Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Little, Brown, and Company, 2018
Pages: 320 (9 discs)
Rating: Recommend
Synopsis: Irene Steele shares her idyllic life in a beautiful Iowa City Victorian house with a husband who loves her to sky-writing, sentimental extremes. But as she rings in the new year one cold and snowy night, everything she thought she knew falls to pieces with a shocking phone call: her beloved husband, away on business, has been killed in a plane crash. Before Irene can even process the news, she must first confront the perplexing details of her husband's death on the distance Caribbean island of St. John.After Irene and her sons arrive at this faraway paradise, they make yet another shocking discovery: her husband has been living a secret life. As Irene untangles a web of intrigue and deceit, and as she and her sons find themselves drawn into the vibrant island culture, they have to face the truth about their family, and about their own futures.
Rich with the lush beautify of the tropics and the drama, romance, and intrigue only Elin Hildebrand can deliver, Winter in Paradise is a truly transporting novel, and the exciting start to a new series.
Review: I didn't realize this was Elin's newest book until I started this entry. I've read and enjoyed her novels in the past, and just wanted something set in warmer weather since winter is definitely upon us here in Pittsburgh.
The thing with Hilderbrand's books is that I like them, but they don't stay with me long term. I guess it's impossible to think every book could, but as fun as these are to read, they're forgettable. Winter in Paradise is no different.
First, what's in a name? The names in this book made me crazy. I felt like I was reading a bodice ripper. Cash and Baker are brothers, but there's nothing about Russ and Irene's personalities, or relationship that can explain such unusual names (although eventually the reader is given an explanation). Floyd is Baker's 4 year old son. Marilyn Monroe is Russ' secretary. Ayers (pronounced Airs) and Huck are thrown in with a more traditional Rosie. They're all just such odd, seemingly random choices. And, they're distracting.
Now, the story. I liked it. The characters, despite their odd names, are (mostly) likeable. Plus, it's just nice to read a tropical story in the middle of winter.
Be aware that this is the first book in a trilogy, and that if you are seeking resolution, you'll have to commit to reading all three books. I borrow my books from the library so there's no cost involved, as long as I get my books returned in time. However, readers who bought this book were frustrated with this format, that this first book felt like an installment, rather than a complete story.
Other Elin Hilderbrand Novels:
The Five-Star Weekend
Summer of '69
The Blue Bistro
Golden Girl
The Hotel Nantucket
The Island
The Castaways
The Winter Street Series
Winter Street
Winter Stroll
Winter Storms
Winter Solstice
The Winter in Paradise Trilogy
Winter in Paradise
What Happens in Paradise
Troubles in Paradise
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