Along the Hibiscus Path

Reviewed by Trang Black © 2007

Wild Child Publishing.com © 2007

Title of Book: Along the Hibiscus Path
Author: Jennah Sharpe
Publisher: Cobblestone Press, LLC.
ISBN Number: (E) 1-60088-025-8
Genre: Contemporary
Release Date: 2006
Author's Website: Jennah Sharpe's website

Anthropologist Seraphina Summers embarks on a journey that turns out to be more than she ever imagined. Taking a sabbatical from her job as a professor, Sera begins her research on the local artisans of the small Caribbean island of Cayo Pequeno. Hoping to gain tenure, she travels to the island to get a feel for the locals, their traditions, and the magic of Puerto Pescado. In addition, she hopes to break out of her shell, gain a little confidence, and live a little.

Her first encounter is with Cristian, a local who befriends her and opens up doors that she might never have been exposed to otherwise. Although she feels an attraction to the handsome, carefree man, she’s there to work, not become involved. As she continues her research, she meets another, equally handsome but not so carefree man named Manuel. The troubled artist protests her interest in their small community yet shows an interest in her personally.

Can Sera make sense of the conflicting feelings she has for these two different men? Even if she does, how will those feelings ever translate into something more than a holiday fling?

Along the Hibiscus Path is a story that tells the meandering journey of a woman in search of herself and the rest of her life. Sera is an intelligent woman who has become very adept at convincing herself of what she needs instead of following her heart and feelings. As she meets the colorful characters of Puerto Pescado, she realizes some of what she has been missing but it isn’t until she opens herself up to Cristian that she becomes aware of what she may truly need. Even then, it is a struggle to voice her wants and needs and she allows the mysterious Manuel the opportunity to sway her thoughts. Only when she accepts herself and her feelings does she recognize which man is the one that is perfect for her. This story of discovery has a gentle, laid-back island feel that blends flawlessly with the scenery of the Caribbean where it takes place.

Rating: 3 cats

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To find out more about how to purchase Along the Hibiscus Path visit Jennah Sharpe's website.