"Untold Stories of a Real Estate Diva," by Stephany Sofos (CreateSpace, $14.95): Brassy real estate broker and appraiser Stephany Sofos offers a breezy account of her rise in the industry at a time when rampant sexism and wild parties in vacant properties were the norm. While the author uses pseudonyms for some of the characters she’s encountered during her career, other well-known figures such as Madelyn Dunham, Aaron Chaney, Andre Tatibouet, Donald Graham Jr. and Ronald Rewald are among those mentioned by name in this entertaining read.

"I Respectfully Dissent: A Biography of Edward H. Nakamura," by Tom Coffman (University of Hawai‘i Press, $14.99): The respected author writes a well-researched biography of the progressive-minded Nakamura, who made a difference in Hawaii’s politics as a lawyer for the ILWU, a University of Hawaii regent and finally as a member of the Hawaii Supreme Court under William Richardson’s tenure.

"Fighting in Paradise: Labor Unions, Racism, and Communists in the Making of Modern Hawaii," by Gerald Horne (University of Hawai‘i Press, $28.99): This history professor from the University of Houston tackles the volatile history of the labor movement in Hawaii, which started in the 1930s on the plantations and docks and continues to wield political influence today.

"Alanui: Kahea ka Makani (Pathway: Wind Calls)," by Moloka‘i Kehlor (self-published, $21.95): The first in a series of four books by the Maui author that follow the adventures of a half-Caucasian woman who is trying to learn from a secret society of kahuna as she tries to find out who’s behind the poisoning of the Hawaiian people with a strange illness. The keys may be found in a journal and a healing plant.

"Islands of Wonder: Kauai," text by Chris and Evelyn Cook, photography by Douglas Peebles (Mutual Publishing, $15.95): The first in a series of photo books by Peebles, showcasing the beauty of the Garden Isle.

"Fortunato Teho’s Hawaii Gardens," by Corinne Villa-Riese and Ted Riese (Create Space, $9.95): A collection of local newspaper columns from the late gardening expert. The slim volume includes a biography and timeline of Teho’s life.

"Page Turners" highlights books by Hawaii authors and books about Hawaii or of interest to Hawaii readers. To submit a book for consideration, send a copy and information to Features Department, 500 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813. For more information, email features@staradvertiser.com.