Thank you to @littlebrown, @netgalley, and @elinhilderbrand for the early gifted copy of Troubles In Paradise. It is out October 6!

I was incredibly lucky to read the first two books of this trilogy while on two separate trips to Jamaica. What is better than reading an Elin Hilderbrand book while on a beach in the Caribbean? Um, nothing! I was actually going to round out reading this trilogy while on a third trip to Jamaica. Then COVID-19 said “HAHAHAHA, nope!”, and so my scenic view for this book was my living room. Sadly, my trip has now been postponed twice, but at least I was lucky enough to receive an e-ARC of Troubles In Paradise.

This is one of those trilogies where you wish it could go on forever. The characters become like friends and family to you, and you just don’t want to say goodbye. I can’t say much about the plot of Troubles In Paradise without spoiling it for readers who haven’t yet delved in to the first two books, but I can say that this third book wraps up the trilogy in a very satisfying way. This book was classic Queen Elin—humorously witty, entertaining, and engaging. Pick up the Paradise trilogy (Winter In Paradise, What Happens In Paradise, and Troubles In Paradise) for a great family saga that you won’t soon forget!

I love all things Elin Hilderbrand. I look forward to every new title and almost always read her new books in one day. This book did a great job of wrapping up all the loose ends of the Paradise trilogy. The book left us with closure. However, if you did not read the first two books, you probably wouldn't love this book. This didn't have the excitement of the first two books but it was still satisfying.

The final book in Elin's paradise trilogy does not disappoint! Like the others, the book ended too quickly. I was absorbed in following how Irene would adapt to her new life, and how her sons Cash and Baker do the same. Family drama, secrets, infidelity, and relationship drama all come through in a book too perfect for a rainy, sunny, or any afternoon. If you're a fan of Elin's other books, read this (and the first two in the trilogy) as soon as you can!

Thank you to Netgalley and to Little, Brown and Company for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

It's been a long time since a series grabbed me the way Elin Hilderbrand's Paradise series did. I read the entire trilogy in less than a week (and I read Troubles in Paradise in just one day!) and now I'm so sad to say goodbye to the Steele family and their friends on St. John. For readers who've followed the adventures of the Steele family for several years (although the events of the books span just a few months), Troubles in Paradise will be a satisfying ending.

So often a surprise pregnancy seems like a plot device from a lazy author with no better ideas of how to move her characters along. But the story of Ayers's pregnancy was well done and felt natural. Although the love stories between Ayers and Baker and Cash and Tilda were cute, to me the heart of the book is the love story between Irene and Huck. In fact, they may be my favorite fictional couple that I've read about all year. Because of their easy chemistry together, I found it hard to understand Irene's reaction when Huck showed her Rosie's diaries. That just didn't ring true to me. And plus, I really just wanted Huck and Angler Cupcake to reunite as soon as possible and their time apart felt wasted. Tilda and her parents were the only characters that I never felt I really got a good handle on. That said, I'm not sure I would have wanted any more time spent on them which would have been time away from the core characters.

I liked the addition of Maia's perspective in some chapters, as well as the chapters told from the voice of the island. That rounded out the vibe of the book nicely. The one other small complaint I had about the book is that the ending felt a little off. I understood why Hilderbrand wanted to include Hurricane Irma, but moving from the appearance of Marilyn Monroe to the appearance of the hurricane felt a little rushed. The storyline about Todd Croft's shady business dealings had been a thread throughout the entire series, really the reason the events of the books happened at all, and yet the explanations was just dumped in our laps and then that was that. For example, Oscar!!! Oscar was involved and tried to save the day and was murdered? And we didn't even take five minutes to digest that? I'd rather have spent more time on processing those bombshells and skipped the bits about Teresa, Huck's ex, and the visit of Baker's school wives. And while I've read a number of Hilderbrand's books, I didn't know who Margaret Quinn was so I felt annoyed that the precious final chapters of the book were dedicated so heavily to a character who wasn't even a part of the world of this series. But I'm sure her appearance will be a treat to readers who have read all of HIlderbrand's books.

Lastly, I have rarely felt so transported to a book's location as I did with this series. Although I've never been to the Virgin Islands, I feel like I have thanks to Hilderbrand's writing. I can vividly picture the rugged streets clogged with donkeys, the tiny dive bars serving Painkillers by the bucketful, the luxury resorts on white sandy beaches, and the swim up pizza joints. Now I'm dying to go visit!

Anyway, the way all of the storylines were wrapped up in a way that felt very true to life and genuine and I could see all of the characters on their way to happy endings which softened the blow of saying goodbye to them. For reader friends who have never read Hilderbrand, this series is now what I'll recommend as an introduction to her writing. I understand that she plans to retire in a few years and all I have to say is "NOOOO!! Please Elin, don't do it!!!"

Note: I'll also be posting a review of this on my Bookstagram on pub day, as well as a review on my blog at the end of September. I'll update then with links to those posts.

Of the trilogy, this was probably my least favorite of them. I was so excited to read the continuing story of the characters whom I'd fallen in love with, and was relieved to have had answers to everything the previous books had left open.

What I didn't like was how the end of the story felt thrown together, rushed almost. I felt like it added more new questions almost, needing to know what happens after the new event at the end of the book.

I love Elin's writing style and I love how she can put so many characters togther with such detail and allow the reader to keep them separate.

As always Elin does not disappoint. I am so sad to see this trilogy end! I have hung on every word of this series and am sad to see the story of Cash, Baker, Ayers, Maia, Hicks and Irene end. Elin did such a great job of wrapping up all of the lose ends. This is a definite read but not until you have read the first two Paradise books!

I read this book in 1 day. I really enjoyed the series and all the drama that goes on in a family. I found myself reading as fast as I could to see if there would be a happy ending or not.

I love all things Elin Hilderbrand! This was a wonderful conclusion to the trilogy! All her books feel like a warm hug and this was no exception. I want to be friends with the characters, I want to travel to St. John and experience the life of the small town! Definitely the conclusion we needed and if you have read the other paradise books you definitely need to add this to your TBR this fall. If you haven’t read the Paradise series then you just need to add the whole collection to your TBR, it will keep you cozy during the fall season!

This book was a wonderful conclusion to the trilogy. I love this author and her books make me want to run to the destination immediately to experience the sun, the food and meet the characters. They become old friends that you want in your life. While many of their decisions are maddening, they are real and that is what makes them so wonderful. My only issue with this book was the Ayers and Baker story. I felt that it was a little too easy and pat if you will. I think the Irene Huck story was really well developed and nuanced. I think with the number of characters in the books it was hard to fine resolution effectively with all of them. The Winter Street series was still my favorite and I loved the cameos at the end. Really enjoy the books written by this author and based on all accounts I have seen about her she is as lovely as the characters she writes about.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this wonderful book. Highly recommend it!

Though I'm always sad to see a great series end, what a wonderful ride it was! This is the third book in the Winter and Paradise series and the best of the bunch. Hilderbrand checked all the boxes keeping the surprises coming and wrapping things up in a really satisfying way. Loved the characters and the ambiance of this island series!

The final installment of the Paradise trilogy. Perfect, as always.
I received a free copy from the the publisher and Netgalley.

As always, I love a good Elin Hilderbrand book. I was so excited to read this last part of the series! While I didn't enjoy it as much as the Winter Street series, the characters were just as lovable and kept me invested in their lives until the end.

Book #3 of The Paradise Series was the cherry on top of the perfect ice-cream sundae. I loved this book. I have recommended this series to others and will say that Troubles in Paradise introduced us to the family even more and also offered closure. The underlying mystery in this book is subtle, but I enjoyed it unraveling while I got to know more about the island and its residents. A must read series by one of my favorite authors!

I have reviewed this book for the New York Journal of Books where it will be posted on their site the night before the release date.

"Troubles in Paradise" by Elin Hilderbrand
Little, Brown & Company
October 6, 2020
10-0316435589
Contemporary Women's Fiction
352 pages

How many who have been forced to deal with a life crisis can start over—and in a tropical setting, no less? Irene Steele’s life is turned upside down after learning Russ, her beloved husband of three decades had another family with a young daughter. Irene discovers this when she is notified that Russ perished in a helicopter accident with the pilot and his mistress, Rosie.

Irene settles in Russ's palatial villa in St. John, Virgin Islands, with her two sons, Cash and Baker, and with Baker's son, Floyd. Imagine her shock when the FBI seizes all of Russ's assets, including the villa and their Victorian home in Iowa. Unknown to Irene, Russ's employment handled unethical dealings, which now are coming to light leaving Irene faced with nothing—no husband, no home, and no money. And it appears the crash taking Russ's life and that of his companions may be considered murder and not an accident.

Captain Sam Powers, who goes by Huck, is Rosie's stepfather, and he asks Irene to work with him on his boat, which she loves, but talk about a convoluted situation. Huck and Irene are fond of each other and grandparents to Rosie's daughter, Maia, whom they adore, though Irene is in turmoil. She is angry, but she cannot take out her indignation on a child, and though she trusts Huck, she questions if he knew Russ was married. Meanwhile, needing a place to live and an ear to listen, Huck offers both, which she accepts, temporarily.

Baker, who has been a stay-at-home dad while his physician wife works, is divorcing her after learning she is a lesbian and wants to be with her lover. Gaining custody of Floyd, they are thrilled to move to this tropical land. Previously when in St. John after his father's death, he met a woman named Ayers Wilson, who was Rosie's best friend, and he is drawn to her.

Cash, a ne'er do well son who can't seem to hold a job, loves the island, and the first to meet Ayers gets a position with her on a fishing boat.

Ayers discovers Rosie's journals and ponders if she should turn them over to the FBI or to Huck or Irene. Her better judgment suggests Huck should read them, and after he does, he gives them to Irene. This causes more heartbreak for Irene.

Irene confronts Huck accusing him of knowing Rosie was with a married man, whom they all called "The Invisible Man" for no one ever met Russ:

Huck says, "'I knew Rosie was dating someone; I asked to meet him, and Rosie was dead set against it. I didn't push. Maybe I should have, but she was a grown woman.'

"'She was living under your roof! She was your—’

"'Daughter,' Huck says, 'Yes, yes, she was. But you have two grown children of your own, Irene. Are you accountable for their actions?'

"'My sons are good people,' Irene says. 'I raised them right.'

"'Fine, I agree, you did. That's now my point. My point is you can't control how they act. Cash lost the stores in Colorado. Was that your fault? Both Baker and Cash lied to Ayers about who they were when they first met. Was that your fault?'

"'No,' Irene says.

"'Rosie made a mistake, Irene, but as the saying goes, it takes two to tango. That affair was fifty percent her fault."

Irene is starting to believe Huck was aboveboard, but after reading Rosie’s journal, her distrust of him escalates to the point where she quits her job with him and moves out of his house.

Huck is heartbroken and wants to do anything to win her back. Ever since Rosie's mother died, he has been lonely, and Irene is the only woman he is interested in. Can he persuade her of his feelings and that they shouldn't be punished for other's mistakes?

A hurricane is in the forecast and while most residents evacuate, Irene’s and Huck’s family refuse to leave with too much at stake. Little were they prepared for the fury and devastation this storm brings, but along with it, Irene ascertains some hard truths, gains a greater closeness with her sons and grandchildren, and understands it is possible to start over after being so grievously wounded.

Irene is a likable, though somewhat naive character. How many women would accept the "love child" of their husband? She seems too blasé about Russ's dealings and relationships, but could she have realized her marriage has been a farce for a long time?

Laid-back Huck is the picture of a loving grandfather and a hardworking fisherman who knows what he wants and goes after it. Though Baker is devoted to Floyd, he also is young and in love with Ayers. Cash is another story where his immaturity is prevalent, though circumstances change him in a good way.

Huck and Irene's granddaughter, Maia, is the one to feel empathy for as she is caught in the middle of a situation not of her doing, but one that leaves her confused.

What makes this novel compelling is that the primary characters offer their own point of view in differing chapters giving the reader greater insight into each other's thoughts and feelings.

Trouble in Paradise demonstrates how acceptance can come from heartache as well as renewal, romance, with an added touch of suspense and mystery. As usual, Hildebrand's panache for delighting her readers with colorful settings and well-fleshed out and plausible characters offers a very pleasing read.

Troubles in Paradise
Elin Hilderbrand
October 6, 2020


It’s time to return to the Virgin Islands, St. John specifically. Our first stop was in Hilderbrand’s book, Winter in Paradise. It was a great meeting of many familiar characters. Next on the list was What Happens in Paradise where we find ourselves in Iowa with Irene Steele who finally finished furnishing her dream home. Her husband, Russell came and went with his new business with partner Todd Croft. She had no idea what he actually did in that business but figured all was well. He would return to Iowa City from time to time but most of his life was spent on the island of St. John with his girlfriend, Rosie and his daughter Maia. He would fly from place to place in the Caribbean dealing with assorted marketing firms. Irene planned to vacation in their home on the island right after the new year. The book ended with a huge conclusion. Russell, aka ‘The Invisible Man’, was killed in a helicopter crash with Rosie and his pilot, Robert. Irene gathered her family and was headed to St. John.
Trouble in Paradise begins with Irene and her boys Cash, Baker and her grandson, Floyd. Irene has moved into the mansion in Little Cinnamon. She is at odds on how to handle the situation. Russ’s life on the island with Rosie and Maia has been exposed. Maia is twelve years old now and Irene realizes what a fool she has been for years. In the midst of her putting all the facts in order, the FBI arrives removing her from the mansion. She is told to pack a few things in a bag, it is checked and then told to leave. Cash, who is working on the boat Treasure Island, has no idea and will need to find housing. Baker and his son are enroute from Houston. Hilderbrand’s puzzle of characters continues to grow. Relationships of the people form the plot of the book. It is incredibly written. As in the first two novels in the series I could not put it down. Trouble in Paradise kept me burning the midnight oil for 3 nights. I dare not go further as spoilers might disturb the readers. She does however conclude this work with a visit from a special character in one of her prior books and manages to fit her in like a final puzzle piece.
Trouble in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrandt is published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. It will be published in about a month on October 6, 2020.
I appreciate their allowing me to read and review the Digital Galley edition of her latest book. I once again enjoyed the voyage to St. John and the journey that followed. In her beginning author’s note she gives us a note about the series and how the first two books should be read before the Trouble edition. I am presuming that this is her concluding book in the series.
Enjoy the ride!

Troubles in Paradise is the third and final installment in the Paradise series by Elin Hildebrand. The story brings a satisfying conclusion to the storylines of the Steele family in St.John.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Troubles in Paradise is the third and final book in Elin Hilderbrand's Paradise series. There is a note at the beginning of the book that recommends the other two books be read before this one and I agree 100%. It's not meant to be a standalone. Enough details are included that you could read it, but you'd lose so much by not reading the other two first.

There weren't a lot of loose ends in this, which was good. All questions were answered, which I appreciated. There were a few things that I didn't love about the end, however. I'm not going to include spoilers, but after reading 900 pages of the Steele family, I think I just wanted more.

The truth and background about Russell Steele and Rosie was revealed further. The romantic relationships that have been building throughout the first two books were explored and some grew. I think the character development of Irene and Huck was great. Cash, Baker and Ayers were on the back burner for more of this book. At the end, other characters are introduced (a chapter on a character from the Winter Street series, which felt out of place and a chapter on Baker's school wives from Houston that was never resolved). This book also had chapters from "St. John" which acted as an omnipresent narrator. This felt a little odd as it was not in the other books and it then provided information that wasn't in any particular character's story. Some of this information was not really necessary (did we need pages on Teresa, someone Huck went on a date with years ago?)

Overall, I loved reading about St. John and I could totally picture the island. Hilderbrand did a great job of capturing the island vibe and creating memorable characters, but the first book in this series was definitely the best. This book was good, and a great conclusion to the series.

Troubles in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand is the satisfying conclusion of the Paradise series set in the Virgin Islands. It doesn’t take long to catch up from where readers left off in book 2: Irene’s SOB husband had been cheating on her for a dozen years and had a second family only to be blown up with his girlfriend in a helicopter. Irene and her two sons and a grandson decided to move to this paradise and start anew only to have her dead husband’s villa ripped from them because it was obtained through illegal means.

What are Irene, Baker, and Cash to do without a home and the means to live in this paradise? Fortunately, Irene is left some resources when her mother-in-law’s estate is settled and Baker’s ex-wife-to-be shares half of her hiring bonus…just enough to put the family back on steady footing. How they will move forward with each complication thrown in their way remains to be seen.

Elin Hilderbrand lives on Nantucket where many of her novels are set. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the graduate fiction workshop at the University of Iowa, Hilderbrand recently said on an episode of “Friends and Fiction” that she plans to retire after a couple more books. Readers will miss her!!!

My review will be posted on Goodreads starting September 8, 2020.

I’d like to thank Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for an objective review.

Elin Hildrebrand wrapped up this series with an enjoyable read about a family in crisis who find friendship in paradise. Not as predictable as I expected, the author did a good job with developing the characters and keeping the reader. Thought for sure Irene was going to come across information to locate millions of dollars that Russ put aside.
Although I like the cover and it coordinates with the other two titles in series, none of the characters could be found lounging in a hammock in Trouble in Paradise.

I really enjoyed this story! I did not read the two previous books until I read the authors note and then went and bought them. I fell in love with this series. It is the PERFECT beach read and I enjoyed it so much. I will definitely be reading more books by this author. Thank you Net galley and publisher for this advanced copy. If you are looking for a fun, light, quick read pick up this book! I give this book five out of five stars.