As the back cover says, this is "A fascinating tale set in the era surrounding the reign of Hawaii's last queen". It gives you a feel for Hawaii and the political unrest going on in the late 1800's. In the midst of this you will find Eden Derrington, who lost her mother at a young age and whose father is away trying to discover a cure for leprosy. You will follow Eden as she leaves Hawaii to pursue a nursing degree and as she returns to her homeland of Hawaii. She never gives up trying to understand the secrecy surrounding her mother's death and why no one is really being honest with her.

There was mystery and intrigue in this story and a lot of Hawaiian history. There is also a romance going on in Eden's life that finally comes to a satisfying conclusion at the end of this book. It is not a fast moving story, but the author does a great job of making you feel a part of this beautiful island of Hawaii. ( )