What do you think?
Rate this book
Paradise Misplaced Lib/E
All the twists, suspense, danger, crime, romance, and sizzle that kept readers of Exceeding Expectations turning the pages long into the night are back in Paradise Misplaced , along with Charlie, Jack, and Naomi-three unforgettable characters. In Manhattan, being recently dumped by her soulmate becomes the least of Charlotte (Charlie) Morgan's problems after she is viciously pushed off a subway platform in front of an oncoming train. Her modeling career seems over, and she may not walk again. Throughout her lengthy hospital stay, the police have no success finding her assailant or determining a motive. A handsome detective recovering from similar injuries is assigned to be her physical therapy partner. Concerned that her attacker will try again, he urges her to draw up a list of anyone she might have angered or rejected. Eliminating those who don't fit a compiled description of her attacker leaves just one a millionaire power broker with a famous art collection. In his quest for his next wealthy wife, lovable lothario/con man Jack is in Buenos Aires romancing women he meets at a fashionable hotel. To finance this precarious existence, Jack exploits foreign tourists and local land barons. Whether he succeeds, falls short, or fails miserably at his quest depends on how entertaining he can be. Understandably bitter Naomi is in Israel working on an archaeological dig while seeking temporary relief from her demons with one-night stands and meaningless affairs. Unwilling to be yet another in a series of her lovers, a rough-hewn widowed farmer relentlessly pursues her. On three continents, with thousands of miles separating them, will Charlie, Jack, and Naomi meet? Will their individual stories end in triumph or disaster?
- GenresAudiobook
Audio CD
First published September 12, 2012
8 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Lisa April Smith
8 books66 followersLisa April Smith is the award winning author of "Dangerous Lies," "Exceeding Expectations" first in the 'Charlie' series, "Paradise Misplaced," second in the series and her latest, "The Second Best Time," third in the series - launch date 1/1/2016- all in the genre she playfully calls “Suspense with Sizzle." But perhaps one reviewer succinctly said it best: “Lisa April Smith’s books have the pace and heat of Jacqueline Susann and the style and sophistication of Dominick Dunne.”
Her fourth book, "Forgotten Tales of China," is her first venture into historical fiction, and has received reviews. Epic in scope, it skillfully blends scientific data with Smith’s acknowledged gift for storytelling.
Her fourth book, "Forgotten Tales of China," is her first venture into historical fiction, and has received reviews. Epic in scope, it skillfully blends scientific data with Smith’s acknowledged gift for storytelling.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 15, 2012
Lisa has done it again. I loved the first book, Exceeding Expectations (see my review) and if it's possible I think I loved Paradise Misplaced even more. Exceeding Expectations comes first, but Paradise Misplaced can be read on it's own. I do recommend reading both books though because they are excellent books and I know I enjoyed learning as much as I could about both Charlie and Jack in the first book and getting all the back story, though Ms. Smith does a good job explaining some of it in Paradise Misplaced.
I have to say that this book had me enthralled. I found it hard to put down and often found myself reading for hours at a time. I have had a hard time doing that lately with school starting back so that says a lot for Paradise Misplaced. But I would get very sucked into the lives of Charlie, Jack and Naomi and how things were getting weaved together and the what-ifs that were forming that I could hardly put the book down even to sleep.
The characters are once again amazing. I really enjoyed learning more about Naomi and Jack in this book. Jack is a charmer and one step ahead at all times. Naomi is bitter, and a bit like Jack, not charming but knows how to use situations to her advantage. Seeing them in their settings was fascinating and adding to it the fact that Ms. Smith uses exotic settings of Israel and Argentina for them made it more fascinating. Then of course there is Charlie. I love Charlie and I cheered for Charlie in this book. The resilience she finds in Exceeding Expectations stays with her in this book and though she has some down moments I love how she always tries to find a way to shine. And though this book really did feature her prominently I really felt this was more of Jack and Naomi's story with enough Charlie to weave everything together. And I liked that. I think it was a perfect balance. I loved all three stories and loved how Ms. Smith switched between the stories.
The plot moved along wonderfully. The stories of the characters switched between the chapters, but it never felt forced and I never felt confused about which character the chapter was about. Each character truly had their own voice and their own plot that pushed the book along. Ms. Smith masterfully keeps their plots separate yet weaves them together in a way that is completely believable. Again nothing in this book felt forced to me. Everything was smooth, just like Jack. ;)
Overall this was an amazing book to read. Perfect for these first cool fall afternoons. Great for lazing around on your porch swing with a cup of tea and enjoying a great book. This is that great book. Ms. Smith weaves a marvelous story of a family separated and living their lives. There are unexpected twists and turns, great character moments and some very interesting secondary characters. Paradise Misplaced is a book that should not be missed.
I have to say that this book had me enthralled. I found it hard to put down and often found myself reading for hours at a time. I have had a hard time doing that lately with school starting back so that says a lot for Paradise Misplaced. But I would get very sucked into the lives of Charlie, Jack and Naomi and how things were getting weaved together and the what-ifs that were forming that I could hardly put the book down even to sleep.
The characters are once again amazing. I really enjoyed learning more about Naomi and Jack in this book. Jack is a charmer and one step ahead at all times. Naomi is bitter, and a bit like Jack, not charming but knows how to use situations to her advantage. Seeing them in their settings was fascinating and adding to it the fact that Ms. Smith uses exotic settings of Israel and Argentina for them made it more fascinating. Then of course there is Charlie. I love Charlie and I cheered for Charlie in this book. The resilience she finds in Exceeding Expectations stays with her in this book and though she has some down moments I love how she always tries to find a way to shine. And though this book really did feature her prominently I really felt this was more of Jack and Naomi's story with enough Charlie to weave everything together. And I liked that. I think it was a perfect balance. I loved all three stories and loved how Ms. Smith switched between the stories.
The plot moved along wonderfully. The stories of the characters switched between the chapters, but it never felt forced and I never felt confused about which character the chapter was about. Each character truly had their own voice and their own plot that pushed the book along. Ms. Smith masterfully keeps their plots separate yet weaves them together in a way that is completely believable. Again nothing in this book felt forced to me. Everything was smooth, just like Jack. ;)
Overall this was an amazing book to read. Perfect for these first cool fall afternoons. Great for lazing around on your porch swing with a cup of tea and enjoying a great book. This is that great book. Ms. Smith weaves a marvelous story of a family separated and living their lives. There are unexpected twists and turns, great character moments and some very interesting secondary characters. Paradise Misplaced is a book that should not be missed.
September 16, 2012
Lisa April Smith, with her unique and sophisticated writing style, has outdone herself with Paradise Misplaced the sequel to Exceeding Expectations. This is a compelling and superbly written book that will fill you with anticipation until the very end yet still leave you wanting more.
Charlie Morgan is back and her relationship with Raul has taken a turn for the worse. As Charlie is waiting to take the subway home from work she is brutally attacked by an unknown stranger and pushed off a subway platform. She survives the attack and is paired with handsome police detective Ken Thorenson, who was thrown out of a sixth story window, to undergo physical therapy as a team. While recuperating Charlie gets involved in the investigation to find her attacker and is again thrust into the world of art fraud as her personal life takes on extraordinary twists and turns.
Jack Morgan is back as well as Naomi, Charlie’s father and mother, and we take a front row seat as their lives weave an intricate path where the possibilities of the past meeting the future are set in motion.
The characters Charlie, Jack and Naomi are so rich and complex I feel as if I know them all. They are characters that you will come to have great compassion for as you are anticipating their every move. The characters come to life as I experience with them the drama and complexities of their lives.
There is no denying the tremendous amount of research that is woven throughout this book and presented in a fashion that blends into the story so well it is not overwhelming. The intelligent writing coupled with the fascinating characters and situations make this a book that is truly enjoyable on many levels. Lisa April Smith is an Author that can keep me totally engrossed in a story so much so that I find myself reflecting on it even after I have finished reading.
The descriptive writing bursts with rich images of the places travelled and people met. The unique dialogue between characters is engaging and connects the reader to the essence of the story.
I highly recommend Paradise Misplaced for all readers who wish to be totally engrossed in a story and feel transported thru time and space into the lives and emotions of the characters.
Charlie Morgan is back and her relationship with Raul has taken a turn for the worse. As Charlie is waiting to take the subway home from work she is brutally attacked by an unknown stranger and pushed off a subway platform. She survives the attack and is paired with handsome police detective Ken Thorenson, who was thrown out of a sixth story window, to undergo physical therapy as a team. While recuperating Charlie gets involved in the investigation to find her attacker and is again thrust into the world of art fraud as her personal life takes on extraordinary twists and turns.
Jack Morgan is back as well as Naomi, Charlie’s father and mother, and we take a front row seat as their lives weave an intricate path where the possibilities of the past meeting the future are set in motion.
The characters Charlie, Jack and Naomi are so rich and complex I feel as if I know them all. They are characters that you will come to have great compassion for as you are anticipating their every move. The characters come to life as I experience with them the drama and complexities of their lives.
There is no denying the tremendous amount of research that is woven throughout this book and presented in a fashion that blends into the story so well it is not overwhelming. The intelligent writing coupled with the fascinating characters and situations make this a book that is truly enjoyable on many levels. Lisa April Smith is an Author that can keep me totally engrossed in a story so much so that I find myself reflecting on it even after I have finished reading.
The descriptive writing bursts with rich images of the places travelled and people met. The unique dialogue between characters is engaging and connects the reader to the essence of the story.
I highly recommend Paradise Misplaced for all readers who wish to be totally engrossed in a story and feel transported thru time and space into the lives and emotions of the characters.
September 22, 2012
Paradise Misplaced
By Lisa April Smith
This novel revolves around three stories. First you have Charlie who is a successful model then one day she is brutally attacked leaving her in the hospital. Second you have Naomi, a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust working on a dig in Israel when she comes across a picture of a woman in a magazine who must be one of her long lost daughters. Lastly but not least you have Jack who spends his days romancing and swindling women in Buenos Aires after he faked his own death leaving Charlie to fend for herself. As Charlie recovers she begins to help the investigators find her attacker, being pulled once again into a scheme of art forgery.
This is an interesting novel not only bringing to life several places around the world but also creating an interesting and dysfunctional family dynamic full of drama. There is so much that happens in this novel but it isn’t over-whelming in its execution it only succeeds in keeping you wrapped in the story until the very end. With Charlie being attacked, Jack trying to survive the only way he knows how, and Naomi who struggles against her feelings each moment you will be drawn further into an intertwining story. Though there is less romance in this novel than in the first it is highly dramatic and involving, as the character focus is less on Charlie and more on her parents. When you add in the suspense with the drama and mystery you have a brilliant book that will take you around the world and back making you anxious for more!
As always if you have any requests or recommendations email me at:
Reflections.of.a.BookWorm@gmail.com
For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:
http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpre...
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
You can even follow me on Twitter
@BookWormRflect
By Lisa April Smith
This novel revolves around three stories. First you have Charlie who is a successful model then one day she is brutally attacked leaving her in the hospital. Second you have Naomi, a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust working on a dig in Israel when she comes across a picture of a woman in a magazine who must be one of her long lost daughters. Lastly but not least you have Jack who spends his days romancing and swindling women in Buenos Aires after he faked his own death leaving Charlie to fend for herself. As Charlie recovers she begins to help the investigators find her attacker, being pulled once again into a scheme of art forgery.
This is an interesting novel not only bringing to life several places around the world but also creating an interesting and dysfunctional family dynamic full of drama. There is so much that happens in this novel but it isn’t over-whelming in its execution it only succeeds in keeping you wrapped in the story until the very end. With Charlie being attacked, Jack trying to survive the only way he knows how, and Naomi who struggles against her feelings each moment you will be drawn further into an intertwining story. Though there is less romance in this novel than in the first it is highly dramatic and involving, as the character focus is less on Charlie and more on her parents. When you add in the suspense with the drama and mystery you have a brilliant book that will take you around the world and back making you anxious for more!
As always if you have any requests or recommendations email me at:
Reflections.of.a.BookWorm@gmail.com
For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:
http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpre...
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
You can even follow me on Twitter
@BookWormRflect
October 27, 2022
Reads like a Taylor J. Reid. The narrative is about a broken family of four starting their own families with all of their faults and strengths. Clever read with elements of humanity. Very romantic without cutting plot.
September 18, 2012
I am just thrilled to be able to tell you about this new novel by Lisa April Smith, one of my very favorite self-published authors. Having been introduced to the main characters, Charlie, Jack, Naomi and others in "Exceeding Expectations" last year, it was very exciting to be able to follow their story further in this new sequel.
This is a combination thriller and romance novel. I sped through the book with hardly a stopping point. The action and the fascinating information found there kept my attention long after I should have been asleep. This is a page burner!
Without retelling the story which you can easily read in the summary above, let me say that this is one so well developed and plotted that it felt like watching a movie. A very fine and absorbing movie... Lisa has a way with descriptive words. She can capture a moment in a phrase that says a thousand words. She can give you the depth of her characters with the imagery of a couple of incidences and they are cemented in your mind and heart throughout the whole story. Her characters are solid and knowable. They are so true to their "roles" you can easily see them behaving as they do even under the amazing stresses they come under as the story unfolds. Wonderful and magical use of characters! I fell in love with all of them and I could still read more about them.
That being said, I have to address the very adept way Ms Smith weaves art theory, art history and archeology into her novel. Additionally, she has a strong sense of foreign places, society and cultures that lends a wonderful ambiance and richness to her book. These things are highly unusual in books of this genre to the extent she employs them, and to the level of her expertise. She makes several countries and cultures within her story, the art and the explorations surrounding them, come alive with local color and action. This type of writing makes her book an exploration of life and love of life that's apparent on so many levels. It makes it an added joy to read. Fascinating details without being boring or weighed down.
I never fail to learn something by reading one of Lisa April Smith's books.
Mysterious physical attacks, handsome strangers, loves lost and found...sexy encounters in desert places...these are the things that intrigue and keep me reading her books, too! I think she has a very fine notion of what's sensual without being obnoxious in the arena of sexual encounters. I love her humorous take on the absurdities of love. Sophistication is Lisa's middle name and her books are all about that.
"Paradise Misplaced" is one you don't want to miss! Lisa April Smith just gets better with every book. You can read this independent of "Exceeding Expectations," but to read both is a treat.
This is a combination thriller and romance novel. I sped through the book with hardly a stopping point. The action and the fascinating information found there kept my attention long after I should have been asleep. This is a page burner!
Without retelling the story which you can easily read in the summary above, let me say that this is one so well developed and plotted that it felt like watching a movie. A very fine and absorbing movie... Lisa has a way with descriptive words. She can capture a moment in a phrase that says a thousand words. She can give you the depth of her characters with the imagery of a couple of incidences and they are cemented in your mind and heart throughout the whole story. Her characters are solid and knowable. They are so true to their "roles" you can easily see them behaving as they do even under the amazing stresses they come under as the story unfolds. Wonderful and magical use of characters! I fell in love with all of them and I could still read more about them.
That being said, I have to address the very adept way Ms Smith weaves art theory, art history and archeology into her novel. Additionally, she has a strong sense of foreign places, society and cultures that lends a wonderful ambiance and richness to her book. These things are highly unusual in books of this genre to the extent she employs them, and to the level of her expertise. She makes several countries and cultures within her story, the art and the explorations surrounding them, come alive with local color and action. This type of writing makes her book an exploration of life and love of life that's apparent on so many levels. It makes it an added joy to read. Fascinating details without being boring or weighed down.
I never fail to learn something by reading one of Lisa April Smith's books.
Mysterious physical attacks, handsome strangers, loves lost and found...sexy encounters in desert places...these are the things that intrigue and keep me reading her books, too! I think she has a very fine notion of what's sensual without being obnoxious in the arena of sexual encounters. I love her humorous take on the absurdities of love. Sophistication is Lisa's middle name and her books are all about that.
"Paradise Misplaced" is one you don't want to miss! Lisa April Smith just gets better with every book. You can read this independent of "Exceeding Expectations," but to read both is a treat.
December 14, 2012
[Paradise Misplaced, by Lisa April Smith -- I recently finished reading this one, having also read her previous book, Exceeding Expectations, which I was pleased to add to my collection.]
Charlie Morgan -- tall, blonde, beautiful, intelligent – is a model whose career is about to skyrocket, until an unknown assailant savagely beats and cripples her at a subway stop. Was she attacked by the tycoon whose priceless art collection she suggested might really be a collection of superb fakes? Her suffering and recovery are compounded by paramour Raul Francesco’s unexplained distancing of himself from their relationship and the possibility of romance with the handsome injured police officer she is partnered with for physical therapy.
Her father, Jack Morgan, who faked his demise but lives south of the Border, learns of her attack, but can’t risk coming out of hiding and back into the States to be with her. He’s in dire financial straits as it is, and must succeed in winning the affections of a reclusive British woman on holiday before she can return to her country.
The more Charlie learns about the dubious art collection, the more she fears her life could still be in danger. When a stranger approaches with the shocking news that her mother is not dead, but alive and well in Israel, Charlie isn’t sure what to believe. It’s another mystery in the tangled web of her life, and she is compelled to search for whatever truths she can find.
“Paradise Misplaced” is the intriguing sequel to Lisa April Smith’s book “Exceeding Expectations,” where Charlie’s journey of self-discovery begins. The characters and their individual paths are richly intertwined in a complex tale that spans decades and continents, with twists that truly are unexpected, yet that will make perfect sense by the end.
Charlie Morgan -- tall, blonde, beautiful, intelligent – is a model whose career is about to skyrocket, until an unknown assailant savagely beats and cripples her at a subway stop. Was she attacked by the tycoon whose priceless art collection she suggested might really be a collection of superb fakes? Her suffering and recovery are compounded by paramour Raul Francesco’s unexplained distancing of himself from their relationship and the possibility of romance with the handsome injured police officer she is partnered with for physical therapy.
Her father, Jack Morgan, who faked his demise but lives south of the Border, learns of her attack, but can’t risk coming out of hiding and back into the States to be with her. He’s in dire financial straits as it is, and must succeed in winning the affections of a reclusive British woman on holiday before she can return to her country.
The more Charlie learns about the dubious art collection, the more she fears her life could still be in danger. When a stranger approaches with the shocking news that her mother is not dead, but alive and well in Israel, Charlie isn’t sure what to believe. It’s another mystery in the tangled web of her life, and she is compelled to search for whatever truths she can find.
“Paradise Misplaced” is the intriguing sequel to Lisa April Smith’s book “Exceeding Expectations,” where Charlie’s journey of self-discovery begins. The characters and their individual paths are richly intertwined in a complex tale that spans decades and continents, with twists that truly are unexpected, yet that will make perfect sense by the end.
September 17, 2012
Paradise Misplaced is the sequel to Exceeding Expectations. As with the first book, I really enjoyed the story. It picks up about a year or so after Exceeding Expectations. There were a couple of surprises as the end of that book and Paradise Misplaced nicely ties up those loose ends.
Charlie and her father are back, although Charlie still thinks her father is dead. Jack is up to his usual tricks, trying to woo rich older women to keep him afloat financially. I really didn't care for Jack too much after reading about his life post staged suicide. I was happy to see that he did redeem himself in the end. The reader also learns about Naomi and what she has gone through since the war. My heart broke for her and for what she had endured. I was so rooting for her and Ruben. If anyone deserved to be happy, it was Naomi!
There is a nice mystery to round out the story. Someone has tried to kill Charlie. She can't figure out why. I liked to little twist at the end regarding her attack. I was saddened to see that Raul and Charlie were no longer together. I loved them together in the first book. That was my only complaint. I don't want to reveal any more about the plot because I think it would ruin it.
Paradise Misplaced is a great book. I would definitely recommend it as well as the first one. Ms. Smith is a great writer and I look forward to seeing what comes next!
Charlie and her father are back, although Charlie still thinks her father is dead. Jack is up to his usual tricks, trying to woo rich older women to keep him afloat financially. I really didn't care for Jack too much after reading about his life post staged suicide. I was happy to see that he did redeem himself in the end. The reader also learns about Naomi and what she has gone through since the war. My heart broke for her and for what she had endured. I was so rooting for her and Ruben. If anyone deserved to be happy, it was Naomi!
There is a nice mystery to round out the story. Someone has tried to kill Charlie. She can't figure out why. I liked to little twist at the end regarding her attack. I was saddened to see that Raul and Charlie were no longer together. I loved them together in the first book. That was my only complaint. I don't want to reveal any more about the plot because I think it would ruin it.
Paradise Misplaced is a great book. I would definitely recommend it as well as the first one. Ms. Smith is a great writer and I look forward to seeing what comes next!
May 4, 2023
I listened to this on audible. Wasnt a fan.
November 17, 2012
I found this book much more disjointed than her first book, Exceeding Expectations, but I really enjoyed reading both books. Very light entertaining book with art forgery mystery mixed with interesting stories of the various characters.
January 22, 2014
I loved this book! It is the sequel to "Exceeding Expectations" which I thoroughly enjoyed as well. Ms. Smith's writing is fun and her story lines kept me captivated in a "lite reading" way. Easy, fluid and enjoyable!!
December 27, 2012
3 stars. I enjoyed the author's previous book much more. This was much more disjointed, but I did enjoy continuing the story of Charlie, Jack, and Nicole.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews