Under A Maui Moon by Robin Jones Gunn ~ Tracy's Take

Publisher’s Synopsis:

Carissa doesn't know who she is anymore. She and her husband, Richard, are recent empty nesters; Richard is spending more and more time at work counseling his volatile clients and less time at home with his wife; his clients are starting to show up at the house at night causing Carissa to feel scared in her own home; and to top it all off, Carissa's boss informs her that she's been "let go." She wonders where God is in all of this since He doesn't seem to be around to protect her—and she's already stopped trusting her husband.

In the midst of her world tilting off center, she's offered time at a hideaway on Maui. Hiding seems like the best way to respond to life's overload, and the thought of being alone sounds like just the right balm to soothe her wounded heart.

The languid Hawaiian sun, white beaches, and warm-hearted people bring respite, but meeting handsome Kai causes Carissa to toy with the idea of being romantically involved with him. Then, under a Maui moon, she looks to God for guidance and hope for the future. That's when she discovers His hand still is on her life, and that love is closer than she ever realized.

What I thought:

‘Under a Maui Moon’ is a splendid example of Robin Jones Gunn’s talent and skill, as she takes you on a journey to paradise, with trouble brewing just under the surface.

With a strong character-driven story, I was immediately invested in the outcome of the challenges Carissa faces. She is such an authentic and realistic character, making this novel difficult to put down. I admired Carissa’s brave choice to spend some time on her own all the way across the Pacific in order to find some perspective for all that was swirling around her. Whilst I’m not sure I would have made such an adventurous decision, Robin demonstrates that God is in the unusual moments of life and uses what is around us to point us in the right direction.

Robin Jones Gunn uses Carissa’s experiences to illuminate God’s gentleness and love for us, with a softly delivered rebuke and healing of an injured heart. When we truly seek Him in all circumstances of life, He will guide us.

With thanks to Wynn~Wynn Media for Tracy's review copy

Guest reviewer:~ My friend Tracy from Beyond My Picket Fence

Relz Reviewz Extras

Character spotlight on Carissa

Visit Robin's website

Buy Robin's books at Amazon or Koorong