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First of all, I have to say that I love Kristen Heitzmann’s writing style. She makes you think more than your average christian fiction author and isn’t afraid to use big words. Wish more authors would do that. She has the ability to write a very interesting story. By the time I hit chapter 2, I was hooked and lost hours of sleep because I couldn’t put it down.

I gave this four stars for two reasons. First, I found the second half of the book a little too drawn out. Secondly, and more importantly, I didn’t like how certain aspects of Hawaiian mythology were mixed with Christianity. Heitzmann certainly made an effort to incorporate Hawaiian life/culture into her book. I learned a fair bit. She also made sure the focus remained on the Lord. However, I believe taking Hawaiian mythology and applying it/redirecting it to Christianity is not biblically accurate. I also think aspects of Nika’s relationship with Jesus not in line with what scripture teaches us (and therefore what we experience) as believers. Keeping this in mind, however, this is a very enjoyable book that I would recommend to others. :) ( )

My first Heitzmann read ever, I picked this book up because of the cover (and no shame in that: the cover did its job). I read the back blurb and thought, Hm, okay, maybe. I read the first two pages and bought the book.

In reality, Christians know life is gritty at times. Even those ready to "give an answer for the hope that is within" us sometimes struggle with those answers. Our fellows in fiction ought to struggle, too. Kristen Heitzmann understands this and writes this. Brilliantly.

Jade's moral dilemmas relating to her career are refreshingly real, and no quickie solution is offered. Her determination and vulnerability as she regains her memories are well-portrayed. Cameron is an even deeper character--hiding a broken heart behind gruff suspicion, terrified of the world's propensity to steal what he loves, and continuing to believe in God despite it all, just no longer willing to trust Him.

When summed up that way, neither of these characters sounds original, but they are. Jade's version of strength is willingness to trek into the Hawaiian wild by herself before asking a man who doesn't believe her for help. Cameron's version of heavenward fist-shaking is to pit his surfboard against the sea and beat it one wave at a time. What makes these characters work? A familiar core demonstrated by original quirks--quirks that at times actually drive the plot, rather than being submerged in it.

In addition, Heitzmann's prose is a step above, treating us to interesting similes and specific verbs. A pitiless editor could have slimmed the book down a bit, but on the whole, I loved the writing here. I also loved the vivid Hawaiian setting, and there was nothing more fun than Cameron breaking into pidgin.

Of course, expect the main characters to end up together. But Heitzmann's approach is far from syrupy, honest instead. The attraction between Jade and Cameron is rooted in their souls, not their bodies, yet this author acknowledges the physical desires of men and women. There are realistic reasons for them to be together but also realistic obstacles to keep them apart.

This book made me a Kristen Heitzmann fan and pushed me to find more Christian fiction written as well as hers. So glad that cover caught my eye. ( )

Nica, Kai, and Gentry's lives become entwined in a fast-paced tale of intrigue and crime that draws the reader in and leaves you wanting to turn page after page. A winner. ( )

A beautiful young woman tumbles down a waterfall in Hawaii, losing her memory and almost her life. What happens next is a nicely done bit of Christian fiction. I loved Heitzmann's characters, and how she presented so much Hawaiian culture without jamming down the reader's throat. ( )