Good book with an unusual setting for an Amish book. Mandy has been fascinated with Hawaii since her cousin visited, so she talks her three best friends, Ellen, Sadie, and Barbara, into taking a cruise to the Islands with her. All four young women are still in their "running around" years before joining the church, so their families and church leaders permit the trip. Of the four, only Mandy has a boyfriend, Gideon. He wants to marry Mandy and isn't very happy about her trip.
We get to know the girls a little bit on the days it takes the ship to get from California to Hawaii. All are excited about visiting Hawaii as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I enjoyed seeing them experience life on the cruise ship, from Ellen's unfortunate seasickness to their enjoyment of the variety of foods. But as the days went on, I felt that Mandy was questioning her commitment to the Amish faith. Unlike her three friends, she is in no hurry to take the final step to join the church.
Once they reached the islands, the girls paired up, each touring something different and telling the others about their experiences. I thought this was a terrific way to maximize their time and get the most out of their trip. I enjoyed the descriptions of their tours of Oahu. Ellen and Barbara went to the Polynesian Cultural Center, looking forward to learning about the history and culture. Meanwhile, Mandy and Sadie visit the Arizona Memorial, as both are interested in WW2 history. I could feel their sadness as they contemplated the events of that day. It made a deep impression on both. Their next stop was Kauai, where Barbara and Sadie paired up to tour Waimea Canyon, and Mandy and Ellen decided to strike out on their own. Unfortunately, Mandy lost her phone and, taking time to look for it, she and Ellen missed the ship's departure. Their dismay and worry were evident. Fortunately, they were rescued by a couple who took them to a local B&B.
Here is where suspension of disbelief comes into play. Mandy and Ellen immediately latch on to the idea that they are stranded and must wait for the next cruise ship to resume their trip. In reality, there are multiple flights from Kauai to the Big Island each day. If they don't want to fly, there is also a ferry between the islands. They could have taken either option and met up with their ship the next day. But that would have made for a very short book! Instead, they stay with Luana and Makaio at the B&B while they wait for a ship. I liked how easily Mandy and Ellen connected with their hosts. With no luggage, Mandy and Ellen end up purchasing some non-Amish clothing. While Ellen is uncomfortable in the strange clothing, Mandy discovers she likes the freedom of the muumuu she bought. She also meets Ken, a young man she had encountered the previous day, who works on his parents' chicken farm, surfs, and plays ukulele at their church.
When Makaio is badly injured, Mandy and Ellen offer to extend their stay and help Luana run the B&B. I loved their willingness to help in a crisis. During their extended stay, Mandy and Ellen have the opportunity to see more of the island. Here we begin to see some differences crop up between Mandy and Ellen. Ellen is always conscious of the requirements of their faith. She frequently speaks of home and how she misses it. Mandy is fascinated by everything she experiences, from the lush gardens and plant life to the vastly different lifestyle. She spends more and more time with Ken, who shows her around the island, teaches her to swim, and is quite charming. Mandy begins questioning her feelings for Gideon as her feelings for Ken grow but has no idea if Ken feels the same way about her. Ellen sees all this happening and worries about her friend's commitment. Her interference causes Mandy to question herself right before they return to Indiana.
Upon their return, Mandy tries to settle back into her old life, but she's been changed by her experiences in Hawaii. The more she tries, the more she realizes that she no longer fits in her community. I felt her heartache as she remembered her time in Hawaii and yearned to return. When a stunning discovery sends her back to Hawaii, she finds she has unexpected options for her future. I loved how it worked out and enjoyed seeing Mandy's happiness.
The book's point of view flipped back and forth between the girls and the people back in Indiana. Much of the Indiana viewpoint is that of Gideon. He misses Mandy and often thinks of their plans to join the church and get married. I didn't care for the way he was against her trip as it felt a little controlling to me. I felt terrible for him when he would call the B&B and Mandy would be away, often with Ken or just too busy to talk. Barbara and Sadie returned from the trip without Ellen and Mandy and picked up their regular lives. But Barbara's sympathy for Gideon becomes more, and Sadie worries about the wisdom of that friendship. What will happen when Mandy finally comes home?
The title of the book, The Hawaiian Quilt, comes from Luana's story about a quilt she owned. Her mother had made a beautiful quilt for Luana and Makaio when they first married. But the quilt was lost when they moved from the Big Island to Kauai to open the B&B. The quilt's story has an inspiring ending, and I love how it fits into the book.
We get to know the girls a little bit on the days it takes the ship to get from California to Hawaii. All are excited about visiting Hawaii as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I enjoyed seeing them experience life on the cruise ship, from Ellen's unfortunate seasickness to their enjoyment of the variety of foods. But as the days went on, I felt that Mandy was questioning her commitment to the Amish faith. Unlike her three friends, she is in no hurry to take the final step to join the church.
Once they reached the islands, the girls paired up, each touring something different and telling the others about their experiences. I thought this was a terrific way to maximize their time and get the most out of their trip. I enjoyed the descriptions of their tours of Oahu. Ellen and Barbara went to the Polynesian Cultural Center, looking forward to learning about the history and culture. Meanwhile, Mandy and Sadie visit the Arizona Memorial, as both are interested in WW2 history. I could feel their sadness as they contemplated the events of that day. It made a deep impression on both. Their next stop was Kauai, where Barbara and Sadie paired up to tour Waimea Canyon, and Mandy and Ellen decided to strike out on their own. Unfortunately, Mandy lost her phone and, taking time to look for it, she and Ellen missed the ship's departure. Their dismay and worry were evident. Fortunately, they were rescued by a couple who took them to a local B&B.
Here is where suspension of disbelief comes into play. Mandy and Ellen immediately latch on to the idea that they are stranded and must wait for the next cruise ship to resume their trip. In reality, there are multiple flights from Kauai to the Big Island each day. If they don't want to fly, there is also a ferry between the islands. They could have taken either option and met up with their ship the next day. But that would have made for a very short book! Instead, they stay with Luana and Makaio at the B&B while they wait for a ship. I liked how easily Mandy and Ellen connected with their hosts. With no luggage, Mandy and Ellen end up purchasing some non-Amish clothing. While Ellen is uncomfortable in the strange clothing, Mandy discovers she likes the freedom of the muumuu she bought. She also meets Ken, a young man she had encountered the previous day, who works on his parents' chicken farm, surfs, and plays ukulele at their church.
When Makaio is badly injured, Mandy and Ellen offer to extend their stay and help Luana run the B&B. I loved their willingness to help in a crisis. During their extended stay, Mandy and Ellen have the opportunity to see more of the island. Here we begin to see some differences crop up between Mandy and Ellen. Ellen is always conscious of the requirements of their faith. She frequently speaks of home and how she misses it. Mandy is fascinated by everything she experiences, from the lush gardens and plant life to the vastly different lifestyle. She spends more and more time with Ken, who shows her around the island, teaches her to swim, and is quite charming. Mandy begins questioning her feelings for Gideon as her feelings for Ken grow but has no idea if Ken feels the same way about her. Ellen sees all this happening and worries about her friend's commitment. Her interference causes Mandy to question herself right before they return to Indiana.
Upon their return, Mandy tries to settle back into her old life, but she's been changed by her experiences in Hawaii. The more she tries, the more she realizes that she no longer fits in her community. I felt her heartache as she remembered her time in Hawaii and yearned to return. When a stunning discovery sends her back to Hawaii, she finds she has unexpected options for her future. I loved how it worked out and enjoyed seeing Mandy's happiness.
The book's point of view flipped back and forth between the girls and the people back in Indiana. Much of the Indiana viewpoint is that of Gideon. He misses Mandy and often thinks of their plans to join the church and get married. I didn't care for the way he was against her trip as it felt a little controlling to me. I felt terrible for him when he would call the B&B and Mandy would be away, often with Ken or just too busy to talk. Barbara and Sadie returned from the trip without Ellen and Mandy and picked up their regular lives. But Barbara's sympathy for Gideon becomes more, and Sadie worries about the wisdom of that friendship. What will happen when Mandy finally comes home?
The title of the book, The Hawaiian Quilt, comes from Luana's story about a quilt she owned. Her mother had made a beautiful quilt for Luana and Makaio when they first married. But the quilt was lost when they moved from the Big Island to Kauai to open the B&B. The quilt's story has an inspiring ending, and I love how it fits into the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The cruise was fun, feeling a part of their trip. Learning more about the Amish ways and the responsibilities that go into joining the church.
Sweet story, but a little slow moving.
The Hawaiian Quilt is the latest novel by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter. Mandy Frey is almost twenty-one years old and lives in Middlebury, Indiana. Mandy has been courting with Gideon Eash, but Mandy is not sure he is the right man for her. Mandy has been wanting to go on a trip to Hawaii for two years since hearing about it from her cousin, Ruth. Mandy and her three friends (Ellen Lambright, Barbara Hilty, and Sadie Kuhns) are going on a cruise to Hawaii (they are not supposed to fly). They take the train to Los Angeles, California to board the ship. Everything goes along swimmingly until the island of Kauai. Ellen and Mandy went off on their own instead of sticking with a group. They easily lose track of time (neither of them are wearing a watch), and Mandy lost her cell phone somewhere while sightseeing. When they arrive back at the dock, the ship has already departed. They are stuck on the island until the next boat comes through (personally, I would find a way to the ship's next stop, but that was not part of the book). The girls are taken in by Luana and Makaio Palu at The Palm B&B. Mandy is glad for a little extra time on the island. Mandy feels at peace on Kauai. Luana gets the girls some island clothes for them to wear while on Kauai (which Mandy adores). When Makaio in injured leaving Luana without assistance, Mandy and Ellen offer to stay until April. Luana can use their help, and they work out a deal (work in exchange for room and board). Mandy meets Ken, who lives nearby with his parents on their chicken farm. Ken takes Mandy and Ellen around the island to see the various sights (though he only has eyes for one of the girls). Barbara and Sadie head for home and continue on with their lives. Barbara is lucky enough to get a job at Peggy Eash's quilt store (Gideon's mother). Slowly, while Mandy is away, Gideon and Barbara spend time together and get to know each other (a friends). Gideon misses Mandy and hopes that she will return home soon. But what happens when Mandy returns home? Can she be content back in her old life? Will Mandy be ready to be baptized and settle down after her time away? You will have to read The Hawaiian Quilt to see what choices Mandy makes.
The Hawaiian Quilt is a lovely story. There are beautiful descriptions of Hawaii, the gorgeous quilts at the B&B, the vegetation, the ocean, animals, and etc. I enjoyed reading about Mandy and her friends on their adventure. It might be their only opportunity to ever go on such a trip. The Hawaiian Quilt is an engaging, well-written story. It captured and held my attention throughout the novel. It is an easy novel to read that can be finished in a few hours (a great way to spend an afternoon). I thought The Hawaiian Quilt was such a sweet novel. It was different from other Amish novels and I liked that about it. I give The Hawaiian Quilt 4.5 out of 5 stars (I really liked it). It is a little predictable, but it does not detract from the storyline. Another hit from Wanda and Jean Brunstetter. There are recipes at the end of the book along with discussion questions and the history of Hawaiian quilts. I will definitely be reading the next book by this writing duo.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The Hawaiian Quilt is a lovely story. There are beautiful descriptions of Hawaii, the gorgeous quilts at the B&B, the vegetation, the ocean, animals, and etc. I enjoyed reading about Mandy and her friends on their adventure. It might be their only opportunity to ever go on such a trip. The Hawaiian Quilt is an engaging, well-written story. It captured and held my attention throughout the novel. It is an easy novel to read that can be finished in a few hours (a great way to spend an afternoon). I thought The Hawaiian Quilt was such a sweet novel. It was different from other Amish novels and I liked that about it. I give The Hawaiian Quilt 4.5 out of 5 stars (I really liked it). It is a little predictable, but it does not detract from the storyline. Another hit from Wanda and Jean Brunstetter. There are recipes at the end of the book along with discussion questions and the history of Hawaiian quilts. I will definitely be reading the next book by this writing duo.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
