author Justina Taft
After Dawn
For Aurora, it is the dawn of a new life.
She moves into a college dorm and explores Honolulu city life with her best friend, Alex. Her days brim with the promise of adventures to come, but at night, Aurora's dreams warn her that something is wrong. As she studies Hawaiian language in college she begins to understand the warnings in her dreams. She has cancer. By day, her parents and best friend do their best to support her through the medical treatments. By night, a dream lover tries to persuade her to go with him. She must choose between the life she knows and the lover who dares her to venture beyond the horizon...
"After Dawn is a poignant, often heartbreaking tale that captures the essence of humanity, friendship, and love."
Chelsey Nichols, puretextuality.com
"Taft has composed a romantic world set in the ebb and flow that is the real Hawaii. I recommend this novel to anyone who loves Hawaii."
Pili Nathaniel, monkeymonsterthoughts.blogspot.com
"Those raised in the Islands will recognize and appreciate the attention to detail when it comes to language, culture, locations, local history, and what it’s like to actually live in Hawaiʻi. Readers around the world will enjoy this deeply enriching experience of Hawaiʻi as they live, love, and explore the other side through this inspiring story. Where many books offer just a bite of the local flavor, After Dawn is more like a well-prepared lūʻau with all the sauces, spices, and songs."
Bren Chance, Big Island Weekly
"Everyone should have a best friend like Alex."
Ester Kim
"The book is really set well in Hawaiian and local culture. I couldn't put it down."
Leslie Lang