A SONG FOR THE STARS by Iliama Todd

 Inspired by a true story

Hawaiian Islands, 1779

As the second daughter of a royal chief, Maile will be permitted to marry for love. Her fiancé is the best navigator in Hawaiʻi, and he taught her everything he knows—how to feel the ocean, observe the winds, read the stars, and how to love.

But when sailors from a strange place called England arrive on her island, a misunderstanding ends in battle, and Maile is suddenly widowed before she is wed.

Finding herself in the middle of the battle and fearing for her life, Maile takes John Harbottle, the wounded man who killed her fiancé, prisoner, and though originally intending to let him die, she reluctantly heals him. And in the process, she discovers the man she thought was her enemy might be her ally instead.

John has been Captain James Cook’s translator for three voyages across the Pacific. He is kind and clearly fascinated with her homeland and her people—and Maile herself. But guilt continues to drive a wedge between them: John’s guilt over the death he caused, and Maile’s guilt over the truth about what triggered the deadly battle—a secret she’s kept hidden from everyone on the island.

When Maile is tasked with teaching John how to navigate using the stars so he can sail back to England, they must also navigate the challenges of being from very different cultures. In doing so, they might also find the peace that comes when two hearts become one.

Opening line:
"I fear we've overstayed our welcome."
First off: That cover! It's gorgeous!
Second: The writing! Gorgeous!
Third: Ms. Todd is a beautiful writer with a beautiful talent of the written word.

I LOVE that Ms. Todd was able to write this story about her fourth-great-grandparents, John and Papapaunauapu (or Maile for short). The story takes the reader on a historic journey with James Cook, John Harbottle and the royal Hawaiian family.
Maile is in love and soon to be married but ships on the horizon mar that dream as white men descend on her village. Misunderstandings and language barriers lead to distrust and fighting. People are killed, love is lost and there looks like no happiness will ever find Maile again.
But happiness does find her in an unusual way.

Thanks to netgalley for the early read.