Chun's second book is strictly fiction, says the writer, who lives in Alameda County, Calif. It's a story that intertwines small-kid-time Hawai'i and the stresses of contemporary life.

Miki Ai'Lee is a young career woman who thinks she's made the break from her tradition-steeped Hawaiian family, from a race- and class-stratified society and from the shadowy spiritualism that weaves itself around any Island upbringing.

She's living on the Mainland and has no intention of coming back until her beloved Popo falls ill and she's drawn home for a visit that becomes a life-changing experience. Of course, her long-lost love just happens to be back in the Islands.

This is one for a quiet weekend, a box of chocolates and the couch.

Pam Chun will be here for book signings:

• Noon Oct. 30, Native Books/Na Mea, Ward Warehouse.

• 12:30 p.m. Nov. 3, Bestsellers, 1001 Bishop St.

• 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3, Punahou School.

• Noon Nov. 5, Na Mea Hawai'i, 851 Fort St.