Moon over Maalaea Bay: Softcover
[978-1-61116-325-4]

5 of 5 Stars Reviewed By Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite, 5-Star ranking

Lee Brandt sees his dreams crashing and turning into a nightmare on his wedding night in Maui in Moon over Maalaea Bay by H.L. Wegley. Jennifer Akihara is kidnapped on her wedding night in Maui by an international trafficking group and they have plans to take revenge on her by selling her into slavery. Jennifer had earlier stopped their trafficking plans which makes them want to ruin her by using her for other purposes. Lee, along with his foster daughter Katie and Jennifer's father, begins the search for Jennifer with the help of the Maui police and the federal government. The twist happens when Katie is also taken by the traffickers. Will Lee succeed in saving both Jennifer and Katie? Will Jennifer be able to survive if she is sold?

This is a compelling story of mystery and suspense and relationships that will keep readers riveted. Shifting the focus from the sweet romance of Lee and Jennifer and then switching over to the nightmare of Jennifer being kidnapped has been done effortlessly by the author without it sounding forced. The action and drama in the theme with its innumerable twists and turns help in keeping up the pace of the story. All the characters are well defined and Maui as the backdrop of the story gives it an exotic vibe. The interrogation scenes in the story add the much needed punch to the plot and the romance and suspense make it a bittersweet read. I found the story compelling. There are a lot of things happening simultaneously which the author has woven together well.
Posted by Harry Wegley, editorial review from Readers' Favorite received May 17, 2014