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Big Island #3
Big Island Horizons
Welcome back to Pualena for this family saga about community spirit, forgiveness, and the true meaning of 'ohana.
'Ōlena finally found a safe haven for her homeschool New Horizons Community Center. But just when it’s time to move in, the community center loses its funding and closes its doors. It's up to her to rally her neighbors and keep New Horizons open -- for her daughters, their friends, and everyone else who needs this place of refuge.
And 'Ōlena is facing an even stickier she has no idea what to do about her ex-husband.
For years, she begged him to quit working on ships and come home to Pualena. Now, six years too late, he's back in Hawai'i. He says that he's home for good, and he wants another chance at life together as a family. Can she find room in her heart to forgive him and start again?
This is the third book of the Big Island Series, a women's fiction saga filled with heart and hope.
'Ōlena finally found a safe haven for her homeschool New Horizons Community Center. But just when it’s time to move in, the community center loses its funding and closes its doors. It's up to her to rally her neighbors and keep New Horizons open -- for her daughters, their friends, and everyone else who needs this place of refuge.
And 'Ōlena is facing an even stickier she has no idea what to do about her ex-husband.
For years, she begged him to quit working on ships and come home to Pualena. Now, six years too late, he's back in Hawai'i. He says that he's home for good, and he wants another chance at life together as a family. Can she find room in her heart to forgive him and start again?
This is the third book of the Big Island Series, a women's fiction saga filled with heart and hope.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2024
327 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 6, 2025
Shayla Cherry has absolutely mastered the art of the series! Big Island Horizons shines the spotlight on 'Ōlena while still honoring the beloved characters we've come to know throughout this series. I love how Cherry doesn't abandon anyone instead, she's building layers of depth with each book, and I'm here for every moment of it.
'Ōlena's story grabbed me from the first page. Just as she's found the perfect space for her homeschool New Horizons Community Center, the funding disappears and the doors close. Watching her rally her neighbors and fight to keep this vital refuge open showcases everything I love about this series—the power of community, the spirit of 'ohana, and one woman's determination to protect what matters most for her daughters and everyone who needs this safe haven.
The real emotional punch comes from 'Ōlena's personal struggle. Her ex-husband, absent for years despite her pleas for him to come home, suddenly returns to Hawai'i claiming he's changed and wants to rebuild their family. Cherry handles this complicated situation with such nuance and authenticity. The question of forgiveness—whether 'Ōlena can or should give him another chance after six years too late—is messy, real, and deeply moving.
What I appreciate most is how Cherry explores the true meaning of 'ohana through both storylines. Whether it's the community coming together to save New Horizons or 'Ōlena wrestling with what family means when trust has been broken, every page rings true.
This series just keeps getting better.
'Ōlena's story grabbed me from the first page. Just as she's found the perfect space for her homeschool New Horizons Community Center, the funding disappears and the doors close. Watching her rally her neighbors and fight to keep this vital refuge open showcases everything I love about this series—the power of community, the spirit of 'ohana, and one woman's determination to protect what matters most for her daughters and everyone who needs this safe haven.
The real emotional punch comes from 'Ōlena's personal struggle. Her ex-husband, absent for years despite her pleas for him to come home, suddenly returns to Hawai'i claiming he's changed and wants to rebuild their family. Cherry handles this complicated situation with such nuance and authenticity. The question of forgiveness—whether 'Ōlena can or should give him another chance after six years too late—is messy, real, and deeply moving.
What I appreciate most is how Cherry explores the true meaning of 'ohana through both storylines. Whether it's the community coming together to save New Horizons or 'Ōlena wrestling with what family means when trust has been broken, every page rings true.
This series just keeps getting better.
January 1, 2026
I’m left feeling the same about this book as I have about the prior two. Again we have a found family that this entire series is centered around. They all care for and help each other. Particularly the women. They show up for each other in these books and the men are more secondary characters…some great…some very much the opposite.
I really enjoy the community ‘Õlena is building for herself and her children. Doing so alone because her husband decided to go awol for six years. Just another example of women having to step up because they don’t get the option to not. Now her husband wants to come back and make amends. 🙄 I have opinions, but that’s just me coming from a very jaded point of view. It’ll be interesting to see how their full story ultimately plays out. I’m sure we’ll get peeks at their progress in future books.
This series is turning out to be a very cozy and comfortable read. Perfect if you’re looking for easy and sweet with good vibes.
I really enjoy the community ‘Õlena is building for herself and her children. Doing so alone because her husband decided to go awol for six years. Just another example of women having to step up because they don’t get the option to not. Now her husband wants to come back and make amends. 🙄 I have opinions, but that’s just me coming from a very jaded point of view. It’ll be interesting to see how their full story ultimately plays out. I’m sure we’ll get peeks at their progress in future books.
This series is turning out to be a very cozy and comfortable read. Perfect if you’re looking for easy and sweet with good vibes.
June 24, 2024
great Ohana and friends
I have one more book to go in the series and I can’t stop reading them. The aloha of Hawaii comes across very clearly and all these stories. I highly recommend this series Donna.
I have one more book to go in the series and I can’t stop reading them. The aloha of Hawaii comes across very clearly and all these stories. I highly recommend this series Donna.
July 11, 2024
heartfelt
This saga is inspiring and carries the essence of true meaning of Hawaii life. Respect for the land and appreciation of her gifts. We have so much in this world and if we can see the value and utilize those gifts to help others, we are seeing purpose and direction.
This saga is inspiring and carries the essence of true meaning of Hawaii life. Respect for the land and appreciation of her gifts. We have so much in this world and if we can see the value and utilize those gifts to help others, we are seeing purpose and direction.
February 2, 2025
I’m really enjoying this series of family, friends and love in Hawaii.
March 7, 2025
awesome
I love this series. I miss living in Hawaii. Beautiful islands, beautiful beaches, wonderful places to visit and explore. Thank you
I love this series. I miss living in Hawaii. Beautiful islands, beautiful beaches, wonderful places to visit and explore. Thank you
August 24, 2025
Enjoyed this book, but was surprised at the number of errors. Please, proofread!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews