The Shade under the Mango tree follows the journey of Luna. She begins her life in Hawaii where she spends time with her loving grandmother and they sit under the mango tree. It has never grown fruit - but becomes a metaphor for Luna herself.

Her family moves her to California. As she grows she experiences great tragedy in her life. She is given a journal when she is in high school and faithfully writes in it for years. She comes to work in a coffee shop when fate intervenes.

Lucien is have an adventurous life. He stops by a cafe and find this massive journal and falls in love with the writer. When he comes to Luna's cafe they begin talking and he realizes it is her journal and returns it. They develop a deep bond.
Lucien tells stories about the life he has led which inspire Luna to move to Cambodia to help people.

The book is part romance, part adventure and very much about introspection and healing.