What if you got away from it all--and then it all got away from you?
When her husband gets a new job, Marissa Price leaves the islan... read full description
When her husband gets a new job, Marissa Price leaves the islan... read full description
reviews
Dec 29, 2008
Staci
rated it: 
This book is absolutely sweet! I really liked the author's first book Good Things and was not at all disappointed with her follow-up. Set in New York and then Hawaii, this book flowed very well and was a very enjoyable, easy read. At first I have to admit that I wasn't too crazy about the main character Marissa. I found her to be a very picky, hard-to-please, label crazy, self-centered brat. But after her family lands in Hawaii and things start to fall apart her character took on a little more d
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Apr 23, 2009
Heather
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I absolutely loved this book. I had started reading it with hopes of finishing it during my plane ride this up coming weekend. But I couldn't put it down and finished it earlier than I hoped.
Marissa and her family have an opportunity to leave their life in New York behind and move to Hawaii where Paul has been offered a General Manager's position at a resort.
Mia King takes you through the ups and downs of moving to the Big Island of Hawaii from the mainland. Marissa's li More...
Marissa and her family have an opportunity to leave their life in New York behind and move to Hawaii where Paul has been offered a General Manager's position at a resort.
Mia King takes you through the ups and downs of moving to the Big Island of Hawaii from the mainland. Marissa's li More...
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Mar 26, 2011
Aik Chien
rated it: 
This book is mainly about Paul and Marissa Price, a couple who decided to move to Hawaii, the paradise, with their daughter, Elizabeth 'Pansy' when Paul was promoted to GM, both of them believing that Hawaii will bring them a sweet life. But after two months, Marissa's marriage started to fall apart when she suspected her husband of having an affair with another woman.
I'm not particularly fond of any of the main characters in this book. Marissa seemed like a snobbish, materialistic w More...
I'm not particularly fond of any of the main characters in this book. Marissa seemed like a snobbish, materialistic w More...
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Aug 01, 2010
Sue
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I liked this book. It practically read itself. What I think I really liked about it is that it was a story about the friendship and teamwork between four women but the entire story was told from one character's perspective. I think when I read books about a group of friends, whether it's a knitting group, a book group, etc, I get annoyed by the constant change in perspective. Just when you want to know what happens next, the perspective changes again and the story-line shifts. This book is abo
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Jul 19, 2009
Krissy
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What a shame. I really thought I was going to love this book alot. I picked it out from my sister's bookshelf mainly because of the cover and the back. The story starts out very good, with a woman and her husband and her eight year old daughter moving to Hawaii because her husband gets transferred there. However, I got to Chapter 9 and made it through to the end. Then, I turn the page, and Chapter 8 starts all over again!! I guess it was a publishing mistake. So I go through Chapter 8 aga
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Mar 06, 2011
Yoonmee
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I read this b/c the author currently lives in Hawaii and I love reading all things Hawaii, but it's not great literature by any means. It's a quick, easy, relatively light-hearted read that falls into the good old "chick lit" category, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it to anyone searching for books about Hawaii -- unless they were looking for "chick lit books set in Hawaii," in which case, here's your book!
There isn't much character development, even for the main c More...
There isn't much character development, even for the main c More...
Jul 15, 2009
Heather
rated it:
I picked this book up because it looked cute. And I guess it was cute, but totally forgettable. It might have been the excitement of my new library card talking.
The story is predictable -- high-powered (and pretentious) NY career woman moves to Hawaii with her husband and daughter for his job as GM of a fancy resort. Their marriage starts to fall apart; she finds herself, and (not ruining anything here b/c you're not going to read it) they end up staying together. There were some More...
The story is predictable -- high-powered (and pretentious) NY career woman moves to Hawaii with her husband and daughter for his job as GM of a fancy resort. Their marriage starts to fall apart; she finds herself, and (not ruining anything here b/c you're not going to read it) they end up staying together. There were some More...
May 29, 2009
Jessica
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I picked this book up basically because it's set in Hawaii, and I am obsessed with all things Hawaiian. The story was not new - idiot husband moves family away from home, and then leaves (funny, this was the second book I read this week with this theme, but the other one was a memoir and much better reading). I liked the Hawaiian aspect, but I found myself constantly annoyed with the wife - who (I think) we are supposed to feel sorry for. Her character supposedly develops from a "typical"
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Mar 26, 2011
Gail
rated it:
This isn't my normal mystery novel genre, no murder to deal with or killer to hunt down. But the tension kept me reading.
The premise isn't unique: a woman follows her husband to him new job, from the island of Manahattan to the island of, well, the Big Island of Hawaii. Their new home isn't what they expected, and suddenly, the husband's life isn't what he expected. Now he wants to take time out to find himself, while the woman gets to live in the fixer-upper house and struggle to More...
The premise isn't unique: a woman follows her husband to him new job, from the island of Manahattan to the island of, well, the Big Island of Hawaii. Their new home isn't what they expected, and suddenly, the husband's life isn't what he expected. Now he wants to take time out to find himself, while the woman gets to live in the fixer-upper house and struggle to More...
May 19, 2011
Christina
rated it:
Marissa and Paul Price, along with their daughter, are moving to the Big Island of Hawaii, because Paul was promoted. Marissa believes that everything will be perfect and their own little paradise, but as more time goes by, things start to fall apart for the Price family. First, their house isn't what they had hoped for and needs a lot of TLC. The adjustment to Hawaiian life isn't as simple as Marissa thought and to top it off, she thinks her husband is cheating on her and he says he wants ti
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Aug 18, 2009
Amy
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At first the book seemed a bit too perfect, lame, but I decided to keep reading and it surprisingly turned out good. There was a lot more depth than I initially expected. It was fun to see the friendships build between Marissa, Malia and Jane.
When Marissa's husband Paul wanted to have some time apart, I thought he was selfish and lame, but it was a nice surprise to realize at the end he didn't have an affair and really just took some time apart. At first, Tom seemed like someone More...
When Marissa's husband Paul wanted to have some time apart, I thought he was selfish and lame, but it was a nice surprise to realize at the end he didn't have an affair and really just took some time apart. At first, Tom seemed like someone More...
Dec 24, 2010
Deb
rated it:
A good basic chic-lit book. Marissa gives up her job as a consultant and life in NYC and moves to The Big Island of Hawaii with her husband and daughter for her husbands job at a resort. Buying a house that needs more than a little fixing up and adjusting to a life without her usual purpose, within a couple of months her husband Paul tells her he "needs a break" and moves out. Marissa takes on 3 different women as tenants to help with her finances and the book explores her quest to fig
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Oct 27, 2010
Vicki
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I really enjoyed this book. My mom recommended this book to me and at first I wasn't sure about it. However, after reading the first few chapters it captured my attention. I loved following Marissa Price's journey from New York to Hawaii. As a former New Yorker I was able to relate to alot of her descriptions of the city. Also I have travelled to Hawaii and have seen Volcano National Park in person and I loved reading about it through her eyes. Great story about relationships and learning a
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Sep 25, 2009
Michelle
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The premise of this book is something I think everyone can relate to - leaving behind your world as you know it (with family in tow) and trying out a new life in a totally different location. Though I live in many peoples' idea of "paradise" I've definitely had those same fantasies! Using the Big Island as the setting was unique and very well done. It easy to get into the story, but nothing earth shattering. The recipes in the back look pretty awesome though! Must try some out.
Jun 06, 2009
Jen
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Paul and Marissa move to Hawaii with their daughter Pansy. Marissa leaves behind a fabulous career in New York, in order to let Paul follow his dreams.
However, when they get to Hawaii, the house they bought without seeing, turns out to be a disaster, and Paul and Marissa seem to pull furhter and further a part.
Did they make a mistake? Will their marriage last?
However, when they get to Hawaii, the house they bought without seeing, turns out to be a disaster, and Paul and Marissa seem to pull furhter and further a part.
Did they make a mistake? Will their marriage last?
Nov 09, 2010
Stephanie
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Pure chick lit - and I normally don't fall for this genre - but it was written about a place I love - Hawaii's Big Island. So vicariously through the characters I reminisced about one of my favorite spots.
The characters were ok and some of the early dialog was a unconvincing... about midway through the book the dialog improved only to fall again toward the end.
The characters were ok and some of the early dialog was a unconvincing... about midway through the book the dialog improved only to fall again toward the end.
Jun 15, 2009
Cheryl
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This story starts as a heart breaking tale of disaster, and while it does not have the ending that I would have liked, it was refreshingly new and hopeful. Not to mention that it was written by a local Hawaiian (and set in Hawaii) and that she took the time to add the recipes from the stories to the back of the book. LOVED IT!
Dec 20, 2011
Jenn
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I liked reading this book, but I'm not sure I really liked this book. I loved the location (perfect escape for a cold wintry day) and I liked the starting over aspect of the characters. But I could not fall in love with the characters. I liked them well enough, especially the supporting cast, but the ending drove me nuts. I think I would have taken it in another direction.
Feb 25, 2010
Kendra
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This book grabbed my attention from the get go. Maybe because I could relate to the main character, Marissa Price, after also experiencing a recent move. I really enjoyed how the lives of the characters intertwined throughout the entire book. I could not put the book down.
Jul 26, 2011
Danielle
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This is a really good beach read and it's fun to read about what it's like to actually live in, rather than visit, Hawaii. My only complaint is that it's a little heavy-handed in the 'finding yourself' theme and the characters sometimes feel a little one-dimensional.
Jan 26, 2011
Lisa
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An easy read. There were parts of book where a storyline would begin to develop and then immediately cut off to another, so there was no real character development. Overall I enjoyed the story line, but in the end it was just another story of love lost and found.
Dec 31, 2009
Patti
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This is a sweet little book about transformation, new understanding, and the profound, supportive nature of the friendships of women. I learned about this book from CNN list of must read books to read on a winter staycation. It was an enjoyable read.
Oct 19, 2010
Kalps
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I had read just a couple of chapters of this book when i a co-passenger let me have it for the journey. Couldnt wait to read it. Absolute sweet book. I enjoyed the recipes too esp the biscoti and lemongrass tea.
Jan 31, 2010
Grace
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This was my first Mia King book and I will read more by her. It was a very easy read and only took me 2 days to finish.
Marissa at first drove me nuts, but as the story progressed I began to like her and understand her. I like the way all the characters meshed together.
Marissa at first drove me nuts, but as the story progressed I began to like her and understand her. I like the way all the characters meshed together.
May 12, 2009
Erin
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This was a beautiful book, perfect to de-stress. I recommend this for anyone going through a patch where they don't know move to make next in life or if they are not sure about their relationship. Perfection!
Jan 04, 2009
Elizabeth
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Set upon the fabulous backdrop of Hawaii, what's not to love?, relationships are formed and relationships are strengthened. Also, misunderstandings are cleared up. When people can slow down and are challenged to use their creativity, they discover that meaningful ties are the most important thing we have in this life. Fast, enjoyable read. Thanks, Jill, for recommending this book.
Jun 26, 2010
Courtney
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Apr 10, 2009
Cara
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This was an excellent fun book. My only complaint was that it ran out around 4 this morning, when I still had a few hours of coughing and not sleeping to go before getting up time.
Jul 07, 2009
Jennifer
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I had to read this because it takes place on the Big Island. It was neat to read about what was accurate and where the author used artistic license. It veered only slightly from predictable, but that is to be expected.
Jul 21, 2009
Lori
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This was a great summer read. I loved the different characters in this book and how they all connected. I really liked the beginning, middle, and end!
