 |
| Aloha Rose |
Abingdon Press, Nov.
2013
Reviewed
by Diana Flowers
5
stars*****
(No Spoilers!)
(No Spoilers!)
Romance
Hawaiian Style!
In her lovely
descriptive prose, Lisa Carter awakens our senses to a wonderful Hawaiian
adventure…laden with the fragrant aroma of exotic jasmine, ginger, and
birds-of-paradise, cascading waterfalls, colorful rainbows, and emerald green
valleys. However, amidst the alluring beauty of Hawaii lie long buried secrets,
deep seated emotional pain…and hearts that need healing.
Laney Carrigan
reluctantly arrives in Hawaii to reunite with her biological family at the
dying request of her adoptive mother. Left on a doorstep many years ago wrapped
in a lovely Hawaiian quilt, Laney becomes acquainted with her new family and
learns the significance of the quilt and the heartbreaking demise of
her birth mother. Living in the old plantation manager's ranch house close by
is the handsome Kai Barnes, a cowboy and former Army pilot who flew SAR medevacs.
Amidst the
mysterious beauty of this exotic island, Kai and Laney's attraction begins to
grow stronger, although it seems as if every negative force comes against them
to sabotage their newfound romance. Laney learns of a web of deceit surrounding her that only seeks to add to her feelings of rejection, and Kai withdraws from her because of long buried secrets and
major issues with PTSD. Will both accept God's healing for their broken lives?…and
will Laney find the love of family she so desperately craves? Does she finally learn the true
meaning of the word "Aloha?"
This is the first
book I have read by this author, but I can assure you it won't be my last. Lisa
Carter is an expert at descriptive imagery and I felt like I was actually seeing
the magnificent isle of Hawaii for the first time right alongside Laney! The
characters were very realistic and fleshed out, with serious problems such as Alzheimers and PTSD
that were not sugar-coated, but portrayed with beauty, compassion, and dignity to the sufferers. With a lot of twists and turns, a strong spiritual thread throughout, and a very climactic
conclusion make sure to put "Aloha Rose" at the top of your wishlist! ALOHA!
**********************
Thanks to Net
Galley and Abingdon Press for a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
______________________________________________________
GIVEAWAY: OWG is giving away readers choice of either of Lisa's two 2013 releases, including Aloha Rose or Carolina Reckoning in choice of format. (Outside of USA ebook only.)
*Please remember to leave email for contact purposes.*
QUESTION: There is a character in Aloha Rose with Alzheimers and another with PTSD...both of whom you will love. Have you a friend or family member dealing with either of these issues and how have you handled it?
QUESTION: There is a character in Aloha Rose with Alzheimers and another with PTSD...both of whom you will love. Have you a friend or family member dealing with either of these issues and how have you handled it?
The quilt on the cover is beautiful. And, the story sounds like a good one. This is another new author to me. I would love to win this book. Thanks OWG for this give-away. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
ReplyDeleteGood morning, MAXIE! I LOVE this cover and this "new" to me author as well! She is awesome at her craft!
DeleteThe quilt on the cover is the Lokelani quilt from the story. A quilt pattern I designed. :)
DeleteThe design is gorgeous, LISA! You are such a multi-talented lady!
DeleteI love most everything Hawaii, so I'm sure I would really enjoy this book. A great review Diana, the only thing you missed in that description of the scents of Hawaii was Plumeria & Tuberose--two of my favorite scents! ;-) It sounds like it deals with several different hurts that people experience, so I'm sure it would really hit the heart of some who may exerience any of those situations. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book.
ReplyDeleteVicki
vmarney at hot mail
I'm not sure the author mentioned them either, VICKI, so since I haven't been fortunate to go there like some people I know (ahem), I'll have to take your word for it. lol I'm thrilled you got to go, and yes, Lisa deals with some issues in such a way that doesn't make the book "dark." You will love the characters!
DeletePlumeria and pikake jasmine are in Aloha Rose—my favorites from Hawaii, Vicki. :)
DeleteYou have solidly convinced me I want to go to Hawaii, I mean read this book ;)
ReplyDeleteLet's go, ANNE, and take the book with us! ;)
DeleteAnd I'd love to go with you and be your personal Hawaiian tour guide. Overcoming with God Road Trip, anyone? Who else is in? :)
DeleteCount us all in, LISA! ;)
Deleteyeah, I'm in! But you have to wait until I can walk again. I am not going to wave and say Aloha while you leave me behind ;)
DeleteSuch a beautiful cover and looks like a great book! Would love to win it! Thanks, Diana.
ReplyDeleteHey, Miss Ruth! I absolutely love the cover and it is much prettier in person than on here. Or should I say, "in book?" lol It really is a wonderful story!
DeleteI love all the covers Abingdon designs for me. Carolina Reckoning which released in August. And wait till you see Beneath a Navajo Moon in March . . . :)
DeleteDIANA I am with Anne, I want to go to Hawaii too! I bet I could read this wonderful book on the long flight! :) Thanks for the great review, now I need to go read it, it's sitting here taunting me thanks to Abingdon Press! lol
ReplyDeleteAin't it a purty book, TERESA? Lucky Debbie...3 weeks in Hawaii! Paul said when they build a freeway from here to Hawaii he'll go...he HATES flying. But for now you can visit Hawaii with Laney and the cowboy, T! He's quite the looker! haha
DeleteLOL Teresa and Diana. As someone said to me recently, "I'm in love with Kai Barnes."
DeleteWell, aren't we all? :)
Beautiful review! I have Vanetta Chapman's Quilts of Love book - I can't wait to add this one to my list! I hope to have the whole set of them someday. :) Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeletelattebooks at hotmail dot com
Thank you, SUSAN! I would love to have the whole set as well...lovely books!
DeleteMe, too, Susan and Diana. I don't have them all yet but I love quilt stories and romance.
DeleteI love the interview with her that you shared- she truly is gifted at beautiful description. Looking forward to reading her books!
ReplyDeletecolorvibrant[at]gmail[dot]com
Yes, she is, HEIDI! You will enjoy visiting Hawaii in this one!
DeleteThanks Heidi for your kind words. Hope everyone enjoys this "virtual" vacation to Hawaii, courtesy of Aloha Rose. :)
DeleteI am excited to read Lisa's books. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletepj4824(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for joining in, Paula.
DeleteGood luck in the drawing, PAULA!
DeleteA great interview. Thanks for sharing. Lisa's book sounds wonderful and one that keeps the reader loooking for more. The cover is truly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful cover to go with a beautiful book! Thank you for your kind words, LEANN!
DeleteI love the covers Abingdon designs for me. This one really captures the essence of Hawaii. Thanks LeAnn.
DeleteWould love to read a new author ...glhicks69@Yahoo.com Lee Ellen Hicks
ReplyDeleteELLEN, I just tossed your name in my cyberhat here! ;) I would love for you to get acquainted with LISA'S books!
DeleteThanks for joining in the discussion, Ellen.
DeleteMy stepgrandfather died a few years ago and in the last years of his life, he struggled with Alzheimer's. It was very sad to watch this happen. One time stands out in my memory. One of our daughters was about 4 months old and he walked over to me, leaned over and said, "Oh, what a sweet baby! Is it a boy or a girl?" He had known our daughter since her birth and been around her at least a couple of times a week. But suddenly he didn't even know her. I just reminded him of her name and that she was a girl and he congratulated me on her birth. It was very sad.
ReplyDeleteYour review for Aloha Rose made me really want to read it! Thanks for the chance to win.
Brittany McEuen
kbmceuen at yahoo dot com
BRITTANY, tears just welled up in my eyes. I'm so sorry about your stepgrandfather. Such a sad disease. :(
DeleteMy aunt is caring for my uncle who struggles with Alzheimer's. She walked me through many of the stages of this terrible disease when I was researching this book. This disease is heart-rending. Thanks for sharing your story, Brittany.
DeleteThe whole book sounds wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you
Chris Granville
granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet
CHRIS, thank you for coming by! Blessings back, my friend!
DeleteThanks for joining in, Chris.
DeleteOWG - Wonderful review, Diana!! I have an Uncle in the beginning stage of Alzheimer. He knows me, but I have a lot of health problems and he doesn't remember them. I will tell him like he's never heard it before. I can see you would have to have patience with someone that has Alzheimer. Thank you for the chance of this giveaway and please enter my name.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you, BARBARA! Alot of patience, prayer, and help from others I would imagine, having never dealt with anyone who has had that. It's a hard thing.
DeletePatience is key as the caretakers of Tutu Mily find out in Aloha Rose. Thanks for stopping by and sharing.
DeleteMy 83 year old Father had Alzheimer disease for the last 2 years of his life. This disease robbed him of the ability to remember what things were called or to even know what state he lived in. he could recall our names but not who we all were. I was his caregiver and it required making sure he always had his dignity. I always tried to treat him as an adult and he is my forever hero. He passed 3 years ago and I'm grateful I was blessed caring for him
ReplyDelete.mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com
JACKIE, I'm so sorry for your loss. God will richly bless you for honoring your parent, and your dad was very blessed to have you for a daughter.
DeleteWhat a blessing you were to your dad—with not only your care of him but also your respect and compassion. Thanks for coming by, Jackie.
DeleteBeautiful cover and it sounds like a beautiful book to read. I have not had to deal with Alzheimers and PTSD in my family but I had a friend whose mother had Alzheimers. She would often talk about what she was going through dealing with the everyday problems of caring for her mother.
ReplyDeleteKaren G
kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com
It is a lovely book, KAREN! Thank you for sharing with us!
DeleteYou were a blessing I'm sure to your friend. Caregivers often just need someone to listen. Thanks, Karen.
DeleteMy Father had Alzheimers. It was very hard on my Mother. The point came where he needed full time care. They moved to a retirement village. My Father in the nursing home & my mother in her own house within the village. The move was best for both of them.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I'm sure it was very tough, MARY. It's good they have places like this where your mom could be close to him and get the help she needed.
DeleteI'm so glad your parents could be close by each other. Thanks for sharing your story, Mary.
DeleteWould love this book. Beautiful cover. Love to read and love good authors.
ReplyDeleteMELANIE, thank you for coming by OWG! This cover is just the best, I agree! Who could resist this on the book store shelf?
DeleteOh, and do be sure to come back and leave your email for contact purposes. Thx, my friend!
DeleteThanks for stopping by, Melanie.
DeleteThis book sounds touching. Yes, my mother-in-law recently passed away due to a fall caused by problems of her Alzheimer's. It is sad to watch and know they no longer know their children, grandchildren, etc. Broke my heart. Now she is happy with her Savior in Heaven. Sonja.nishimoto (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss, SONJA. It is heartbreaking. :( Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteSonja, what peace to know she is now well and happy. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteHello Diana. Great interview. Would love to win this book. My Mother-in-law had Alzheimers.and her mother before her.She went to their home once to help give her sister. Then told us about her time spent with her. It broke my heart as she told of her mother not knowing who she was. Called my mother-in-law, that woman. It was sad for my kids, and all of my husbands family. Also one of my girl's father in-law. So she and her husband's family has it in the family, so more likely to have it, and especially. I pray they will find a cure soon. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com <3 OWG
ReplyDeleteIt is a horrible disease and I, too, pray researchers find a cure. Thanks for joining in the discussion.
DeleteMAXIE, how terribly sad. Yes, let us pray for a cure!
DeleteThank you for this beautiful review DIANA!! There are so many things that are drawing me to this book - one of being the descriptive imagery which I love to see in books. And hey Diana and LISA, sounds like it might be one way to get to Hawaii hey?!! ;) And of course, who doesn't love a romance, sigh.. I love that the characters are realistic as well which really helps you to get a connection with them. Lastly, if the OWG angels are recommending it... say no more, lol! ;)
ReplyDeleteMy dad had Alzheimer's before he passed away and the way we dealt with it was to just take each day as it came. We showed him photo's all the time which helped, and said and wrote down the names as we did. We also stuck up photo's of the family, Elvis Presley and other favourite things of his such as horses and other farm animals, on the walls of his room. I often took along my iPad to his nursing home as you can get Apps with animal pics, their names, and sounds etc on them. It was also a convenient way to show family photo's to him. It's a sad and terrible disease but we found great joy when he would remember things or when he'd say our names. :)
Thank you so much for the sweet words, my fellow cohort! I never knew your dad passed away from Alzheimers, NOELA. I'm so sorry. :( He was very blessed to have you help him the way you did with the ipad, pics, etc and most of all your love and understanding. Bless you!
DeleteNow let's go to Hawaii! ;)
Sorry to hear about your dad. You were a wonderful caregiver to him.
DeleteI'm all for going to Hawaii, Noela. :)
You use words in your review that makes me HAVE TO read this book. Thanks SO much, Diana!!! :) :)
ReplyDeleteYW, my other dear cohort! You mean words such as "handsome cowboy?" LOL I didn't know there were ranches or cowboys in Hawaii to be quite honest. :/
DeleteHaha the handsome cowboy sorta lassoed me in too! ;) Didn't know there were any there either. I'm ready when you are Diana! And Marian! ;)
DeleteGroooaaannn...don't I wish, NOELA. Thought that cowboy word would be "enticing" to someone. :P
DeleteTall, dark, and cowboy . . . :)
DeleteMy two sisters and I took care of our mother at home for 3 years. She has been in Heaven for 11 months and I miss her each and every day.
ReplyDeleteJanet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
JANET, I'm so sorry for your loss, but am so glad your mom is no longer suffering. Bless you for taking care of her.
DeleteJanet, thanks for sharing your loss with us.
DeleteI've been to Hawaii twice. So beautiful, but so hyped up as islands of romance that it can be lonely when traveling solo.
ReplyDeleteMy mother had dementia, rather than Alzheimer's. It was so frustrating to watch her forget simple things.Now she's singing with the angels.
I'm sorry for the loss of your mom, TERRI. My mom had a stroke and even though she retained her right mind, she became heard to communicate with b/c of her speech difficulties. She, too, is now singing with the angels. Please come and leave an email addy for contact purposes should you win, ok? :)
DeleteTerri, thanks for joining in the conversation. Where did you go on your trips to Hawaii?
DeleteI have a close family member suffering from Alzheimer's. I have not been handling it well as I tend to let it frustrate me. I've been praying about it and that has helped. I need continue to work on my patience.
ReplyDeletecindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm sure you are not alone in your feelings, CINDI. It must be a very frustrating ordeal for MANY people to deal with. We at OWG will be praying for you!
DeletePatience is something I work on and pray about, too. It's frustrating watching someone you love suffer and be unable to help.
DeleteI've had a number of loved ones suffer from Alzheimers. It is such a difficult illness. Thanks for the review, Diana!
ReplyDeleteSounds very difficult and so sad.
DeleteYW, CARRIE!
Thanks Carrie and Diana for having Aloha Rose—and me—on Overcoming with God.
DeleteYou've been such a blessing to us, LISA! Thank you for being our honored guest!
DeleteI just wanted to say ,I would love the chance to win and read this book,it sounds so interesting.I had a brother that was adopted out ,when he was bornand it took me about 55 yrs to find him but they only allowed siblings to find other diblings .The parents couldn't find the child or vice versa. I did it for my mom but I'm sorry to say he passed away about 5 yrs. after I found him,with a massive heart attack.By the way ,he was looking for us too. It was amazing because one of my brothers that my mom raised and my brother that was adopted out had both joined the Navy and both spent 20 yrs as a career in there andnither knew the other.I hope I win.It sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story, Linda. I'm glad you found each other.
DeleteI'm sorry for your loss, LINDA, but am so happy you were reunited with your brother. And so glad you learned where to comment now! We love having you here!!!
Delete