Winter in Paradise
Fiction
Little, Brown
October 9, 2018
Hardcover
320
Purchased myself
A husband's secret life, a wife's new beginning: escape to the Caribbean with New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand. 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 distant Caribbean island of St. John. After Irene and her sons arrive at this faraway paradise, they make yet another shocking discovery: her husband had 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 beauty of the tropics and the drama, romance, and intrigue only Elin Hilderbrand can deliver, Winter in Paradise is a truly transporting novel, and the exciting start to a new series.
My review:
I must admit to a bit of trepidation to starting this new series by Ms. Hilderbrand. I loved her winter series spanning the last four years, and was afraid to be let down by this new holiday series. I had no need to worry because while I'm still not as sold on this one yet, it was plenty entertaining and enjoyable! The style was pure Hilderbrand, so if you've read any of her numerous other novels, you can rest assured that this one delivers the same great quality of characters, settings and angst. The fact that it takes place on an idyllic island was equally wonderful and problematic at times. I've taken several vacations over the winter holidays to warm climates, and I live in NC which doesn't really see much in the way of snow (especially not that early in the winter). While I loved all the descriptions of the sand and sun, I still missed an element of the blustery snow that comes with most holiday stories. While I may not actually want to see snow, I do think it adds that festive touch to my holiday reads. Barring that inconsequential to the plot hiccup, this book really delivers on readability and sucks you right into these character's lives. Side note: I'm calling it right now that the husband isn't really dead and is going to show up long about book three! We shall see if I am way off (which I usually am)!
Another winner in true Hilderbrand form, this is a great start to a holiday series set in a warm climate. Just know before you get sucked in that you are going to have to wait an entire year for the next installment (and yes, it does leave you hanging!).
I'm excited to dive into this new series! Great review. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your sweet family! xoxo Kristy
I loved The Winter series, so this one paled a bit, but was still an enjoyable read and I look forward to continuing on.
Happy holidays to you and your family!!