The Shade Under the Mango Tree

By Evy Journey

Gold Medal, Contemporary Fiction, 2021 Global Book Awards (formerly New York City Book Awards)
Finalist, Multicultural Fiction, 2021 International Book Awards

After two heartbreaking losses, Luna wants adventure. Something and somewhere very different from the affluent, sheltered home in California and Hawaii where she grew up. An adventure in which she can also make some difference.

Lucien, a worldly, well-traveled young architect, finds a stranger's journal at a caf?. Though he has qualms and pangs of guilt about reading it, they don't stop him. His decision changes his life forever.

Months later, they meet at a bookstore. Fascinated by his stories and adventurous spirit, Luna goes on a Peace Corps stint to a rural rice-growing village in Cambodia. There, she finds a world steeped in ancient culture and the lasting ravages of a deadly history. Will she leave this world unscathed?

An epistolary tale of courage, resilience, and the bonds that bring diverse people together.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0996247483
• ISBN13: 9780996247481
• Release Date: October 2020
• Publisher: Sojourner Books
• Length: 404 Pages
• Weight: 1.13 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Intriguing read

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK  First of all, I love the cover of this book. It’s bright vibrant colors would make me pick this book before other. The Shade Under the Mango Tree is a different read than other books I have read, but it was intriguing and interesting. The story was about Luna and Lucien and we get to know them and their life and feelings through the Moleskine journal. I enjoyed getting to know these two characters and the others we meet throughout the story. The author does a fantastic job describing the details in such a way they seem so real. I love the vivid descriptions of the different cultures. My favorite was Hawaii and Luna visiting her grandmother in the house she grew up in. I love grandma and her sweet personality and wise wisdom. There is so much going on in this book. A lots of twists and turns keeling the story entertaining. I was intrigued to see how the author would weave everything in this story together and come up with an ending that wasn’t really expected. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy multi cultural stories, stories featuring journal entries, this is one you will enjoy. This one is four stars for me. A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  

The Shade Under the Mango Tree

The Shade Under the Mango Tree is my first introduction to books written by Evy Journey. I thought the writing style was a little different than I am used to. But I did thought it was a good read. At times, it was hard to continue as here were a few scenes that slowed down a little bit but it quickly picked back up. I enjoyed the adventure, the different settings, different cultures, and the twists of the story. After experiencing some life altering events, I admired Luna’s courage and determination to find a way to make a change and a difference in her life. I liked it how she meets up with Lucien. Their meeting in the story was sweet. The author does a great job using vivid details within the pages that made me feel as though I was part of the book and living among the characters. Overall, it was an intriguing and entertaining tale to read. I am giving The Shade Under the Mango Tree three and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading books from contemporary romance fiction genre while learning about different cultures. I would be interested in reading more by Evy Journey in the future. I thought this one is worth a read and many readers would enjoy it. I received a paperback copy of The Shade Under the Mango Tree from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.