Abby - Secret at Cutter Grove

South Seas Adventures

by Pamela June Walls

When the Kendalls lose their ranch in 1848, thirteen-year-old Abigail Kendall, her family, and friends Luke, Kini, and Duncan, travel to the island of Kauai to investigate the sugarcane business. Upon arrival, they're welcomed by the wealthy plantation owner, Reese Cutter, and Pa and Uncle Samuel are offered jobs in the fields. But all isn't as sweet as it looks. The Hawaiian workers talk about how Reese has changed since his parents died. The dastardly Cap'n Jim, who threw Abby and Luke off his boat in a previous adventure, shows up at Reese's dinner table. And then there's something fishy about the Cutter parents' will. When Abby and Luke decide to investigate, they solve not only one mystery, but two, uniting relatives who didn't even know about each other! Along the way, Abby learns that home isn't a house or ranch--it's wherever your family and friends are.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Childrens

177 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the books on my shelf that I had never read. I realized, shortly after starting the book that this was book was the 4th book in a series. Although the book stands alone, it references events that obviously happened in a previous book. I would have preferred reading them first (though I don't plan to go "out of my way" to read them). Nonetheless, I did enjoy this book.

[Ronia Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good book! Perfect series for tween girls and young teens. And families. These books are good for almost anyone! I cried with joy twice! This book is touching and amazing!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the South Seas Adventure series. This series is about the adventures of Abby Kendall, a young teenage girl, and her family and friends as they travel the South Seas in the late 1840s.

It's June of 1848, and thirteen-year-old Abby Kendall, her younger sister Sarah, and their friends Luke and Kini have returned to Hawaii with their gold from California, but they are too late to save the Kendall ranch. Abby's parents and uncle decide to search for a new home elsewhere in Hawaii, so they all sail to the island of Kauai to learn about the sugar business. They find jobs with the wealthy Rees Cutter, who owns a sugar plantation. Rees Cutter seems so kind and generous, but Abby and Luke hear bad things about him from some of the workers. In addition, they begin to suspect he may be involved in business dealings with the cruel and greedy Cap'n Jim Canter. Abby and Luke are determined to find out what's really going on at the Cutter Plantation, and their quest for the truth leads them into another dangerous adventure.

Readers who enjoyed the first three books about Abby will be sure to enjoy this one as well. I highly recommend this series to readers who enjoy historical fiction. I love the unique settings and likable characters featured in this series, and I can't wait to read the rest of the books to find out what adventures await Abby and her friends next.

[hrh · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my review for "California Gold" re the Abby: South Seas Adventures series as a whole. This book, #4 in the series, takes place on the Hawaiian island of Kauai on a sugar plantation. There's danger, intrigue, and family revelations amidst the beautifully described setting. Highly recommended series for the 8- to 12-year-olds in your life.

[Jacklyn Bjorkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO SO SOOO GOOD!!!