Adding Heart and Adventure

Updating the outline and draft of Aloha, Esmerelda

by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan

Sometimes stories need time to stretch their legs—and that’s exactly what’s happening with Aloha, Esmerelda.

As I’ve been revisiting this sunny adventure, I realized Esmerelda’s Hawaiian vacation needed a little more life, laughter, and heart before we reach the emotional turning point at the airport. So this week, I’ve been diving back into the middle of the book to build out her tropical experience.

Esmerelda’s trip to Hawaii isn’t just about relaxing on the beach—it’s about discovering something unexpected: a hermit crab named Hope, and a new kind of responsibility that changes her. 🐚🌺

I’m adding some new scenes that explore Esmerelda’s time on the island:

• A shell hunt at the tidepools where Hope nearly trades her shell
• A few mishaps involving coconuts, surfboards, and secret crab hideouts
• A quiet moment on the beach where Esmerelda thanks God for giving her a little friend to care for, and asks Him to help her be a good “home”

These additions are helping the story grow into something richer than I originally planned—and I’m loving the way the Lord is guiding it.

The heart of this story remains the same: it’s about love, responsibility, and letting go. But now, Aloha, Esmerelda is filled with a few more beachy mishaps, giggles, and lessons tucked into the waves.

I can’t wait to share more soon—especially when Esmerelda has to say goodbye to Hawaii… and find her way back to what matters most. 🌴✈️💛

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