J.L. Eck's debut novel is a brilliantly crafted love story blending past and present, tragedy and triumph. Her story is based on the Hawaiian myth surrounding the naupaka flower, a little white flower that grows with only half its petals. Over the years, storytellers have told several versions of the myth of the naupaka flower. Some versions involve the goddess Pele and her sister Naupaka. Other versions involve a princess named Naupaka who falls in love with a commoner named Kaui. J.L. Eck's version involves a princess names Leilani and a commoner named Kanoa. What's different about J.L. Eck's version is she reincarnates the characters in modern day Hawaii for a second chance at love and redemption.
Videos