The Paradise Resort

by Tricia Stringer

Trouble's brewing in a luxurious hotel in the new 2026 novel from a beloved, bestselling, Australian author.

Who doesn't love a luxurious holiday? But even paradise can have an off day... A funny, warm and wise insight into the joys and challenges of finding community in the most unlikely places, from the bestselling author of The Road Trip.

As manager of a luxurious Kimberley resort, Nelda has a lot on her plate. So when Beatrice Foreston, a wealthy friend of the owner, arrives in fragile health to recuperate from an unpleasant battle with cancer, Nelda is not happy. Beatrice will need special treatment, and isn't it enough that some of the clientele are particularly obnoxious this season, and new staff Kathleen and Omar are clearly out of their depth?

Worse, Nelda has heard there is a spy in their midst - and they will have to be dealt with. Because a spy could uncover Nelda's secret, and if that happens, it could ruin the resort and destroy the livelihoods of all who depend on it.

When Kathleen starts to investigate something amiss, Nelda has no choice but to confess what she is hiding, and Beatrice, determined to get her mojo back, joins forces with them to try and put things right and save the community they all love - before it's too late.

Genres: Fiction

464 pages, Paperback

Published September 29, 2026

About the author

Tricia Stringer is a bestselling and award-winning author. Among others, her books include commercial fiction titles Table For Eight, The Model Wife and The Family Inheritance, the rural romances A Chance of Stormy Weather and Come Rain or Shine and historical sagas Heart of the Country, Dust on the Horizon and Jewel in the North, set in the 19th Century Flinders Ranges. Tricia lives in the beautiful Copper Coast region of South Australia, often exploring Australia's diverse communities and landscapes, and shares this passion for the country and its people through her authentic stories and their vivid characters.
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Reviews

[Phrynne]

The story is set in a luxurious coastal resort, near Broome in Western Australia. Beatrice Foreston is recovering from cancer surgery and needs some rest and recovery time in a warm climate. She knows the owner of the resort and is soon there enjoying the best accommodation even if she feels a little lonely.

So many characters come into play it is impossible to summarise what happens but suffice it to say each one of them is well written and life in a holiday resort is covered very informatively. The story is about friendship and kindness and it makes for compulsive reading. All very enjoyable indeed.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book

[Karren Sandercock]

The Kimberly, Western Australia. Nelda Rist is the manager of the luxury and eco-friendly Bon Beach Resort. Beatrice Foreston is the wealthy friend of the owner and when she books and arrives without a lot of notice Nelda thinks she might have a hidden agenda.

Beatrice has just finished cancer treatment in Perth, she needs a chance to recuperate and enjoys the warmer weather. Beatrice does underestimate the effect medical procedures has had, being older, she has to be careful and not overdo things.

Nelda has trouble keeping staff at the remote location, and this season she’s had some very difficult and demanding clients and she’s assuming Beatrice happy will add to her burden and workload. Nelda is worried about the resorts future, is it making a profit and she has a feeling the owner is considering selling, she’s sure a spy has been planted, it could be anyone, an employee or a guest? Nelda has been hiding a big secret, she doesn’t want it exposed, because Bon Beach Resort is more than a job to her, it’s her home and refuge.

The narrative includes two characters we met in Tricia Stringer's previous novel The Road Trip, Kathleen Allenby and Omar Hassan, together they travelled to Broome and a few weeks' later pickup temporary jobs on the Island.

I received a copy of The Paradise Resort from Harlequin Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. The story highlighted important topics, such as the resort being eco-friendly and tried to have a low impact on the environment, helping the nearby indigenous community and the connection they have to the land, how much work it took to run and keep the guests happy, and everyone relied on the Royal Flying Doctors Service for medical treatment and emergencies.

Beatrice was very different to what I was expecting, and not a snob and I liked her outlook on life and use of grounding or earthing. Kathleen knew it was important for the staff to feel valued and be part of a team, and something Nelda overlooked.

Set in the Northernmost part of Western Australia, a remote and isolated place, the mystery and secret elements were believable, anything could happen or be dropped off here and as we know the coast is vulnerable. But it wasn’t a negative story, I found it was easy to follow, relatable, heartening, uplifting and funny.

I highly recommend adding the previous novel The Road Trip and The Paradise Resort by Ms Stringer to your summer reading list and five stars from me.

[Brenda]

After Beatrice Foreston received the all clear after her cancer scare, she decided to leave the cold winter of Perth and head for the Kimberley region where her favourite resort was. She knew the owner and also knew she'd be able to stay as long as she wanted. Beatrice was in her seventies, owned companies with her brother, and was of an age she could do what she liked. So the resort was in her sights. When she arrived, after flying into Broome, the manager, Nelda, was obviously unhappy to see her. But she was professional and didn't show her discomfort.

Kathleen & Omar were new staff at the resort, with Omar suffering PTSD from his job as a paramedic. Kathleen had met him in their travels, and now they were close. The owner of the resort gave them jobs, and while Kathleen was extremely nervous of Nelda, Omar kept his thoughts to himself. But there were secrets surrounding the resort. Nelda was extremely anxious, worried of a spy in their midst, having to deal with guests who continually whinged, staff who couldn't speak English so didn't understand the rules or the guests - she wasn't sure how much longer she could take it. What would be the outcome for this magnificent Paradise Resort, and its staff?

The Paradise Resort is another amazing contemporary novel by Aussie author Tricia Stringer which I adored! Wonderful characters who are well written and play their parts well; the vivid verbal pictures of the Kimberley region, all 400,000 square kilometers of it (the resort is on a small portion of that land), the beaches nearby. I can visualise it all, and would love to visit the resort (such a shame it's fictional)! Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Harlequin Enterprises AU for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Helen]

Tricia Stringer has again taken me on a fabulous journey this time to a resort in the Kimberly’s and we meet up with Kathleen and Omar and meet some new characters, woman who are strong and caring come along and take a break with Kathleen, Beatrice and Nelda and the other fabulous characters.
Nelda is the manager of a luxury Kimberly resort and things have been a bit hard for a while now and she is a bit stressed and it can show in her mannerisms with the staff, she does have a lot on her plate and then when wealthy philanthropist, Beatrice Foreston arrives and her boss the owner Gerrard impresses upon her to ensure Beatrice is very well looked after this adds to her problems then Gerrard hires a new temporary assistant manager Kathleen and her partner Omar as a maintenance worker who Nelda is convinced will not work out and Gerrard has also dropped the bombshell that he is selling the resort and that a spy will be there checking the resort out for a potential buyer, that is the worse thought because Nelda’s secret could be uncovered and destroy the resort that she has worked at since it opened, can things get any worse for her?
As the days go by Kathleen is working out better than Nelda thought but she has big doubts about Omar when medical assistance is needed, and could Beatrice be the spy and when she thinks Kathleen is uncovering things Nelda must open up and Beatrice is there to hear all, this gives Beatrice a chance to help and get her mojo back after all she has been through and Kathleen as well is putting her past behind her and the three woman soon are making things right and bring this group of workers who really become family back together is such a lovely way.
I loved this one from start to finish, the setting, the characters and the story all come together with emotion and lots of ups and downs, I loved Kathleen and Omar in The Road Trip and I am so glad to have caught up with them again, Beatrice and Nelda both are woman who go out there and do what is needed, I do highly recommend this one another one for the keeper shelf.
My thanks to HQ Fiction and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.

[Marianne]

4.5★s
The Paradise Resort is the fourteenth stand-alone novel by award-winning bestselling Australian author, Tricia Stringer. Recovering from cancer surgery and treatment, Beatrice Foreston is feeling the July cold in Perth and decides that a stay at her friend Gerard Bon’s personal beachside retreat in the Kimberley will warm her up nicely.

Nelda Rist, manager at Bon Beach Resort already has her hands full: the staffing agency is sending her unsuitable workers; her trusted assistant manager has had to take leave to help her injured father; uncharacteristically for him, Gerard has employed a replacement assistant manager without her input, and the woman’s partner for maintenance work; and Gerard has told her he is considering selling the resort, and an anonymous representative of the potential purchaser is coming to check out the place.

And now, Beatrice Foreston, often imperious, and demanding privacy, is coming to stay.

Kathleen Allenby had been travelling in vans from Adelaide with her brother, in tandem with another couple, up through the Northern Territory and into Western Australia when she encountered Omar, a paramedic taking a break from his stressful role. And now they are at Bon Beach Resort, having lucked upon the jobs almost by accident.

Working in paradise should be a dream come true, but dealing with the prickly, domineering manager, Nelda is taking the shine off it a bit. Nevertheless, Kathleen is determined to make the best of it. She steps up to handle demanding guests, challenging situations, and concerns with staff. She takes the initiative and learns to stand up for herself, even as she and Omar are confronted with personal issues.

Among the situations that need to be handled are minor injuries, unreasonable guest expectations, expired work visas, PTSD, fractures, sprains, dehydration, infected insect bites, guest scams, premature labour, immigration predators, and early menopause. The Royal Flying Doctor Service attends four times!

Kathleen, Beatrice and Nelda are three very different women who gradually find themselves, rather to their surprise, offering each other support, respect and friendship. Readers of Stringer’s previous novel, The Road Trip, will already be familiar with Kathleen and Omar, and enjoy the further development of their story, and her other protagonists have similar depth and appeal. Engaging and thought-provoking, this is Stringer at her best.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and HQ Fiction.

[Kylie H]

This book follows on from The Road Trip. The book centres on a resort near Broome in Western Australia. Kathleen and Omar have picked up work at the resort while on a trip around Australia. Omar, taking a break from work as a paramedic, and Kathleen is assisting the manager Nelda. Unfortunately Nelda seems to be quite rigid and close minded, quick to jump on errors and take out her frustrations on others.
Meanwhile, Beatrice Foreston is recuperating from cancer treatment and decides to head north from Perth to her friend Gerard's resort to completely unwind. Having lived a life of wealth and privilege, she is now missing her PA and confidante, and to be honest with herself, quite lonely and lost.
The resort brings together a diverse group of personalities mixing resort life with hard work. It was thoroughly entertaining and also luring to take a break and go on a holiday!
Happy to recommend this very good book about life, trust and friendship. Thank you Netgally and Harlequin Australia for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.

[Sharah Powell]

I am a big fan of Tricia Stringer and The Paradise Resort was just as wonderful as I hoped it to be. Following on from The Road Trip, Tricia’s latest book focuses on Kathleen (my favourite character from the previous book) and Omar as they pause their travels down the Western Australian coast to take up seasonal work at Bon’s Beach Resort. Between dealing with the difficult resort manager (Nelda), along with several high maintenance guests and a few secretive staff members, Kathleen and Omar have their work cut out for them. Luckily, they are in the beautiful Kimberly region of WA so the beautiful beach sunsets, friendly local community, and a newly formed friendship with Beatrice, a rich elderly guest, make all the drama worthwhile! Thank you to HQ insiders for an ARC.

[Janene]

This was a warm, enjoyable read set against the beautiful backdrop of a luxury resort in the Kimberley. I really enjoyed Nelda and Beatrice as the central characters, along with catching up with some familiar faces in Kathleen and Omar.

There’s enough mystery running through the story to keep things interesting, but for me this book was really about the characters, the relationships that develop between them and the sense of community that gradually grows. It has humour and heart, some more thoughtful moments, and that lovely Australian setting that adds so much to the story.

Warm, engaging and very Australian, this was an easy book to settle into and simply enjoy. A lovely story about community, friendship and the fact that even in paradise, things are rarely quite as perfect as they appear.

[Lee at ReadWriteWish]

Set in a beach resort in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, this book elicited so many thoughts of early morning yoga sessions, afternoons relaxing by a pool, and sunset beach walks, that I may or may not have flicked through booking.com after finishing.

I liked how the three main characters were all females 'of a certain age', all facing realistic and relatable issues. Stringer did include some topical themes with a light touch that probably suited the style of the book.

Romance is also included with a light touch, maybe a bit too light for my liking. I wouldn't have complained if there was more romance involved. Again, though, it did probably suit the style of the book.

The book might have been what I needed after a few heavy reads. It's the perfect holiday read, relaxing with a summery setting.

3 out of 5

Thank you to HQ Insiders for my ARC

[Basha]

A feel good australian novel
I love Tricia Stringer’s novels. They are always so heartwarming, and this new novel certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Set in the beautiful Kimberley region of the NT, The Paradise Resort has all the ingredients for a relaxing and enjoyable read. It has well-written, likeable characters, a little bit of mystery, some humour and plenty of warmth.

I really enjoyed this novel and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an easy, feel-good Australian read.

Thank you, HQ Australia, for providing an advance reading copy

[Cindy Spear]

This was such a delightful character driven novel to read, set in beautiful Kimberly, Western Australian. A place I am sure where we’d all love to visit and have a holiday there! Relationships are a huge part of the story and there are a number of colourful characters that keep this plot fascinating. There’s a little mystery at its core that adds an extra spice and intrigue, too. The dialogue is witty and often the humorous antics of the holiday guests provide plenty of laughter. But there are some serious topics, too, woven gracefully into the storyline.

The Paradise Resort contains some re-occurring characters from Tricia Stringer’s previous novel The Road Trip which unfortunately I did not read. But I still enjoyed this novel as a stand-alone. There is a large cast of characters of various temperments and personalities. But the main focus is on Kathleen and Omar, an interesting couple who have been together six weeks and now giving their romance a chance to grow. Omar is a paramedic from Adelaide on extended leave after being diagnosed with PTSD. His therapy and medication treatment may have helped, be he still tries to avoid dealing with medical encounters. Yet his professional training may be so ingrained in him, he cannot help but rescue Kathleen when she hurts her hand. And more than once he jumps in to help others along the way. It was so nice to hear Kathleen praise him for his efforts. Positive encouragement goes a long way!

Kathleen is the assistant manager at the resort and she has many daily challenges. The novel shows how difficult it can be to deal with customers. Those who stay at the resort are often fussy and full of complaints. All kinds of events happen that demand creative thinking and attention. Injuries also occur that require first aid and further professional medical assessment. This poses a problem when the manager discovers that Omar is a paramedic. For she then expects him to assist every time an accident or health crisis occurs. This puts more pressure on Omar (when he was only hired to be a handyman). But Kathleen steps in to try and protect him by reminding Nelda that she herself is the most senior First Aider in the business. As Kathleen and Omar both learn after working at the resort for a short time, Nelda, the manager is not the easiest person to deal with. But Kathleen learns to stand up to her when needed and although this job is a temporary one, she tries her best to do right by everyone.

Beatrice Foreston is a wealthy woman in her 70s who recently had breast cancer and removal of her left breast. She is on a much needed break after her treatment. She is a friend of the resort owner and although she comes across a bit demanding due to her station, when Kathleen and Omar take her to the hospital in Broom, when she has a spell, she proves she can be a nice person. She certainly appreciates what this couple are doing to help her. But when Beatrice’s brother Arthur arrives, he brings a whole lot of unexpected news that will shake up her life and many other people she knows. She has to make a decision and it won’t be easy.

The novel is delivered through three viewpoints: Nelda, Kathleen and Beatrice. Ironically these three unlikely characters eventually team up to sort out a ‘mystery’ that will keep them busy. Beatrice has a plan that will shock her brother. Will it work? He is counting on her to follow his lead and advice after he dropped a bombshell on her. But she has other plans. This makes for some fun times ahead!

I thoroughly enjoyed The Paradise Resort that flows like a movie. It is easy to picture all that is described. And the lively colourful characters are so well delivered, they keep you on your toes following their moves and challenges. Highly recommend. A great story that is a pure delight to read. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to HQ Insider for a review copy.

[beccabeccabooks]

I've only read one Tricia Stringer novel before, so I was keen to grab an early copy of The Paradise Resort.

Honestly, I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did! What fun to escape to the Kimberley, staying at a beach front resort. Even though it's fictional, it was extremely relaxing.

This is very much character driven. Beatrice is an older woman who's looking to escape to her friend's resort after receiving cancer treatment. Whilst she's pretty much well off, loneliness has taken its hold. Her brother and sister in law are her only family, and they're not home much. Will Beatrice find what she's looking for at Bon Beach Resort?

Nelda is Bon Beach Resort's manager. Recently, operations have been taking a toll- staff changeovers, training, demanding tourists.. and that's just the beginning. With the resort up for sale and potential buyers in the midst, there's little wonder that Nelda comes across as hostile at times!

Kathleen and Omar are the resort's newest recruits. Omar is a paramedic who's suffering with PTSD- there's no way that he wants his medical training to become common knowledge. Instead, Omar is working as a handyman and Kathleen is acting as assistant manager. Whilst they've only been together for a matter of weeks, they're absolutely committed and very much in love.

This is certainly a tale in friendship, found family, new beginnings and self confidence. Each character, main or secondary, has a story to tell. It was a pleasure getting to know them all on an intimate level, some becoming like friends.

Thank you to Tricia for acknowledging the traditional owners of the land, something that doesn't come up all that often in Australian contemporary fiction. Elders Monti and Maeve are extremely knowledgeable, likeable and give the narrative that little bit of extra spark.

As someone who's in their mid 40's, I found myself relating more and more towards Nelda and Kathleen, rather than those younger characters, such as Madee and Zoe. Even Beatrice was someone who I easily built a fond rapport with, even though she's from a different generation.

Topical issues that are explored include aging, cancer treatment, immigration, PTSD and perimenopause. All of them are dealt with care and respect.

It's extremely hard to leave the Paradise Resort. Enjoy your stay when it's released September 29.

4.75 🌟

[Lyn Richards]

Right at the start of this book we are introduced to the most colourful character with so many talents and facets to her nature, Beatrice Foreston. Beatrice is a wealthy philanthropist who is recovering from breast cancer and needs a break. Her long time friend Gerard Bon owns a resort in the Kimberley and Beatrice feels this would be the perfect place to get away and recover. Beatrice will be able to have alone time if she wants or mix with other resort guests if she needs some company, but mainly she just wants time to recover. Little does she know, but Beatrice is about to find that life at the resort is more than just relaxing in the sun and sand all the time. There is a complex network of people working and staying at the resort and Beatrice finds herself intrigued and more involved with others than she originally anticipated. Gerard needs to sell the resort and has indicated to the resort manager (grumpy Nelda) that the potential buyer may send someone along to find out first hand about the day to day running of the resort. Nelda is intent on finding the spy and managing the resort to the best of her abilities, but there seem to be so many potential spies, including Beatrice so who is Nelda to trust. Nelda is having all sorts of issues with the new staff being sent, all of whom don't seem to have the required skills to do the jobs they are employed for.

I absolutely loved this book and fell in love with all the main characters, along with their flaws and the complexities of their relationships and friendships, often forged from proximity rather than any other commonality. They are all so likable in a way and you as the reader get caught up in wondering if there is more than one spy and where all their stories might intersect.

Tricia Springer had me entranced and captivated by all the characters and life at the resort so much so you wanted to be right there seeing it first hand. I liked how the story kept me wondering where it all might end and what twists and turns there might be along the way. This was a truly entertaining read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Thank you to HQ Insiders for an advance copy of this book in return for my honest review.

[aims.readsalot]

‘The Paradise Resort’ is, as the title suggests, the perfect place to escape to, and I’m genuinely sad it isn’t a real-life place I can pop on the bucket list.

Situated somewhere in the middle of nowhere - a decent flight’s distance from Perth, and an even further drive away from Broome, the resort is as remote as they come, but every bit as luxurious as a five-star escape should be.

Following staff, as well as some guests, through the day-to-day running of the resort, the story explores everything from difficult holidaymakers and workplace dynamics, to the challenges of isolation and the comfort of unexpected friendships.

I really enjoyed this one! Spending the week slowly making my way through it almost felt like a vacation itself - a little escape from reality that I could check in and out of whenever I wanted.

That’s the beauty of this book and, come to think of it, everything I’ve read by this author so far. You can enjoy multiple chapters in one sitting, but also just a few pages at a time, knowing either way, the story will be easy to slip straight back into when you return.

Despite there being quite a few characters to get to know, I never struggled to keep track of who was who, and it didn’t take me long to become invested in them or the little community they’d created.

There was also just enough mystery bubbling away in the background to keep things interesting, and while I won’t even hint at what… I will say, a highlight was watching Nelda, Kathleen and Beatrice band together to basically save the day!

Another thing I loved was the inclusion of the incredible work done by the Royal Flying Doctor Service. It really put their isolation into perspective - because no matter how luxurious the resort, you’re still a long way from help when something goes wrong.

Reading some of the customer complaints also had me just as impressed by the patience of the hospitality staff!

This isn’t just a book you’ll want to take on your next holiday - it’s the book that’ll have you planning one altogether.

Thank you to HarperCollins Australia and HQ Books for the ARC as part of the HQ Insiders Program.

[Shelagh]

Tricia Stringer is an impressive storyteller and in The Paradise Resort, she has created a believable set of characters whom I found thoroughly endearing … with the exception of Nelda, though she grew on me. I loved Beatrice Foreston from the start. Here we have a highly motivated seventy-six year-old woman recovering from breast cancer and wanting a quiet and peaceful place to regain her strength, while still managing her philanthropic work remotely. She’s frustrated with Bon Beach Resort manager Nelda, who is overly solicitous and forever finding excuses to check up on her. Nelda, meanwhile, is clearly stressed as she’s heard owner Gerard is planning to sell the resort and that there is currently a spy or two checking up on the resort and its staff. Added to her stress is new Assistant Manager Kathleen, who is nothing like Heather, Nelda’s former right-hand person. Kathleen has no hospitality experience, but she makes up for it with her wealth of experience in nursing sick relatives. It’s not long before she’s come out of her skin and got to know many of the staff well. Kathleen’s new partner Omar is also working at the resort as a maintenance staff member, even though he’s a trained ambulance officer. It turns out that he is suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and so, when Nelda asks him to provide medical assistance, his instinct is to refuse. Meanwhile, there are two Indonesian men on staff, people whom Nelda works hard to kee[ hidden away from the public eye. There’s plenty going on at the resort, with a variety of guests creating interesting and challenging situatuons throughout the story. I love the way that Tricia Stringer creates opportunities for her characters to grow and become stronger people. I also loved that Kathleen and Omar had the chance for their own story to be told. They both appeared in Tricia’s previous book, The Road Trip, and it was wonderful to see them develop as a couple in this book. All in all, this has been an excellent read and I can’t wait for Tricia’s next book.

[Malvina]

This was a follow on from The Road Trip, although I didn't realise until half way through. That explained the flurry of characters introduced in the beginning, which was slightly overwhelming. Happily you don't have to remember most of them, as only the two characters Omar and Kathleen feature in this book. They arrive for seasonal jobs at the Bon Beach Resort - a beautiful high-end resort in a bush/beach setting two hours south of Broome in WA. But the resort is also 'home' to many other staff. Most notably the harassed manager Nelda, who is trying to keep things together with some staff away and some new to train, whose English is not great. Things aren't at their best.

Into this gentle maelstrom arrives Beatrice, a wealthy businesswoman in her 70s booking in for some well-needed rest and rejuvenation following breast cancer surgery and treatment. Her brother is friends with the owner, which makes her a special guest indeed.

To add to Nelda's woes there is talk of selling the resort, and she's been told there are spies to report back on the staff and general running of things. There also seems to be more guests that are more obnoxious than usual. Imagine the stress... There is also a mystery surrounding some staff members which is best left as a mystery until you read the book...

With the spectacular setting, the sun and sand and beach, the beautiful food and sparkling drinks, you actually feel like you're on holiday with this book. It's a gentle, heartwarming read with an intriguing mystery and unusual scenarios.

Many thanks to HQ Insiders for the advance copy, it gave me much enjoyment.

[Jennifer (JC-S)]

Nelda Rist is the manager of the luxurious Bon Beach Resort in the Western Australia Kimberley region. Nelda has her hands full: her assistant manager has unexpectedly needed to take leave, and the owner, Gerard Bon, has appointed a replacement without consulting Nelda. In addition, Gerard has told Nelda that he is considering selling the resort and an anonymous representative of a prospective owner will visit. So, when Nelda is advised that Beatrice Foreston, a wealthy friend of Gerard will be staying as part of her recuperation from cancer treatment, Nelda feels overwhelmed. Beatrice will require special treatment.

Nelda’s new assistant manager is Kathleen Allenby, and her partner Omar Hassan is the new resort maintenance man. (Those who have read Ms Stringer’s last novel ‘The Road Trip’ will remember Kathleen and Omar.) Kathleen and Omar are still learning on the job, there are a few staffing issues and some difficult clients to deal with. But there is also a secret that Nelda has been keeping.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Kathleen has come a long way since I first met her in ‘The Road Trip’ and she is learning to stand up for herself. Omar is dealing with some issues of his own, as is Beatrice. Ms Stringer includes several personnel issues as well as injuries, illness and reminders that ageing has its own challenges. I especially enjoyed Kathleen’s approach to team building and the potential friendship building between Beatrice, Nelda and Kathleen.

Highly recommended.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Bec]

The Paradise Resort was such a heartwarming read. I really enjoyed getting to know the workers at the resort and watching their relationships develop, along with getting to know some of the guests.

Bon Beach Resort is a luxurious resort in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, and I enjoyed getting a sense of what life and work can be like in such an isolated location. There are plenty of interesting characters, with Nelda, the resort manager, finding life a little more challenging with her right-hand woman, Heather, away for the season. Kathleen and Omar, who we met in Patricia Stringer’s previous book The Road Trip, join the resort as staff, with Kathleen stepping into Heather’s role. It’s completely new work for her, so she has plenty to learn along the way.

There are some particularly challenging guests to deal with, and then Beatrice, a friend of the owner, arrives. Nelda initially thinks she is going to cause even more trouble, but Beatrice is actually there to recover and gradually becomes a much-loved guest.

The story really focuses on its many characters and their relationships, with a strong sense of community running throughout. I particularly enjoyed the themes around being environmentally friendly, the challenges faced by immigrants, working alongside the local Indigenous community, the effort involved in keeping guests happy, and the important role of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in remote communities.

Although the story includes characters from The Road Trip, it can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone. I did find it a little long in places, but overall, it was an enjoyable and heartwarming read.

[Michelle_Mck]

The Paradise Resort — Tricia Stringer ⭐️⭐️⭐️½

The Paradise Resort was a little different from what I usually read, leaning more towards women’s fiction and character-driven storytelling, and I really enjoyed the change of pace. It’s a warm, readable story that puts relationships, friendship and the complexities of being human at its heart.

Set at a luxury resort a couple of hours from Broome in Western Australia, this is a book about relationships, friendship, preconceived ideas about other people, and how our own experiences and circumstances can shape the way we see the world. I particularly enjoyed its exploration of anxiety, mental health, hyper independence, and what it can mean to be a woman as you get older.

The characters are wonderfully imperfect. They all have flaws, but they also have plenty of good qualities, and I liked watching those relationships develop as we gradually got to know them and the resort itself. There’s a fairly gentle pace to the story, things keep moving, but this isn’t a book driven by constant plot twists or big dramatic moments. Instead, we get to spend time with these people and become familiar with the world they inhabit, including some interesting glimpses behind the scenes of working at a luxury resort.

The Western Australian setting was a real highlight for me, particularly because it’s somewhere I’ve visited and really enjoyed. There was something particularly lovely about spending three hours on my balcony in the sunshine today, finishing this book and letting myself simply enjoy being somewhere else for a while. ☀️

[Steph Mann]

4.25*

I really enjoyed my escape to Bon Beach Resort! The author did a wonderful job of painting a vivid picture of what it might be like to be a guest or worker at a busy, luxurious resort in the beautiful northern part of Western Australia, along the Kimberley coast.

This was quite a character-driven story, and I loved getting to know both the guests and the workers. Kathleen and Omar, a newly formed couple, were such a cute pair, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship and individual growth. Nelda, the scary and often rude Resort Manager, was another character I loved watching evolve throughout the story. And then there was Beatrice Foreston, a friend of the resort owner — a strong, kind, and business-minded 76-year-old who really impressed me. The list of memorable characters goes on!

The plot is centred mainly around the resort and the people who live and work there, with a particular focus on the workers and their lives. I enjoyed seeing all their different personalities, relationships, challenges, and transformations unfold!

I especially loved the ending — and that very last part in particular! It was the perfect finishing touch and really completed the story beautifully.

Overall, this was an enjoyable, character-focused escape to the Kimberley coast, and I loved my time at Bon Beach Resort!

I received an advance reader copy and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
@hqbooks #hqbooks

[Penny O'shea]

The Paradise Resort continues the story of Kathleen & Omar, two characters first introduced in another of Tricia Stringer’s books, The Road Trip. Similarly, setting a story amongst tourists allows the author to explore quite a few secondary characters. In this case that’s the guests and staff at an exclusive eco-resort two hours outside Broome in Western Australia.

The story flows along pretty well with some intrigue popping in now and again. A number of issues (that I won’t list here for fear of spoilers) are also touched on and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) gets a well deserved plug for the important service they provide to remote communities.

Along with Kathleen & Omar who are a couple giving their fledgling relationship a good go, we also meet Nelda, the resort manager who comes across as prickly and stressed, and Beatrice, a well-off septuagenarian who escapes Perth’s winter looking for the answer to what’s next in store for her. A multitude of other characters provide a kaleidoscope of personalities and backgrounds, all woven into the day to day operation of the resort.

All in all I enjoyed the book and warmed to many of the characters which is always a good sign (for me, anyway).

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Sue Thorpe]

Having really enjoyed Tricia’s last book, The Road Trip, I loved being able to continue on with Kathleen and Omar’s journey.

The setting is a luxury resort in the Kimberley, West Australia, which the owner is trying to sell. Manager Nelda, has enough on her plate without the complication and stress of knowing the resort may be sold and also that there may be someone spying on how she is running it. She is hiding secrets of her own which, if found out, could be costly to not only her but also to others.

Wealthy friend of the owner, Beatrice comes to recuperate after illness, her arrival not pleasing Nelda, thinking this will mean more work for her and the staff, as they ensure she is happy.

Kathleen and Omar are the new staff at the resort, trying to continually appease Nelda whilst also building their new relationship. This becomes more difficult when Kathleen realises something is amiss.

A book with great central characters you will easily warm to, I really liked the fragile, but mentally strong Beatrice and Kathleen with her compassion and awareness. It has a mystery to solve, is about friendship and found family whilst also covering the issues of illness, PTSD, immigration and ageing, all with respect.

A perfect relaxing read for the beach…or at a resort!

4.3 stars

Thank you to HQ insider for my copy to read and review.

[Karyn]

This new novel by Tricia Stringer follows the lives of Omar and Kathleen, whom readers first met in The Road Trip while they were travelling separately across Australia. Although Paradise Resort works well as a standalone novel, I highly recommend reading The Road Trip first—it’s an excellent read and adds extra depth to their story.

After a whirlwind romance, Omar and Kathleen are now a couple and have settled into new roles at Bon Beach Resort in the Kimberley. Kathleen is the assistant manager, while Omar is the resort’s handyman.

The resort’s manager, Nelda, is increasingly concerned about the resorts future and becomes convinced that one of the guests is secretly investigating the resort’s operations. This adds an intriguing layer of mystery.
The novel features a wonderful cast of guests and staff, each bringing their own unique personality and story to the resort. There is plenty of drama, heartfelt emotion, and a touch of mystery woven throughout, making for an engaging and enjoyable read.

Paradise Resort is a warm, character-driven novel. With its stunning Kimberley setting, memorable characters, and satisfying blend of mystery and emotion, it’s a book I would happily recommend.

[Theresa Canu]

As usual, Tricia Stringer's latest book has a lot of heart and is filled with characters that feel like friends by the end.
The book is set in a Kimberley which Nelda, the manager oversees. Between issues with the resort and a secret, she is keeping she is under a lot of stress. Beatrice, a friend of the owner, comes to stay as she recovers from illness. Kathleen and Omar are new staff with secrets of their own. These four characters end up working together to ensure the resort continues to provide a community for people to enjoy.
The characters are very realistic and as someone who has worked in hospitality, the scenes are very relatable. The book touched on many topical issues but they were done in such a way the book still maintained it's easy reading factor. I loved the description of the resort and the surrounding area. As a reader, it made me want to be there.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially as it involved characters from her previous book The Road Trip. If you want a book to escape in , this is definitely one I'd recommend.
Thanks to HQ Insiders for the chance to review it.

[Kirsten]

The Paradise Resort was the perfect antidote to the winter blues. The sequel to The Road Trip and featuring characters Kathleen and Omar it can easily be read as a stand alone. Set at The Bon Beach Resort in the Kimberly. I wish I could have come to stay too. It sounded amazing.

Stunning locations aside I really enjoyed it was the people behind the scenes who caught my attention. Featuring a diverse cast of characters, I enjoyed their friendship and camaraderie as they worked hard. I loved that there were characters of all ages and from different walks of life and how well they developed over the novel. In particular manager Nelda was one who was quite prickly and hard to like in the beginning but I found myself growing to love her as I got to know her and learned her story. I enjoyed their friendship way Tricia blended a mystery element of who was spying from the owner with a number of issues such as immigration, cancer, burn out, Perimenopause and PTSD.
An engaging story of found families, friendship and community combined with a stunning background and real and relatable characters. Make sure you book a trip to stay in The Paradise Resort.

[Sharon J]

I was just so excited to receive an ARC ebook copy of The Paradise Resort bye Tricia Stringer! I was not disappointed! What a delightful read with wonderful characters and interesting plot developments.

With winter in Melbourne getting cold and blustery, it was wonderful read about a resort location in the Kimberley area a few hours from Broome where the weather is delightfully warm.

As a sequel to The Road Trip is is great to follow two of the characters, Omar and Katherine who had only been together for a short period of time and find out where their future would be. While it is a sequel, it certainly reads as a stand alone but I would recommend reading The Road Trip.

Big question - is there going to be another book to follow on?

Highly recommended read - cozy and delightful!


This review is based on a complimentary copy from Harlequin Australia via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheParadiseResort #NetGalley

[Justine Jenke]

I love reading Tricia Stringer’s books, so I was thrilled to get an ARC of her latest offering, The Paradise Resort.

The story continues on from her last book, The Road Trip, with the characters Kathleen and Omar working their way down the coast of Western Australia. They get jobs at the Bon Beach Resort, two hours from Broome, working under the manager, Nelda.

This book was an absolute delight to read. I enjoyed the stories of all the characters, and reading about the good and the bad of working in a resort. After previously working for many years in customer service, I could relate to many of the incidents that took place.

If there is a real resort that this story is based on, I want to go there! The book brought back memories of many happy times staying in similar places.

I read this in two sittings, but could have easily finished it in one, I could not put it down. A very cosy, easy read. I would love to read another book about this fabulous resort!

5 stars from me! Bring on the next one!

[Catherine’s Bookstagram]

A beautiful holiday read about friendship and finding your community.

Nelda runs a resort on the West Coast of Australia in the remote Kimberley’s. It’s one of those once in a lifetime destinations. But with her staff coming and going and Gerard the overseas owner of the resort suggesting he’s selling up, Nelda is on edge and is also keeping a few secrets herself.

The relationships between the workers at the resort and the community they create amongst themselves is really the heart of the story. I loved Kathleen and Omar and finding out more about how they came to the resort (their story was established in the previous book The Road Trip!) Plus wealthy Beatrice who is recuperating after a tough illness.

This is a character driven story. I would say it’s a slower pace but in a very comforting way. You can sit back, take in the dreamy scenery and the behind the scenes of a resort. It basically takes you on holiday and makes you want to order a cocktail by the pool.

Thank you to HQ Insiders for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Cathy]

I absolutely loved this book. I would almost go as far as to admit that this is the best book that Tricia Stringer has written so far and I have read all of them as my book shelf full of the other titles will demonstrate.
I loved how we got to meet up with Kathleen and Omar from 'The Road Trip' again and how we saw Kathleen develop her self confidence and grow as a person as Omar's partner. I must say I didn't have high hopes for their relationship at the end of 'The Road Trip'.
I loved the new characters in this book especially Beatrice who I thought was just adorable. When we first met Nelda, the resort manager I didn't really like her but by the end she had won me over.
This would be a brilliant book to be reading beside the pool at a luxurious resort this summer.
I cannot recommend it highly enough.
This book was gifted to me by the publisher HQ Fiction but did not in any way influence my review.

[marlin1]

Another delightful read by Tricia Stringer.
Set in a resort community on the Kimberley Coast, it centres around a few central characters that work at the resort. Nelda has been a manager there since the resort opened many years ago and it’s become her home and her family. But she has learnt that it is now up for sale and there may be ‘spies’ for the new buyers visiting, so very guest is a suspect.
This really is a gentle read, there are a few themes running through about getting older, health scares, illegal immigrants, and finding your place.
I did find that it took a little while to settle into it, that may be because there are some characters from previous novels that are main characters and I was trying to place them from the other novels, instead of relaxing into the story. This can absolutely be read a a stand alone novel.
A great holiday read
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.