In the days before hurricane Iniki hit the island of Kauai the forecasters predicted it would stay south of Hilo. But Esther Ka’awai, a psychic and gifted wise woman is of the ancient culture. She has seen the future and knows of the devastation that will come to the island. She has warned those she loves; now all she can do is pray.
As she struggles to accept this gift of knowing, Esther discovers that even the most wonderful gift can sometimes break your heart.
A story of love, faith and a belief in the future.
USA Today Bestselling and Award-winning novelist Bette Lee Crosby's books are "Well-crafted storytelling populated by memorable characters caught up in equally memorable circumstances." - Midwest Book Review
The Seattle Post Intelligencer says Crosby's writing is, "A quirky mix of Southern flair, serious thoughts about important things in life and madcap adventures."
Samantha from Reader's Favorite raves, "Crosby writes the type of book you can’t stop thinking about long after you put it down."
"Storytelling is in my blood," Crosby laughingly admits, "My mom was not a writer, but she was a captivating storyteller, so I find myself using bits and pieces of her voice in most everything I write."
It is the wit and wisdom of that Southern Mama Crosby brings to her works of fiction; the result is a delightful blend of humor, mystery and romance along with a cast of quirky charters who will steal your heart away. Her work was first recognized in 2006 when she received The National League of American Pen Women Award for a then unpublished manuscript. She has since gone on to win twenty awards for her work; these include: The Royal Palm Literary Award, the FPA President's Book Award Gold Medal, Reader's Favorite Award Gold Medal, and the Reviewer's Choice Award.
Crosby's published works to date are: Blueberry Hill (2014), Previously Loved Treasures (2014), Jubilee's Journey (2013), What Matters Most (2013), The Twelfth Child (2012), Life in the Land of IS (2012), Cracks in the Sidewalk (2011), Spare Change (2011). A Cupid inspired romance, Wishing for Wonderful, is scheduled for release in November 2014 and Book Three of The Wyattsville Series, Passing through Perfect, will be be available in January 2015.
"We come from the earth, and in time we return to the earth. But if while we are here we touch another’s heart, those memories will linger long after we are gone." So beautiful..so rich.. So Bette Lee Crosby! Her writing is so wonderful and I snatched up this story the second I saw it because I just knew it would be awesome.The story is breathtaking! Full of beauty and love and so worth reading! The characters are full and rich. While this may be a short story, its huge on substance and a 5 star read.
I don’t think that you can ever go wrong with a book by Bette Lee Crosby. Her writing is so clean and pure, straight from the heart. My only gripe with Leilani’s Gift, is that I wish this story was longer... Leilani’s Gift is a short story that I wanted to read in anticipation for Bette Lee Crosby’s new novel A Million Little Lies (I cant wait!). While Leilani’s Gift has a great storyline with very likable characters, I just felt that it ended rather abruptly. I’m hoping we may see more from the islands of Hawaii in the future.
Bette Lee Crosby brings the tropical paradise of Hawaii , sprinkled with magical twists and memorable characters, wrapped in a love story, to her readers in her book " Leilani's Gift".
From two different shores and different backgrounds, Crosby weaves a wonderful tale of love lost and the possibilities of what can be between two people. A tropical setting is laid out in beautifully described scenes through out the book.
Not all goes well in this island paradise. Dangers and tragedy abound. How people can recover and try to find peace and happiness is something that comes around unexpectedly!
This story held me in its spell till the very end. I felt apart of the tale and a lingering "spell of the tropics" stayed with me long after the story was done.
You'll enjoy this Hawaiian delight I feel assured! So don't hesitate to get yourself a copy!
With a gift of Vision Leilani meets love. John allows life to lead him to Hawaii after the loss of his wife, where he rebuilds a new life. Rich with historical stories of Hawaiian life Leilani shares her love with John and eventually his family. As Hawaiian life grows with John and his grandson, there is new friendship and love growing anew in their lives. Leilani’s gift leads to a new love and growth of a family while John and his grandson both respect and admire their new Hawaiian friend! A beautiful story of lives rebuilt in love!
I really did like the story and the characters but after checking back to the beginning more than once, some disappointment set in. It was clearly stated that the time and location began with the purchase of the resort in Hawaii in 2003. Ms Crosby had the local people speaking in broken English, even the receptionist at the hotel. I was very uncomfortable with that. It was only a small scene in the book but it was still jarring.
Another great story by this author. I can picture myself in the story watching it unfold. Love that it takes place in Kauai with the tropical feel. A story of healing for many and looking toward the future. A good read.
I really loved this story. Heartwarming and also at time heart wrenching, Leilani has the gift of seeing what happens in the near future. this story is set in Hawaii, very beautiful details and wonderful interesting and complex characters. This author is a true storyteller! this is a must read!
I just love the person that Bette Lee Crosby has to be to write such love and wisdom. I so enjoy her writing style and have read a tremendous number of her books. I've also pre-ordered the next one. Can't wait. Keep it flowing!
Beautiful and timeless love story that is steeped in Hawaiian islands riches. This story is so wonderfully written that I could feel the soft breezes blowing and was in awe at the deep cultural implications and stories told within the story. Great read!
Bette Lee Crosby has done it again. I love every book of hers that I have read. A story of a woman with a gift that can be both a curse and a blessing. A must read.
This book was beautifully written. Bette Lee Crosby is a phenomenal writer. She has written a love story full of heartache and finding true love again. This also tells about some of the Hawaiian legends and their beliefs. This was the first book I read of hers and I will definately read more of her books.
This is another great read by author Bette Lee Crosby. Set in Hawaii with tales of folklore, and a couple modern day crises. This one was hard to put down as I wanted to know what happened to Esther and those she got to know dearly.
I loved this story of second chances for love and life. Set/told in Hawaii about customs and food, you can't get any better then that! Leilani has the gift of knowing. Leilani tells us stories of her culture which was very fascinating. When Hurricane Iniki was reported it was supposed to be too far away to hit the island of Kauai but, Leilani saw in her dream that it was going to be a direct hit on Kauai and she warned her family and the people on the island. Leilani and her husband worked long hours day and night to save their crops and reinforcing the barn. When the hurricane did hit Kauai, it destroyed everything. The resort that had been built before the hurricane that was destroyed and what was left was finally put up for sale. Leilani's husband ends up passing away while working in the field. Then you have Grandpa and his grandson Connor who visited Leilani a lot, then one day she touched Connor's arm and she could feel the cancer in him. She told Grandpa he should have it checked out. He did and three doctors said he had cancer. They were glad they caught early enough. This was another great book by Bette Lee Crosby. I truly loved this book. You really need to read this book to find out how things turn out between, Leilani, Grandpa, Connor and Connor's family!!
Sometimes you have to put down the books about serial killers, psychos and thrillers and just read a down to earth warm book. This story was just that. Read in one day, I really didnt want it to end.
Leilani lives in Hawaii and she "feels" things. Like she knew when the storm was going to hit her island and ruin everything in its path. No one believes her. But the storm came and devastated everything in its path. Including Island Palms, the new resort on the island.
But when the resort is re-built and Leilani becomes friends with the new owner, again her gift - or curse - threatens to touch the people she loves. This is a story of love, faith and the future....and Bette Lee Crosby brings it all out in this book.
This short story is about love and second chances at love, set in Hawaii. Leilani’s husband passed away, and she is somewhat lonely. John’s wife also died, and he decides to move to Hawaii to rebuild a hotel. He is referred to Leilani for stories of Hawaiian lore. They become good friends, and eventually his grandson Connor comes to love her as an Aunty. This story is well worth spending a couple hours reading. As with all books written by Bette Lee Crosby, you can’t help but love the story and characters. She has such a way of writing that you feel you know the characters personally. Don’t miss this book!
Love takes many forms. Love is respect for the other person, faith in the other person and unlimited caring for the other person. Love entails all generations, all nationalities, all families, all conditions. This story embodies love.
Losing one's soulmate is hard but finding another takes time. Leilani's gift is extraordinary. No one believes her. Another of Betty Lee Crosby amazing stories
I really enjoyed this book. I really liked the setting of the book. The characters were very interesting especially Leilani. Bette Lee Crosby has done it again.
Touching story of love and second chances. Heartbreak, special feelings and strong emotions are found in this story. Author Bette Lee Crosby writes great stories.
I read this book with interest. Not only did I learn about many Hawaiian trade I learned about the love that can come when you least expect it in life !