Author: Sara Ackerman
Published by: Mira Books on Jun. 9, 2020
Genres: Historical Fiction
Pages: 400
Format: Paperback, ARC
Source: Harlequin Books
Book Rating: 9/10
Inspired by real places and events of WWII, Red Sky Over Hawaii immerses the reader in a time of American history full of suspicion and peril in this lush and poignant tale about the indisputable power of doing the right thing against all odds.
The attack on Pearl Harbor changes everything for Lana Hitchcock. Arriving home on the Big Island too late to reconcile with her estranged father, she is left alone to untangle the clues of his legacy, which lead to a secret property tucked away in the remote rain forest of Kilauea volcano. When the government starts taking away her neighbors as suspected sympathizers, Lana shelters two young German girls, a Japanese fisherman and his son. As tensions escalate, they are forced into hiding—only to discover the hideaway house is not what they expected.
When a detainment camp is established nearby, Lana struggles to keep the secrets of those in her care. Trust could have dangerous consequences. As their lives weave together, Lana begins to understand the true meaning of family and how the bonds of love carry us through the worst times.
Review:
Enticing, exotic, and touching!
Red Sky Over Hawaii is a tender, heartwarming tale that sweeps you away to the island of Hawaii in the days, hours, and minutes leading up to Pearl Harbor and the year after and into the life of Lana Hitchcock, a young woman who after losing her father suddenly takes on the responsibility of hiding four individuals whose nationality makes them a target for detainment and internment.
The prose is expressive and lush. The characters are multilayered, troubled, strong, and compassionate. And the plot is an evocative tale of life, loss, love, self-discovery, war, secrets, friendship, determination, survival, romance, and the true meaning of family.
Overall, Red Sky Over Hawaii is a beautifully written, informative, absorbing tale with intriguing characters that I devoured from start to finish. I’m a huge fan of Sara Ackerman’s writing, and this novel didn’t disappoint. If you enjoy well researched WWII novels with a fresh and unique perspective, then I highly recommend it.
This novel is available now.
Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.
Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.