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Paradise #3
Troubles in Paradise
What happened in Paradise? At last all will be revealed about the secrets and lies that led Irene and her sons to St. John -- and to new lives that transformed them all.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published October 6, 2020
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40550 people want to read
About the author
Elin Hilderbrand
91 books61.2k followersElin Hilderbrand lives on Nantucket with her husband and their three young children. She grew up in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and traveled extensively before settling on Nantucket, which has been the setting for her five previous novels. Hilderbrand is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the graduate fiction workshop at the University of Iowa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,543 reviews
March 6, 2021
*2.5 stars*
As much as I hate to admit it, given my love for the majority of Elin Hilderbrand’s work, the Paradise series overall was an unbalanced mess of sorts.
For me, the intrigue of the secrets and a new island to explore made Winter in Paradise (book 1) a promising start to the trilogy. Yet, What Happens in Paradise (book 2) presented itself as a missed opportunity, given the stagnant storyline. Worst of all, I found Troubles in Paradise (book 3) to be a hodgepodge of chaotic decision-making. What happened to Hilderbrand’s skillful character creation?
What sets Hilderbrand apart from other women’s fiction in the beachy space is her penchant for creating interesting characters. Characters that pour their hearts out to readers and command their undivided attention—regardless of their misdeeds (infidelity is a big one with her lately), gossipy nature, or their unwillingness step outside of their status quo. This time around, the wishy-washy feelings crowding every space, the declarations of love muttered all too easily, odes of marriage, and the continued naivety was absurd. An underdeveloped mess that left my head spinning with regret for subjecting myself to these people—again.
Troubles in Paradise picks up right where What Happens in Paradise ends, with the FBI kicking Irene out of the picturesque St. John compound her dead husband bought with dirty money. Her place in paradise gone, along with her bejeweled Victorian in Iowa and most of her worldly possessions. Far from what anyone would consider a surprise twist given the depth of Russ' misdeeds. Yet, readers are spoon-fed a dose of misconstrued shock as Irene and Cash scramble to find alternate accommodations.
One thing to be thankful for, Ayers finally making a decision when it comes to Baker and Cash. Yet, her indecisiveness and wishy-washy behavior continue to run rampant, this time with a Steele brother, an ex, and the predicament she finds herself in (a storyline arc I despise). And then there’s the messiness Irene finally decides to confront—her feelings for the stepfather of her dead husband’s lover. Three books in and she does an about-face, questioning his knowledge of the infidelity. It all felt a little too late.
A host of ridiculous antics, underdeveloped relationships, and a data dump to finish things off, left behind a lingering taste of regret. Hilderbrand chose to string readers along for a trilogy when the Steele story likely would have been more impactful housed in a single novel. I can't say there's a gaping hole in my heart left from the end of this series.
One thing I will always treasure is the time my husband and I spent in St. John. We booked a spontaneous holiday trip to the island in December 2018 after I devoured Winter in Paradise. Our time in St. John/St. Thomas proved to be one of our most memorable vacations. So, while these characters didn’t do it for me, the place certainly did. Now, if only I could convince my husband that we need to get to Nantucket. *wink*
*Thanks to the Little, Brown and Company for providing a copy in exchange in for the honest thoughts I shared here.
As much as I hate to admit it, given my love for the majority of Elin Hilderbrand’s work, the Paradise series overall was an unbalanced mess of sorts.
For me, the intrigue of the secrets and a new island to explore made Winter in Paradise (book 1) a promising start to the trilogy. Yet, What Happens in Paradise (book 2) presented itself as a missed opportunity, given the stagnant storyline. Worst of all, I found Troubles in Paradise (book 3) to be a hodgepodge of chaotic decision-making. What happened to Hilderbrand’s skillful character creation?
What sets Hilderbrand apart from other women’s fiction in the beachy space is her penchant for creating interesting characters. Characters that pour their hearts out to readers and command their undivided attention—regardless of their misdeeds (infidelity is a big one with her lately), gossipy nature, or their unwillingness step outside of their status quo. This time around, the wishy-washy feelings crowding every space, the declarations of love muttered all too easily, odes of marriage, and the continued naivety was absurd. An underdeveloped mess that left my head spinning with regret for subjecting myself to these people—again.
Troubles in Paradise picks up right where What Happens in Paradise ends, with the FBI kicking Irene out of the picturesque St. John compound her dead husband bought with dirty money. Her place in paradise gone, along with her bejeweled Victorian in Iowa and most of her worldly possessions. Far from what anyone would consider a surprise twist given the depth of Russ' misdeeds. Yet, readers are spoon-fed a dose of misconstrued shock as Irene and Cash scramble to find alternate accommodations.
One thing to be thankful for, Ayers finally making a decision when it comes to Baker and Cash. Yet, her indecisiveness and wishy-washy behavior continue to run rampant, this time with a Steele brother, an ex, and the predicament she finds herself in (a storyline arc I despise). And then there’s the messiness Irene finally decides to confront—her feelings for the stepfather of her dead husband’s lover. Three books in and she does an about-face, questioning his knowledge of the infidelity. It all felt a little too late.
A host of ridiculous antics, underdeveloped relationships, and a data dump to finish things off, left behind a lingering taste of regret. Hilderbrand chose to string readers along for a trilogy when the Steele story likely would have been more impactful housed in a single novel. I can't say there's a gaping hole in my heart left from the end of this series.
One thing I will always treasure is the time my husband and I spent in St. John. We booked a spontaneous holiday trip to the island in December 2018 after I devoured Winter in Paradise. Our time in St. John/St. Thomas proved to be one of our most memorable vacations. So, while these characters didn’t do it for me, the place certainly did. Now, if only I could convince my husband that we need to get to Nantucket. *wink*
*Thanks to the Little, Brown and Company for providing a copy in exchange in for the honest thoughts I shared here.
October 11, 2020
I’ve been saying I’m done with EH for probably the last 3 books of hers that I’ve read but still wanted to at least finish this trilogy. And now I’m really done. I’m tired of every book having an infidelity story line. I’m tired of the endless name dropping of restaurants and landmarks (in both this trilogy and her other series). I’m tired of her overuse of exclamation points and irrelevant parenthetical asides. I’m tired of every character having a bizarre name (Cash, Baker, Dunk, Swan[?!], Floyd, Tilda, Bright[?!]....). I don’t even really get why this was a trilogy. The actual plot could have been wrapped up in one book, especially with as tidily as every problem was resolved. We definitely didn’t need this slew of random side characters who didn’t matter one bit to anything. Who cares about the news anchor? Who cares about the “school wives”? No one. And I definitely don’t care when they only show up in the last 2 chapters of the book.
December 6, 2023
4.5 - All done and loved this one even more than I thought I would! Such a great ending to this series. In true Elin fashion, we’re introduced to so many characters and I LOVE when she writes from the POV of someone or something that you don’t expect to really round out the whole story. I’m honestly so sad that this series is over 😭
August 14, 2020
This was a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy set in the Virgin Islands. I loved all the characters because they were flawed and didn’t always make the right choices, but they all did their best to be good people, which is something we could use more of in the world. I really enjoyed this series, and strongly recommend it to transport you to some place beautiful. It had romantic elements with the acknowledgement that love is never easy, no matter what your age.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES OCTOBER 6, 2020.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES OCTOBER 6, 2020.
April 21, 2021
Troubles in Paradise, you say? Oh let me count the ways:
- Who the heck is the narrator? Told in first person present tense, three books in and I still can't figure out who the "I" is that's telling the story. I even went back and reread the beginning of this one for clarification, which wasn't to be found.
- Are we really supposed to believe that every. single. character. is so easily susceptible to insta/outsta/re-insta-love?
- Why did Hilderbrand feel the need to tack on a conclusion with a fabricated hurricane and introduction of a random, new character?
Listen, I get that these are escapist novels. I happily went along with the first two, but this final installment in the trilogy just highlighted my overall issues with the series. I did enjoy the St. John setting and the characters' ties to Iowa City (Go Hawks!), but all-in-all this is a reading adventure I'm glad has run its course.
Blog: www.confettibookshelf.com
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- Who the heck is the narrator? Told in first person present tense, three books in and I still can't figure out who the "I" is that's telling the story. I even went back and reread the beginning of this one for clarification, which wasn't to be found.
- Are we really supposed to believe that every. single. character. is so easily susceptible to insta/outsta/re-insta-love?
- Why did Hilderbrand feel the need to tack on a conclusion with a fabricated hurricane and introduction of a random, new character?
Listen, I get that these are escapist novels. I happily went along with the first two, but this final installment in the trilogy just highlighted my overall issues with the series. I did enjoy the St. John setting and the characters' ties to Iowa City (Go Hawks!), but all-in-all this is a reading adventure I'm glad has run its course.
Blog: www.confettibookshelf.com
IG: @confettibookshelf
October 12, 2020
So repetitive. So repetitive. So repetitive. So repetitive. So repetitive. So repetitive. So repetitive. So repetitive. So repetitive. So repetitive. So repetitive. So repetitive.
August 24, 2020
The Steele family finds themselves back in St. John for good in “Troubles in Paradise” the final book in the Paradise series by Elin Hilderbrand.
Irene, Cash and Baker have all made plans to move to the island in hopes of a fresh start after their lives literally fall apart. What better place to live than St. John with people they have all grown to care for?
If only they could leave their troubles behind. Unfortunately for this group, trouble follows them.
“Love is messy, complicated and unfair.”
This is an attestation that everyone who was impacted by the actions of Russ Steele and Rosie can speak to in one way or another.
Then there’s the fact that Russ Steele was involved in some very shady business deals with very bad people.
One can hope that the bonds forged by Irene, Baker, Cash, Huck, Maia and Ayers are strong enough to weather even the worst of storms.
“Troubles in Paradise” is the last in the “Paradise” series by Elin Hilderbrand. While I liked this book, I didn’t quite love it. The first book in the series “Winter in Paradise was definitely my favorite while I felt that both “What Happened in Paradise” and “Troubles in Paradise,” left a little to be desired. While I felt the strength of a few of the characters storylines throughout the series (such as Irene, Huck and Maia) a few seemed to lose their focus and became wishy washy (i.e. Baker and Ayers) and that was a let down.
What I loved about this series however was the friendship between the characters. Specifically, how everyone seemed to look out for each other, regardless of what was going on in their lives. For me, Elin Hilderbrand excels in writing stories about a large cast of characters and weaving everyone stories together and that was evident here.
Admittedly, my favorite part of this book was the surprise at the end, when a character from another series appeared, giving us a glimpse as to how my favorite Elin Hilderbrand characters are doing now. Thank you so much for that Ms. Hilderbrand! Could you maybe write another book in that series, for me?!
3.5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley, Little Brown and Company and Elin HIlderbrand for the arc.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 8.23.20.
Irene, Cash and Baker have all made plans to move to the island in hopes of a fresh start after their lives literally fall apart. What better place to live than St. John with people they have all grown to care for?
If only they could leave their troubles behind. Unfortunately for this group, trouble follows them.
“Love is messy, complicated and unfair.”
This is an attestation that everyone who was impacted by the actions of Russ Steele and Rosie can speak to in one way or another.
Then there’s the fact that Russ Steele was involved in some very shady business deals with very bad people.
One can hope that the bonds forged by Irene, Baker, Cash, Huck, Maia and Ayers are strong enough to weather even the worst of storms.
“Troubles in Paradise” is the last in the “Paradise” series by Elin Hilderbrand. While I liked this book, I didn’t quite love it. The first book in the series “Winter in Paradise was definitely my favorite while I felt that both “What Happened in Paradise” and “Troubles in Paradise,” left a little to be desired. While I felt the strength of a few of the characters storylines throughout the series (such as Irene, Huck and Maia) a few seemed to lose their focus and became wishy washy (i.e. Baker and Ayers) and that was a let down.
What I loved about this series however was the friendship between the characters. Specifically, how everyone seemed to look out for each other, regardless of what was going on in their lives. For me, Elin Hilderbrand excels in writing stories about a large cast of characters and weaving everyone stories together and that was evident here.
Admittedly, my favorite part of this book was the surprise at the end, when a character from another series appeared, giving us a glimpse as to how my favorite Elin Hilderbrand characters are doing now. Thank you so much for that Ms. Hilderbrand! Could you maybe write another book in that series, for me?!
3.5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley, Little Brown and Company and Elin HIlderbrand for the arc.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 8.23.20.
November 28, 2021
Really disappointed in this last book of the series for the following reasons:
- I had a hard time understanding how Ayers first got sick from pregnancy after she had had sex with Baker only eight days beforehand - later she thinks she's six weeks pregnant, which means she conceived on the beach on his first visit - however, that incident was "interrupted" by other people arriving at the beach.
- No one seems to be very upset that Rosie and Russ are dead.
- When Baker comes back from leaving his life in Houston, he doesn't contact Ayers right away even though she is the reason he moves to St. John.
- We don't know what happens to Marilyn Monroe - is she safe? Did Baker's friends get out okay before the hurricane?
- Why don't we get reactions of the characters to MAJOR life events, like Ayers having the baby - hello, Baker's reaction? Floyd? Irene? She has Maia come in the room - what about the father???
- Long descriptions and passages for events/characters that are not important to the main story - Phil and Sunny's travels, Duncan Huntley, Margarent Quinn.
- It seemed like the book suddenly wrapped up, to get to the end. I would have liked to read about the scene with Huck and Irene when she jumps on the boat, or Cash coming to ride the hurricane out with Tilda.
There's more but I don't want this to be a novel in itself.
- I had a hard time understanding how Ayers first got sick from pregnancy after she had had sex with Baker only eight days beforehand - later she thinks she's six weeks pregnant, which means she conceived on the beach on his first visit - however, that incident was "interrupted" by other people arriving at the beach.
- No one seems to be very upset that Rosie and Russ are dead.
- When Baker comes back from leaving his life in Houston, he doesn't contact Ayers right away even though she is the reason he moves to St. John.
- We don't know what happens to Marilyn Monroe - is she safe? Did Baker's friends get out okay before the hurricane?
- Why don't we get reactions of the characters to MAJOR life events, like Ayers having the baby - hello, Baker's reaction? Floyd? Irene? She has Maia come in the room - what about the father???
- Long descriptions and passages for events/characters that are not important to the main story - Phil and Sunny's travels, Duncan Huntley, Margarent Quinn.
- It seemed like the book suddenly wrapped up, to get to the end. I would have liked to read about the scene with Huck and Irene when she jumps on the boat, or Cash coming to ride the hurricane out with Tilda.
There's more but I don't want this to be a novel in itself.
September 29, 2020
I'm sure this is going to be an unpopular opinion.
I wavered between 2 and 3 stars.
I felt like this book had way too many hard to believe moments. One person gets money, then another person. One moves into a house from an ex, etc. It seemed like when a problem arose, boom, it was fixed without anyone even trying to work on fixing it. Things just don't come that easy to everyone. The more I got into the book, the more Ayers annoyed me. Then the moment between Baker and Duncan had me rolling my eyes. Not sure what the point of Margaret Quinn was.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy.
I wavered between 2 and 3 stars.
I felt like this book had way too many hard to believe moments. One person gets money, then another person. One moves into a house from an ex, etc. It seemed like when a problem arose, boom, it was fixed without anyone even trying to work on fixing it. Things just don't come that easy to everyone. The more I got into the book, the more Ayers annoyed me. Then the moment between Baker and Duncan had me rolling my eyes. Not sure what the point of Margaret Quinn was.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy.
March 14, 2021
I enjoyed this Paradise series, which follows Irene Steele and her family who are shocked by the unexpected death of Russ Steele, husband and father, in a helicopter crash in the Caribbean. Russ traveled frequently for business but details surrounding this trip are hazy, leaving Irene and her 2 adult sons, Baker and Cash, wanting answers. They travel to St. John to investigate themselves and the surprises keep coming. The story is told from multiple POVs — both Steele family members and St. John locals.
I tore through the first book (Winter in Paradise) which was my favorite of the 3. I thought the story was engaging and wanted to continue reading to see how things would play out. Overall, I enjoyed the conclusion of the trilogy with this book (Troubles in Paradise).
I tore through the first book (Winter in Paradise) which was my favorite of the 3. I thought the story was engaging and wanted to continue reading to see how things would play out. Overall, I enjoyed the conclusion of the trilogy with this book (Troubles in Paradise).
June 19, 2024
I’ve very much enjoyed this trilogy set in the Virgin Islands and will be sorry to see it end. As we pick up with the story, the Steele family has just been raided by the FBI, lost access to Russ’s mansion villa and all his fortunes obtained illegally through his money laundering. Irene has also lost her house back in Iowa. Her two sons, who were planning to move to St. John with her, are now adrift and trying to find housing. And Ares may have a surprise of her own.
This was a delightful conclusion as we see the family work through their current set of troubles, figure out what direction they plan to go for their futures, and as always, are treated to surprises on St. John as they come. There was also a surprise Easter Egg moment with a character from another beloved series and I was thrilled to get a little check in with those characters to see how they were all doing.
This was a delightful conclusion as we see the family work through their current set of troubles, figure out what direction they plan to go for their futures, and as always, are treated to surprises on St. John as they come. There was also a surprise Easter Egg moment with a character from another beloved series and I was thrilled to get a little check in with those characters to see how they were all doing.
August 28, 2020
This is the final installment of the Paradise series, and I wish I could have given more stars, but I had to wonder why a third installment was needed. We managed to sew up Rosie and Russ's story in a chapter but the rest of the book felt redundant and uninteresting. I had hoped for more and the ending fell short.
October 17, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
Just like that Elin Hilderbrand concludes another trilogy and rips my heart out while also making me smile. Although you could read Troubles as a stand-alone, I would suggest reading books 1 and 2 because Irene, Huck, Cash, Baker, Maia, and Ayers are the kind of characters that you want to spend as much time with as possible. I loved all the ups and downs of this trilogy and the final installment was full of heartache and redemption. Although I cannot travel at the moment, I have enjoyed my literary escape to St. John very much.
Goodreads review published 11/10/20
Publication Date 06/10/20
Just like that Elin Hilderbrand concludes another trilogy and rips my heart out while also making me smile. Although you could read Troubles as a stand-alone, I would suggest reading books 1 and 2 because Irene, Huck, Cash, Baker, Maia, and Ayers are the kind of characters that you want to spend as much time with as possible. I loved all the ups and downs of this trilogy and the final installment was full of heartache and redemption. Although I cannot travel at the moment, I have enjoyed my literary escape to St. John very much.
Goodreads review published 11/10/20
Publication Date 06/10/20
January 18, 2022
Not a bad last book in the series. Some characters were introduced, especially at the end that made no sense. Other characters/situations just dropped off with no closure. This was a fast easy read that allowed little thought to go into it. Nice after a stressful day.
March 10, 2021
4.5 stars.
Troubles in Paradise is a dramatic and romantic conclusion to Elin Hilderbrand’s Paradise trilogy—but I want more!
Irene Steele and her adult sons, Baker and Cash, are still trying to come to terms that Russ, their late husband and father, wasn’t the man they thought he was. It’s been an emotional and difficult realization, particularly for Irene.
If learning he was leading a double life with a secret family on the island of St. John wasn’t hard enough to reconcile, now the federal government has seized both his villa on the island, where Irene, Baker, and Cash have been staying, as well as Irene’s home in Iowa. They have no money, no clothes, and all of Irene’s possessions have been seized, and they have to depend on the kindness of new friends.
But trying to make sense of it all causes friction for Irene and Huck, who has become both her boss and a friend with some potential. Baker and Cash experience difficulties in their romantic relationships, too. All three are at a crossroads in trying to figure out what their next steps will be, but they know they want to stay on St. John.
Yet with a mysterious figure watching them from a jeep, and a hurricane threatening the island, will they be able to get closure of any kind? And will the island survive?
I have become a big fan of Hilderbrand’s books over the last six months, and I really enjoyed this series. She has such a talent for imagery—I’ve never been to St. John but I could see it in my mind’s eye. She’s also really skilled at creating tension and obstacles in romantic relationships.
There were times I really wanted to shake these characters for not saying what was on their minds. (I feel like that a lot when I read, lol.) I definitely felt invested in this series and I’m sad it’s over. But at least I have more of her books to read!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the last decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Troubles in Paradise is a dramatic and romantic conclusion to Elin Hilderbrand’s Paradise trilogy—but I want more!
Irene Steele and her adult sons, Baker and Cash, are still trying to come to terms that Russ, their late husband and father, wasn’t the man they thought he was. It’s been an emotional and difficult realization, particularly for Irene.
If learning he was leading a double life with a secret family on the island of St. John wasn’t hard enough to reconcile, now the federal government has seized both his villa on the island, where Irene, Baker, and Cash have been staying, as well as Irene’s home in Iowa. They have no money, no clothes, and all of Irene’s possessions have been seized, and they have to depend on the kindness of new friends.
But trying to make sense of it all causes friction for Irene and Huck, who has become both her boss and a friend with some potential. Baker and Cash experience difficulties in their romantic relationships, too. All three are at a crossroads in trying to figure out what their next steps will be, but they know they want to stay on St. John.
Yet with a mysterious figure watching them from a jeep, and a hurricane threatening the island, will they be able to get closure of any kind? And will the island survive?
I have become a big fan of Hilderbrand’s books over the last six months, and I really enjoyed this series. She has such a talent for imagery—I’ve never been to St. John but I could see it in my mind’s eye. She’s also really skilled at creating tension and obstacles in romantic relationships.
There were times I really wanted to shake these characters for not saying what was on their minds. (I feel like that a lot when I read, lol.) I definitely felt invested in this series and I’m sad it’s over. But at least I have more of her books to read!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the last decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
April 9, 2022
Trouble in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Trouble in Paradise” is the third and last book in the “Paradise” series. I absolutely loved all three of the books which normally does not happen. Usually the first book is amazing and the other books in the series fall short of enjoyment. This series kept me totally intrigued and wanting to continue reading the next book in the series right away. The story line, the characters and the balance of suspense and the strength of family and friendships make this series a must read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Trouble in Paradise” is the third and last book in the “Paradise” series. I absolutely loved all three of the books which normally does not happen. Usually the first book is amazing and the other books in the series fall short of enjoyment. This series kept me totally intrigued and wanting to continue reading the next book in the series right away. The story line, the characters and the balance of suspense and the strength of family and friendships make this series a must read.
March 20, 2021
While the Paradise trilogy wasn't my favorite work by Elin Hilderbrand, I liked it well enough to follow it through the end. Am I glad the Paradise saga is done? Yes, I am.
Overall, I think this book did a good job of wrapping up the trilogy. There were a few places in the book where I thought the story should've ended. Instead, the story continued and contained what I considered filler material. At the end, though, everything was neatly wrapped up and no question was left unanswered.
I did consider it a bonus that we got to catch up with Margaret Quinn from the Winter Street series. Her grown children and their whereabouts were mentioned as well.
Overall, I think this book did a good job of wrapping up the trilogy. There were a few places in the book where I thought the story should've ended. Instead, the story continued and contained what I considered filler material. At the end, though, everything was neatly wrapped up and no question was left unanswered.
I did consider it a bonus that we got to catch up with Margaret Quinn from the Winter Street series. Her grown children and their whereabouts were mentioned as well.
October 13, 2020
Mindless Covid read... I had to finish the series. Love the location but just so dumb. This one added a hurricane and extra characters at the end of the book.
October 31, 2020
The final book and conclusion to Paradise trilogy and it wasn't even needed. The "mystery" behind the death of two people we knew from the first book was explained and solved rather quickly. The rest was just unnecessary drama. I still enjoy it, but my least favorite of three books.
July 10, 2020
Troubles in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand Reviewed on July 10, 2020
I really am NOT a “Chick Lit/ Romance/ Character plot driven” fan!!!
….Aww but I am a major Elin Hilderbrand fan.
Guess what? This is a Chick Lit/Romance/ Character Plot driven” story and I LOVED IT!!
This is my 20th novel and it is #3 in this trilogy, I totally got caught up with these characters in the other two books ~ Huck, Irene, Cash, Baker, Ayers, and Maia
I enjoyed and wanted to read more. Actually sad that this is the end of this series. Certainly hope that these St John's characters drop by in another novel….
I love when EH has characters from other novels drop by ~ bit of a
I really am NOT a “Chick Lit/ Romance/ Character plot driven” fan!!!
….Aww but I am a major Elin Hilderbrand fan.
Guess what? This is a Chick Lit/Romance/ Character Plot driven” story and I LOVED IT!!
This is my 20th novel and it is #3 in this trilogy, I totally got caught up with these characters in the other two books ~ Huck, Irene, Cash, Baker, Ayers, and Maia
I enjoyed and wanted to read more. Actually sad that this is the end of this series. Certainly hope that these St John's characters drop by in another novel….
I love when EH has characters from other novels drop by ~ bit of a
October 26, 2020
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
In case I haven’t beaten the dead horse enough, let me remind you that I’m not a series reader. Truth be told, this could go down as Exhibit A for the reason. This story could have easily been wrapped up in one book, but unfortunately when I got the first one I didn’t realize it was going to end in a mothereffing CLIFFHANGER so it was too late for me to backpeddle and I got sucked into number two. That one was just as I expected it would be – a filler book. And then there’s the finale. You’re already roped into finding out the conclusion of what happened with the dead hubby and making sure everyone gets their “happily for nows” so there’s no escaping it. Especially when it’s G.D. October and looks like this outside . . . .
Yeah, I’ll take one of those winters in paradise stat.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In case I haven’t beaten the dead horse enough, let me remind you that I’m not a series reader. Truth be told, this could go down as Exhibit A for the reason. This story could have easily been wrapped up in one book, but unfortunately when I got the first one I didn’t realize it was going to end in a mothereffing CLIFFHANGER so it was too late for me to backpeddle and I got sucked into number two. That one was just as I expected it would be – a filler book. And then there’s the finale. You’re already roped into finding out the conclusion of what happened with the dead hubby and making sure everyone gets their “happily for nows” so there’s no escaping it. Especially when it’s G.D. October and looks like this outside . . . .
Yeah, I’ll take one of those winters in paradise stat.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2020
This book was a great read! Made me dreamed of being wealthy one day so that I could live or travel to one of those luxurious islands. I enjoyed reading each character. Their troubles are easily relatable to many readers. The humor was fantastic. I liked how each family members of the Steele easily adapted themselves to becoming from tourists to locals. Makes me wonder if it's that easy in real life. I guess it might if we aren't picky about the jobs being offered at the Caribbean. There are a variety of things going on in this story that either made you grin or made you felt for them when the characters were feeling vulnerable because of the complications of love: wealthy guys fasting, Baker felt like he's on a reality TV shows, love troubles at any age, male/female pining after someone, etc. I liked that there are background stories for everyone even Huck's fling, Teresa and Baker's Houston school wife, Ellen.
This book started out with a recap of what happened in St. John. Then the story began with Irene, 57, told in the third person point of view as she woke up and found herself at Huck's house. Irene is now homeless because the villa in paradise and her house back at the states had been seized. Her husband's secrets are now being revealed and she's left with a lot of questions. The second view was Baker, Irene's son. Baker decided to uproot himself and his 4 year old son out of Texas and moved to the Virgin Island for good. He wanted to start a new life with Ayers and live at his dad's villa with no knowledge of what's been happening. The third view was Huck, step grandpa to Maia and step dad to Rosie who was the mistress to Irene's husband Russ. He reminiscenced about the women in his life because now he felt like he might just found himself a new one. The fourth view was Cash, Irene's second son. He has gotten himself a job and a girlfriend but unexpected things happened and now his dog Winnie is homeless. The fifth view was Maia, 12 as she realized that her mom was right about love, how it's messy and complicated. The sixth view was Ayers. She just broke up her engagement with Mick and now found herself with an unexpected news. Each character has his/her troubles and they all were pulled together by the recently deceased couple with an unsolved mystery.
Troubles in Paradise was well written and a fast paced read! The mystery was only of the mystery jeep with tinted windows so the read was mostly easy going of people vacationing. I liked the reminder about the value of things. Irene put so much time and efforts into renovating her house with antiques and expensive things and realized that she's ok without them now. The mystery in this book was less than the first two books. It's more about the characters and the islands. I loved the first two books for the mystery and humor, but this one I loved it for the characters pouring out their heartaches. An excellent series to read altogether and I do recommend everyone to read it.
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
Many thanks to Little Brown for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
This book started out with a recap of what happened in St. John. Then the story began with Irene, 57, told in the third person point of view as she woke up and found herself at Huck's house. Irene is now homeless because the villa in paradise and her house back at the states had been seized. Her husband's secrets are now being revealed and she's left with a lot of questions. The second view was Baker, Irene's son. Baker decided to uproot himself and his 4 year old son out of Texas and moved to the Virgin Island for good. He wanted to start a new life with Ayers and live at his dad's villa with no knowledge of what's been happening. The third view was Huck, step grandpa to Maia and step dad to Rosie who was the mistress to Irene's husband Russ. He reminiscenced about the women in his life because now he felt like he might just found himself a new one. The fourth view was Cash, Irene's second son. He has gotten himself a job and a girlfriend but unexpected things happened and now his dog Winnie is homeless. The fifth view was Maia, 12 as she realized that her mom was right about love, how it's messy and complicated. The sixth view was Ayers. She just broke up her engagement with Mick and now found herself with an unexpected news. Each character has his/her troubles and they all were pulled together by the recently deceased couple with an unsolved mystery.
Troubles in Paradise was well written and a fast paced read! The mystery was only of the mystery jeep with tinted windows so the read was mostly easy going of people vacationing. I liked the reminder about the value of things. Irene put so much time and efforts into renovating her house with antiques and expensive things and realized that she's ok without them now. The mystery in this book was less than the first two books. It's more about the characters and the islands. I loved the first two books for the mystery and humor, but this one I loved it for the characters pouring out their heartaches. An excellent series to read altogether and I do recommend everyone to read it.
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
Many thanks to Little Brown for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
October 30, 2020
First off, I want to give a shout out to Hilderbrand for changing something that bugged me so much in the first two books of the series. This book has NO drinking and snorkeling, in fact at one point she even says that the people have to wait until after snorkeling to drink alcohol. So props to her for either reading the reviews or doing her research.
That out of the way, this was a decent ending to the trilogy, if a bit drawn out. All of the same things about Hilderbrand's books were here: the endless name dropping of places, the weird character names, her penchant for always saying first and last names, the repetition of things over and over (and over) and the (ugh) infidelity. However, the reader can palpably feel the author's love for St John, and as I absolutely love it there too, I got a bit wistful, especially in the end after the hurricane. I know that Irma and Maria just devastated the area in 2017, and so her homage to the loss and the resilience of the residents is touching.
Nothing was very surprising, the people ended up with who I thought they would end up with. I disliked Irene's personality change with regards to her husband's betrayal and how she took it out on Huck. It seemed very bizarre and out of character with how she had been portrayed in previous installments. The massive info dump from "Marilyn Monroe" was a lazy way to resolve that storyline and I hate it when writers can't figure out a way to get the information across and resort to having one character tell everything rather than letting it unfold as part of the story. Pure laziness.
Overall, fine ending to the series. Hilderbrand and I can part ways amicably now.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
That out of the way, this was a decent ending to the trilogy, if a bit drawn out. All of the same things about Hilderbrand's books were here: the endless name dropping of places, the weird character names, her penchant for always saying first and last names, the repetition of things over and over (and over) and the (ugh) infidelity. However, the reader can palpably feel the author's love for St John, and as I absolutely love it there too, I got a bit wistful, especially in the end after the hurricane. I know that Irma and Maria just devastated the area in 2017, and so her homage to the loss and the resilience of the residents is touching.
Nothing was very surprising, the people ended up with who I thought they would end up with. I disliked Irene's personality change with regards to her husband's betrayal and how she took it out on Huck. It seemed very bizarre and out of character with how she had been portrayed in previous installments. The massive info dump from "Marilyn Monroe" was a lazy way to resolve that storyline and I hate it when writers can't figure out a way to get the information across and resort to having one character tell everything rather than letting it unfold as part of the story. Pure laziness.
Overall, fine ending to the series. Hilderbrand and I can part ways amicably now.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
October 18, 2020
Meh. I love St. John so I had to finish the series. I'm usually all for reading different perspectives, but this was a bit much. (I don't need the tiny perspective of a waitress Huck went on 3 dates with over 5 years ago. I'm not exaggerating. That happened.) I didn't like a lot of the characters in general this time. There was too much immaturity and jealousy. Plus, this whole thing felt a lot like it was just name-dropping places all over the island (way more than the previous books) and that got old real fast (plus, still no mention of my fav Coral Bay Caribbean Oasis but whatever).
June 26, 2020
Like the 2nd book in this series I’m left disappointed. Too many characters and it felt rushed. Hopefully since this series is wrapped up next years summer book will be better.
Thanks to Edelweiss for my advanced ebook copy.
Thanks to Edelweiss for my advanced ebook copy.
October 6, 2020
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY! This book is now available.
I am such a fan of Elin Hilderbrand. Though she often gets written off as a "beach read" or "chick lit," there is always depth, thoughtfulness, and emotion to her books. She also lightly (VERY lightly!) touches timely issues like politics and #MeToo just enough to let you know these characters are living in our current world, feeling what we feel.
This is the third book in the "Paradise" series, and while it's probably better to read the other books first, it's not at all necessary. (I had read the first one and am on to the second one after this, the third and final installment.)
This series is pretty perfect for our current pandemic/political/crazy atmosphere - Hilderbrand always provides a glamorous escape to a beautiful locale (here, St. John in the Virgin Islands) with problems that are at once a world away from your own, yet also totally relatable.
While 28 Summers remains my favorite recent Hilderband novel (a MUST read!) this series will also provide you with a tropical escape from your quarantine couch complete with yachts, money, secrets, sex, baby daddies, and intrigue. There were a lot of characters (even more than the first book) but Hilderbrand somehow gets you invested in all of them. She also does such a great job of describing the lifestyle and beauty of St. John that it's impossible to finish this book without wanting to go there. But really all of HIlderbrand's books are primarily about relationships and family (both biological family, and the family you choose). She is also pretty great at the fan service and you may see a character from another book pop into this story.
Basically just a feel-good (and sometimes sad and cathartic), emotionally rewarding, island getaway in book form, which for me is just what the doctor ordered right about now.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown for the ARC. I can always count on Hilderbrand to pull my heartstrings.
I am such a fan of Elin Hilderbrand. Though she often gets written off as a "beach read" or "chick lit," there is always depth, thoughtfulness, and emotion to her books. She also lightly (VERY lightly!) touches timely issues like politics and #MeToo just enough to let you know these characters are living in our current world, feeling what we feel.
This is the third book in the "Paradise" series, and while it's probably better to read the other books first, it's not at all necessary. (I had read the first one and am on to the second one after this, the third and final installment.)
This series is pretty perfect for our current pandemic/political/crazy atmosphere - Hilderbrand always provides a glamorous escape to a beautiful locale (here, St. John in the Virgin Islands) with problems that are at once a world away from your own, yet also totally relatable.
While 28 Summers remains my favorite recent Hilderband novel (a MUST read!) this series will also provide you with a tropical escape from your quarantine couch complete with yachts, money, secrets, sex, baby daddies, and intrigue. There were a lot of characters (even more than the first book) but Hilderbrand somehow gets you invested in all of them. She also does such a great job of describing the lifestyle and beauty of St. John that it's impossible to finish this book without wanting to go there. But really all of HIlderbrand's books are primarily about relationships and family (both biological family, and the family you choose). She is also pretty great at the fan service and you may see a character from another book pop into this story.
Basically just a feel-good (and sometimes sad and cathartic), emotionally rewarding, island getaway in book form, which for me is just what the doctor ordered right about now.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown for the ARC. I can always count on Hilderbrand to pull my heartstrings.
October 9, 2020
Awful and boring
No way did this need to be a trilogy. Nothing happens. Cliffhanger after cliffhanger and for what? Nonsense and fluff. Boring and uninteresting.
No way did this need to be a trilogy. Nothing happens. Cliffhanger after cliffhanger and for what? Nonsense and fluff. Boring and uninteresting.
March 29, 2021
I’m just not ready to say goodbye to these characters!
September 26, 2020
With “Trouble in Paradise,” Elin Hilderbrand’s last book in the Paradise trilogy, all we want to know is, Who and Why. Elin ties up all the loose ends with this final book in her usual grand fashion. In my review, I will reveal NO Spoilers; EVER.
As we know from the first book, “Winter in Paradise,” Irene Steele’s husband, Russel, died in a helicopter crash in the Virgin Islands, on Christmas Day, two years ago. He was not alone, but accompanied by an Island-native, woman, Rosie Small, later discovered as his girlfriend, or mistress. By the completion of book two, “What Happens in Paradise,” Irene meets Russell’s twelve-year-old daughter, Maia, he had with Rosie, and her grandfather, Huck, Rosie’s Dad. Irene and her adult sons, Cash and Baker, all spend valuable time getting to know one another better.
By this third book, both families are suspect of the cause of the helicopter crash as a lightening hit. Numerous FBI investigations and finally the seizure of Russ’s condo, the family home in Iowa, and all other assets and available info, points to nefarious activity by Russ’ employer. Since Russ was paid large amounts of money, plus the fact Irene nor Rosie could not describe what his job entailed, led to the belief of, “money hide and seek,” or as the Feds call it, money laundering.
While the investigations were going on, relationships were having their ups and downs. Huck needed to decide if they can work and live together, or just work together. Ayers could not decide if she should forgive her cheating boyfriend and stay with him or move on to a relationship with Baker. She had lots of pros and cons to consider. Cash had taken an interest in Ayer’s coworker, Tilda. (I know!) The question is, are they just having fun, or will it develop into anything real. (And do we care?!) And there is adorable, important, Maia! Will she live with Huck or Ayers? Baker has brought his son, Floyd, to live with him on the island. By the end of the book you will know all the answers.
Fortunately, Ayers found all of Rosie’s diaries before anyone else could get hold of them. The last and most recent one has information that could be incriminating evidence that could help the FBI, but Ayers is not sure if it could help or hurt Russ and Rosie. Why won’t the FBI tell them more about the investigation?!
Finally, there needs to be proof one way or the other about the helicopter crash. Was it an accident or a setup? Remember Todd Croft, Russ’ boss, where is he in all this? And Marilyn Monroe, his secretary, who called Irene to tell her of Russ’ death, where has she gone? Is that her real name?!
“Trouble in Paradise” is the “crème de la crème” of the Paradise trilogy. We have crime, possible murder, several romances, and even a medium size hurricane in the end. You must find out who survives with who, and do they get to keep the money?
It was a great, three book vacation in the Virgin Islands. I cannot wait to see where Elin takes us next. Wherever she goes, I will be ready to join her!
Thank you Netgalley, Little Brown, and Co. and Elin Hilderbrand
As we know from the first book, “Winter in Paradise,” Irene Steele’s husband, Russel, died in a helicopter crash in the Virgin Islands, on Christmas Day, two years ago. He was not alone, but accompanied by an Island-native, woman, Rosie Small, later discovered as his girlfriend, or mistress. By the completion of book two, “What Happens in Paradise,” Irene meets Russell’s twelve-year-old daughter, Maia, he had with Rosie, and her grandfather, Huck, Rosie’s Dad. Irene and her adult sons, Cash and Baker, all spend valuable time getting to know one another better.
By this third book, both families are suspect of the cause of the helicopter crash as a lightening hit. Numerous FBI investigations and finally the seizure of Russ’s condo, the family home in Iowa, and all other assets and available info, points to nefarious activity by Russ’ employer. Since Russ was paid large amounts of money, plus the fact Irene nor Rosie could not describe what his job entailed, led to the belief of, “money hide and seek,” or as the Feds call it, money laundering.
While the investigations were going on, relationships were having their ups and downs. Huck needed to decide if they can work and live together, or just work together. Ayers could not decide if she should forgive her cheating boyfriend and stay with him or move on to a relationship with Baker. She had lots of pros and cons to consider. Cash had taken an interest in Ayer’s coworker, Tilda. (I know!) The question is, are they just having fun, or will it develop into anything real. (And do we care?!) And there is adorable, important, Maia! Will she live with Huck or Ayers? Baker has brought his son, Floyd, to live with him on the island. By the end of the book you will know all the answers.
Fortunately, Ayers found all of Rosie’s diaries before anyone else could get hold of them. The last and most recent one has information that could be incriminating evidence that could help the FBI, but Ayers is not sure if it could help or hurt Russ and Rosie. Why won’t the FBI tell them more about the investigation?!
Finally, there needs to be proof one way or the other about the helicopter crash. Was it an accident or a setup? Remember Todd Croft, Russ’ boss, where is he in all this? And Marilyn Monroe, his secretary, who called Irene to tell her of Russ’ death, where has she gone? Is that her real name?!
“Trouble in Paradise” is the “crème de la crème” of the Paradise trilogy. We have crime, possible murder, several romances, and even a medium size hurricane in the end. You must find out who survives with who, and do they get to keep the money?
It was a great, three book vacation in the Virgin Islands. I cannot wait to see where Elin takes us next. Wherever she goes, I will be ready to join her!
Thank you Netgalley, Little Brown, and Co. and Elin Hilderbrand
October 25, 2020
3.5 Stars
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