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The Paradise Wives’ Club
272 pages, Paperback
Published February 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 3, 2026
Thank you Palmetto Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC of The Paradise Wives’ Club by Beth Krewson Carter, out now.
Four women. Four secrets.
Think Desperate Housewives… but make them 50–60 years old, set in 1985 Florida, with a lot more emotional depth and quiet heartbreak.
Charlene is haunted by a cryptic note from her past.
Beverly, a retired bookkeeper, is quietly struggling to stay afloat financially.
Alice, a journalist, carries the wounds of a loveless childhood and a painful marriage.
And Marta is hiding an identity that could unravel everything she’s built.
On the surface, their lives look polished and perfect. Behind closed doors? Not so much. Each woman is fighting her own private battle.
I loved how each storyline felt distinct yet woven together by friendship and solidarity. This isn’t flashy drama - it’s the slow, intimate kind that sneaks up on you and hits right in the heart.
Alice’s story affected me the most. Her grief, her past marriage, and the weight of the secrets she carries felt raw and very human.
Marta’s storyline was equally compelling, especially the fear of her truth coming to light. That said, Ruth (the nurse) was a tougher character for me. I understand the historical context and what the author was trying to explore, but her approach felt harsh and entitled, which made those scenes uncomfortable rather than empathetic.
Still, the novel handles heavy topics - child loss, identity, financial strain, illness, hidden relationships, motherhood struggles - with a gentle, non-judgmental touch. It’s thoughtful rather than sensational, which I really appreciated.
Overall, this is a quietly powerful story about friendship, resilience, and the complicated lives women live behind the “everything’s fine” smile.
Highly recommend if you enjoy character-driven women’s fiction with heart.
Four women. Four secrets.
Think Desperate Housewives… but make them 50–60 years old, set in 1985 Florida, with a lot more emotional depth and quiet heartbreak.
Charlene is haunted by a cryptic note from her past.
Beverly, a retired bookkeeper, is quietly struggling to stay afloat financially.
Alice, a journalist, carries the wounds of a loveless childhood and a painful marriage.
And Marta is hiding an identity that could unravel everything she’s built.
On the surface, their lives look polished and perfect. Behind closed doors? Not so much. Each woman is fighting her own private battle.
I loved how each storyline felt distinct yet woven together by friendship and solidarity. This isn’t flashy drama - it’s the slow, intimate kind that sneaks up on you and hits right in the heart.
Alice’s story affected me the most. Her grief, her past marriage, and the weight of the secrets she carries felt raw and very human.
Marta’s storyline was equally compelling, especially the fear of her truth coming to light. That said, Ruth (the nurse) was a tougher character for me. I understand the historical context and what the author was trying to explore, but her approach felt harsh and entitled, which made those scenes uncomfortable rather than empathetic.
Still, the novel handles heavy topics - child loss, identity, financial strain, illness, hidden relationships, motherhood struggles - with a gentle, non-judgmental touch. It’s thoughtful rather than sensational, which I really appreciated.
Overall, this is a quietly powerful story about friendship, resilience, and the complicated lives women live behind the “everything’s fine” smile.
Highly recommend if you enjoy character-driven women’s fiction with heart.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review:
This book was so beautiful to read. It is a wonderful story about friendship and confidence in those bonds. And it tackles more than just our deep, dark secrets that we try to keep hidden. It touches on the struggles of parenting, marriage, aging, finances, healthcare, and self-care. But it also focuses on the security of knowing that you have not only found your village, but that your village is also your own found family.
The end of this book had me in tears. It was a perfect closure to the story. And while the tear-inducing end was lovely, it was also a smidge inconvenient because I was sitting at an airport gate waiting to board a flight.
This book was so beautiful to read. It is a wonderful story about friendship and confidence in those bonds. And it tackles more than just our deep, dark secrets that we try to keep hidden. It touches on the struggles of parenting, marriage, aging, finances, healthcare, and self-care. But it also focuses on the security of knowing that you have not only found your village, but that your village is also your own found family.
The end of this book had me in tears. It was a perfect closure to the story. And while the tear-inducing end was lovely, it was also a smidge inconvenient because I was sitting at an airport gate waiting to board a flight.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Four women in Paradise Harbor thought they had their lives under control, but life showed them, they didn't have control. They each have their own secrets, and secrets sometimes have a way of getting out. That is what is happening in this story. But this one is different, it wasn't about gossip or shame, it was about the healing power, of dealing with with their past, the secrets, and all that they go through as they face their secrets, and how they all end up. I enjoyed this story, with them sharing their journey and facing their past. Sometimes facing things feels like a healthy cleansing.
I received an ARC from Palmetto Publishers through NetGalley.
I received an ARC from Palmetto Publishers through NetGalley.
January 29, 2026
Just ok
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews