SOLVED. Christian 90s (YA?) Chick Lit Romance in Hawaii/tropics (oops, Oregon!). [s]

[Mel]

Read in the mid- to late 90s in my church library. The book could have also possibly been written in the 80s, but seemed modern. The setting was either in Hawaii or somewhere else tropical.

One detail I remember, was the character going upstairs and putting on a black dress, and deciding on accessories. A diamond bracelet together with the black dress would be too dressy for the occasion, so she dressed it down with a wooden bangle.

Honestly I can't remember the romantic plot at all. I don't think I liked the book or even finished it, merely was hiding in the library to escape church. So no worries if it's not found. More of a niggling curiosity rather than a burning question.

[Rainbowheart]

Island Dreamer?

The Sea, the Song and the Trumpetfish?

[Mel]

Thanks for the hint! That helped me find it!

It wasn't Island Dreamer, but the writing style seemed familiar.
It turns out it was Waterfalls by the same author. I got the setting wrong, because the male lead was described as having a topical beachy look. And... being on vacation and waterfalls and whatnot.

"She settled on a long string of wooden beads and a thick wooden carved bracelet that toned down the sleeveless black dress and gave her more of an earthy look than a formal one."
Yep. That's it. Weird the details we remember. I mean, half the book was descriptions of appearances, so perhaps not surprising.

[Rainbowheart]

Awesome, glad you found it!