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Maui Island #1
Under the Maui Sky
Aloha! Welcome to the Maui Island series where the dramas of everyday life keep the Briscoe family and their friends laughing, crying and falling in love.
Set against the lush backdrop of a tropical island, Under the Maui Sky captures the emotionally charged, complex dynamics that come with being part of a family. Readers will laugh and shed a few tears as Ava Briscoe and her children discover what it means to be loved, supported and accepted by the people who mean the most… even in the face of deep betrayal.
Ava Briscoe wants nothing more than for her children and the family’s pineapple business to flourish. When a dark secret comes to light, more than her steadfast resilience is tested.
Christel is picking up the pieces after a painful divorce. She’s found solace in the family business. But a bitter discovery soon shakes the once-steady foundation under her feet.
Katie is a wife and mother with a full plate. She yearns for purpose but her efforts to make her dreams come true falter when she learns nothing is at it seems.
Aiden makes his living rescuing people on the island of Maui. When facing life’s changes, can he rescue his own family when it matters most?
Shane believes life is a party, but sometimes life hands out more than a good time—fun crashes to an end and growing up is no longer an option.
Come along on the journey... with all the messy wonder, humor, pain and ultimate hope of this heartwarming family as they grapple with an uncertain future and learn they can face anything, as long as they do it together.
A heart-grabbing story, perfect for Robyn Carr and Susan Wiggs fans.
Set against the lush backdrop of a tropical island, Under the Maui Sky captures the emotionally charged, complex dynamics that come with being part of a family. Readers will laugh and shed a few tears as Ava Briscoe and her children discover what it means to be loved, supported and accepted by the people who mean the most… even in the face of deep betrayal.
Ava Briscoe wants nothing more than for her children and the family’s pineapple business to flourish. When a dark secret comes to light, more than her steadfast resilience is tested.
Christel is picking up the pieces after a painful divorce. She’s found solace in the family business. But a bitter discovery soon shakes the once-steady foundation under her feet.
Katie is a wife and mother with a full plate. She yearns for purpose but her efforts to make her dreams come true falter when she learns nothing is at it seems.
Aiden makes his living rescuing people on the island of Maui. When facing life’s changes, can he rescue his own family when it matters most?
Shane believes life is a party, but sometimes life hands out more than a good time—fun crashes to an end and growing up is no longer an option.
Come along on the journey... with all the messy wonder, humor, pain and ultimate hope of this heartwarming family as they grapple with an uncertain future and learn they can face anything, as long as they do it together.
A heart-grabbing story, perfect for Robyn Carr and Susan Wiggs fans.
216 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2021
926 people are currently reading
2769 people want to read
About the author
Kellie Coates Gilbert
50 books331 followers⭐️ USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR ⭐️
Kellie Coates Gilbert has won readers’ hearts with her compelling and highly emotional stories about women and the relationships that define their lives. A former legal investigator, she is especially known for keeping readers turning pages and for creating nuanced characters who seem real.
In addition to garnering hundreds of five-star reviews, Kellie has been described by RT Book Reviews as a “deft, crisp storyteller.” Her books were featured as Barnes & Noble Top Shelf Picks and were awarded a coveted spot on the Library Journal’s Best Book List.
Born and raised near Sun Valley, Idaho, Kellie now lives with her husband of over thirty-five years in Dallas, where she spends most days by her pool drinking sweet tea and writing the stories of her heart.
Kellie Coates Gilbert has won readers’ hearts with her compelling and highly emotional stories about women and the relationships that define their lives. A former legal investigator, she is especially known for keeping readers turning pages and for creating nuanced characters who seem real.
In addition to garnering hundreds of five-star reviews, Kellie has been described by RT Book Reviews as a “deft, crisp storyteller.” Her books were featured as Barnes & Noble Top Shelf Picks and were awarded a coveted spot on the Library Journal’s Best Book List.
Born and raised near Sun Valley, Idaho, Kellie now lives with her husband of over thirty-five years in Dallas, where she spends most days by her pool drinking sweet tea and writing the stories of her heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
August 27, 2025
When Lincoln Briscoe had died in a terrible accident on the Maui island, his family was shattered. Ava, his wife of many years, couldn't imagine being able to go on, while her four adult children, Christel, Katie, Aiden & Shane, felt they needed to help their mother cope, while handling their own grief. Their pineapple farm, which had been in the family for decades, couldn't be left go, so everyone hunkered down and worked. But it was when information came to light when Ava was sorting her husband's affairs, that the family's lives changed forever.
Under the Maui Sky is the 1st in the Maui Island series by Kellie Coates Gilbert and I enjoyed it very much. The beauty of the island and strength of the characters was impressive; while the heartbreak and uncertainty, combined with the love of family, made the future look a little brighter. Recommended.
Under the Maui Sky is the 1st in the Maui Island series by Kellie Coates Gilbert and I enjoyed it very much. The beauty of the island and strength of the characters was impressive; while the heartbreak and uncertainty, combined with the love of family, made the future look a little brighter. Recommended.
March 1, 2022
Emotional story of a family struggling with grief after the father/husband dies. I enjoyed getting to know the central characters. Maui is a beautiful setting. Learning about the pineapple plantation is interesting. I will continue to book two now.
January 15, 2025
Good start to a Women's Fiction Series. A great cast of characters that will go through challenges in the series. In the first novel, mom Ava's world is upended when her husband dies in a car crash.
April 29, 2022
Lovely setting....Hawaii. But a hard story. Family crisis. It is raw in places that depict sin in some family members. Since this is the first in a series, it doesn’t resolve all issues in this book. It does contain a Christian message.
* I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
* I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
May 13, 2023
#1 in the Maui Island romance/chick-lit series
This isn't posted as Christian fiction, but it sure had that vibe for me. And that's not a bad thing, especially when it's an underlying theme and not the main focus of the story. This is really all about family. This is an older woman dealing with her husband's sudden death while also trying to support her grown children. They are all struggling with a shocking secret that came out after his death. But with friends and family holding close, they are all learning to deal with the aftereffects in their own ways. The family was warm and very close, with some witty sibling banter. But I also felt as though they were in each other's business way too much. Having never had a family like that, I wasn't comfortable with it, but perhaps that's what it's like for many (most?) other people. There's quite a bit about the setting in Hawaii that I enjoyed, and we get a surface look at each of the characters. I plan to find more from this series in order to get to know everyone better.
This isn't posted as Christian fiction, but it sure had that vibe for me. And that's not a bad thing, especially when it's an underlying theme and not the main focus of the story. This is really all about family. This is an older woman dealing with her husband's sudden death while also trying to support her grown children. They are all struggling with a shocking secret that came out after his death. But with friends and family holding close, they are all learning to deal with the aftereffects in their own ways. The family was warm and very close, with some witty sibling banter. But I also felt as though they were in each other's business way too much. Having never had a family like that, I wasn't comfortable with it, but perhaps that's what it's like for many (most?) other people. There's quite a bit about the setting in Hawaii that I enjoyed, and we get a surface look at each of the characters. I plan to find more from this series in order to get to know everyone better.
April 6, 2022
Wow!
After a very short read, the reader will encounter one of several twists in this exciting new series. Descriptions of persons and places are so realistic, you will believe you are physically there! This author's writing style is so smooth as the pages turn faster and faster feeling the adrenaline pulsing throughout your reading. I know you will enjoy this novel as I have and want to devour every book thereafter!
After a very short read, the reader will encounter one of several twists in this exciting new series. Descriptions of persons and places are so realistic, you will believe you are physically there! This author's writing style is so smooth as the pages turn faster and faster feeling the adrenaline pulsing throughout your reading. I know you will enjoy this novel as I have and want to devour every book thereafter!
May 29, 2021
I love this new series and really enjoyed going to Maui through this wonderful book! The engaging and enlightening story of a family and their time of tragedy and seeing what comes next will lead to a great series! Learning about pineapples and beautiful setting I want to jump on plane and go!
November 26, 2021
won this book on a giveaway, Now i see why its only 99 cents on kindle. I could never get into the storyline or connect with the characters very well. I was not impressed with this book. Don't think i will be reading any more by this author.
Two stars out of five is my rating.
Two stars out of five is my rating.
September 29, 2022
Under the Maui Sky is the first book in the Maui Island series by Kellie Coates Gilbert. It is the story of Ava Briscoe and her four children as they deal with the loss of a loved one and a betrayal that will shake them to the core. Ava Briscoe’s strength and resilience will be put to the test. Christel is the oldest Briscoe child and the foundation that she trusted to stand firm will be shaken. Katie is a wife, mother and businesswoman, she yearns for a chance to shine. Aiden makes a living rescuing people in trouble but can he rescue his family when they need him the most? Lastly, Shane, the baby, has been tagged as the ne'er-do-well. He does what he can to live up to it but deep down he wishes for the chance to prove his worth. Will they find a way to come together, stronger than ever? Or will this secret break them beyond repair?
With the beautiful tropical island atmosphere, Under the Maui Sky is an emotional ride of grief, heartache, and devastation. It is a story that will have readers quickly turning the pages to the end. It is a story that takes hold and will not let go. A dark secret is revealed that will turn their grief and heartache to anger. Ms. Coates Gilbert has an amazing ability to capture families and their dynamics. The reactions of each character were very authentic. The interactions between the siblings were realistic. I could easily imagine myself and my siblings bickering and bantering the same way. There were moments of tears and moments of laughter. There were moments of shock and despair. I closed the book with tears in my eyes and my heart filled with hope. I look forward to the rest of the series as the Briscoe family continues to deal with their issues. I highly recommend Under the Maui Sky!
Under the Maui Sky is available in paperback and eBook
With the beautiful tropical island atmosphere, Under the Maui Sky is an emotional ride of grief, heartache, and devastation. It is a story that will have readers quickly turning the pages to the end. It is a story that takes hold and will not let go. A dark secret is revealed that will turn their grief and heartache to anger. Ms. Coates Gilbert has an amazing ability to capture families and their dynamics. The reactions of each character were very authentic. The interactions between the siblings were realistic. I could easily imagine myself and my siblings bickering and bantering the same way. There were moments of tears and moments of laughter. There were moments of shock and despair. I closed the book with tears in my eyes and my heart filled with hope. I look forward to the rest of the series as the Briscoe family continues to deal with their issues. I highly recommend Under the Maui Sky!
Under the Maui Sky is available in paperback and eBook
October 28, 2022
Focussing on attitude adjustment to best deal with tragedy, author Kelly Coates Gilbert invites readers to follow the Briscoe family as they navigate loss, betrayal, grief and forgiveness. This first installment of the series, set in tropical Maui, introduces us to Ava Briscoe and her 4 adult (Katie, Aiden, Shane and Christel) as they mourn the passing of their beloved father and husband. They all are realistically crafted, deal with authentic, messy family issues and exhibit natural sibling interactions. It was easy to become invested in the family dynamics.
I loved being in the islands as I read about the touristy things we are also experiencing: the Dole Pineapple Plantation, the white sand beaches dotted with surfers, the fragrant plumeria, the hair-raising road to Hana, and the cultural experience of a luau. The Hawaiian words sprinkled throughout the story added to the experience.
Although I didn’t care for the actions of one of the characters, the author used it as a learning experience for the other characters and tied in a Christian message about “the light always [chasing] the darkness away.”
This was a quick, light read to enjoy poolside. Keep in mind that since this is book one of a series, it doesn’t tie up all the loose ends in the way a stand-alone book would.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
I loved being in the islands as I read about the touristy things we are also experiencing: the Dole Pineapple Plantation, the white sand beaches dotted with surfers, the fragrant plumeria, the hair-raising road to Hana, and the cultural experience of a luau. The Hawaiian words sprinkled throughout the story added to the experience.
Although I didn’t care for the actions of one of the characters, the author used it as a learning experience for the other characters and tied in a Christian message about “the light always [chasing] the darkness away.”
This was a quick, light read to enjoy poolside. Keep in mind that since this is book one of a series, it doesn’t tie up all the loose ends in the way a stand-alone book would.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
January 24, 2022
Fantastic!
This is the first book I have read by this author. It was great! Couldn't put down, read it in two days! Loved being introduced to each of the family members, slowly, so you feel like you have known them for a long time. She did a great job with this book! I had laughs and tears and can't wait to read the next in this series to see where the story takes this family!
This is the first book I have read by this author. It was great! Couldn't put down, read it in two days! Loved being introduced to each of the family members, slowly, so you feel like you have known them for a long time. She did a great job with this book! I had laughs and tears and can't wait to read the next in this series to see where the story takes this family!
December 15, 2021
Loved it .
This Author has a unique ability to weave stories about families, that will pull You in from the first page. Family Dynamics are her specialty. As a reader ,you will feel like your on a journey with the Briscoe family, through the death of their Matriarch and a devastating secret , the story will enthrall you .Look forward to more of this series .
This Author has a unique ability to weave stories about families, that will pull You in from the first page. Family Dynamics are her specialty. As a reader ,you will feel like your on a journey with the Briscoe family, through the death of their Matriarch and a devastating secret , the story will enthrall you .Look forward to more of this series .
May 27, 2022
Great story
Really loved the family interaction. Also enjoyed going back to Hawaii without leaving my chair. Enjoyed learning more about pineapples too. Can't wait to read more.
Really loved the family interaction. Also enjoyed going back to Hawaii without leaving my chair. Enjoyed learning more about pineapples too. Can't wait to read more.
March 27, 2022
others do not dictate your feeling.
It is true that others influence your feelings but they can only dictate your feelings if you let them. This story has so much relevance to life. It is a story well worth the read.
It is true that others influence your feelings but they can only dictate your feelings if you let them. This story has so much relevance to life. It is a story well worth the read.
March 28, 2022
Brilliant
Brilliant book well written and a great cast of characters and story line absolutely loved it I can't wait to read more
Brilliant book well written and a great cast of characters and story line absolutely loved it I can't wait to read more
June 25, 2021
Love, Love the beginning of this new series. Fabulous descriptions of the beautiful setting of Maui. The Briscoe family is facing a loss, and struggling to move forward, including business as usual at their tropical pineapple plantation like farm. As Ava mourns the loss of her husband, she is supported by her carrying children; Christal, Katie, Aiden and Shane, who each mourn. The loss in their lives. I love the descriptions of places in Maui, such as Ka’anapoli and the curvy drive to Hana. There are mentions of Hawaiian traditions and descriptions of a Luau. Made me wish I was visiting the beautiful location.
As the family moves forward, and Lincoln’s estate is settled, a secret emerges that threatens everything the family holds dear.
As the family moves forward, and Lincoln’s estate is settled, a secret emerges that threatens everything the family holds dear.
May 25, 2021
Once again Ms Gilbert has a well-written book that is heartfelt and inspiring. The Briscoe family suffers a huge loss as well as a betrayal. They stick together and eventually vow to put the past behind them. There are so many good things about this book I can’t begin to list them all. The story is told in such a way you feel like you know the characters personally and want the best for them. I can’t recommend this book enough! And now I have to wait 3 months for the next book in the series to be released ☹️
May 5, 2022
Maui
Your life can be turned in a minute, that’s what happened to Ava and her family. Then to find out her husband cheated and then who?? This is a very good book you will hate to put it down.
Your life can be turned in a minute, that’s what happened to Ava and her family. Then to find out her husband cheated and then who?? This is a very good book you will hate to put it down.
March 12, 2023
Well, this book was obviously not for me. The characters are flat, the writing style is juvenile, and although there are hints of conflict (except for the father / friend affair, which no doubt would be difficult) there wasn’t much of a plot. There was a hint of something interesting with the investment firm and the unscrupulous executive that was never developed and there was no foreshadowing of a second book. It ended abruptly and seemed very shallow. The only reason I read it to the end was that I felt that something was going to happen soon - it didn’t.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2021
Thank you for this gifted copy.
This was not a happy book, which I didn’t expect. Well written in that characters were easy to follow.
I didn’t love the ending but this was a perfect quick read to make you feel like you’re in Hawaii.
This was not a happy book, which I didn’t expect. Well written in that characters were easy to follow.
I didn’t love the ending but this was a perfect quick read to make you feel like you’re in Hawaii.
October 29, 2021
I loved this book more than I thought I would. Contains Christian flavors, but by no means cotton candy fluff. Nice descriptions of the setting, an interesting storyline and characters that make it work. Altogether a great read.
July 21, 2023
Christian fiction story of a family that discovers a secret of their husband/father after he dies in an accident. The dynamics of the 4 adult children and the mom are what drives this story. Takes place at a pineapple farm in Maui. Fun to read about places especially the Road to Hana that I have experienced. This is first of a series.
March 19, 2022
No one controls your life unless you empower them!
That was a lesson hard earned that has served me well in life. It one we all need to hold onto tightest during difficult times. Anger and hatred pull you down . let go and die ice you will live in peace and happiness that only you bring yourself. This book is filled with path choices, strong family ties and survival. I loved it.
That was a lesson hard earned that has served me well in life. It one we all need to hold onto tightest during difficult times. Anger and hatred pull you down . let go and die ice you will live in peace and happiness that only you bring yourself. This book is filled with path choices, strong family ties and survival. I loved it.
May 5, 2023
Beautiful story. It had me crying by the end of page 2, but then I went through the whole gamut of emotions.
Read
November 4, 2023Slice of life moments from a family of five as they deal with the loss of a family member and deal with a secret that is revealed.
Read
November 7, 2023This was a cute short story
May 1, 2022
Enjoyed reading this because I knew so many of the places mentioned on the island of Maui.
The story of the family was entertaining. But not knowing the meaning of some of the Hawaiian words was a little puzzling.
The story of the family was entertaining. But not knowing the meaning of some of the Hawaiian words was a little puzzling.
March 16, 2022
Deceit
A fine story about life, love, family, loyalty and deceit. A rich story with a philosophical leanings. Worth reading, IMO
A fine story about life, love, family, loyalty and deceit. A rich story with a philosophical leanings. Worth reading, IMO
April 26, 2022
Nice light, enjoyable read that explores the relationships within a family and in friendships as well as causes one to ask what’s behind public appearances.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews