Member Reviews

Elin Hildebrand signature style of writing & a Caribbean island - what is not to love?! I devoured this book in one day and loved every single page. My only regret is now I need to wait a year for book two in this amazing Paradise series! When Irene receives a middle of the night call informing her her husband has died on St. John USVI, she is baffled - what was her husband doing there?! Irene along with her two sons, Cash & Baker (who both have quite a few issues of their own) travel to St. Johns to gather the remains of their husband and father, respectively.

Now, this would not be an Elin Hildebrand book without some juicy drama, so of course, once the Steele family arrives, they discover that Russ owned a multi million dollar villa...with a second family. As the Steele family uncovers more and more about the life of the man they thought they knew, they encounter many USVI locals and romance and more starts to build.

In true Hildebrand style, look for a cameo from the Winter series early on! And be sure to pick this one up in October!

Was this review helpful?

I’ve never read any of Elin Hilderbrand’s books before and I rarely read this genre. On the plus side, Winter in Paradise exceeded my expectations. Hilderbrand has an easy to read style and she offers enough character study to make the reader care, not deeply but at least a little bit, about them. The story holds enough mystery to keep the reader engaged: how did Russ live an alternate life for so many years without Irene or their sons being the least bit suspicious (the explanation doesn’t seems to stand up to close scrutiny)? Why did the heliocopter crash - if it did? How was his money really earned? Why was his body identified by a non-family member and cremated quickly? On the minus side: The bereaved families’ actions and reactions are not really believable. It is not until the end of the book that Irene mentions hiring private and forensic investigators, whereas that would have been the first move - along with having an attorney present - that any person of means would make. Since this is a trilogy, the reader who cares about finding answers to these and other questions will have to wait for the next volumes to be published. Some of the details seemed unnecessary (unless Irene’s favorite wine, which Hilderbrand notes at least 6 times, is a clue) and at times I thought the entire novel could have been compressed into a novella or a long short story. Winter in Paradise will appeal to Hilderbrand’s fans and to others looking for an easy read and a lovely setting (St. Johns, USVI).

Was this review helpful?

What a surprise this is for 2 reasons. Firstly the story is phenomenal in its manipulation of known and unknown , known them unknown again. The characters are interesting and share love but just what IS love? Huck and Irene are my favorites for their truth and acceptance that you must roll with life
Secondly...what the heck? Ending with more questions and unknowns thought to have been known. I assume there will be a sequel. It's unfair to leave us hanging... It would have been 5 stars if it was wrapped up

Was this review helpful?

Winter in Paradise is the first in a trilogy. I just finished, and already it’s too long to wait for the next book. Elin Hildebrand has always been a. great writer, but after her last few books, especially this one, I have to say she’s become a powerhouse.
It’s New Year’s Eve and Irene is alone as her husband Russ is traveling for work once again. When she receives word he’s died in a helicopter accident with an unidentified female passenger and the pilot, in St. John, she’s mystified. Why is he in the tropics? And why won’t anyone give her details? Irene and her two grown sons, Baker and Cash, fly down to try and make sense of the situation, but the opposite occurs. For every question there is only more questions and speculation. I don’t want to give anything away, but once you start to read Winter in Paradise be prepared to sit until you’ve reached the last page. And then you’ll understand why the second book can’t come soon enough.

Was this review helpful?

I must admit to being skeptical about a Hilderbrand book set somewhere besides Nantucket, but my skepticism was quickly blown away by the good plotting and character development in this new book. There is a rather trite situation, a wife learning that her husband is not only dead, but had an entire secret life and family.

Setting this on the island of St. John gives the book a very different feel, including the ability to include a great deal of diversity, which is natural and not artificially included for political correctness.

Irene learns about her husband's death in a mysterious accident, and her efforts to understand are thwarted by his boss and the staff which surrounds him. Going to St. John is her attempt to unravel all the puzzle pieces that make little sense to her in her Iowa City home. Who was the mysterious woman who died with him? How did he own a luxurious home she knew nothing about?

Coming along with her are her 2 sons, Cash and Baker, each with their own load of problems and secrets. Hilderbrand also introduces a love interest, Ayers, who serves as a connection between these worlds.

A great cast of characters is introduced, but not so many that the reader would be confused. The thing that bothered me most is that this is the first book in a trilogy and I am invested enough to want to know what happened to the characters. Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this newest Hilderbrand novel and enjoy my Labor Day weekend engrossed in the beautiful island.

Was this review helpful?

Like many of Elin Hilderbrand's novels, this is told third person from several main character's POV, a formula that seems to really work for her. I loved this book, and read it pretty much every free moment I could find. Although it was set in the Virgin Islands as opposed to Coastal Eastern United States, the book had the same familiar ingredients of a Hilderbrand novel- romance, chapter cliffhangers, well-developed characters that are all somehow involved in each other's lives-- and in this particular book, a hint of a mystery. I eagerly awaited the for each book in Hilderbrand' s last winter trilogy, and thanks to this book, will eagerly be awaiting for next year's book 2. Definitely an easy author to recommend, which makes my job that much easier. Fans of Hilderbrand will enjoy reading this, and it will appeal to new readers, as well.

Was this review helpful?

If you have never been to St. John, all you have to do is pick up Elin Hilderbrand's Winter in Paradise to be literally swept up into paradise.

Then, throw in some mystery, crazy family drama and you've got yourself a winner!

Elin writes with such description that I felt like I was right back in STJ - on the beaches, in my favorite restaurants, and hiking - right along with the characters of her book. Irene seems to have the perfect life - a husband and two grown sons... but everything really as perfect as it seems? When Irene receives a phone call on New Years Eve with the life altering news of her husbands death - she gets the answer to that question. What follows is mystery, and even some romance.

I'm so excited this is a trilogy as I loved every bit of this book and can't wait to see what happens with the Steele family.

Another winner by Elin Hilderbrand!!!

Was this review helpful?

A very enjoyable beach read... although predictable.. I am curious to see what parts 2 and 3 bring.. I have some ideas and do think some of the relationships were a tad unsrurprising... but even with that, it kept me going and I look forward to more....

Was this review helpful?

Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
Starts out where all are stateside based. There are many and they don't appear to be connected til you read further.
Wish there was a list of characters at the start-feel lost.
Love the details, very descriptive of the island and the culture...
Like how everyone is connected and you learn over time just how close they are. Liked being on island time and how the tourists adjust.
Love hearing of the different jobs on the island.
Interesting how the two brothers are in love with the same woman-all kinds of love are shown in this story.
Like the mystery of the invisible man-so cool and the pirate-it just fits perfectly.
Petroglifics and trails are treasures and conch shell holds a special place in my heart also as my grandmother gave me one.
Like where the future will find them...love that this is a trilogy, can't wait to uncover more mysteries and secrets.
Received this review copy from Little, Brown and Company via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
#NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

When can I read the second and third books of this trilogy? I flew through this one and now I’m lost - I need to keep reading about Irene Steele, her family, her life unraveling and yet still she’s maintaining control... There are many twists and turns possible in the next installment for these characters, whether in Iowa, St John VI, Houston,, wherever. I really am looking forward to encouraging others to read this and I’m very anxious to read more of this trilogy. Soon! Please?!

Was this review helpful?

Another fun read from Hilderbrand, this time set on the beautiful island of St John (Virgin Islands). Even though trouble brought a widow and her two grown sons to paradise, they find themselves appreciating the magic of the caribbean vibe and the laid back locals. Look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Was this review helpful?

This is one of my favorite authors so I knew I would enjoy the book. I didn’t just enjoy it I loved it. I am sad that my friends aren’t able to read it yet because I want to talk about the story and characters. I’ve preordered a few books to gift to friends

Was this review helpful?

Yet another fabulous Elin Hilderbrand novel, the first of a trilogy. It’ s going to be a long year waiting for the next one (especially with that ending). I just binge read this in a day and loved it. Elin just keeps getting better and better. I think her last 2 or 3 books have been her best yet. Taking place, not in Nantucket, but in St Johns VI, another heavenly, perfect beach destination, the story is told through the alternating voices of the various characters, and moves along so quickly, that before you know it, it is over! Highly recommend!!
Thanks to Little, Brown & Company and Netgalley for the advance digital review copy!

Was this review helpful?

A start of a new series is always something to celebrate. Her books are perfect for a weekend escape and the new series, set in the Virgin Islands, is no different. A story of being blindsided by a love one's behavior and having to find a way to make sense of it on your own, since they are dead.Heart break, disillusionment, betrayal, loyalty family, and life collide as Irene deals with the death of her husband and she discovers that he had a life she knew nothing about and never expected.

Was this review helpful?

No! No, no no. Yes realized going in that Winter in Paradise, by Elin Hilderbrand was the first of a trilogy. But ahhh! No! How am I ever going to wait for the next one? A step away from her usual, but On Point!

Was this review helpful?

If you’re anything like me and were super sad when Hilderbrand’s last series came to an end then I’m sure you’re going to fall in love with this new series as well. Per usual the characters are immediately relatable and feel like fast friends and the setting is idyllic. It’s a departure for the author, it’s not set in Nantucket but in St. John and I’m currently trying to figure out how to talk my husband into taking me there for our tenth wedding anniversary!

Irene’s husband dies in a tragic accident and if that isn’t devastating enough the discovery of his secret double life is revealed. You hear from Irene and her two sons Baker and Cash and you also hear from St. John’s locals, Huck and Ayers. (Quick side note, don’t these characters have the most interesting names?! They’re not pointless either, they all have a story and meaning) One of the many things that intrigued me about this was that it focuses on a group of people who’s lives were heavily impacted by one man but since he dies at the start of the book you never actually get to hear from him. You definitely get a strong sense of who Russ is through the other characters narrative, but he’s this silent, looming presence who intersected lives that otherwise would’ve never crossed paths.

I was a little hesitant about reading a Hilderbrand book not set in Nantucket but I worried needlessly because the authors ability to bring a setting to life is unmatched. I have this perfect picture in my mind of how the islands look, feel, sound and smell and that’s why I need to experience it for myself! Throw in a mysterious angle and amazing characterization and you have such a fun read, I’m already dying for the second book in the series and I don’t even know if it’s done being written yet! 😂

Winter in Paradise in the words: Escapist, Picturesque and Lush.

Was this review helpful?

Irene Steele lives a normal, happy life. Then one winter night she gets a call that informs her that her husband has been found dead, and he’s nowhere near home. His body has been found on the island of St. John. Grief stricken and perplexed, Irene flies out to the island immediately. There she uncovers the shocking revelation that her husband had another family on the island. AS painful as it is, Irene is determined to find out who killed her husband and why (although if I was Irene, I would have wanted to kill him myself). This is the start of a new Winter in paradise series for Hilderbrand, and as a Mainer, I look forward to reading all the books in the series to help me escape the long cold winter

Was this review helpful?

Elin Hilderbrand gives us another stunning story filled with surprises and gorgeous beaches. The first in a trilogy and I'm already impatient for installment #2!

Was this review helpful?

An engrossing story filled with interesting characters, beautiful descriptions of the Virgin Islands that will have you packing your bags (or at least saving) for a trip of your own, and a plot that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming of the type that we can expect from Elin Hilderbrand. Irene Steele is at a crossroads in her life as are both of her sons, Cash and Baker, when she receives a phone call telling her that her husband Russ has died in a helicopter crash in the Virgin Islands, With him on the plane were a native woman and the pilot, both of whom also died. Irene and her sons go to the islands and discover that Russ had a very different and very secret life there. As they investigate Russ' past they come to find their own paths as well. I loved this book and highly recommend it.

Was this review helpful?