Author Gaellen Quinn traveled to Bellevue this past weekend for a book signing featuring her new novel, The Last Aloha.

Inspired by true events, The Last Aloha follows the adventures of lead character, Laura Jennings, as she discovers the Hawaiian culture of the late 1800s. Jennings’ boards a steamship bound for the exotic islands of Hawaii to live with missionary relatives she’s never met. When arriving in Honolulu, she’s surprised to find that, far from being savages, the Hawaiians have developed a charming and prosperous kingdom – and Laura’s family is among the wealthy elite plotting to overthrow the monarchy.

Quinn has published one short story and two novels including The Last Aloha. As a consultant to social economic development projects in parts of the world like the Amazon, Cambodia, and Tanzania, Quinn’s writing often reflects her passion for diverse peoples, as well as major world themes that affect on a personal, social, and spiritual level.

On September 11, 2001, Quinn and her husband were working as entrepreneurs in advertising, newsletter publishing and marketing enterprises in New York City. The couple were staying just 14 blocks north of the World Trade Center. Unable to leave, they remained a month in the city and during that time, Quinn determined to reorder her life to make writing a priority.

To do that, she pursued her Masters Degree in social and economic development so she could do consulting work and arrange her own time. Quinn holds a Masters Degree in International and Community Development and grew up traveling the world, intrigued with the multiplicity of cultures she encountered, both ancient and new.

Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.

To learn more about Gaellen Quinn or to purchase her new novel, The Last Aloha, visit www.gaellenquinn.com.