Member Reviews
I love Elin Hilderbrand books and this is no exception! What a wonderful addition to the paradise series. Can't rave about this one enough!
Disclaimer: I jumped in and did not read the first two in this series. (I have my reasons, one of which is that often patrons will pick a title up not knowing it's a series and I like to know which ones hinge on reading in order and which can be enjoyed without all the background info of previous novels).
That being said, Hilderbrand is really popular with some of our adult patrons, so I gave this one a whirl. Her writing is compelling and keeps the story rolling. I am a sucker for any story that includes St. John especially (or any tropical island). This would be good for a reader who likes to live vicariously through a character/world full of wealth and privilege.
Thanks for the ARC!
Love this series of a family with many secrets I adore all Elin’s books and sad for this series to end. The family finds there way back to help each other get pass a tragedy.
After 28 Summers, my absolute favorite Hilderbrand, this series finale wasn’t necessary a let-down, but more of a disjointed, thrown-together story with an ending that lacked flow.
Any series finale is worth the read if you like the characters and the setting, which I enthusiastically do! Hilderbrand’s signature detailed description of St. John made me fall in love with the place. Like I traveled to Nantucket, I now want to see St. John. For that reason alone, I enjoyed the book.
Hilderbran'd's Trouble series is highly anticipated and an instant read. I have read the previous installments and loved them all. I love the new tropical location and colorful characters mixed with real family drama to figure out what happened to the missing husband. Is her really dead or just faked his dead when he got stuck with money problems and a mistress and child. Go read this!
This review is of the final book in a trilogy. If you haven’t read Winter in Paradise or What Happens in Paradise yet, this review may contain spoilers.
It’s no secret that the Winter Street series holds a lot of sentimental value to me so when it came to an end, I was excited for a new series by Hilderbrand. I didn’t love this one as much, but it has some mystery vibes and i like to dub it “thriller light.”
I feel kind of lukewarm about this book, and the series in general. As always, Elin creates a cast of characters that deal with Rich People Problems and writes in a compulsively readable way. Often, I can’t put her books down even I’m not * loving * what’s going on. This series has definitely made me want to visit St. John though.
Thank you to Little, Brown for my copy of Troubles in Paradise. All thoughts are my own.
Synopsis: “After uprooting her life in the States, Irene Steele has just settled in at the villa on St. John where her husband Russ had been living a double life. But a visit from the FBI shakes her foundations, and Irene once again learns just how little she knew about the man she loved. With help from their friends, Irene and her sons set up their lives while evidence mounts that the helicopter crash that killed Russ may not have been an accident. Meanwhile, the island watches this drama unfold -- including the driver of a Jeep with tinted windows who seems to be shadowing the Steele family. As a storm gathers strength in the Atlantic, surprises are in store for the Steeles: help from a mysterious source, and a new beginning in the paradise that has become their home. At last all will be revealed about the secrets and lies that brought Irene and her sons to St. John -- and the truth that transformed them all.” —From the publisher
What I Liked:
The Tribute to St. John and the Caribbean—The USVI were devastated by hurricanes Irma and Maria is 2017 and I love that Hilderbrand used this series to showcase their beauty the resilience of its people.
The Writing—As I said, Hilderbrand’s books are always really readable. Even when the characters are behaving in ways I can’t get behind, I keep reading.
The Side Characters—I loved the side characters in this book! I would have liked to see more of them.
The Storm—I loved books that feature a storm and found the, centering on this experience, to be the most compelling part of the novel.
What Didn’t Work:
One line about a white woman having dirty hair being “one day away from dreadlocks” really rubbed me the wrong way, as locks are not dirty but a style in the Black hair community. This is really inappropriate and unfortunate to see from a writer I’ve read for years.
The plot—The plot of this one just kind of felt like…eh. It felt like nothing really happened and the climax of the story wasn’t met with an “aha!” moment I would have expected.
TW/CW: Death in a helicopter, infidelity, secret family, mention of loss of a spouse, unplanned pregnancy
Character Authenticity: 3/5 Steam Rating: N/A Overall Rating: 3/5
I struggled reading this one. Elin Hinderband has been a hit or miss for me! I really loved the first book of this series and could not put It down, the second one drug out and I felt myself just skimming this one just to finish It.
A quick easy read that made you want to visit the island of St John. As usual for this series there were many twists and turns but the ending was a feel good conclusion. I have enjoyed reading Elin Hilderbrand's books as she is one of my favorite authors.
This is the conclusion to the Paradise trilogy. It started out slow and then got really fast at the end. I didn't really care for the added POVs or thought they were necessary. But this was an exciting little trilogy that I enjoyed.
If Hilderbrand’s descriptions of the USVI don’t have you checking your travel plans, I don’t know what will! A perfect end to the trilogy, loose ends are tied up, things come full circle and everyone gets their due. The characters are inviting, unique and some are downright smackable! The setting is divine, the lush tropical scenery, the locals’ hangouts and habits took me away. The plot keeps you on the line and reels you in to keep reading long into the night. A must read for Hilderbrand fans!
This was a satisfying conclusion to the Paradise trilogy. It wasn't my favorite of the series, but it did answer a lot of questions for me, although not in ways that I would've hoped.
I love Elin Hilderbrand's books and this series was no exception. I have enjoyed following Irene and her boys as they navigate the passing of a father that they didn't know had a secret life. I don't feel this book tied up all the lose ends, hoping we may find out more down the road...
I was really looking forward to this book to find out how this trilogy would end, especially after the cliffhanger at the end of book 2, What Happens in Paradise. Irene, Cash and now Baker are living on St. John and trying to get their lives in order. There are some secrets that are finally revealed and we find out more about Russ and Todd Croft. I like the supporting characters of Huck, Ayers and Maia and how they are all involved in the story lines that are happening, and how some of the characters from previous books were brought in to the story too. The descriptions of St. John are always wonderful and make you feel like you are seeing it for yourself. Overall this was a good end to the trilogy, but I wish there would have been a few more chapters to finish the story completely.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Little, Brown and Company through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is the third and final book in the author's Caribbean series. I read and enjoyed the previous books in the series. This was the perfect ending to this series. This book once again revisits the charcters moving on and building life on the island of St. John. I found it charming and a enjoyable read that swept me away for an afternoon , I love the author's writing and how she so deftly describes the human emotions of her charcters . A very enjoyable series that i recommend.
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity.
Another amazing read by Elin Hilderbrand! A perfect book when you need an escape. The imagery and scenery had me picturing myself on a beach and the characters and plot are so entertaining with lots of twists and excitement along the way.
As always, Elin Hilderbrand brings a fabulous story ending. What a fun series this was, and I thoroughly enjoyed the last book in the trilogy.
Yay! What a great wrap-up to Elin Hilderbrand's Caribbean set trilogy. I was definitely anticipating the final book and was not disappointed. It was wonderful to return to St. John and see story lines which started in book one come to a satisfying conclusion here. This is a great beach read (even if your beach is imaginary like mine). Come for the atmosphere and stay for the drama, humor, and food envy.
*I received an egalley from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This was the perfect ending to the best series I read in 2020. I savored this book because I did not want it to end. The characters were so enjoyable. I was able to "get away" in this book. I wish there was more to the series. I am a new Elin Hilderbrand fan after devouring this series this summer. I told all my friends to read it.
I absolutely loved this series by Hilderbrand! She never disappoints and I enjoyed this trilogy even more than most. Part 3 so I’m sad to see it end but thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy. This trilogy follows two families brought together by an affair and a tragedy. Filled with secrets, family drama and summer on the island, highly recommended for any Hilderbrand fans and/or anyone who enjoys a beach read. Also, thanks for the Kenny Chesney references ❤️
I love reading Elin Hildebrand and have enjoyed this entire trilogy. A different setting for her books that conjures up the allure of island living. A real beach read!