Under a Maui Moon

Hideaway #1

by Robin Jones Gunn

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.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Womens Fiction

276 pages, Paperback

First published June 18, 2010

About the author

ROBIN JONES GUNN has written more than 100 books with over 6.5 million copies sold worldwide. Her Father Christmas books have been made into three Hallmark Christmas movies. The timeless Christy Miller series now continues in Christy & Todd: The College Years, Married Years, Baby Years, and the Haven Maker series. Robin's novels and non-fiction works include Before Your Tween Daughter Becomes a Woman, Victim of Grace, Praying for Your Future Husband, and Before You Meet Your Future Husband co-authored with Tricia Goyer. Her books have received multiple awards and are a favorite with book clubs and study groups. Many of Robin's books are in eBook, audiobook, large print, and foreign editions. Robin does a weekly Podcast called "Women Worth Knowing" with Cheryl Brodersen. Robin and her husband have a grown son and daughter and live in California.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping I'd enjoy this book more than I actually did. I would have to say that while the story was detailed and exotic regarding her visit to Hawaii, the heart of the story through the middle of the book was lacking. Part of it probably had to do with the anemic betrayal on her end. She sort of popped her big toe into the waters of temptation for about one second, then pulled back and behaved herself. This seems to be typical of most of Christian fiction, which is why so may people think Christians are perfect and they feel that they could never be that way, so they don't even try. But that's an aside...

In fact, **spoiler alert here** she never did more wrong than have a few straying thoughts. Not that I was wanting her to do wrong, but I didn't find it very believable that she was so controlled in her behavior, because the anger she had toward him at first was pretty gripping and dare I say a bit justified. Then it just dissipated. I think the transition from pain to healing was a bit too fast and too tidy. The beginning was compelling where I sensed the emotional tension and betrayal, and the ending was tender and sweet, but the middle felt a bit too much like a detour into a vacation with a tour guide, and I found myself asking "where is the story here?" But maybe that is just me. I didn't feel connected to the characters this novel. Beautiful cover, lots of potential, but just didn't grab me. Sorry.

[Renee Fluet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is different than her normal style. She normally writes about young adults falling in love, but this one is about a woman who is already married and the struggles she faces. It’s refreshing to see a different type of story than what she normally writes and to see a very much real struggle.

I would suggest reading her book, “Whispers,” before reading this one because it has spoilers in it.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very slow paced story. I also predicted the ending. But still very enjoyable.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a reread, but it's been years and I honestly didn't remember it much at all. At the start of the story I found Carissa annoying and very self-centered, but I think that was intentional and I enjoyed watching her growth throughout the story. The setting sounds absolutely gorgeous and I would love to someday visit Hawaii. The ending was so sweet and wrapped the book up perfectly.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review 🌴

"Under a Maui Moon"
by Robin Jones Gunn

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times, Robin Jones Gunn is my all-time favorite author. Auto-buy without even reading the back cover. Are all of her books life-changing? Some are, some aren't. Some like the Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, Katie Weldon, and Glenbrooke are definitely among the most influential faith books that I have ever read. My faith would simply not be where it is if not for the Christy Miller books.

Other books of hers, like this one, serve a different purpose. Their value lies more in the solidness of faith that they represent. This world is getting darker and more skewed than ever. Robin's books are trustworthy and will never repeat never, set you on a wrong path. Instead, they will envelope you with the comfort of God's truth.

This particular book deals with marriage issues and takes place on the beautiful island of Maui and incorporates touching Hawaiian Christian history.

[Susan Reyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story about finding new hope for an old love.

[Jessy Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved finding a Christian book about working through a marriage. However the book felt a bit empty. Not much seems to really happen between the couple. You only get a few glimpses into their relationship and most of the book is just the wife’s feelings. The book ends without any true solution, just a silly whirlwind of romance.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it's a nice light read that includes wonderful descriptions of Hawaii.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: UNDER A MAUI MOON
Author: Robin Jones Gunn
Publisher: Howard Books
July 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4165-8339-4
Genre: Inspirational/women’s fiction

Carissa and Richard’s marriage is falling apart. Neither one of them are communicating well with each other, and the last straw is when an intruder appears at Carissa’s home and Richard takes the side of the intruder and doesn’t validate Carissa’s concerns. To make matters worse, Carissa goes to work on Thursday and discovers that she’s been “let go,” with one of her employees nieces taking over her job effective immediately.

One of the doctors that Carissa worked with is kind enough to hand her keys to his Maui house so Carissa and Richard can go and have a “second honeymoon.” But with the death bells to their marriage tolling, Carissa makes arrangements to go by herself, figuring it is the first step to leaving Richard—before he leaves her.

The people in Maui are friendly, and Carissa soon finds herself attracted to handsome Kai. She’s toying with the idea of becoming romantically involved with him when God shows that His hand is still on her life—and love is closer than she realized.

UNDER THE MAUI MOON is not the fun type of read that the Sisterchick series, but it still takes us to a romantic destination and gives a literary tour of this vacation spot—perfect for those of us who can’t afford to go on their own.

Carissa and Richard were both at fault with the downward spiral of their marriage, but neither one of them wanted to be the ones to take the initiative to make it work. I couldn’t help but care for this struggling couple and hope that they find ways to make their marriage work. 224 pages. $14.99.

[Ausjenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Robins books and had really wanted this book. I finally got it on the kindle and read it in 2 days. I really loved the story. Having been to Hawaii in January and having a day trip to Maui it made the book all the better. Some of the areas that are mentioned I went to or near and could picture where Carissa was. The story is well written with the issues Carissa and Richard are having then being retrenched and needing time out. Carissa heads for Maui and things don't happen as she expected from the drive from the airport, to the cottage shes staying in to the people she meets. I love how different experiences helped her to re-evaluated part of her life. What I love how Carissa came to decisions and realisations through some of the experiences on the Island. We also hear about some of the beauty of the Island with the Volcano, Waterfalls, and beaches. There are comments Robin makes in the book about the beauty of the place being almost to hard to believe. I fully understood what she meant as I have had the same feeling. Wonderful read.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

July 2022 reread, paperback.
Same reaction ten years later. Enjoyed the Hawaiian history but the plot wasn’t relatable to me. Not a bad book and a fast read.

July 2012, audiobook.
RJG has been a favorite author of mine for over 12 years, but this one just felt rather "meh" for me. Loved the cameos from favorite characters, of course, I guess I'm just not the target market for this one.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like every other Robin Jones Gunn books I've read, Under a Maui Moon was a very enjoyable read. There were a few things that were strange, but overall I like it a lot and would recommend it.

[Dhaverma · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't want to be mean, but this was the worst! I was listening to it so couldn't skip all the songs and poems. When there was writing, it was pretty good and the story could have been great but what a lot of fluff thrown in!

[Ellie Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love Robin Jones Gunn, and I thought this story of an empty-nester couple and their struggles to connect was a sweet one.

[Jencey/ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Simon and Schuster for a copy of Under a Maui Moon by Robin Jones Gunn. I was given this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Who likes vacations? I know I do. I would also say cancer sufferers love vacations even morel. What would be your favorite destination? I know that I have been wanting to travel out west again. This time I plan to visit Maui. So I invite you to come with us to Maui!
Synopsis:
Carissa is an office manager for a busy medical practice in Portland Oregon. One morning she walks into work to find that a meeting has occurred. What did the doctors meet about? It does not take long for her to find out. Dr. Walters comes to see her and lets her know that she is let go from her job. He hands her a key and says that he will fill her in on what the key is for tomorrow after she finishes packing up her office. Once home she is also having conflict with her husband Richard. His psychiatry practice is what upsets Carissa. He tells her to discuss it with her boss again tomorrow because they need her pay check. Then there is the other problem of his clients showing up after hours, at their house. The next day Dr. Walters explains that the key is for cottage on the island of Maui. The purpose is to give Carissa time to clear her head and decide what is next. What will her trip have enstore for her? Will she be able to heal the rift between herself and her husband?
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed Under a Maui Moon by Robin Jones Gunn. It is set in a great location! I loved how the author really took us the readers on a journey into Carissa’s life. The readers will turn pages to find out how the story will resolve. I also loved how she integrated the bible into the story. I think the author hit on a key issue with many Christ followers. Are we willing to seek and trust God in our life? Can we forgive those who have wronged us or let God be the tunnel?
Rating:
4.5/5
Please visit Robin on her Facebook page, Twitter, and her Website.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Twenty-four years of marriage, one grown son, a thousand memories, yet only a single tear.” Carissa suddenly finds herself jobless and potentially spouseless with an empty nest and a key to a door in Maui. Overwhelmed by life and love (or the lack thereof), Carissa jetsets to an island hideaway for the vacation she never imagined and the adventure she never knew she needed.

Are men who struggle worth going after and helping through to the other side of addiction? Should she “attempt to be a courageous, strong, and determined woman who had chosen to ‘stay’?” Will she meet someone new or discover “new love with an old husband”? “Honesty and transparency were powerful dragon slayers.” As Carissa experiences “the all-encompassing beauty…in the midst of the fragile, broken world,” she begins to wonder if perhaps “everything is redeemable.”

“The plump Maui moon hung overhead, looking fuller and closer than ever. It wasn’t like the half-moon that had stared unblinkingly at her when she had first arrived. Nor was it the mysterious floating moon that had cast its waving ribbon of light on the ocean when she was camping. This moon was stronger and brighter and was beaming at her…The shadows of the craters across the face of the moon gave a strong impression of a…life-giving grin…in the midst of her grave loss.”

“‘It’s the face of Ke Akua [God]. I think he’s smiling on us’...a silver jet stream appeared just beneath the golden orb, etching a smudged line through the illuminated night sky…the airplane seemed to be swimming through the foreboding midnight blue, determined to reunite some other woman with the one she loved…She had a pretty good idea the next chapter of their love story was about to begin right here, in this blessed hideaway, tucked in under a Maui moon.” Amen and amene.

Robin Jones Gunn’s Under a Maui Moon is a story that comes from the heart that will most certainly touch the heart of its readers. Don’t just dip your toes in the water; “you must get all the way in or it’s not worth the journey.”

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has more to it than first thoughts for me. I picked it up as a quick read while under medical care. I know Christian Womens' Chick lit is fairly predictable plot-wise: Woman unfulfilled..troubled male relationship. So I knew what I was 'in for'. But the book had more elements that were educating and thought-provoking. If you read it slowly enough to ponder, it can give a Christian woman pause to mull her married relationship...what's going well, what needs work, what is crying out for better communication. The main character Carissa finally goes thru this thought process. Initially, I found her a bit self-pitying and selfish. Her husband too seemed more enamored of "see how well/attentive I am to my career" than as an attentive listener. This especially frustrated me as he was a marriage counselor, but clueless at home. Separated by half an ocean, both have time to reflect.

The other thing I appreciated about the book was that Robin J Gunn gives her readers a window into Hawaii. I've only been to HI a brief week, but she captured my 'take' on the dual nature of the intrigue of this Island state. I saw Hawaii as a magical/scary place, both tourist-choked and isolated cliffy remote rainforests. It would have been great to know a native islander to cue me in on some of the missionary history in settling Hawaii's islands and some of the history of her famous influencers.

This would be the perfect book to take and read on the plane bound for the Islands. Hopefully the reader's agenda would include travel to Maui and Oahu and be right in the midst of the novel's setting.

[Fran · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s a pleasant story. Perhaps too much moralizing. Not much real stuff about working things through.

Beautiful descriptions of settings in nature.

Way too much scripture for me. I do like descriptions of someone having their own personal experiences of God however she may be for them.

Financially kind of idealized. When she loses her job, she says they will need to sell their house and buy a smaller one. And then she goes off to Hawaii where her lodging is gifted to her. But then she does an awful lot of frivolous spending for someone who is concerned about money.

So overall not a very grounded novel.

Beautiful descriptions of Hawaii.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carissa loses her job and is having trouble with her husband. She has the opportunity to visit Maui.
Carissa wallows for a bit in the things that are going wrong in her life. Eventually things work out.
I would say this is a good read for married ladies looking for a bit of Christian romance.
I didn’t identify with the situation but did enjoy the story overall.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how RJG wove the beauties of God's creation so well into the story and made so many analogies. For a while, Carissa realistically resisted things God was trying to teach her - she and her husband were both stubborn and both had things to realize. I like that it wasn't one-sided, because that's just life. The historical details also fascinated me.

[Mustangblu · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have loved robin gunns books over the years, esp the Christy miller series. But this one was very boring for me. The synopsis on the cover never mentioned how much description there was in Hawaiian history! Half the book was about that and the rest of it had no excitement! I've read Christy and Sierra series which we're great, but I've exhausted all the books that I had planned to read.

[Therese Dotray-Tulloch · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't realize that this was Christian literature so I'm definitely not the intended audience. The best part of this book was the descriptions of the beautiful island of Maui. The history of the missionaries was disturbing. The sweet ending felt good although there were lots of unsolved problems for sure.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this book was around when my parents were going through their marital struggles. Things would've definitely worked out differently. It's amazing how God picks us up when we fall. The temptations we face are very real, but God's power is greater. Praise God!

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story as a reminder that sometimes life has to fall apart before we can follow God’s path. Carisa was about to lose everything, but when she decided to take the break she needed, she was able to find exactly where God wanted her to be.

[Deena Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable inspirational Women's Fiction novel set in beautiful Hawaii. I listened on audio and the narrator did a good job. I always appreciate a story focused on a married couple struggling in their marriage but who get a happy ending.

[Halee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I WILL be doing a review for this one..... sooo good

[Yolanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this a 3.5, very light but I enjoyed reading about many places I've visited at my second home.

[Samantha Cornwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story!!!!

[Debbie Sue · Rating 1 out of 5]

i just really did not like this one.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book about a woman who discovers new things about herself and her marriage.