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Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Review: Red Sky Over Hawaii by Sara Ackerman


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.

Kindle Edition, 400 pages
Published June 9th 2020
by MIRA
3.5/5 stars

I'll confess to be drawn to this book by the cover along with the chance to read with a Hawaiian setting.  It isn't often I read with a point of view from that side of the ocean during WW2.

Red Sky over Hawaii was a slow burn that took its time in developing into something that grabbed my attention.  The first few chapters were a little long winded, just getting Lana to where my interest peaked. After that this book showed what life was like for those deemed the enemy, no matter the age. I didn't realize that there were detainment camps on the islands not just the mainland. The author notes expounded on that a bit.

With vivid descriptions of the Island, nature and the struggle to survive when always watching every step, I enjoyed my time reading this book. Secrets were key to protect those more vulnerable and there are always repercussions.

Sara Ackerman is a new author for me, I be checking out her back list.

My thanks to the publisher for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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