Hawaii Books

This book is well-written, displels a lot of strange myths about native Pacific navigation, and provides a lot of interesting details useful to modern navigators when they run out of batteries in the middle of the ocean.

For most of us, sailing across 2000+ miles of open ocean from Hawaii to Tahiti (or vice versa) would be daunting enough even with using every modern navigation device such as a GPS. Consider that in 1927 with compasses, sextants, radio, etc, in the Dole Air Race from Oakland to Honolulu (the same distance as Tahiti to Hawaii) 3 out of the 5 planes that started out were lost at sea. Then consider that a thousand years ago the Polynesians in 50-foot twin-hulled canoes were regularly making such voyages without any kind of instruments, and that crossing 50 or 100 miles of ocean was thought almost trivially easy.

That a primitive (by European or American standards) people were skilled at ocean navigation was thought absurd. Kon-Tiki was an attempt to show that Oceania could be populated from South America by drifting on rafts and sheer luck of landfall. But it is now established that there was skilled and purposeful exploration and colonization--including Rapa Nui (Easter Island) which is 1000 miles from the nearest other habitable island. We, the Navigators is a fascinating look at "primitive" navigation techniques, and the author himself sailed from Hawaii to Tahiti using only these ancient techniques.

So you'll see how the Polynesians used the sun, moon, and stars to achieve accurate navigation. They also used the ocean swells (as distinct from waves): islands reflect and deflect swells, so by careful observation, you can get a sense of direction to landfall. Land also changes cloud patterns. Birds were watched intently. New Zealand was one of the last places found and peopled--from 1600 miles away from the northeast, perhaps by watching birds migrate in that direction. Different kinds of birds travel different distances from land--some travel 40-50 miles, others 20-25 miles: by observing at dawn where the birds came from, and observing which direction they went towards sunset, and seeing what kind of bird it was, you could tell that there was land, and what direction it was, and how far away it was as well. On leaving land, backsights would be taken to help establish currents and drift. The book has lots of drawings and illustrations--it's a real treat!

This book is written by an academic. I don't necessarily mean this in a negative sense. The author has done a very thorough research on the topic and presented his findings. The effect is a book that can be called a comprehensive treatment as far as it can be done given that the practictioners are disappearing fast.
The downside is that it can send you to sleep as the author systematically compares how the navigational techniques are practiced in the various island groups.

The strength of the book is not only its thoroughness but also the fact that the author is a skilled sailor who has gone on trips using these techniques. This makes the material so much more authentic, because the reader can relate how effective these skills are and yet how much practice they require.

The author provides commentary on many practices and relates them to our modern day knowledge. An example was their ability to recognize the impact of sub surface currents, something that is today a rather specialist piece of knowledge not available to the everyday sailor.

The most complete study of early navigation I have come across. The author does a fantastic job of comparing the different styles of landfinding as used by the Pacific islanders. Lewis brings the knowledge and experience of an accomplished western sailor and navigator to his studies, and in doing so is able compare and contrast ancient and modern techniques. A scholarly study of primitive navigation, the book is not always an easy read, however for the reader looking for a complete comparison this is the volume to have.

David Lewis has zig-zaged the Pacific in modern yachts and traditional canoes. His broad experience and long resarch, using his own and many schoolars data, has made this a good analysis and documentation of the extremly impressing and interesting phenomenon of ancient and present voyaging in the Pacific. Others, specially anthropologists fieldworking in the Central Carolines of Micronesia, had written about the presently used Micronesian voyaging system, others less throughly about the forgotten polynesian,but Lewis mangage to give a synthesis of the technologies and some of the social aspects of traditional voyaging in the Pacific

Fabulous Read, with most Awesome and Engaging pictures...as you can hunt for words and 'the hidden' in the very beautiful, colorful well-depicted illustrations!!!! Loved by both my 2 yr. old and 4 yr. old sons...most repetitively read now as their "fav" request...and to think that not too long ago it was "Goodnight Moon"--but not anymore!!!! As a Child Psychiatrist and a Mom it is hard to find a great book that holds the attention span like this awesome book does so very well..... & the most colorful, bold illustrations have been so special for my slightly visually impaired 2 yr. old in bifocals...and the 4 yr. old is fascinated by "the hidden words" and is trying to learn some Hawaiian words........A TRUE MUST HAVE BOOK FOR THE PRE-SCHOOL AND EARLY ELEMENTARY SET

Whew, thanks heaps for the gorgeous reviews! Truly a JOY to read! As a School Teacher, Artist, Writer, Animal Lover and Islander, I hope my series makes it fun to learn about the islands and her rare, unusual and endangered animal friends...including a humpback whale, a soft nene (say nay-nay, Hawaiian goose), and a potty-bellied pig "with perfectly pink lips." I really appreciate Amazon posting a pic of the cover and a peek at the pages. The quotes in Amazon's preview may be confusing bc there are several typos. Oops. For instance, it should be..."When I am quiet on Mt. Haleakala soon after (rather than "alter") sunrise, I hear the willowy wind whoooo-sh across the crater floor." I'm sure you will figure it out. It's all good. This book is perfect for anyone who loves Maui! Aloha, Judi

When I read my book I am transported to the Island of Maui, I hear the sounds, I feel the air, I smell the scents and I just know that I have truly experienced Maui. This book is just unbelievable. The story has a recurring theme that goes through to the end. The pictures are beautiful. I love the way the sounds that you "hear" are seen in the picture. I read this to a group of children at a Luau that I had. They loved the story & the pictures but had the most fun finding the sound that was in the picuture to go with the story. They really experienced Maui by creating the sounds on their own. This author is one-of-a-kind who really puts herself in her books. I am trying to be patient in anticipation of her new book that is coming out soon. I encourage any one who is looking into this book to purchase it whether it is for a child or an adult the book will thrill you just the same!!!! ALOHA!!!

This is our favorite children's book ever! So well-written, with fabulous illustrations - it really does take to you the island for a mini vacation. And the way the words play off each other makes this book as much fun to read for ME as it is for my daughter. This book makes me glad I have a child so I have an excuse to read it aloud every single day. We are anxiously awaiting other books by this author...

When I am Quiet on Maui has been enjoyed by our family over and over. The art work brings the story to life. We are transported in our thoughts to the island with every read. We await the next of the Tiki Tales series. This author/artist has a real skill at bringing the reader to the Island.

"There are no neurotics or geniuses or failures or fools. There are only neurotic moments, flashes of brilliance, failed opportunities, and stupid mistakes. But these moments, pleasant or unpleasant, can never fix us into rigid, immutable characters. We cannot help but change. This book is about choosing the direction of your changingness and acting upon your choice." ~ David K. Reynolds from "Constructive Living"

"Constructive Living." It's a book a friend and favorite author of mine, Dan Millman ("The Way of the Peaceful Warrior," "Everyday Enlightenment," etc.), recommended to me. I've always admired Dan and his work for his ability to blend East and West with an ultimate focus on ACTION. And, now I know why he recommended this book to me: it's an incredible manual on how to master ourselves and learn to take consistent, impeccable action.

"Constructive Living" is based on the fundamental notion that, although we can't control our feelings, we CAN control our behaviors. And, as a result, craft our ideal life. Or, as Reynolds says so poetically: "Our behavior is controllable in a way that our feelings are not. There is a very special satisfaction for the Artist of Living who works within life's limits to produce a fine self-portrait. The more control we develop over our actions, the more chance we have of producing a self we can be proud of."

That, in a nutshell, is what Constructive Living is all about. :)

I have no doubt you'll enjoy this book. It's a quick read--only 120 pages--and I highly recommend you jump in now!

I was lost. It seemed to me that Western psychological theories were largely speculation and confident assertion and not much help. Krishnamurti made some great sense but I'd been unable after years to put his teaching into practice. What a welcome relief to find David Reynolds and "Constructive Living".

The emphasis on doing what one can do may seem simple. However, I had become so complicated and Reynolds' teaching set me straight and has kept me that way for 14 years now. This book and another early book by Reynolds, "The Quiet Therapies", provide tools that don't depend on any guru, including Reynolds. Unlike other teachers, Reynolds teaches! and then gets out of your way.

Reynolds' teaching draws from Japanese sources that were influenced by Buddhism. There's no need to become a Buddhist, but it was a good start for me in learning about Buddhism. Reynolds big contribution has been helping me learn to stay grounded. A day doesn't go by that I don't apply what I learned from "Constructive Living". Reynolds is prolific but this one of his many books on Constructive Living has been my favorite.

Reynolds is an excellent speaker as well. The 3 audiotapes available for "Constructive Living" are a fresh presentation on the subject with many new anecdotes and not a reading of this book. The book and tapes have complemented each other well for me.

"Achieve the goal of Constructive Living - to do everything well," says the book cover. Sounds impossible! In fact, the goal might be better phrased "to do everything with full awareness." That's what Reynolds espouses in this deceptively simple and extremely useful book.

Reynolds is the foremost Western interpreter of Morita therapy, a therapeutic protocol that has Buddhist underpinnings, but is applicable no matter what your religious beliefs (or lack thereof) might be.

Constructive Living (CL) has no use for Freudian therapy. Understanding the past doesn't change it and means little if you're still having trouble getting through your day right now. CL is also nothing like the therapeutic techniques that urge you to express your feelings fully at all times so that you may be "transformed" by releasing your emotions. Acting out can be cathartic, but if unchecked, it also can be destructive. More significantly, it allows your feelings to control you.

The CL approach doesn't want you to deny your personal history or repress your feelings. It wants you to transcend them. It wants you to focus on now. Not how you feel now, but what you can choose to do now that will be appropriate to your situation. What a refreshing but challenging way to live!

CL does not a guarantee of a state of blissful happiness, though you may feel moments of joy more deeply than ever before. It is not an easy discipline to follow simply because it does require discipline, something not regularly exercised in our society. It does not ensure that you will master every task placed before you, though you will learn greatly from your failures. It will, however, make you an adult, a responsible, sensitive, totally aware human being living a constructive life. - I have a long way to go!

This is one of the most effective self-help books ever written. David K.Reynolds offers practical, simple, wise advice to people who have lost their way in this complex world. He advises his readers to accept their feelings, but to take the necessary actions to take charge of their lives. Dr. Reynolds write in a clear voice that eschews unnecessary psychological terms and victimization. He advise that the reader to take charge of his/her own life by facing reality and taking action. This is a practical, valuable guide to overcoming emotional trauma and the inevitable obstacles everyone faces in the course of everyday living. It is a rare book written by a wise man. I have given several copies of it to friends in distress and they have also praised its value. Dr. Reynolds has written a small book with heaps of wisdom.

I first came across "Constructive Living" in an audio catalog -- it stood out among the self-help and spirituality offerings for its practical, straightforward title. His book(s) and work have had a major influence in my perception of reality. In a world of confused and suffering people looking for ways to feel better, Dr. Reynolds offers "reality's reminders" that we have more control over our behaviors than we have over arising feelings or passing thoughts -- and that it may be more realistic to focus on behaving in a grateful, kind, positive way rather than waiting to have those feelings first. In this, his first book, he offers many such reminders that help us see ourselves, our relationships, and our world more clearly. One of the most helpful, sane, and realistic books I've read.

If you ever wanted a complete guide to hawaiian invertebrates, this is the only option you should consider. I'm a diver and an aquarium keeper and this covers all the questions that I've come up with.

and who knew he was just a professional photographer? the level of information is so in detail, i thought he was a biologist! GREAT BOOK!!!

Hawaii's Sea Creatures is the very best field guide to marine invertebrates ever published. There are an amazing number of species listings contained in this huge book. Jellyfish, crabs, shrimps, nudibranchs, shellfish, and dozens of others are covered here. A landlocked ocean lover will certainly appreciate the beautiful and colorful photos of marvelous creatures. The range that the guide covers seems to be much wider than Hawaii, covering the Micronesian area as well. The book's excellent detail and photographs keep the reader engrossed for a very long time. (Did this to me) Your very best buy would be the special hardback edition, which is newly updated and one of the best purchases here on Amazon.com.

I just returned from a vacation in Hawaii. I took this book, along with a reef fish book also by Mr. Hoover. While I highly recommend both books, the comprehensiveness and quality of this book make it a real standout. How Mr. Hoover managed to include photos and descriptive text of so many common reef invertebrates is amazing enough, but I was really impressed with how much fun this book was to read. I found myself taking it to dinner and reading (much to my wife's chagrin).

Hawaii isn`t just big waves or sunny beaches.
For a fish enthusiast,it is a heaven of beautifull animals.
And this book is very helpfull when knowing what animals that hides beneath the surface of the ocean.
Practically every habitat is invaded by creatures creeping,floating,crawling or swimming.
Over 500 species are identified here. Scientific & common names,natural history,size,cultural importance,ecology and suitability for aquariums - everything can be found here!
The habitats are also presented,before the ID section begins.
The book begins with a chapter about sponges,which are not as diverse here as in many other areas,but nevertheless,they are very colorfull. Then,we will see some jellyfish in the next chapter. My favourite is the white-spotted one. We also have Hawaii`s corals here. They are not well-known and not so colorfull as their relatives in the Indian Ocean,but it is good to know their names. The anemones are also quite anonymous,but very colorfull. After the huge coral chapter,the worms are presented,both the bristleworms and the nudibranch-like flatworms. The latter are the most beautifull creatures of the reef,with all of their colors,but not the cutest. The worm chapter is rather small,but the next chapter is covering the molluscs. They are very diverse,with more than 110 000 species worldwide. Both clams,shells,nudibranchs (=sea snails)and octopuses are presented here. The cowries are famous here,and I can`t understand why their shells are so famous - it is the living animals that covers the shell that are really amazing!Other shells included here are the venomous cone shells,the huge triton and many more. The nudibranchs should not be forgotten either. Their colors and shapes are endless in variations and beauty. Black,white,green,yellow,purple,pink - every color exists!They are even beating the fishes in beauty. The octopuses,of which only 8 species are presented,are rather similar to each other,so it`s not much to say about them. Then,I jump to the second of the book`s big chapters - about the Crustaceans. The crustaceans are my favourite invertebrates and therefore,this section is very interesting. Many rare species of reef crabs,lobsters,shrimps,mantis shrimps and unusually colorfull hermit crabs are presented here. My favorite is the rock lobster. The last chapter treats the echinoderms,which are highly developed although they lack head!The seastars,sea cucumbers,urchins and featherstars are included here.

After you`ve seen that chapter,the wonderfull book is over!
And it has been really great.
REMEMBER: This is just what I have told you!Now it`s your turn to dive in and get your own invertebrate knowledge!

This guide is indispensable for locating the best snorkeling sites in Kauai. The information on public parking as well as entering and exiting the water at the sites is very helpful. I just returned from a trip to Kauai, and this book was absolutely priceless in helping me choose the best snorkeling sites on the island. If you're a serious snorkeler, this is the book for you! Even if you're interested only in swimming beaches on Kauai, this book is great for getting directions to the beaches and info on public parking.

Snorkel Kaua'i has all of the great things we found in the Malinowskis' Snorkel Hawai'i, especially the snorkeling tips, site maps, and the very useful "Sites at a Glance" table. The table saved us a lot of time we put to better use by being in the water. The site descriptions and "how to" hints are written in a such a way that you feel sure the authors have experienced what they're describing. This book has something that the one on the Big Island doesn't -- the delightful color landscape and creature photos by Mel Malinowski and underwater shots by Jay Torborg. Besides being a valuable resource, it's a beautiful book.

Excellent guide. Gets you there, shows you where to go in, when not to go in, and what to look for. I've been to Kauai snorkeling at least 5 times, and this was the best ever, thanks to this guide. Highly recommended.

Very fast transaction! What great pictures! The directions and locales seem clear, can't wait to use this guide!

For those who enjoyed the original Snorkel Kauai, you'll love this new enlarged full color 2nd edition. There are now dramatic beach pictures, as well as colorful detailed maps and lots of underwater photography by an award-winning photographer.

Amazon will soon have Search inside the Book for this title.

Wow! This book is so great! If you love spy thrillers with many twists and turns this is the book for you! I read it in like 2 days! It keeps you hooked and wanting more!You just keep reading page after page wanting more information! Cliff hanger chapter endings that you want to stop but just can't! Amazing book!

Got this book for my grandaughter, who normally does not like to just sit down and read. It has been wonderful. This is the second book that she has read of this author and was wondering if there will be any more.
Thank you for such wonderful text to enthrall young teenagers.

This book is fun filled with adventure, drama, and action! If you like exciting books will lots of adventure, drama, and action this is the book for you!

I have read both the Spy Goddess books now and can't wait for more! This author spoke at a festival in Kansas I went to, and I read the books because he made them sound so interesting. They are funny and exciting!

I love the charactre of Rachel Buchanan. She's smart and I love how she makes fun of Simon Blankenship who is the bad guy in the book. She always has a good comeback for any situation.

This book is full of excitement and lots of action. I definitely recommend it.

This is one of the best books I've read in a while. I read the first one and then got this one and it's even better.

Rachel Buchanan and her friends at Blackthorn Academy have to fight against Simon Blankenship. He thinks he can cummon up the powers of Mithras a Roman god of the afterlife if he can steal all the stuff he needs to do it. Rachel kept him from getting one of the things he needed in the first book, and this time she and her friends have to sneak out of Blackthorn and get to Hawaii before Simon can get his hands on antoher artifact.

The book just races from chapter to chapter. I love Rachel. She's funny and always making Blankenship angry with her jokes and combacks.

I highly recommend this book!

The Surfer Spirit is a therapeutic and philosophical journey with nature as healer and instiller of true values. It is an exquisite experience of being with the ocean with all its moods and majesty and inspires peace, awe and connection to spirit. For all, including those who have drifted from their true nature, it is a happy homecoming.

Sundae Merrick, Author of "Divine Reason & Rhyme, Access Higher Guidance and Nature's
Wisdom"

Great insights for anyone on water or land, on a board or in a board room. This book beautifully illustrates the surfer spirit that's transferable to the challenges and unpredictability of one's day and encourages us to live in the moment and celebrate life.

Soul surfers unite! At last, an inspirational book of oceanic depth that directly connects our humanity to the mystery of the sea. Gorgeous photography perfectly matched with minimal zen copy. Made this old weekend warrior dig out the tanker and get back in the line-up. Get this book and get out there... who feels it knows it!

Why do we surf? How about asking why do we breathe? The Surfer Spirit captures the very essence of the spirit of surfing because it reminds us of the universal spirit in each one of us. Surfing is connection with our innermost pre-terrestrial aquatic beginnings in the ocean. We are blissed out and humbled at the same time. This book will inspire you and make you feel lucky to experience our human existance.

"I want to remind people of the power they have when they tap into their passion, and feed and nurture their unique spirit." ~ Cynthia Derosier

With page after page of shimmering liquid playgrounds, "The Surfer Spirit" invites you into a world of surfer meditations to convey insights born of a love of surfing. This is a book for surfers and non-surfers because the message helps to build self-esteem and leads the reader back to a deeper understanding of their true self.

Cynthia Desroisier is a surfer who sees a connection between surfing and the choices we make in our daily life. As she says: "I rise to life's challenges." With Co-Writer, Tim Anderson, she also writes with a sense of poetic perfection when she explains the spiritual aspect of surfing:

"We who surf
Live life out
Breathe life in
And pray in our own way

Our boards and bodies are
instruments improvising
The sweet songs of our souls."

The photography in "The Surfer Spirit" is especially fascinating and beautiful. The images truly capture the excitement of surfing and Jeff Devine and John Bilderback's photographs are spectacular with a sparkling crystalline beauty.

A Surf Safari to Iceland, World Surfing in Indonesia, Pipelines in Hawaii and Beach Haven, New Jersey are all featured. Beaches of lavender waves rolling into shore contrast with a calm azure stillness.

Cynthia Derosier's professional skills as an art director and designer are evident throughout this beautiful surfing experience. The cover is made with a natural-colored canvas material and the pages are all printed with environmentally friendly soy-based inks. The high quality art paper and a ribbon bookmark make this a perfect gift.

A portion of the proceeds from this book also go to The Surfrider Foundation to encourage care for the ocean environment. The Surfrider Foundation also incorporates the lessons from this book into a program to teach surfing, ocean ecology and water safety.

Highly recommended as a book to treasure!

~The Rebecca Review

I use Karen's ACT! for Dummies (2005, 2006, 2007) books as course materials for most of the classes I teach. Her books are well written, easy to understand and contain soem real life examples. She certainly helps me look good to my students. Thanks Karen!

Great Seller - This is one of my favorite book's - Too, Too Cool!

I want to thank you karen for the remarkable book, it is very easy and at the same time have everything in it . I enjoyed reading the book and hope you can write more, so many people in the IT industry will enjoy reading Books again. Please keep on the good work. God Bless you.

Book is easy to follow, very helpful to a beginner. It would probably be helpful to an experienced user but I am so new to this that I have not even looked into advanced features. I highly recommend this book.

Don't be fooled by the "Dummies" title - Wiley Publishing has a very successful formula that they've developed for this series. As much as I'd like to think that you're going to read this book from cover to cover, alas, it's meant to be a reference book that you can pick up and instantly find the answer to your most pressing questions. I've covered the most commonly used of the ACT! features and included many of the "gotchas" that I've encountered over my many years of ACT! consulting. I've given you easy, step by step instructions that don't require you to work with "pretend" contacts. Most importantly, I've tried to infuse the book with a sense of humor because to me learning a software program should be fun and non-threatening.

Karen Fredricks
Author, ACT! 6 for Dummies
Author, ACT! 2005 for Dummies

I recently visited the Big Island and brought the usual guidebooks including this new restaurant guide. This volume is well-researched and provides visitors with an unbiased, and well-written guide to many Island restaurants. There are reviews on every type of restaurant from high cuisine (Merriman's in Waimea) to local diners with huge portions (Hawaiian Style Cafe with real people and friendly service ). I agreed with each review of all the places visited and feel that the authors have done an excellent job of helping sort out too many dining choices. Tako Taco is an obscure place in Waimea but has some of the best Mexican style food anywhere in the Islands, and this guide does an honest evaluation of a place that should not be missed.
I look forward to using the authors' other books when visiting Kauai and other islands next year.
I found other guidebooks with restaurant sections to be too generalized and not as comprehensive.

Wow! Another great book from the Carpenters! I have received 2 of their VERY interesting books so far and I am lookig forward to reading more, by them, in the future. They are very straight-forward and full of very useful information. I highly recommend their books for the tourists as well as the locals. They have done the research for me.....WELL DONE!!!

"Big Island Of Hawaii Restaurants and Dining" became a Bible, of a sort, for eating on a recent trip. Without it, selecting restaurants from the multitude of choices on the island would have been hit or miss. Every one of the places where we ate were listed in the book and fit their revues perfectly.

Being a frequent traveler in Asia and Eastern Europe I have come to rely on culinary guides like the Hawaii Restaurant Guide Series. My enjoyment of diverse culinary experiences is enhanced when I have good understanding of what I will partake in. The Carpenters are very knowledgeable and straight forward in presenting the cultures, cuisines and preparations involved in a wide variety of dining experiences. This latest offering, "Big Island of Hawaii" is an education in the dining practice and an invaluable guide to individuals with a taste for adventure and a discerning pallet. I highly recommend this guide.

This book is an excellent guide for delectable dining on the Big Island. We were fortunate enough to visit both sides of the island and dine at several of the recommended establishments. After dining on excellent scampi at an Italian bistro in Hilo, we sampled dessert with the locals followed the next day by innovative pizza overlooking the bay. It all proved quite satisfying.

I love the way Colleen Coble writes her mystery stories. This was another exceptional book of mystery and intrigue, plus a little bit of romance as well. I couldn't wait to read the next book in her series.

In BLACK SANDS, we are gifted with what Coble does so well--a furry little creature named Wilson (who I would love to have curled up in my lap at this moment), a setting we can smell and touch, and an ending that leaves us satisfied.

Even though this is book two in her Aloha Reef series, don't worry if you haven't read DISTANT ECHOES. This one stands alone.

I like this book.

Black Sands is the second installment in the Aloha Reef series by Colleen Coble. While I enjoyed the first book in the series, Distant Echoes, the characters in Black Sands truly resonated with me.

Annie, the middle child in the Tagama family, is always the one behind the scenes keeping everything running smoothly, especially since her mother's death. Mano, her brother Tomi's best friend and Annie's childhood crush, has been like part of the family for years. But that all changes when Tomi is reported dead and Mano implicated in part for his death.

When Mano returns Tomi's belongings to the Tagama family the same day Annie's sister Leilani goes missing, Annie is forced to turn to him for help in finding her sister, in spite of her very mixed feelings.

The twists & turns of the story are exciting, but it is Annie & Mano who touched my heart. They are both strong but very human characters dealing with their individual weaknesses in realistic and faith filled ways. The spiritual growth of the characters, especially Annie, is as compelling to me as the suspenseful storyline.

I would recommend this book highly.

I am a loyal true-blue fan of Colleen Coble. She didn't disappoint me with Black Sands. Wonderful story, beautifully crafted with nail-biting tension. The setting was wonderful, I felt like I was there. The characters were so wonderfully flawed and real. The plot kept you guessing and everything they tried to do only compounded matters like the lava building up under the islands. I loved Mano and Annie, as they stumbled through the mystery and their growing attraction to one another. I loved Wilson. I have to get me a mongoose now, :0). The secondary characters were also well done, I closed the book feeling like I had made a whole bunch of new friends. (I also stayed up until 2:00am to finish it because I couldn't bear not knowing what happened.)

The book is not preachy, but it has definate take away value. At least it did for me. I know Colleen only wants to do God's will. I want her to know that she touched me with her work.

And now I can quit hiding it and let my son have it to read. (I think my hubby read it during the times I didn't have it clutched in my hands.) Can't wait for Dangerous Depths.

If you've never read a Colleen Coble novel, click on the BUY NOW button IMMEDIATELY. If you love suspense with clever twists and turns, a romance that will warm your heart, and a storyline that leaves you filled with hope and promise, you won't be disappointed!

Black Sands, the second book in the Aloha series, blew me away! While in a series, Black Sands is easily a stand-alone novel. Set in Hawaii, Coble weaves the island culture and scenery into the story so masterfully that you can almost feel the ocean breeze kissing your face! With a strong heroine and an even stronger hero, you can't help but fall in love with these characters--become emotionally involved in the drama they face--and root them on to not only find the heroine's missing sister, rediscover the love they are destined to share, but also to be refilled with their faith.

This book is one of the best I've read in a long time! Get it. Read it. Devour the pages. It's a must-read!

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