A romantic adventure book set in the South Pacific during the late 19th century.
Following a shipwreck, Mabel Miller, a disillusioned socialite from San Francisco, finds herself on the vibrant yet dangerous island of Kaahlanai with a small band of survivors, including Captain Gray and the Gray family. Initially seeking a break from her monotonous lifestyle, Mabel embarks on a journey that takes her far beyond her wildest dreams.
Upon their ship's destruction by fire and subsequent arduous days at sea, the survivors finally land on Kaahlanai. They initially face both the harsh realities of survival and the perceived threat of the island's native inhabitants. However, they soon encounter Horatio, a native who speaks English and offers them hospitality. Living among the islanders, Mabel and her companions adapt and embrace a simpler, more fulfilling way of life.
Mabel's relationship with Horatio deepens into love, leading to poignant moments and customs that challenge and affirm their bond. Meanwhile, Captain Gray and his daughter Etta struggle with their own adaptations, leading to Etta's tragic yet determined union with her native lover, Uala, ultimately resulting in her presumed death.
The arrival of a vessel, the Eliza Judd, becomes a turning point, offering a chance for escape but also highlighting the transformative effects the island has had on the survivors. Mabel and a grieving Captain Gray, along with Horatio and Hans, return to civilization. They face the dissonance between their newfound values and the oppressive norms of Western society. Horatio grapples with this alien world primarily through Mabel's reciprocated love and ideals.
Upon her return, Mabel learns of her father's death, throwing her into despair and illness. Horatio remains a steadfast presence, while Mabel's cousin Lucy, trapped in a loveless marriage, finds solace and purpose in her company and eventually decides to join Mabel and Horatio on their return to Kaahlanai.
After recovering, Mabel marries Horatio in a simple ceremony that defies societal expectations, scandalizing her Aunt Kate. The couple, along with Lucy and her young daughter Mae, set off to reclaim the life they cherished on the island.
Back on Kaahlanai, they receive a warm welcome from the islanders, affirming their decision to shun the modern world's trappings for the unspoiled, genuine paradise. The Eliza Judd departs, leaving the group to a future bathed in the promise of love, simplicity, and a profound connection to the land and its people.
Mabel’s journey from a discontented socialite to a fulfilled island resident underscores the novel's central themes of love, cultural exchange, and the quest for a true sense of home and identity. The story demonstrates how the most drastic shifts in life often lead back to the essentials: faith, love, and genuine human connection.
Discover the captivating story of Mabel Miller and her transformative journey on the island of Kaahlanai. This romantic adventure intertwines love
