The Tropical Ticket

Hilton Head Island #5

by Elana Johnson, Liz Isaacson

Bessie Clifton adores baking. With her daughter Wynona by her side, she's turned her passion for the perfect loaf of bread into a dream for a bakery. They move to Hilton Head Island and work to get their shop open with the help of Bessie's five best friends.

It's not just a relocation.

It's a reinvention.

Bessie's life has been all about kneading dough, raising her daughter, and supporting her Supper Club ladies, but she's never felt truly loved or appreciated for her gifts. As she settles into island life, she's determined to make the most of this opportunity and discover what she's been missing.

Enter Oliver Blackhurst, the grumpy owner of The Mad Mango smoothie shop. Bessie's sunshine and warmth seem to clash with his prickly exterior. But when they get paired up to participate in the Island Heritage Festival, Bessie and Oliver find that their contrasting flavors create an irresistible chemistry.

As Bessie's bakery becomes the talk of the town, Oliver's walls begin to crumble, revealing a man who's experienced his share of heartache. Bessie wonders if her reinvention could provide the tropical ticket to true love with the island's most enigmatic bachelor.

Will Bessie's journey to self-discovery lead her to the love she's always craved? Can Oliver let go of his past and embrace the warmth that Bessie brings to his life?

Savor the sweetness of new beginnings and the spice of unexpected romance in The Tropical Ticket by USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson!

Genres: Romance

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 14, 2023

About the author

3-time USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson writes adult contemporary beach romance. She is the author of over 130 books across two names, and there's nothing better than sun, sand, and swoon-worthy kisses! Unless it's a sweet-and-sexy cowboy - read those under her pen name of Liz Isaacson. Or an emotional, heartfelt women's fiction novel - read those under her pen name of Jessie Newton.

Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com

Reviews

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can two people deeply set in their ways learn compromise together? I feel like that’s the most important lesson I’m going to come away from this book with: learning, especially learning how to get along with other people, never stops no matter what age you get to be. Oliver and Bessie have largely rubbed each other the wrong way from the very first moment they met. I loved watching them get to know each other and lower their defenses. Of course, there were still misunderstandings and stumbles along the way, but I thought the way they each supported the other in their endeavors was very sweet and something to aspire to in any relationship.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

[Dava Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a sweet fun super beachy romance when you want something you don’t have to think too much about.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Once I got to know Bessie more I really didn’t like her personality. I was like she was always making jabs and lashing out at Oliver.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been enjoying this series that tells the stories of a group of women from a supper club who’ve become close friends and who have one by one moved to Hilton Head, SC. This book featured Bessie who was quiet, fairly upbeat, and usually content to be in the background. She was ready to reinvent her life and she thought that following her dream of starting her own bread bakery was just the ticket to accomplish her goal. As a new business owner, she was paired with a more experienced businessman to sell their wares in a booth at an extremely profitable community festival. Unfortunately, the businessman was Oliver who had been somewhat disagreeable and discouraging to Bessie when she was looking for a location for her new endeavor. But now something’s different and intriguing about Oliver and Bessie decides to give him a chance to change her opinion of him. I loved both Bessie’s and Oliver’s stories and the tidbits of news about previous characters that were woven in. My favorite thing about this series is the supportive relationships among all of the women despite their different personalities. It is so inspiring. I loved this book! I received an ARC and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by the author and I’m glad I stumbled on the book. The characters were wonderful, each so different. The main male character Oliver was well written and I like that he had faults and wasn’t the perfect male. He had some real issues and the main female character, Bessie, had to decide where he was worth being with or not. The story line of mid-age characters dating is always an interesting one and this especially since there were several different couples mentioned at different levels in their relationship. The setting in Hilton Head was great as well. I really liked that the women of the story all moved from Texas to Hilton Head and had get togethers to keep their friendship strong. Very good, clean romance book that I highly recommend.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bessie, with her daughter, Wyn, has moved to Hilton Head, where all her friends have moved to. She's achieved her dream to open a bakery based solely on bread. Now she's met Oliver, who runs the smoothie shop and seems grumpy!
Oliver is grumpy cos he has walls, he doesn't feel like he fits anywhere, he loves his smoothie shop but a woman changed him. Now he has feelings for Bessie and he's not sure how to deal with them.
They end up paired for the Festival together, in a large booth.
Bessie isn't very business oriented , she can bake but her daughter runs the business side and Oliver sorts all that for the Festival.
Can they sort our their feelings? Will Oliver get rid of his walls?

Another good read in the series from Elana

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that Oliver and Bessie were a mature couple. The beginning of their relationship was not smooth. They seemed to be unsure of where they stood with one another. That uncertainty came across very clearly in this book. Their rough road made this book a little difficult for me to read. I did get frustrated with the ups and downs.

Ultimately, the rough edges smoothed out and they made it to their HEA. I did like the relationships between all of the friends. They were loving, loyal, and supportive.

I would liked to have been given an update on the situation with Oliver and Cam's father. That seemed to have fallen off with no further discussion.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this series about friends in a Supper Club who moved, one by one, from Texas to Hilton Head. They are older women, many finding love in the latter half of life. They have older children, living their own lives.

Oliver owns a Smoothie Shop on Hilton Head. He is a handsome Southern Gentleman, but somewhat difficult personality. Bessie and her daughter Wynona, Wyn for short, opened a bakery on Hilton Head after moving from Texas. Sparks fly between Oliver and Bessie, mostly coming from the friction between them. They have a difficult relationship. Both still dealing with baggage from their pasts. Can they smooth things out? I have received an ARC of this book and am giving an honest review.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Bessie Clifton and her daughter Wynona open a bread store in Hilton Head and she decides to participate in the Heritage Festival. She is paired with Oliver Blackhurst who owns the Mad Mango smoothie shop. She learns a lot from working with Oliver and starts dating him, but his dark moods often cause her distress, but she sees his softer side and her sunshine brings out the best in him. This uplifting book spotlights differences in people and how to understand and get along with others. A great addition to this interesting series.

[Leann Arave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great love story for the Supper Club ladies. Bessie and Oliver's story is very sweet. I loved that they both had vulnerable moments and needed each other to give them strength and encouragement. I enjoyed catching up on the lives of the other ladies of the supper club. I didn't think I would enjoy reading about middle years love stories, but the books in this series have changed my mind. I am especially thankful to the author for keeping her books clean and still having the sweet kisses and tender romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Rebecca Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 Down

Though this isn't usually my 1st choice for reading material (a series on love and relationships between woman )
I was interested in how a group of women relocating from Texas to South Carolina was going to unfold into a 6 book series. Having read 5 of 6, the author does a great job on character development. That being said, i didn't enjoy Book 5, because I found the woman and man = a couple to be boring and infantile. I had to skim through some of their conversations. 4 out of 5 isn't bad for a total of decent enough entertainment. What will surface with the final book of the series ? I actually have no idea!

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great series. The Supper Club is such a great and supportive group of ladies. This story follows Bessie’s path to a second chance love. Bessie and her daughter Wynona own a Bread Bakery. Oliver owns the Mad Mango, when Bessie and Oliver it was not the best but after being forced to work together things change. Oliver comes up with such creative dates that are so fun. The chemistry between them is so great, I loved the interaction between Bessie and Oliver, the characters are all so great and the story is wonderful, I highly recommend this great book.

[Paula Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elana Johnson creates the best characters, and Bessie and Oliver do not disappoint! Oliver’s a little bit grumpy and Bessie’s always felt a little bit invisible. As they begin to spend time together, they compliment each other in ways that brings out the best in both of them. Dreams come true on Hilton Head Island for these two as they both deal with their pasts with the help of each other and Bessie’s wonderful group of Supper Club friends. I received this book as an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.

Oliver is complicated, until you see that's he's been hurt and is scared of being hurt again.
He'd be perfect for a woman that was more outspoken, but surely not for Bessie...
Except that Bessie is stepping up to call him out on his behavior, or replying to his snarky comments with snarky comments of her own... and really enjoying the time she spends with him.

The two complement each other so well. They make each other stronger and grow beyond their comfort zones.

[Kylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read. To be honest I usually don’t like stories about older couples, but this whole series has changed my mind drastically. Oliver and Bessie both have come out of hurtful situations that really shaped who they had become. It was so much fun reading about how they started bringing about changes in each other. I have read each book in this series and love how the author brings all the characters together in each one. Read this series in order and you will be glad you did. I was blessed to be able to read this book early and you will be blessed too.

[Shelley Wahls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Bessie's story, she and her daughter move to Hilton Head to start a bakery, Bessie is a lovely character who feels overlooked. Enter Oliver, he doesn't over look her, he drives her insane. They are have to work on a project together, sparks fly. This is one of my favorite pairings in this series, which is a GREAT over 50 series. Can these two overcome their differences and find true love? I love the friendhip relationships in this series, it is so heartwarming, you cannot go wrong if your're looking for a clean read that any age can enjoy.

[Sharon Tipton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Supper Club Ladies are together again. This is a wonderful, and fun book. Bessie Clayton and her daughter , Winona move to Hilton Head, S.C. to open a bakery and be closer to their friends. She runs into Oliver Blackhurst , who runs the shop next door . They do not hit it off very well. They get thrown together getting ready for a festival and finally hit it off. Love this series, they are all second chances and having backups. I received an arc of this book and I highly recommend reading it

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. Bessie and Oliver are such different personalities. Being forced to work together for the Heritage Festival, they discover more facets and depth in each other. I love the Supper Club ladies and it’s always nice to catch up with them. The dates Oliver plans are unique and I really enjoyed reading them. Great story and characters.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Reading in the Heartland (Michaela) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying this women’s fiction romance series. The strong core group of friends is good to see. These are all later in age, another chance for love romances. It’s been fun getting to know the coastal beachy town and escape my landlocked residence. Two business owner, one grumpy and the other sunshine. It was a lovely read.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story about older people, their friendships, and loves. Bessie does not even like Oliver at first, but she starts to see a better version of himself. Bossy, but a great business man, they become partners for a festival. Their relationship evolves nicely and they learn a lot about each other. Just the way it should be. The location where this takes place is beautiful and I loved the beach walks.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elana Johnson does it again with this wonderful addition to the series.
Bessie and her daughter have just opened their bakery on the island. For some reason Oliver rubs her the wrong way, but she finds him very attractive. He invites her to a meeting for small local businesses where they are paired together for the upcoming festival.
Join the fun as they make their way through grumpy man meets shy uncertain woman.
*I received this book as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Alison Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bessie has a lot going on with the move to Hilton Head, opening the new bakery, participating in the Heritage Festival and trying a new relationship with Oliver who finds it hard to express feelings . Both have self worth doubts but balance each other out. I liked both characters and the way they supported each other. Very enjoyable.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved the do-over wishes they share with each other. Bessie and Oliver have a rocky start with sparks flying. I love reading about older couples - those not in their teens, twenties or even thirties - shows we all desire love no matter our age. Seeing them navigate their past relationship issues, family, friends and their own businesses was one great read. We all still need to grow and mature. I always love going back to Hilton Head Island and catching up with the ladies and their men. Looking forward to Sage's book.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed Oliver and Bessie’s story. I had been waiting for it and it didn't disappoint. These two are so good for each other. I enjoyed that the book is about an older couple and I enjoy that the author includes the characters from the previous books. I can't wait to read more books about these women that started with a super club.

[Char K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading A Tropical Ticket! It was great getting caught up with all the ladies from the Supper Club. What a beautiful story of the hate to love relationship between Bessie and Oliver. I'm looking forward to reading about Sage as her story blossoms. Thanks Elana for another great read. I highly recommend!

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bessie’s journey of self discovery is exciting and sweet as she and her daughter move to Hilton head island. Oliver is grumpy and a little prickly and has been hurt in love before. Their story is a wonderful read as they move pass their insecurities, previous hurts and relationship issues and come to work together. I love their journey, their snark and ultimately their hea.

[Jane Weiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives hope of never to old and new ideas become realistic for middle age ladies. Again Elena weaves interesting characters with all kinds of personalities into doing things they thought out of their reach. You will enjoy this inspiring story and rethink can I do that.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only we could all have do overs. Oliver and Bessie start off rocky but there is a definite attraction. They bring out the best in each other. The characters are great and I really love the supper club ladies and how they are there for each other. Great read!

[Ruth Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful series

I love the friendships of all these characters. They have all moved across country to continue their friendships knowing their families have their own lives to live. Each one of them have found their own happiness as well as shared their friendships.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet grumpy/sunshine romance.. Full of emotion, sass, and charm. Very pleased with it.