in Hawaii, so I was really excited to read this one since it offers a different perspective. The depictions of Hawaii in this book and breathtaking and beautiful, literally making the island come alive around you.
The only reason this isn’t totally a five-star rating is because I felt that the majority of the romance aspect in the novel was a bit forced, especially toward the beginning, and it made the romance quite a bit predictable.
Other than that, I very much enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to all lovers of WWII fiction, or lovers of Hawaii! It seems Sara Ackerman has a love for Hawaii and a passion for nature and it definitely shows just from reading this beautifully written novel.
Set during the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attacks, Lana Hitchcock arrives in Hilo, Hawaii to resolve the tension between her and her father, who have, until now, led primarily separate lives. Before anything is resolved between them, he passes away suddenly, leaving Lana to search for answers on her own. The government begins taking suspected supervisors, two of which happen to be Lana’s (innocent) neighbors with two children. Lana brings it upon herself to provide a safe home for the two German girls and eventually, two (innocent) German men. Things become more complicated when a detainment camp is established nearby Lana’s home, causing the members of Lana’s household to become close-knit and develop bonds that will carry them through the end of the war.
I think this book was great! It was super hard to put down and also, I’ve read lots of WWII fiction, but I’ve never read one set in Hawaii, so I was really excited to read this one since it offers a different perspective. The depictions of Hawaii in this book and breathtaking and beautiful, literally making the island come alive around you.
The only reason this isn’t totally a five-star rating is because I felt that the majority of the romance aspect in the novel was a bit forced, especially toward the beginning, and it made the romance quite a bit predictable.
Other than that, I very much enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to all lovers of WWII fiction, or lovers of Hawaii! It seems Sara Ackerman has a love for Hawaii and a passion for nature and it definitely shows just from reading this beautifully written novel.
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