SHARON

A colorful story of the Hawaiian Islands in the 1880's- when ""blackbirding"" and smuggling of opium brought fortunes to many --and disgrace to those who could not cloak their dealings in approved manner. Sharon did not know why she was slighted and ignored by the tight little social circle on her return from years at school abroad. Even Mait, whom she'd loved through those years, was afraid to break down the barrier between them. It was an English remittance man, caustic in his criticism of her father's blatant bad taste, ""in"" with the court circles, scowled upon by missionaries and their like, who helped Sharon face a hostile world, taught her to stand on her own merits, convinced her that there was a grownup way to love. Good story telling; though there are inconsistencies in period decor, the general feel of life in the islands before American annexation is vividly conveyed. Upper grade popular romance. Miss Mackay has her audience.