TITLE: What Happens in Paradise (Book #2, Paradise Trilogy)
AUTHOR: Elin Hillderbrand
PUBLISHER: Hachette Audio
PUB. YEAR: 2019
SETTING: St. John's Island
FORMAT: audio/library
FORMAT: audio/library
RATING - 3.5/5
This book is Book #2 of the Paradise series which began with Winter in Paradise. The audio is narrated by Erin Bennett.
SPOILERS (unless you've already read book #1)
When Irene Steele's husband died in a helicopter crash last year, she was devastated. Russ, was a good husband and good father to their (2) grown sons as well as a successful businessman. What Irene hadn't been prepared for was the fact that Russ also led a double life. Her dear, departed husband had another woman he loved and a gorgeous villa on St. John's Island.
Book #2 finds Irene, her sons and grandson returning to St. John's to deal with the aftermath of lies and deceit Russ left behind, and, to try to build new lives for themselves in the process. We learn a lot more about Rosie, the girlfriend, who was also killed in the crash through journal entries left behind and there appears to have been something illegal going on as well. Of course, the book ends with a major cliff hanger that will make series followers want to come back to finish the series as well.
I enjoyed book #2 for the most part and thought the audio was well done but, some parts seemed to drag a bit for me. Despite this, I am enjoying this series with its elements of mystery, the beautiful island setting and well-rounded characters. This is a series that definitely needs to be read in order IMO.
Hilderbrand is hit or miss for me. It sounds like this series is worth reading.
ReplyDeleteI must admit that I liked the first novel in this series very much, and it reminded me of the close familial relationships Hilderbrand developed in the Quinn Family Christmas Nantucket series. I find I'm not as keen about her stand-alone novels. So I am definitely looking forward to the second. I don't have high expectations, so that's always a good thing for me with this type of book. But I am looking forward to it. And gosh, I do the love these islands in the days before that horrendous hurricane devastated them.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fun series and the island setting enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteAn Island paradise is always okay with me.
ReplyDeleteI read Hilderbrand's Summer of '69 this year and enjoyed it immensely. It's the only thing of hers that I've read, but I would certainly like to read more of her works in the future and this series sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteI've not read this author yet. The series sounds good. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI almost stopped reading book one, but decided to stick with it and was finally drawn in. Not sure whether I'll read this now or wait until book three is released ...that way I can read them both together ;-)
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