This image is the cover for the book Tepatasi: Le Au’alumā

Tepatasi: Le Au’alumā

Christianity took root in the Pacific, nowhere more so than in Samoa. As World War I raged in Europe, the Great Influenza pandemic landed in Samoa in the winter of 1918. Facing tragic losses in their adopted village, a group of outsiders stayed behind to help. Living on the fringes of society, these women were unexpectedly thrust into the epicenter of the world’s most virulent pandemic. They found purpose as healers among strangers when it was needed most.

Elle A. Laga’aia

Elle Laga’aia was born to US Navy Samoan parents. She grew up between California and American Samoa. Elle lives in Southern California and is the mother of three daughters and a Siamese cat. In her waking hours, she supports and advocates for animal charities.


Elle enjoys traveling to circumnavigate the world, one country at a time.



Austin Macauley Publishers