Book excerpt: Gregory Steel Schaeffer is a reluctant heir to his father's fortune and obligations in a foreign country—the Philippines. His Filipina mother abandoned him when he was two years old and the prejudice he feels toward his mother, the country where she was from, and its people is very strong. But when his father becomes ill, he has no choice but to go and take over the business. As he makes business decisions in place of his father, he meets a fisherman's daughter, Narra Matibay, a beautiful, tender-hearted and carefree young woman. He vows never to fall in love with the likes of his mother, but can he resist the irresistible charm, the enchanting beauty and the soothing lullaby of the islands?