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From Kona with Love #1

Moments Like This

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Book One in the From Kona with Love series depicting multicultural romance, love, loss, and redemption woven into a family saga set in the beautiful islands of Hawaii. Though connected, each installment can be read as a standalone.

After Andrea "Andie" Matthews chooses her career over a marriage proposal and then loses a promotion she worked so hard for, she jumps at the chance to take a break and help run a friend's coffee shop.

Alone in Hawaii, Andie befriends the staff and quickly grows to care for them, making her determined to revive the company.

As luck would have it, she meets the mysterious Warren Yates on Christmas Eve. They share a cup of coffee, some conversation, and even a moment, which leads to many more in the coming weeks.

But when Andie learns who Warren really is—and what he actually wants—she is torn between her feelings and his deception.

Will Warren be able to win her heart back?

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 9, 2021

161 people are currently reading
1313 people want to read

About the author

Anna Gomez

4 books155 followers
Anna Gomez also publishes under Christine Brae

As Christine Brae, Anna Gomez has published five award-winning books, The Light in the Wound series, In This Life, The Year I Left and Eight Goodbyes.

Under her real name, Anna is working on a number of projects. My Goodbye Girl releases in June 2023.

Anna is also the co-author of the From Kona with Love Series (Moments Like This, Where the Sun Rises) with Kristoffer Polaha.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
Profile Image for Ashley.
561 reviews252 followers
March 9, 2021
Available today!!

Formerly writing under the pen name, Christine Brae, Anna Gomez is stepping out into the writing world under her real name and with a new writing partner, Kristoffer Polaha! I'm excited to be around for her expansion as an author! This duo has the writing process down and they make it seem like tons of fun! Anna's signature Christine-style of romance is easy to see while reading, a touch I'm thankful remained because it is what drew me to her books in the first place. Kris's voice in the writing meshes seamlessly with Anna's. It's easy to forget two authors put this story together!

This sweet tale cuts to the chase and immediately hooks readers as Andie embarks on a life-changing opportunity in Hawaii. Little does she know that life is about to throw her a curveball with Warren! I absolutely adored the interactions between these two and couldn't wait to watch their relationship evolve. I could feel their chemistry seeping from the pages during their "Moments" tours around the island. The descriptions of the places were so realistic, I felt as if I could actually see the landscape along with the characters. This was a welcome distraction during my personal Covid quarantine. Though I was stuck at home, I thoroughly felt as if I was getting a real vacation.

I'm so excited to follow this series as each book releases, and I especially cannot wait to have this beauty residing on my shelf. I will surely be passing this book around to friends because it's a book everyone can fall in love with. Be sure to add this special story to your TBR or better yet, preorder a copy now!
Profile Image for ravishing_reads_ Rachel.
299 reviews12 followers
March 17, 2021
There is no greater feeling than finishing a book and feeling that swoony feeling you get where you want to hug the book to your chest. And that’s what this one did for me. I finished I so wished I had a physical copy to hug to my chest. This book was so good. The information, the sites, the connections and the characters were just so well written I felt like I was right there on the island.
Absolutely loved it and I’m so excited to read more from this series.
Profile Image for Larry H.
3,069 reviews29.6k followers
March 25, 2021
4.5 stars.

Moments Like This , the first book in a new series by Anna Gomez and Kristoffer Polaha, is a romantic, thought-provoking story about finding the strength to overcome grief and despair, and making the most out of life.

Andie has stopped at nothing to make partner at the venture capital firm where she’s worked. She’s sacrificed a romantic relationship, repeatedly neglected friends and family, and jeopardized her health. And when it all falls apart—including her—she needs to figure out how to move on past her disappointments and regrets.

She agrees to leave her high-pressure life in Chicago and help her best friend run her family’s coffee shop in Hawaii. Andie is immediately taken with the beauty that surrounds her and the more relaxed pace, and quickly starts to find ways to improve the shop. She misses her family but doesn't miss the hectic chaos that had become second nature to her.

Late on Christmas Eve, a lone customer comes into the store. This man, Warren, is looking for some coffee and conversation. He and Andie have an immediate connection, intense chemistry. The more time they spend together, the deeper their feelings grow for one another, even though they both know Annie eventually has to return to Chicago and the life she left behind.

Each week, Warren shows Andie how to better appreciate every moment she’s in, not to mention the beauty that surrounds her. But what secrets, what hurts are they both hiding, and how will revealing those affect any chance at happiness?

I really enjoyed this book. It was a story about strength, overcoming setbacks, and realizing the importance of those around you, as much as it is a romance. Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been, and the imagery the authors use reminded me how much I loved it there.

I'm grateful to have been part of the tour for Moments Like This . Storygram Tours and Rosewind Books provided me with an advance complimentary copy of the book. Thanks for making it available!

Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.

Check out my list of the best books of the last decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.

See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.

Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,090 reviews105 followers
December 9, 2020
In a beautifully written book that is part travel log and romance, we meet Andie and Warren. Andie, who has had a terrible year, is now questioning the choices she made. In a quick decision, she escapes it all for a change of pace in Hawaii. What she finds is more than a coffee hut and run down plantation; she finds a purpose.

Warren has a routine on Christmas Eve; this year, he deviates and meets Andie. While both agree to keep histories and details to themselves, we see the chemistry develop. I looked forward to the Friday “moments” Warren created for Andie, as the descriptions took me there.

Will she go back to Chicago and her previous life? Does she complete the job in Hawaii? Can Warren break down his walls and accept love? Although the book has co-writers, the flow is seamless. I highly recommend it and can not wait for the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Rosewind Books for the free copy for my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Corinne [hiatus].
537 reviews110 followers
August 18, 2021
***ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***

Warren and Andie meet in Hawaii by chance on a Christmas Eve, as he walks into the coffee shop she is working in. She is a driven and ambitious high power executive from Chicago, there to mend after a nervous breakdown due to over-stress and over-work. He is an equally driven and rich businessman, traumatized after his mother's death.
They feel this strong attraction towards one another but neither is ready for a relationship. They struck a deal to not discuss about their pasts and just live in the moment as friends.
The book is structured in three parts, the first and last ones from Andie's POV and the second one from Warren's POV.
Warren helps Andie discover the hidden beauty of Hawaii so if you're looking for a travel guide, this book could do the trick for you.
Other than that, I didn't feel this was a romance but rather a book about 2 people working on solving their issues while living in Hawaii and exploring the island once a week together. The slow burn was incredibly slow and turned boring after 60%, there is a time jump near the end that I didn't really get. I felt no real connection between the characters and the writing was episodic and took away from the flow of the story.
Profile Image for Mary Ting.
Author 54 books2,158 followers
December 9, 2020
Anna Gomez and Kristoffer Polaha wrote a seemless story that flowed well. The characters have their own issues, but when they meet, their chemistry explodes. They create their "moments" that will change their lives forever. Grab your favorite drink, cuddle up with a warm blanket, and take a trip to Hawaii.
Profile Image for Italia.
9 reviews7 followers
January 19, 2021
If you're looking to take a trip to paradise that includes finding love and a new career with purpose, this book is for you. A clean romance with a blend of Hallmark and Women's Fiction.
Profile Image for Shelly Cruz.
Author 4 books165 followers
February 15, 2021
This was a great read! It transported me to Hawaii & made me feel like I was there. Vivid descriptions and the writing between the two authors flowed seamlessly. I cannot wait to read more about Andie & Warren & look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Diz Reads 4TLOReading.
667 reviews12 followers
March 2, 2021
I stepped away from my usual angst filled romance reads to read this and I wasn’t disappointed

It was a light easy read that was enjoyable, how the story was told and how it unfolded was intriguing. With the moments tour, the eye to detail in respect of the places they visited and the activities they enjoyed was perfectly balanced with the relationship they were building.

It was a refreshing change and I’m looking forward to seeing where both the writers go with this series.

4 Stars

Diz xx
Profile Image for Karen Hrdlicka.
1,340 reviews27 followers
November 29, 2020
This is the first book I've read by Anna Gomez or her pen name and it definitely won't be my last. I realize Ms. Gomez had a cowriter, Kristoffer Polaha, but the story flowed seamlessly so their styles fit together well. I enjoy a good women's fiction story and the locale of this book make me long to visit Hawaii. The characters in this book are very well developed and as the layers of their relationships are revealed, the reader sees deeper into both Andie and Warren's souls.
When Andie loses a big promotion she's worked hard for, she realizes that she gave up other facets of her life that should have been more important. Not only did she lose her fiancé while chasing that promotion, she realizes she hasn't spent enough time with her parents or her best friend, Api. Needing a separation from her life in Chicago, she agrees to help her friend out with her coffee shop in Oahu, while Api goes to Europe with her fiancé. In Hawaii Andie meets friends of Api's who quickly make her part of their family and finds the catalyst to change her life.
After losing her father, Api's family business is struggling and Andie makes it her mission to turn things around. When she meets a mysterious stranger on Christmas Eve, her life will be changed forever. Warren has his own guilt and issues but the pair quickly find their chemistry is hard to resist.
Ms. Gomez tackles a lot of tough things in this book: death, grief, guilt, loss of focus on the important things in life, taking family and friends for granted, and the importance of truth in all relationships. Andie comes to the Hawaii devastated by her decisions and hoping to find a new direction in her life. Little does she know, she will grow beyond her wildest dreams, even when she believes things are the darkest. The "moments" Warren gives her on their side excursions are beautiful and memorable and pull the reader into the magic of the islands.
Warren may not be what he seems, but he is trying to be honest with the first woman he has ever felt true emotions for. He realizes he's broken from his past, but in order to embrace his future he needs to deal with the issue from his past. As he gets to know Andie and provides her with "moments" to remember, he falls for her but will he be able to keep her?
Ms. Gomez delivers a beautiful love story wrapped inside two journeys of self-discovery. Warren is sweet, attentive, and a work in progress; while Andie is learning to be open to life's possibilities and the idea that maybe the boardroom isn't where her heart truly lies. The couple stumbles but eventually they get the HEA they deserve.
Grab your favorite beverage, snuggle back in your favorite reading nook, and enjoy this trip to Hawaii.
Profile Image for ReadingTilTheBreakOfDawn.
1,943 reviews104 followers
March 7, 2021
Moments Like This is a story of balance, beauty, finding oneself after failure and redemption.

We begin the journey with Andie, a successful business woman in Chicago in a "man's world" just being passed up for a promotion she has more than earned. She has a breakdown and decides she needs a break from her fast-paced, all-about-work life. Her friend Api has the perfect solution for her. She can come to Oahu and relax and keep an eye on Api's coffee business through the holidays and recharge. Hawaii is the perfect place to recharge and figure out next steps. So what happens when Andie falls in love with the coffee business, the island, and has a connection with an unexpected visitor that keeps showing up?

Moments Like This is a clean romance between two powerful people that are looking for happiness in the simpler life. Neither one of them wants to be ruled by money and power any longer and they are trying to find a balance and to see where their life needs to go. The majority of the story is told in Andie's POV, but we get a little bit from Warren during the last half. It was nice to get a bit of him in the story to understand his part in the journey although his parts didn’t wow me. You definitely get a feel for the beauty and the magic of Hawaii all throughout the book, but I felt I was being told it more than feeling the ocean breeze of the island. That was also one thing that kept me back from rating this higher. Having lived on Oahu for 10 years and experiencing the way of life, I found a few details that were off and actually incorrect. BUT, that didn't take away from how the story was written and what was brewing between the characters.

Andie and Warren were fun to get to know through their "Moments" tour. You could feel something developing between the characters, yet they didn't act on it. It almost stilted what could be. They still had some connection.This story was mostly Andie's and you could feel that with her dominance in the decisions she made and how careful she was in how she decided to change her life. Warren wasn't there to be the "be all, end all" but more of someone to enhance what she was experiencing.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and being transported to Hawaii during this different time in the world. This would make a fun and inspiring Hallmark type movie and a book you could recommend to your friends that want a clean romance. The beauty of Hawaii along with the journey of the two individuals was pleasing to read. I just had to distance myself from some of the Hawaiian things. If you're local/kama'aina, you'll know what I mean.
3 + easy breezy island stars for the writing and the ease of the relationship that progressed between these characters.
Profile Image for Amanda Jones.
105 reviews3 followers
March 9, 2021
Let me preface this review with 2 things: Christine Brae is easily at the very top of my favorite authors list. And this happens to be her debut novel under her real name, not her pseudonym, and I couldn’t be more proud and happy for her! To say I would honestly read anything she writes is quite the understatement. 😂 Secondly, this is another first for her in that she had a co-writer! And in that, she couldn’t have paired with a better partner than Kristoffer Polaha.

That being said, the writing flows seamlessly in this heartwarming read! Honestly, the descriptions are so fantastic, I felt I was really in Hawaii....and that I absolutely have to go there to see even a glimpse of anything the couple covered in their Moments Tour.

And, let me not forget the cover! 😍 It is GORGEOUS!!! I personally live near the beach, and don’t love it, BUT, this covers makes me want to go lay on the sand and watch the waves roll in.

I cannot gush enough about this book! Buy it! Read it! And look out....because there’s more to come in Andie and Warren’s world! 💜
Profile Image for Lea Modena.
28 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2021
What a wonderful book. Once again Anna Gomez/Christine Brae did a wonderful job. This time she is sharing her success with Kristoffer Polaha. The story is beautiful, fun and you feel like part of it. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Just A Girl With Spirit.
1,403 reviews13.3k followers
March 26, 2021
Man if I’ve ever wanted to go to Hawaii, it’s now! The descriptions of scenery, food and the culture felt almost tangible. I loved this quote so much, and I might print it out just as a reminder for me to slow it down at times— “People who live on the island move in island time, it’s slower. We are never in a hurry, even when we are running late. We take our time. I’ve watched you since you sat down. You’re in a hurry and you have nowhere to rush off to, you’re stuck in your seat.”

I love the journey that the heroine is embarking on in finding her true self. This is a light, feel good read that I could easily see on screen as a Hallmark movie. Of course I love any story revolving around a coffee shop. I would love to have one of those one day!!

All in all it was a good, enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Alexandrea Weis.
Author 56 books1,100 followers
December 9, 2020
An enjoyable read with a great setting and wonderful characters that touch your heart. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a dreamy escape.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
543 reviews32 followers
February 19, 2021
This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends.

Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars



Andrea “Andie” Matthews is the daughter of mixed culture parents (her mother is Filipino!). She is driven, ambitious and works at a successful Chicago marketing firm. She was on the fast track to a big promotion until she wasn’t. With a big blow in her life (and health), she impulsively packed her things and flew to Hawaii to help with her friend’s business. She unexpectedly meets Warren Yates, a mysterious man who evades from say his connection to the shop and instead wants to explore the island and her for whatever time she has.

Moments Like This appealed immediately upon reading the blurb. I didn’t realize later that one of the authors is a fellow Filipina, so the more the story was piqued my interest! There were many elements that I felt an affinity with the female protagonist and even the author. This story talks about cultures, beliefs, and expectations of second-generation migrants living overseas, trying their best to fit-in and assimilate to maybe the only home they know (due to birthright) as best as possible.
Just because you’ve made a fool of yourself today, doesn’t mean you’re a fool everyday.
–Moments Like This (From Kona With Love), Anna Gomez and Kristoffer Polaha

The book’s POV is mostly from Andie’s, with a little of Warren’s nearing the end. Some readers might think this technique will erode the story’s beauty. I have to contradict this thought because it made a lot of sense and gave a bit of mystery on Warren’s side until things got “settled.” Given this technique, the story enables readers to focus on Andie taking a step back from her Chicago life and reassess things in Hawaii while experiencing the island’s magic and beauty, then after Warren’s thoughts. I have read a few more recent books with this “more current writing” style, so some readers might need to adjust and be patient to give the characters the chance to develop.

NOTE: The authors want readers to focus on the beauty of Hawaii (especially Oahu) and the Aloha Spirit, which helps Andie “find herself” as she tries to make new connections in a lang of second chances and hope. Engrossed with Andie’s story, something unprecedented was happening. The book grabs readers immediately to connect with everything – the people at the plantation, the magic island, the sea, etc.

This book’s uniqueness is how it places the story and “connections” in the forefront than the characters. The characters become tangible tools to showcase the intangible – power of love and connections. Yes, there is the connection to Andie and Warren, BUT I was looking for the “A-Ha Epiphany” moments, where Andie discovers her power within to reach her goal – her happiness.

The authors beautifully wrote the Hawaiian and Filipino cultures and traditions, wherein both cultures respect and honor family, love, and food. There was a wonderful merging of Hawaiin and Filipino beliefs and customs, which are evident in the family gatherings Andie missed out on in Chicago due to work.
The saying is very true:- anytime another Filipino overseas or otherwise meets another “kababayan” or country-man/woman, perspectives change, eyes glimmer, and an uncontrollable smile comes out. We all act like we found our long-lost friends/relatives. We start seeing each other as a brother/sister (Kuya or Ate) or an aunt/uncle (Tito/Tita), then a truckload of questions will start tumbling out.

This disposition change may surprise an outsider seeing the scene unfold, but this is common, even expected. Questions like spewing out various locations in the Philippines, asking where you are from back home or if you know so-and-so due to common last name – are the norm – like when Maele and Lani pry “details” into Andie’s personal life like they were sisters within a few days. It was hilarious since Andie didn’t know whether to be insulted or laugh about how they asked her about Warren!

A thing to note is how hospitable the plantation people were. They took to Andie “in” not because she is a family friend but also because they felt a “connection” with her and their plight.

I can relate to Andie’s work burn-out plight so well. I am sure other readers relate to this. What Andie did was correct – to step back and reassess. She had to do what all of us had to do at one point – learn to reprioritize things. She loses it all in one swoop but later discovers a whole world of options – a 180-degree change in Hawaii. At Oahu, Andie finds an entirely New Andie within her. The location and people brought her to be braver than she would have been at her workplace. The story builds on this and shows her “the other side,” a possibly great life – from seashells, surfs, and hidden waterfalls. Being temporary will make anyone brave and take risks for the moment, but what if there was an excellent chance to make it permanent, rooted in connections, family, and purpose? Will Andie take the plunge? Will she choose relationships over a career that she fought for so long?

We stood quietly, alone. But alone together.
–Moments Like This (From Kona With Love), Anna Gomez and Kristoffer Polaha

I love Warren’s spontaneity in pulling Andie into his orbit, even if it’s just for as long as she was there. He knew that she is there temporarily, and he was willing to invest his time and heart for them to explore the island and each other. From the start, I can see his wooing style – determined but respectful. He took what he knows he can get away with but respected Andie by being outspoken with his thoughts. He may keep some things from Andie, but he also knew she was cautious with exposing herself to a stranger.
Warren seems to have designed their “tours” to showcase the best of Hawaii and, at the same time, show Andie what he and the island life can offer. I felt this was his way to silently plea for her to stay with him.

Andie had taught me there was a sweetness in not giving yourself everything you want right when you want it. The more I ached for her, the more I valued her. This, while common practice for some, was totally foreign to me. I had never had this much patience or self-control before, but she made me want to be a better man.
–Moments Like This (From Kona With Love), Anna Gomez and Kristoffer Polaha

Andie and Warren’s chemistry is a slow-build and a more wholesome approach, but it works due to Andie’s roots and background. It is more the norm of being “wooed” in the Filipino, more traditional aspects than being whisk away by an alpha-dominant man. This decision works well for the unsureness and uncertainty for both characters.

I love the supporting characters – they are a lot!
They provide excellent support as a “community” and prove the saying “it takes a village to raise a child.” These supporting characters (Duke, the Flores gals, Lucas, Jade, etc.) provided emotional and psychological support that readers can feel throughout the book’s pages. Their words of wisdom are GOLD! I saved a few to my “quotes bank” as mantras. I shared a few here, but reading it at the right moment in time for Warren or Andie is critical.

The deception/secret was epic. It wasn’t so surprising on my end since I had a clue, but it was perfect, nonetheless. It still ends up with HEA, but where will things stand at the end? I will leave this to the readers. It is a tricky one, especially when Warren and Andie decided to keep some of their information private so how things unraveled, in the end, was a welcome relief for all of us. Just a hint – it doesn’t “sort out” as quickly as their first meet, but it is a realistic one.

I would have wanted an epilogue since the ending was abrupt, but maybe both main characters will be back for the upcoming books in the series. Did Warren push through with the “M” word? What happens to Andie’s Chicago job?

In summary, I highly recommend Moments Like This to readers who want something different, unique, and refreshing. Something that would grab readers and take them to a new world – where hope and second chances only take a single step forward. Hawaii’s sights and sounds, its various hidden gems visited by Warren and Andie were a welcome treat, especially to readers like myself going through travel bans/lockdowns. I liked how the authors stressed the importance of family, customs, and self-empowerment. Goals can change, but it is up to everyone to adjust and find their “centers” to move forward to find their happiness. I am excited for the next book in this promising series!

This is what makes a life. The ones who love you, the ones you love. If you focus on what’s important, you’ll see that everything else around you is fluff.
–Moments Like This (From Kona With Love), Anna Gomez and Kristoffer Polaha
Profile Image for Laura Freeman.
111 reviews19 followers
December 27, 2020
Moments like this is such an enjoyable and relatable read. I have read books by Anna Gomez, written under a pen name. As in her other books, I continue to find her writing style to flow with ease.

In a wonderful added bonus, the embraceable collaboration of Anna Gomez and Kristoffer Polaha in Moments Like This provides the warm and fuzzy feeling of family, friends, and a budding relationship that seems destined to grow with every passing day.

Much of the story takes place in Hawaii. Although, I have never been to Hawaii, I very much enjoyed the rich narrative, flowing with a natural and authentic feel. And, as a certified scuba diver, I loved how the realistic depictions of sea-life rang true and called forth wonderful underwater memories for me.

If there will be sequels to Moments Like This, I can’t wait to read them!

Full book review coming soon on my book blog site.
Profile Image for Missy Genneken.
85 reviews14 followers
March 9, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a very visual read for me. I pictured everything that happened because the writing puts you there. You are sitting on a boulder at the beach or under the mistletoe on Christmas Eve in a coffee shop. I saw it all play out and that is unusual for me.

This is a story of reinventing your life. Hasn’t everyone thought of doing that. Would you have the nerve. Would you have strength when needed? Forgiveness when needed?
Beautifully written and, what’s unusual is, this being a co-written book... I couldn’t tell who wrote what. It was fluid and smooth.
Profile Image for Karolin.
40 reviews
February 10, 2021
I can truly say that with this book I completely got lost in the beauty of Hawaii. The setting was amazing and I really loved how the two authors used these beautiful settings to bring the love out of the two broken people! I also loved the relationship between Andie and Api!!! What a nice friendship they had! I truly recommend this book to all my friends who need an inspiration to lift their lives and go forward!!! Anna Gomez you truly inspire me.
Profile Image for Monique Snyman.
Author 27 books132 followers
January 18, 2021
What a great read! Highly recommended if you're looking for something sweet and heartwarming. :-)
Profile Image for Hope Collier.
Author 3 books173 followers
January 19, 2021
Sweet romance, endearing characters, swoon-worthy setting, and beautifully descriptive writing, Moments Like This is everything you could want from a Hallmarkesque novel. Wonderfully done!
Profile Image for Samantha Brigitte Grech.
13 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2023
Couldn't put the book down

Such a beautifully written Romance novel that's not like anything else I've read. Kristoffer Polaha and Anna Gomez writing is seamless. Not your typical Romance novel its definitely one that holds its own. I see Best seller in its future. Moments Like This is such a heart felt story dealing with important stages in one's life like loss, sadness, depression, family, life/work balance and of course Love the kind that sneaks up on you and sets roots. The characters in this novel are so relatable it takes only minutes to fall in love with them. From start to finish I felt a sense of protectiveness and Love for all characters and couldn't put the book down. Upon finishing Moments Like This I was left with such a full heart and excited to read the next books in the series. So proud of Anna Gomez and Kristoffer Polaha for their first book together. Honestly if I didn't know them both so well I would of thought they've be writing together for years. I Love Love Love #MomentsLikeThis and I highly recommend it. Read it and I promise you it will not disappoint. Thank You Kris and Anna for bringing Andie and Warren into my life. Can't wait till you bring on the next book in the series I know I will love it just as much as I loved #MomentsLikeThis
Profile Image for Jo.
66 reviews4 followers
March 10, 2021
Moments Like This is the first in the Kona With Love Series. It is very beautifully co-written by Anna Gomez and Kristopher Polaha. I was especially drawn to the lead character, Andie. Life has taken her on a tumultuous ride. You are not quite sure how she will endure the journey. But, after sustaining a huge blow at work, Andie takes respite in the beauty of Hawaii. During this time away and unbeknownst to her she transforms her life and rediscovers what is most important.

This story is comprised of so many wonderful elements which makes it all the more enriching. What stands out most prevalent are the love of family, friendship, loyalty and trust. That coupled with the beautiful scenery of Hawaii it’s as if this is a character of its own. A very, very touching story. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the series unfolds.

5 Kona Stars

Profile Image for Erin Forys.
32 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2021
When you have everything planned out and your goals are finally in your reach then someone pulls the rug out from under you. Life just seems to fall apart at the seams even when you stopped living it to achieve your goals. Taking a break and find peace might be the last thing you want to do but life has no guarantees.

I absolutely adored this book. The characters in this book all have their flaws which I love because it makes the story realistic. The journey they go on to find themselves and to live again is beautiful. Coupled with the attention to detail for the different locales in Hawaii made me feel like I was there.
Profile Image for BookTrib.com .
1,984 reviews167 followers
Read
March 9, 2021
Gomez and Polaha’s From Kona With Love series is off to a strong start. MOMENTS LIKE THIS delivers true love, memorable characters, and the unparalleled beauty of Hawaii. It is a perfect escapist novel for romance readers, especially for those who seek a vicarious travel experience to a stunning landscape.

Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/03/09/momen...
Profile Image for Marisol.
46 reviews7 followers
February 18, 2021
I read books because I want them to take me away & this book did exactly that. I felt like I was in Hawaii - I could see the island, feel the breeze, smell the ocean. The descriptions were phenomenal, and the character development outstanding. I cannot wait to read more about Andie & Warren.
Profile Image for Toni.
25 reviews
March 7, 2021
This is the perfect beach read. Beautiful Hawaiian setting, endearing characters, and a sweet romance with just enough drama. Looking forward to book 2 in this series!
Profile Image for Heather.
1,576 reviews26 followers
March 2, 2021
Moments Like This is the first book in the From Kona with Love series from Anna Gomez and Kristoffer Pohala and I was hooked from the very beginning! If I hadn't known this book was written by two authors, I would have never known; it flowed so, so well.

Andie Matthews has recently had a lot going on in her life. She's broken her engagement to her fiancé and then loses out on the promotion she had been working so hard for at work. When her best friend provides her with an opportunity to escape to Hawaii to watch over her coffee shop while she is traveling, she makes the decision to go. What she doesn't realize is that it is going to be a life changing experience.

Not only do the islands seem to have a mystical and spiritual power, Andie also ends up meeting Warren Yates who catches her attention almost immediately when he stops by the coffee shop. The two have chemistry that leaps off the pages. As they start spending time together, they go on a "moments" tour every Friday in order to show her different parts of the island. These little "moments" they have continue to build up right along with their feelings. Will things left unsaid between the two of them due to an agreement they made end up derailing this relationship before it really gets off the ground?

I was so in this story from the beginning and I couldn't wait to see what happened. I felt like I was getting a personal tour of parts of Hawaii even though I wasn't actually there. It definitely makes me want to go even more! I am so looking forward to the other four books in this series. I will be reading them without a doubt! I'd highly recommend this!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
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911 reviews17 followers
March 8, 2021
I received an ARC from Rosewind Books through NetGalley for an honest review. Andrea “Andie” Matthews chose her career over love and thought she had made the right decision. She became ill and then lost her job and basically lost her way.
Her friend had inherited a coffee shop in Hawaii and asked her to come run it while she was away. Andie finally agree to go, and she soon was making a big difference at the coffee shop. Warren Yates comes into the coffee shop on Christmas Eve, and they become friends. Warren takes her on the Moments Tour, so she can see the island differently and these tours were amazing. They weren't just seeing the places they were experiencing the body surfing the running of the rocks, the things that the island offered besides its beauty.
The author did an amazing job writing this book, because the spirit of Hawaii came through every page, the Hawaiian culture was felt, and the friendships and work it takes to make something work shown through even when some things go wrong, you stop and think and try again.
It was a wonderful pick me up book because I got to visit the beautiful island of Hawaii and feel all that it has to offer which will get me through the rest of my long, snowy, and cold winter.
51 reviews
March 9, 2021
This is first book in the From Kona with Love series and if the rest are like this one, we are lucky indeed.

Anna Gomez and Kristoffer Polaha are wordsmiths that bring the magic that is Oahu to life. You'll be able to close your eyes and feel the breezes, smell the scent of exotic blossoms and hear the waves lapping at sandy shores. The authors breathe this life into their characters as well, with exceptional dialogue and deep emotion, so you'll come to care for each one. Andie and Warren seem real. You'll become invested in their lives and feel their emotions. And long for a happy ending.

"On an island of myths and magic, born of molten rock and blessed by the gods of love and abundance, I got my happy ending."

**sigh**

I received an advance copy of this book and I'm grateful for the opportunity to leave this honest review.
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