Set in Hawaii and based on the myth surrounding the Naupaka flower, a little white flower that only grows with half its petals, this is a coming of age love story with second chances, overcoming obstacles and finding peace.
In ancient Hawaii, young princess Leilani unexpectedly falls madly in love with Kanoa, a commoner. Even though they are forbidden by custom from even speaking, the two lovers believe the gods approve of their union and they try to find a way to change their fates. But dark forces have other plans for Leilani.
Afterwards, the Naukapa flower, a symbol of their love, only grows with half its petals.
Many lifetimes later, the two lovers have a second chance at love when their souls are drawn to each other again in modern Hawaii. But they must overcome old and new obstacles in order to finally be together and find peace once and for all.
It’s got bloody confrontations, reincarnation, rock climbing, guardian spirits, lots of beach time and Hawaiian luaus! What more could you ask for?
Targeted Age Group:: 18-90
What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
I moved to Hawaii in 2006 after a divorce and the magic of the islands ignited a radical transformation in me. I started learning about Buddhism and meditation and karma and reincarnation. I met friends who got me into rock climbing and hiking. And I decided to finally pursue my lifelong dream of being a writer. I had always been a creative person and I had written short stories for friends growing up but life took me in a different direction. I ended up an accountant! But now in Hawaii I was so alive and in love with life and the world that I decided to stop letting fear stop me from going after my dreams and I started writing. My story evolved over the years it took me to write it. I was still working full time as the controller of an all boy’s Catholic school. I feel like I definitely had a muse pushing me along, getting me back on track whenever I would give up on the story. Telling me what my characters were up to and getting me excited about telling their story. I knew I was done with the book one day when the last puzzle piece was finally in place and I was no longer getting any prompts about it from my muse. Instead she started giving me new book ideas!
How Did You Come up With Your Characters?
My main character is based on me! Her love interest is based on my ideal man, someone with a sense of humor and a drive to make the world a better place for everyone and a true gentleman. Other characters just came to me and I developed them by creating Word documents for each of them with all their likes and dislikes, the kind of houses they lived in and the kind of cars they drove. All kinds of details that never made it into the novel.
Book Sample
Princess Leilani Kekoa stood barefoot at the edge of the rocky cliff, staring out at the blue ocean stretching endlessly around her. Strong winds whipped her long dark hair around her face. Far below, white-capped waves crashed up against the straight edge of the cliff. She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, letting the sun warm her skin. She smiled, opened her eyes and jumped.
Her heart pounded as she soared through the air, weightless for a moment. Then gravity pulled her down. She straightened her body and arched her back. With her arms at her sides, her toes pointed down, she held her breath. Her fall only lasted a few seconds and then she plunged into the cool ocean water.
Leilani let herself sink down to the ocean floor as she examined every detail of the incredible underwater world. Bright yellow butterfly fish darted off as she approached, and crabs scurried away on the colorful coral. And what a nice surprise! A giant honu, a sea turtle, swam lazily nearby. As soon as Leilani noticed it, the turtle turned and made its way toward her. The turtle looked to be as big as Leilani herself. Its shell was a light greenish color with radiating darker green markings. She froze as it approached.
Links to Purchase eBooks – Click links for book samples and reviews
Is this book in Kindle Unlimited? Yes
Buy Naupaka Blooming On Amazon
Have you read this book? Tell us what you thought! All information was provided by the author and not edited by us. This is so you get to know the author better.
