Meanwhile, the Hawaiian land, and some surprise mentors, are calling to her to do more with her gift, which involves ancestral voices and persuasive pink bubbles, than merely convince people to bend to her whims. Kayne’s love of Hawaiian culture shines strongly throughout the novel, from the proverbs that open each chapter, to the language scattered throughout the text, to her praise of poi and disdain for exportable pineapple. The gentle land-based magic carried by Lokelani and a few others, and the secret project by also magically-gifted activist Princess Kahōkūlani and lawyer Chang to quietly resecure land for locals, all feel supportive of maintaining the traditions of the people tied to the islands.
Kayne takes on the racism and sexism of the period with seriousness, but without weighing down the novel. The romance is less engaging, with the curse keeping the couple from connecting too easily overcome to satisfy. The female friendships are lovely, though, from the warm mentorship between Lokelani and the princess to the delightful use of the “pink bubbles” to convince wedding professionals to heed Lokelani’s friend’s wishes.
Takeaway: Historical romance fans will be swept away by Hawaiian magic and culture.
Comparable Titles: Sarah Addison Allen’s Garden Spells; Kawai Strong Washburn’s Sharks in the Time of Saviors.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
