Under the Hibiscus

Title: Under the Hibiscus
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: Suamalie Islands, prequel
Major Themes: South Pacific, Tropics, Islands
Synopsis: Ezra is burned out from being everything her father needs, but she feels trapped—until Mallory comes up with the solution she had never dreamed of!

I loved Chautona Havig’s books in the Independence Islands series, and was delighted to know that there would be more stories coming about Mallory and her friend Ezra. Last week, I got to read Under the Hibiscus, the first book in the new Suamalie Islands series. What a great book!

Ezra was worn out. She had been her father’s secretary/organizer/bookkeeper/housekeeper for many years now, and she was ready to be done with it. At the same time, she felt guilty about wanting to be done with it, because he was doing the Lord’s work. Surely, she should be enthusiastic and willing to do anything for the Lord, right? However, she was beginning to realize that this was his ministry, not what she was called to do. How could she pull out though?

When Mallory came to the islands for her honeymoon, Ezra got to take a break. During this break, she realized that what her father really needed was a wife. Could she find the right one for him? Soon, Scott was realising the truth of her suggestion. The only woman who seemed to be everything he needed, though, was only a few years older than his own daughter! How would that work?

I really liked Under the Hibiscus. I loved that the romance did not start until over a third of the way through the book, which up to that point had been about finding balance in your life. Ezra was overwhelmed with everything she felt like she had to do, and though she wanted to do God’s work, she knew she was not suited for the place she found herself. I really appreciated all the truths presented here. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series! I want to know how Ezra’s new mobile business goes. (Oh, and what the title refers to? Clever!)

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

No warnings!

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