A high powered couple from New York with a daughter seem to be living “the life” because they can afford luxuries many of us dream of. Paul and Marissa don’t have to cook or clean their coveted apartment in a well off area of NYC. Their daughter Pansy goes to a private school and takes ballet lessons. Parties, dining out and designer label clothing are part of their lives.

Paul suddenly gets an offer to work in Hawaii and has to make a quick decision. When he breaks the news to Marissa, she is afraid and a bit angry too. She loves her job and can’t imaging leaving it. But this opportunity can be more than a better job for Paul. It can bring the family closer together. Marissa has noticed that her marriage is not like it was. They’re to busy to enjoy time together. Pansy is with her nanny more than with her parents. So Marissa gives in to see how the Big Island of Hawaii might change their lives. They are in for more lessons than they could imagine.

Sweet Life by Mia King has twists and turns that helped me to realize what is truly important in life, especially in marriage, family and the priorities of money vs. contentment.

I read this book in two days. Ms. King has a way of drawing you in from the first chapter. The descriptions of her characters had me feeling like I’ve known them as friends. I thought I had all the answers to the issues written about but I was wrong and very surprised, in a good way. The friendships that Marissa makes with other women warmed my heart by portraying women as strong and helpful to each other. Ohana means more than your own blood family and Marissa’s friend teach her this.

I enjoyed the explanations of the beliefs held by some people in Hawaii, the culture, the words and sayings. Oh and the recipes! Ms. King complied a list of recipes that will make your mouth water.

Expect to spend some sleepless nights when you get this book. You’ll be reading until you can’t keep your eyes open any longer. There are so many layers intertwined but you won’t be confused, instead you’ll be mesmerized.

For more recipes, contests and more visit Mia Kings’s site.

Mahalo to� Family Review Network for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

This entry was posted on Sunday, October 5th, 2008 at 9:59 pm and is filed under Beliefs, books. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.