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Tradewinds #4
Promise Me Aloha
How can two people come together when everything else is falling apart?
Olive Galloway always knew that Brander Delacroix wasn't going to date until he found the girl he wanted to marry, and she's still marveling over the fact that he decided to date her. But he did, which means it isn't much of a surprise when he drops down on one knee in the sand the year after Olive graduates from college. What does come as a surprise is the sudden realization that she'll no longer be Olive Galloway living at home with Grams and Macie. She'll be Olive Delacroix, building a new life in Hawaii with one of her very best friends.
With that understanding, however, comes a tidal wave of pressure. Between bothersome dealings with soon-to-be in-laws, a mountain of over-the-top wedding preparations, and a trio of explosive family secrets, Olive begins to wonder if she'll be able to make it down the aisle with all of her hair intact. She's thankful for Jazz, her best friend, who is ready and willing to support her through it all, but she can't help wondering why Jazz hasn't found a happily ever after of her own.
As the wedding day draws near and one final devastating secret comes to light, Olive's perfect world comes dangerously close to spinning off its axis. It will take plenty of faith and prayer (and no small amount of shave ice) to set things right before the wedding bells begin to ring and she promises Brander her aloha...forever.
Olive Galloway always knew that Brander Delacroix wasn't going to date until he found the girl he wanted to marry, and she's still marveling over the fact that he decided to date her. But he did, which means it isn't much of a surprise when he drops down on one knee in the sand the year after Olive graduates from college. What does come as a surprise is the sudden realization that she'll no longer be Olive Galloway living at home with Grams and Macie. She'll be Olive Delacroix, building a new life in Hawaii with one of her very best friends.
With that understanding, however, comes a tidal wave of pressure. Between bothersome dealings with soon-to-be in-laws, a mountain of over-the-top wedding preparations, and a trio of explosive family secrets, Olive begins to wonder if she'll be able to make it down the aisle with all of her hair intact. She's thankful for Jazz, her best friend, who is ready and willing to support her through it all, but she can't help wondering why Jazz hasn't found a happily ever after of her own.
As the wedding day draws near and one final devastating secret comes to light, Olive's perfect world comes dangerously close to spinning off its axis. It will take plenty of faith and prayer (and no small amount of shave ice) to set things right before the wedding bells begin to ring and she promises Brander her aloha...forever.
215 pages, Paperback
Published October 5, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 15, 2022
4.5 Stars.
About this book:
“How can two people come together when everything else is falling apart?
Olive Galloway always knew that Brander Delacroix wasn't going to date until he found the girl he wanted to marry, and she's still marveling over the fact that he decided to date her. But he did, which means it isn't much of a surprise when he drops down on one knee in the sand the year after Olive graduates from college. What does come as a surprise is the sudden realization that she'll no longer be Olive Galloway living at home with Grams and Macie. She'll be Olive Delacroix, building a new life in Hawaii with one of her very best friends.
With that understanding, however, comes a tidal wave of pressure. Between bothersome dealings with soon-to-be in-laws, a mountain of over-the-top wedding preparations, and a trio of explosive family secrets, Olive begins to wonder if she'll be able to make it down the aisle with all of her hair intact. She's thankful for Jazz, her best friend, who is ready and willing to support her through it all, but she can't help wondering why Jazz hasn't found a happily ever after of her own.
As the wedding day draws near and one final devastating secret comes to light, Olive's perfect world comes dangerously close to spinning off its axis. It will take plenty of faith and prayer (and no small amount of shave ice) to set things right before the wedding bells begin to ring and she promises Brander her aloha...forever.”
Series: Considered Book #5 (technically the fourth full-length book) in the “Tradewinds” series. Reviews of Book #1 Here, Book #2 Here, the Christmas novella (considered to be book #2.5 or #3) Here!, and Book #4 Here!
Spiritual Content- A couple Scriptures are mentioned & remembered; Prayers & Blessings over food; Talks about God, talking to Him, & relationships; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Church, youth group going & worshiping; Pre-marital counseling & discussions; Many mentions of God, His will, & faiths; Many mentions of churches, church going, sermons, pastors, ministries, youth group, worship, & songs; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; A mention of the drive-through chapels in Vegas;
*Note: A mention of a superstition for good luck; A mention of Macie wondering if it’s a sin as a Christian to eat a buddha bowl.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘sheesh’, two ‘dang’s, two ‘geesh’s, five ‘dumb’s, five forms of ‘stupid’, and six ‘idiot’s; Eye rolling & Sarcasm; Going to a casino (Olive does not gamble and calls it a waste of money, but Jazz tries a ten dollar one and only does it once); Mentions of kidnappings & ransom (teasing); Mentions of Olive’s dog phobia & remembering what happened (barely-above-not-detailed, Book #2); Mentions of Sin City (Las Vegas), casinos, & doing things other than drink, smoke or gamble while there; Mentions of piercing/gauges, tattoos, & getting a tattoo (*Spoiler* ; Mentions of dog poo & pee; A few mentions of Jazz’s amputation (Book #1); A few mentions of lotteries & winning one; A couple mentions of a car accident & deaths; A couple mentions of burglars; A couple mentions of rehab; A couple mentions of lies; A couple mentions of divorces; A couple mentions of hunting; A mention of prison (teasing); A mention of a puppy mill;
*Note: Mentions of Jane Austen & her books; Mentions of car brands; A couple mentions of songs; A mention of a social media site (Pinterest); A mention of a TV show (House Hunters); A mention of a Martha Stewart magazine.
Sexual Content- Five not-detailed kisses, five cheek/jaw kisses, three head/hair kisses, seven barely-above-not-detailed kisses, five border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kiss, and a semi-detailed kiss; Touches, Embraces, & Hand holding; Blushes; Nearness & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of dates, dating, & boyfriends/girlfriends; Mentions of blushes & winks; A couple mentions of kisses; A mention of mooning over someone; Some love, being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A few mentions of a scantily clad showgirl & owning swimsuits smaller than her dress.
-Olive Galloway, age 21
1st person P.O.V. of Olive
237 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Three Stars
Early High School Teens- Four Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Four Stars (and a half)
This series is now over. *sniffs* Goodness, I enjoyed this series so much, it’s easily on my Favorite Series of All Time list.
How do I begin? I feel too giddy to properly put words together.
This book opens about four years after the prior book, “Barefoot Memories”, and it did take me a few chapters to catch up and realize what everyone was doing now. I admit to feeling a little jipped that we haven’t seen the past four years of these characters, but I suppose it’s realistic.
I think I was sniffling or smiling like a ninny the whole time reading this novel—Olive and Brander, thanks so much for reminding me that I’m single. ;)
I wasn’t personally a fan of the Las Vegas casino scene, but I appreciate that Olive didn’t gamble and that Jazz didn’t continue.
Really, though, it was just so cute and of course I loved the faith content so much throughout the series, but especially in this one. Incredibly clean (not one mention of the wedding night—see authors? You can write about a proposal and wedding without mentioning the wedding night. Just sayin’. So incredibly thankful and thrilled that this author didn’t include any awkward mentions in this book.) and so, so sweet.
Aww, I’m so sad this series is over! It was everything I love about Christian Contemporary YA and it was wonderful. :) (Dare I hope for a spin-off book about Macie?)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
About this book:
“How can two people come together when everything else is falling apart?
Olive Galloway always knew that Brander Delacroix wasn't going to date until he found the girl he wanted to marry, and she's still marveling over the fact that he decided to date her. But he did, which means it isn't much of a surprise when he drops down on one knee in the sand the year after Olive graduates from college. What does come as a surprise is the sudden realization that she'll no longer be Olive Galloway living at home with Grams and Macie. She'll be Olive Delacroix, building a new life in Hawaii with one of her very best friends.
With that understanding, however, comes a tidal wave of pressure. Between bothersome dealings with soon-to-be in-laws, a mountain of over-the-top wedding preparations, and a trio of explosive family secrets, Olive begins to wonder if she'll be able to make it down the aisle with all of her hair intact. She's thankful for Jazz, her best friend, who is ready and willing to support her through it all, but she can't help wondering why Jazz hasn't found a happily ever after of her own.
As the wedding day draws near and one final devastating secret comes to light, Olive's perfect world comes dangerously close to spinning off its axis. It will take plenty of faith and prayer (and no small amount of shave ice) to set things right before the wedding bells begin to ring and she promises Brander her aloha...forever.”
Series: Considered Book #5 (technically the fourth full-length book) in the “Tradewinds” series. Reviews of Book #1 Here, Book #2 Here, the Christmas novella (considered to be book #2.5 or #3) Here!, and Book #4 Here!
Spiritual Content- A couple Scriptures are mentioned & remembered; Prayers & Blessings over food; Talks about God, talking to Him, & relationships; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Church, youth group going & worshiping; Pre-marital counseling & discussions; Many mentions of God, His will, & faiths; Many mentions of churches, church going, sermons, pastors, ministries, youth group, worship, & songs; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; A mention of the drive-through chapels in Vegas;
*Note: A mention of a superstition for good luck; A mention of Macie wondering if it’s a sin as a Christian to eat a buddha bowl.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘sheesh’, two ‘dang’s, two ‘geesh’s, five ‘dumb’s, five forms of ‘stupid’, and six ‘idiot’s; Eye rolling & Sarcasm; Going to a casino (Olive does not gamble and calls it a waste of money, but Jazz tries a ten dollar one and only does it once); Mentions of kidnappings & ransom (teasing); Mentions of Olive’s dog phobia & remembering what happened (barely-above-not-detailed, Book #2); Mentions of Sin City (Las Vegas), casinos, & doing things other than drink, smoke or gamble while there; Mentions of piercing/gauges, tattoos, & getting a tattoo (*Spoiler* ; Mentions of dog poo & pee; A few mentions of Jazz’s amputation (Book #1); A few mentions of lotteries & winning one; A couple mentions of a car accident & deaths; A couple mentions of burglars; A couple mentions of rehab; A couple mentions of lies; A couple mentions of divorces; A couple mentions of hunting; A mention of prison (teasing); A mention of a puppy mill;
*Note: Mentions of Jane Austen & her books; Mentions of car brands; A couple mentions of songs; A mention of a social media site (Pinterest); A mention of a TV show (House Hunters); A mention of a Martha Stewart magazine.
Sexual Content- Five not-detailed kisses, five cheek/jaw kisses, three head/hair kisses, seven barely-above-not-detailed kisses, five border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kiss, and a semi-detailed kiss; Touches, Embraces, & Hand holding; Blushes; Nearness & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of dates, dating, & boyfriends/girlfriends; Mentions of blushes & winks; A couple mentions of kisses; A mention of mooning over someone; Some love, being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A few mentions of a scantily clad showgirl & owning swimsuits smaller than her dress.
-Olive Galloway, age 21
1st person P.O.V. of Olive
237 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Three Stars
Early High School Teens- Four Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Four Stars (and a half)
This series is now over. *sniffs* Goodness, I enjoyed this series so much, it’s easily on my Favorite Series of All Time list.
How do I begin? I feel too giddy to properly put words together.
This book opens about four years after the prior book, “Barefoot Memories”, and it did take me a few chapters to catch up and realize what everyone was doing now. I admit to feeling a little jipped that we haven’t seen the past four years of these characters, but I suppose it’s realistic.
I think I was sniffling or smiling like a ninny the whole time reading this novel—Olive and Brander, thanks so much for reminding me that I’m single. ;)
I wasn’t personally a fan of the Las Vegas casino scene, but I appreciate that Olive didn’t gamble and that Jazz didn’t continue.
Really, though, it was just so cute and of course I loved the faith content so much throughout the series, but especially in this one. Incredibly clean (not one mention of the wedding night—see authors? You can write about a proposal and wedding without mentioning the wedding night. Just sayin’. So incredibly thankful and thrilled that this author didn’t include any awkward mentions in this book.) and so, so sweet.
Aww, I’m so sad this series is over! It was everything I love about Christian Contemporary YA and it was wonderful. :) (Dare I hope for a spin-off book about Macie?)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
October 7, 2021
I think most of what I'm currently feeling is the emotional equivalent of the heart eyes emoji and I'm so HAPPY 😭
October 8, 2021
The perfect ending to such a sweet series. Even though I'm sad to see the series end, I don't think anyone could've asked for a better finale! I read this in one evening because I simply couldn't put it down no matter how hard I tried (I wanted to stretch it out and savor it, but...well...my bleary eyes tell a different story...). The characters were so genuine and realistic, and I loved reading all of the different issues that popped up, not to mention the very creative ways they were resolved. It's a true masterpiece, and I must say that the character development from book 1 onward is just phenomenal.
So while I'm saying aloha to the series and the characters, it definitely has a soft spot in my heart as one of my favorite YA series ever.
So while I'm saying aloha to the series and the characters, it definitely has a soft spot in my heart as one of my favorite YA series ever.
February 4, 2022
This book was the sweetest ending to a beautiful series and I enjoyed every single minute of it. It was so bittersweet to turn the last page of this book knowing it is probably the last book of the Tradewinds series. I don’t want to say goodbye to these characters who became like good friends.🥰💗
Following Brander and Olive’s journey was so special. They went from being best friends in the porch swing days to falling in love.
I loved revisiting all of these wonderful characters— Brander, Olive, Jazz, Macie, and Gramma. 💗 Hunter was a fun addition to the story too! I’m hopeful for Jazz’s happily ever after too. 😉
I loved coming along as they planned Olive and Brander’s wedding and all the challenges Olive faced on the journey.
I’m going to miss all the shaved ice summer days on the beach with these characters.
This book gave me all the warm-fuzzy, bittersweet feels. Watching them all growing up made me emotional but also so happy. 🥰 I teared up several times and I smiled a whole lot too. It was the perfect ending to the Tradewinds series. 💗
Following Brander and Olive’s journey was so special. They went from being best friends in the porch swing days to falling in love.
I loved revisiting all of these wonderful characters— Brander, Olive, Jazz, Macie, and Gramma. 💗 Hunter was a fun addition to the story too! I’m hopeful for Jazz’s happily ever after too. 😉
I loved coming along as they planned Olive and Brander’s wedding and all the challenges Olive faced on the journey.
I’m going to miss all the shaved ice summer days on the beach with these characters.
This book gave me all the warm-fuzzy, bittersweet feels. Watching them all growing up made me emotional but also so happy. 🥰 I teared up several times and I smiled a whole lot too. It was the perfect ending to the Tradewinds series. 💗
October 11, 2021
*beams* I'm glad we just kept getting more books. These characters are such a treasure, and stepping into their tropical world is always healing to my heart in different ways. I always marvel at the timing.
I love how real Olive is. Sometimes it's painful, because I relate to her flaws. But it sure paints a powerful and beautiful story.
I could go on and on about how much I love this series, but I've done that in my reviews of past books, and if you've made it this far you already know. So . . . just read it, okay? ;) Then message me so we can fangirl together.
I love how real Olive is. Sometimes it's painful, because I relate to her flaws. But it sure paints a powerful and beautiful story.
I could go on and on about how much I love this series, but I've done that in my reviews of past books, and if you've made it this far you already know. So . . . just read it, okay? ;) Then message me so we can fangirl together.
January 25, 2023
so fun! lovely ending to the series <3
October 5, 2021
This was such a wonderful , sweet , lovely book to read. This book is aimed at young adults but everyone from young adult upwards will enjoy reading this book .
This is the 5th book in the series and it honestly does work as a standalone book but I feel like these character are so amazing and it would have been great to read them from the start and get to know them throughout the books and see them grow . It was such an interesting story to follow and was beautifully written so it kept hold of the readers attention.
This is the 5th book in the series and it honestly does work as a standalone book but I feel like these character are so amazing and it would have been great to read them from the start and get to know them throughout the books and see them grow . It was such an interesting story to follow and was beautifully written so it kept hold of the readers attention.
January 19, 2023
very cute.
December 20, 2021
Finally! The wedding story I’ve been waiting for since Olive and Brander’s first meeting!🥳
All the emotions are coming out with this book: happiness that they’re married and things are good, sad that the series is (I believe) concluded (*insert fangirl tears*).
That said, I breezed through Promise Me Aloha and thoroughly enjoyed reading another book by Taylor! Her writing style is so easy to read and Olive’s POV will always be one of my faves.
You don’t want to miss this new chapter of Olive and Brander’s story (along with a few other things mixed in with it👀)!
Content: Clean: no cursing and the romance only goes as far as kissing (not super detailed either). I’d say this is good for teens and older.
All the emotions are coming out with this book: happiness that they’re married and things are good, sad that the series is (I believe) concluded (*insert fangirl tears*).
That said, I breezed through Promise Me Aloha and thoroughly enjoyed reading another book by Taylor! Her writing style is so easy to read and Olive’s POV will always be one of my faves.
You don’t want to miss this new chapter of Olive and Brander’s story (along with a few other things mixed in with it👀)!
Content: Clean: no cursing and the romance only goes as far as kissing (not super detailed either). I’d say this is good for teens and older.
March 3, 2023
Number of pages: 231
Genre: Contemporary YA
Series: Tradewind #5
Age recommendation: 15+
Summary: When Brander asks her to marry him, Olive immediately accepts, ready for a new life with her best friend. What she isn’t ready for is everything that goes with planning a wedding: finding the perfect venue, writing a guest list, planning the reception, all the pressure from her soon to be mother-in-law, and most importantly: knowing that her mother won’t be there to experience this important part of her life with her. Will Olive be able to get everything together before she walks down the aisle?
My thoughts: This is my favourite book in the series. Olive has really matured. She is better at stating her own opinions without being rude or accusing, but still not letting people walk all over her.
Olive is learning how to live life without her mother; it’s definitely hard, but she is moving forward with life. I also liked how she let Midori call her Olivia. I think she should have really explained it to Midori though why she let her call her by the wrong name because it was really embarrassing for her when they were printed on the wedding programs. I also like the way Olive
I love that Jazz makes Brander have his bonfire (with all the phone numbers he got from girls he never dated). When Olive and Brander got engaged and they were wedding planning I was thinking “I wonder if/when Brander will have his bonfire.” I wish it could have been a part of the reception but at least he does it. 😊
I found it weird when Olive kept saying she heard her mom talking to her… I don’t know if she meant heard out loud or thought that’s what her mom would say in a particular situation.
I don’t like that they go to Las Vegas. How Olive first thought about it is exactly how I feel: scantily dressed people, gambling, etc… should a Christian really be there on vacation? The Bible says bad company ruins good morals (1 Cor. 15:33) so spending time in a self-proclaimed sin city is probably not the best choice. Also, Jazz gambles and gets a tattoo while they’re there (which I don’t agree with… I don’t think God wants us to risk/throw away money like that or permanently stain our bodies). Jazz says she’s getting the tattoo because she told herself and God she would if she won at a slot machine. She implied that this is God’s will for her, but I find that a little hard to agree with considering God told the Israelites in the Old Testament that they were not allowed to tattoo themselves (Leviticus 29:28). Just be careful what you associate Gods name with is all I’m saying. Olive doesn’t really agree with her whole idea but doesn’t really go against her because Jazz is an adult. Anyway, I really shouldn’t judge other’s motives, but those are my opinions on those subjects.
Besides that, I really enjoyed the story. If you start this series, you have to see it through, and I will definitely be recommending it to my friends when they turn 15!
My personal rating: 4/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
Genre: Contemporary YA
Series: Tradewind #5
Age recommendation: 15+
Summary: When Brander asks her to marry him, Olive immediately accepts, ready for a new life with her best friend. What she isn’t ready for is everything that goes with planning a wedding: finding the perfect venue, writing a guest list, planning the reception, all the pressure from her soon to be mother-in-law, and most importantly: knowing that her mother won’t be there to experience this important part of her life with her. Will Olive be able to get everything together before she walks down the aisle?
My thoughts: This is my favourite book in the series. Olive has really matured. She is better at stating her own opinions without being rude or accusing, but still not letting people walk all over her.
Olive is learning how to live life without her mother; it’s definitely hard, but she is moving forward with life. I also liked how she let Midori call her Olivia. I think she should have really explained it to Midori though why she let her call her by the wrong name because it was really embarrassing for her when they were printed on the wedding programs. I also like the way Olive
I love that Jazz makes Brander have his bonfire (with all the phone numbers he got from girls he never dated). When Olive and Brander got engaged and they were wedding planning I was thinking “I wonder if/when Brander will have his bonfire.” I wish it could have been a part of the reception but at least he does it. 😊
I found it weird when Olive kept saying she heard her mom talking to her… I don’t know if she meant heard out loud or thought that’s what her mom would say in a particular situation.
I don’t like that they go to Las Vegas. How Olive first thought about it is exactly how I feel: scantily dressed people, gambling, etc… should a Christian really be there on vacation? The Bible says bad company ruins good morals (1 Cor. 15:33) so spending time in a self-proclaimed sin city is probably not the best choice. Also, Jazz gambles and gets a tattoo while they’re there (which I don’t agree with… I don’t think God wants us to risk/throw away money like that or permanently stain our bodies). Jazz says she’s getting the tattoo because she told herself and God she would if she won at a slot machine. She implied that this is God’s will for her, but I find that a little hard to agree with considering God told the Israelites in the Old Testament that they were not allowed to tattoo themselves (Leviticus 29:28). Just be careful what you associate Gods name with is all I’m saying. Olive doesn’t really agree with her whole idea but doesn’t really go against her because Jazz is an adult. Anyway, I really shouldn’t judge other’s motives, but those are my opinions on those subjects.
Besides that, I really enjoyed the story. If you start this series, you have to see it through, and I will definitely be recommending it to my friends when they turn 15!
My personal rating: 4/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
May 22, 2024
This was so good. I love this book, but also kind of wish that I never read it. Not because I disliked it--I love this series so kuch that I didn't want it to end. I literally cried happy tears at the end, because of the HEA ending adn knowledge that I've read the whole series now. I'll list the content, (what there is of it even) at the bottom.
WRITING STYLE
Just like the last books, this is in first person present tense pov. It's the kind of book that you don't have to think about when you read, in a good way.
CHARACTERS
All of these characters have come to be like good friends, and Brander and Olive are so cute together. I wasn't ready to end these series, but I can't leave REALLY good book on my tbr unread, as you know. Jazz was pretty funny in this book, and the tattoo was even funnier. That probably sounds weird, u know, but you'd get it if you've read it.
ROMANCE
And oh. my. gosh. the romance. That was the perfect light, clean, Christian romance. I just loved it. Brander and Olive are so sweet together, (have I already said that?!), and the wedding scene felt so real. I appreciated how light and clean the romance was, perfect for teens AND adults. (Sorry. I'm talking in loopholes now, aren't I?!)
ENDING
It had a very satisfying ending, but it was open ended and I want MORE about Olive and Brander. Maybe about their kids when they're teens, or a spin off series about Macie, or something about Jazz and Hunter. That would be great!! Taylor Bennet, if you're reading this, I need a spin off series!!
This is probably one of the best Christian romances I've ever read. The romance was very light, as you'll see in the content warning section.
CW: Jazz had her leg amputated in a separate book, mentions of her "stump", Jazz gets a tattoo, some no detail kisses, hugs, hand holding.
I'd recommend this book for girls 12+, and even adults. Or to anyone looking for a good, clean Christian novel with a little romance and some "monster in laws." (It's a joke from the book)
If you're looking for a more in depth content review, check out Lindsey from book for Christian girls. Honestly, this series came VERY close to Christy Miller Collection, Vol. 1. And that's a huge compliment since I've read Christy Miller five times, and its one of my favorite books ever. I loved seeing the character arcs in this series, and seeing Macie all grown up. But I was wondering what happened to Malia. She wasn't even mentioned in this book once, and I have to admit, I liked seeing her in the last few books. Even if she was rude at first. Because she and a HUGE character arc, and became nice. I think rivals to friends is one of my favorite tropes. Well, I think that I might never find another book as good as this one. (besides Christy Miller) This would make an AMAZING movie or tv show, again, I just love this series. I don't know how Taylor Bennett does it, but the characters feel like friends and it feels so real.
WRITING STYLE
Just like the last books, this is in first person present tense pov. It's the kind of book that you don't have to think about when you read, in a good way.
CHARACTERS
All of these characters have come to be like good friends, and Brander and Olive are so cute together. I wasn't ready to end these series, but I can't leave REALLY good book on my tbr unread, as you know. Jazz was pretty funny in this book, and the tattoo was even funnier. That probably sounds weird, u know, but you'd get it if you've read it.
ROMANCE
And oh. my. gosh. the romance. That was the perfect light, clean, Christian romance. I just loved it. Brander and Olive are so sweet together, (have I already said that?!), and the wedding scene felt so real. I appreciated how light and clean the romance was, perfect for teens AND adults. (Sorry. I'm talking in loopholes now, aren't I?!)
ENDING
It had a very satisfying ending, but it was open ended and I want MORE about Olive and Brander. Maybe about their kids when they're teens, or a spin off series about Macie, or something about Jazz and Hunter. That would be great!! Taylor Bennet, if you're reading this, I need a spin off series!!
This is probably one of the best Christian romances I've ever read. The romance was very light, as you'll see in the content warning section.
CW: Jazz had her leg amputated in a separate book, mentions of her "stump", Jazz gets a tattoo, some no detail kisses, hugs, hand holding.
I'd recommend this book for girls 12+, and even adults. Or to anyone looking for a good, clean Christian novel with a little romance and some "monster in laws." (It's a joke from the book)
If you're looking for a more in depth content review, check out Lindsey from book for Christian girls. Honestly, this series came VERY close to Christy Miller Collection, Vol. 1. And that's a huge compliment since I've read Christy Miller five times, and its one of my favorite books ever. I loved seeing the character arcs in this series, and seeing Macie all grown up. But I was wondering what happened to Malia. She wasn't even mentioned in this book once, and I have to admit, I liked seeing her in the last few books. Even if she was rude at first. Because she and a HUGE character arc, and became nice. I think rivals to friends is one of my favorite tropes. Well, I think that I might never find another book as good as this one. (besides Christy Miller) This would make an AMAZING movie or tv show, again, I just love this series. I don't know how Taylor Bennett does it, but the characters feel like friends and it feels so real.
October 12, 2021
Learning to love
My rating is 3.5 stars
It has been fun getting to know Olive, Brander, Jazz, and their ohana through the Tradewinds series! Olive has come a long way from being the hurting teen, railing at God for all her pain.
As Olive and Brander prepare for marriage, there are several lessons they learn. I was impressed with the insights their pastor, Jonah, shared with Olive when she thought true love meant always giving up her wants for those of the other. While sometimes that is the correct answer, Jonah’s advice was profound.
Promise Me Aloha moved slowly at the beginning. It didn’t hold my interest as well as the earlier books did, though it was a cute story.
Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
My rating is 3.5 stars
It has been fun getting to know Olive, Brander, Jazz, and their ohana through the Tradewinds series! Olive has come a long way from being the hurting teen, railing at God for all her pain.
As Olive and Brander prepare for marriage, there are several lessons they learn. I was impressed with the insights their pastor, Jonah, shared with Olive when she thought true love meant always giving up her wants for those of the other. While sometimes that is the correct answer, Jonah’s advice was profound.
Promise Me Aloha moved slowly at the beginning. It didn’t hold my interest as well as the earlier books did, though it was a cute story.
Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
September 5, 2021
I enjoyed this story for young adults by a young author. I especially appreciate the manner in which she portrays a young woman who has flaws which help her to be open to the fact that others are also flawed. As she spends time with her fiancé, friends, and family, she sees their flaws but learns to accept them as they are. She realizes that everything is not always about her, even if she is the bride-to-be. All through this series, she has been growing and maturing, and she recognizes that she still has much to learn. I also like that she and her husband-to-be are going through pre-marital counseling and discovering that marriage is just the beginning of a lifelong learning experience. Watching the relationships grow and develop through the pages of the story will be a learning experience for many young readers. The story contains some interesting surprises. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
October 13, 2021
All the stars and hearts for this book—so cute and wonderful. <33
June 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this. However, I am a bit bummed out that I missed four years of their lives.
May 3, 2024
Good book!! I think people ages 11-18 looking for a clean, faith-based YA book will love this!
April 14, 2025
Such a sweet, heartfelt end to a glorious, faithful, worshipful series about amazing, raw, REAL characters facing raw, REAL struggles and the way they reach to God in times of hardship. Truly wonderful books! :)
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