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Paradise Girls: A Novel
Sandy Gingras's Paradise Girls features a broken engagement. A ruined vacation in paradise. One adorable little girl. The perfect recipe for the chance of a lifetime...
Mary Valley is in a funk. She’s a writer for home magazines, but she’s lost touch with what home means. Her life seems meaningless. The last house she wrote about was a gazillion-dollar mansion with a moat! Plus, she’s estranged from her daughter, CC and granddaughter, Larkin and mired in a dead-end relationship with her boss.
Daniel is a man adrift since his son Timmy was killed in Afghanistan. He’s living on a houseboat in Florida with Timmy’s three-legged dog, Tripod and taking tourists out on fishing charters. But his life is on the edge. He’s painting his houseboat black, and he can’t stop thinking about “getting lost at sea.”
When Mary’s boss tells her he’s spending Christmas with his ex, she books a trip with her family to The Low Key Inn, a hotel on the edge of the Everglades. But things go wrong from the get-go. CC bails out of the vacation, and Mary is stuck with an unhappy Larkin. The hotel is dated and down-on-its-luck, and perhaps its owner is a witch. Then Mary meets Daniel, casts a hook into his head and wrecks his boat.
This is the story of how wounded people can help each other heal, how lost people can help each other find their way home. How life can become a love story…
Mary Valley is in a funk. She’s a writer for home magazines, but she’s lost touch with what home means. Her life seems meaningless. The last house she wrote about was a gazillion-dollar mansion with a moat! Plus, she’s estranged from her daughter, CC and granddaughter, Larkin and mired in a dead-end relationship with her boss.
Daniel is a man adrift since his son Timmy was killed in Afghanistan. He’s living on a houseboat in Florida with Timmy’s three-legged dog, Tripod and taking tourists out on fishing charters. But his life is on the edge. He’s painting his houseboat black, and he can’t stop thinking about “getting lost at sea.”
When Mary’s boss tells her he’s spending Christmas with his ex, she books a trip with her family to The Low Key Inn, a hotel on the edge of the Everglades. But things go wrong from the get-go. CC bails out of the vacation, and Mary is stuck with an unhappy Larkin. The hotel is dated and down-on-its-luck, and perhaps its owner is a witch. Then Mary meets Daniel, casts a hook into his head and wrecks his boat.
This is the story of how wounded people can help each other heal, how lost people can help each other find their way home. How life can become a love story…
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published July 25, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
June 30, 2022
"Paradise Girls" by Sandy Gingras is a story about finding your way home into new friendships!
Mary Valley has quit her job and broken her engagement all in one day and yes, her now ex-fiancé also happens to be her ex-boss! With no plans for a romantic holiday spent at home, this 42 year-old grandmother is off to spend Christmas in Florida with her five-year-old granddaughter, Larkin.
Daniel Dayes owns a charter fishing business in Florida and lives on a houseboat with his son Timmy's three-legged dog, Tripod. Timmy was killed in Afghanistan and Daniel has been living on the edge ever since. His days are mostly dark with the exception of Tripod.
Ollie is the elderly but active owner of the Low Key Inn where Mary is staying on vacation. It's on the outskirts of the Everglades with wildlife, sea-life and plant-life galore. Ollie's counting on the interested investor, Mr. Emerson to help bail her out of her financial woes in the hospitality business that she loves. It's also her home.
Why have these three lonely, mixed up, and brokenhearted people been brought together during the same week in the same place in Florida?
I thought this was going to be an easy, restful beach read but this is not set in paradise. It's a run-down seventies era hotel and the story is full of family conflict and characters who are disenchanted with life and their circumstances.
Although it got off to a rocky start this did grow on me as the characters began to evolve into better, happier, humans. I love how this story provides great examples of when you're looking for what's missing in your life, what you may find is your truest self and friends who care.
An enjoyable read but a little too reminiscent of the 'Hallmark Channel' for me. If that's your preference, I do recommend it as one for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Sandy Gingras for a free ARC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
Mary Valley has quit her job and broken her engagement all in one day and yes, her now ex-fiancé also happens to be her ex-boss! With no plans for a romantic holiday spent at home, this 42 year-old grandmother is off to spend Christmas in Florida with her five-year-old granddaughter, Larkin.
Daniel Dayes owns a charter fishing business in Florida and lives on a houseboat with his son Timmy's three-legged dog, Tripod. Timmy was killed in Afghanistan and Daniel has been living on the edge ever since. His days are mostly dark with the exception of Tripod.
Ollie is the elderly but active owner of the Low Key Inn where Mary is staying on vacation. It's on the outskirts of the Everglades with wildlife, sea-life and plant-life galore. Ollie's counting on the interested investor, Mr. Emerson to help bail her out of her financial woes in the hospitality business that she loves. It's also her home.
Why have these three lonely, mixed up, and brokenhearted people been brought together during the same week in the same place in Florida?
I thought this was going to be an easy, restful beach read but this is not set in paradise. It's a run-down seventies era hotel and the story is full of family conflict and characters who are disenchanted with life and their circumstances.
Although it got off to a rocky start this did grow on me as the characters began to evolve into better, happier, humans. I love how this story provides great examples of when you're looking for what's missing in your life, what you may find is your truest self and friends who care.
An enjoyable read but a little too reminiscent of the 'Hallmark Channel' for me. If that's your preference, I do recommend it as one for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Sandy Gingras for a free ARC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
June 3, 2022
Review coming soon.
July 5, 2022
4.5⭐️
Paradise Girls by Sandy Gingras was my first novel by her and I ended up really enjoying it. If I had to give it a one word description it would be “contemplation”.
The focus was mainly on 3 people who have lived an already full life. All three of them are contemplating everything about their life is and what will they do now. I loved hearing about their past. Some of it sad and painful. They all end up at the same physical place and find themselves in the process. I highly recommend it if you like stories about older people. Grandparents ages. It had an adorable three legged dog and a precious granddaughter who I couldn’t get enough of. Any I liked it a lot.
I chose to listen to some of this on audio while I had to work and I’m going to be honest and say it took awhile for me to warm up to Mary’s voice. I thought Daniel’s voice was good. The narrators were Elizabeth Wiley and Stephen Mendel.
Thanks Macmillan Audio and St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley.
Paradise Girls by Sandy Gingras was my first novel by her and I ended up really enjoying it. If I had to give it a one word description it would be “contemplation”.
The focus was mainly on 3 people who have lived an already full life. All three of them are contemplating everything about their life is and what will they do now. I loved hearing about their past. Some of it sad and painful. They all end up at the same physical place and find themselves in the process. I highly recommend it if you like stories about older people. Grandparents ages. It had an adorable three legged dog and a precious granddaughter who I couldn’t get enough of. Any I liked it a lot.
I chose to listen to some of this on audio while I had to work and I’m going to be honest and say it took awhile for me to warm up to Mary’s voice. I thought Daniel’s voice was good. The narrators were Elizabeth Wiley and Stephen Mendel.
Thanks Macmillan Audio and St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley.
June 28, 2022
Mary found herself, once again, stuck in a life she didn’t want. This time, she decided to make some decisions for herself. One of those decisions brought her and her granddaughter, Larkin, to The Low Key Inn where Mary found so much more than just a place to stay for the holidays.
I chose this book because I suspected it would be heartwarming, and my suspicions were correct. Stories about love, family, forgiveness, connection, and new beginnings are ones that never fail to delight me, and Paradise Girls had all those things PLUS a cast that endeared themselves to me and a three-legged dog who owned my heart.
It was about three people at critical points in their lives. Each was dealing with some major life choice, and fate brought them together to help with those decisions. I LOVED this and how their found family formed. I definitely suffered a case of the warm fuzzies as I read this book because I got to take such a beautiful journey with these characters. Perhaps things went exactly how I thought they would, but that was a plus for me.
Overall, this was a really lovely story about starting over, figuring out your next steps, and taking chances. It was wonderful that these people were all brought together to this Low-Key place where they found each other and the courage to make changes in their lives.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
I chose this book because I suspected it would be heartwarming, and my suspicions were correct. Stories about love, family, forgiveness, connection, and new beginnings are ones that never fail to delight me, and Paradise Girls had all those things PLUS a cast that endeared themselves to me and a three-legged dog who owned my heart.
It was about three people at critical points in their lives. Each was dealing with some major life choice, and fate brought them together to help with those decisions. I LOVED this and how their found family formed. I definitely suffered a case of the warm fuzzies as I read this book because I got to take such a beautiful journey with these characters. Perhaps things went exactly how I thought they would, but that was a plus for me.
Overall, this was a really lovely story about starting over, figuring out your next steps, and taking chances. It was wonderful that these people were all brought together to this Low-Key place where they found each other and the courage to make changes in their lives.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
July 8, 2022
BOOK REVIEW: Paradise Girls by Sandy Gingras
2022 Publication Date: July 5
⭐️⭐️⭐️️
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books Of 2022
CONNECT WITH A BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
You hold the key to your life... Even if you feel like you have misplaced it for awhile... So, turn your "house" upside down and shake it loose, if necessary... Find your key...
T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW: Multiple narrators dive deep with a courage fueled by the willingness that "last chance" realizations inspire... This story has a relatable character for any age. So, keep reading and find "your pair of shoes" to step into.
Set near the Everglades in a Florida resort community that has seen better days but never lost its' true magic. Mirroring the journey of the characters that are each on the precipice of discovering a new path ahead if they don't want to lose their magic as well.
BONUS: Prepare yourself to meet a charming "young girl on the rise" that has a style of her own... And has encouraged me to be on the hunt for a unicorn t-shirt as soon as possible... No judgment please. You are never too old to embrace a whimsical tee!... ✨😎✨
Pages: 320
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Sub-Genre: Domestic Fiction
Time Period: Present Day
Location: Florida (Everglades Region)
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: The Suite Spot by Trish Doller
Movie: A Good Year
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A broken engagement. A ruined vacation. An adorable little girl. This unlikely combination provides the perfect opportunity for something amazing to happen...
Mary Valley is feeling "off her game." Both personally and professionally. She writes features for a home magazine, but she's lost touch with writing content for real people. Her last feature was about a mega-mansion with a moat!
Plus, she's not very close with her daughter, CC, or her granddaughter, Larkin. Not to mention her relationship with her boss — who also happens to be her fiancé — is going nowhere. Neither towards the altar nor towards the type of work she feels passionate about.
Mary has just about had enough of her boss — and now ex-fiancé — who is always choosing everyone and everything over her. So she books herself a trip to The Low Key Inn... And invites her daughter and granddaughter to join her.
All seems great until her daughter bails on their family vacation together. Now all alone with her granddaughter — who is a unicorn-loving spirit child trapped in a long list of “do’s and don’t’s” by her mother — in this quirky hotel full of charm.
Mary struggles as she sees her paradise getaway retreat turn into a series of mishaps, problems, and disappointing challenges.
Then... Mary and Larkin book a fishing trip with Daniel who shares his houseboat with Tripod, an unforgettable three-legged dog.
Daniel is a man who is struggling since his son was killed in Afghanistan. He supports himself by taking resort guests out to sea via his fishing charter business. But his mind and heart are feeling a bit lost at sea.
When each of the characters in this book enters the story, we begin to see the truth of how life itself is a love story. We all belong in this world with someone, and when we find them their lives become more precious than anything else on earth — even if sometimes it takes a little time and effort to get there!
--------------------
All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-...
♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
// COME ON OVER & SAY HELLO!...
Website: https://thisismyeverybody.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThisIsMyEve...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thisismyeve...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismyeve...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisismyever...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/t_everybody
And let's be friends here on Goodreads too!... ✨😎✨
2022 Publication Date: July 5
⭐️⭐️⭐️️
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books Of 2022
CONNECT WITH A BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
You hold the key to your life... Even if you feel like you have misplaced it for awhile... So, turn your "house" upside down and shake it loose, if necessary... Find your key...
T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW: Multiple narrators dive deep with a courage fueled by the willingness that "last chance" realizations inspire... This story has a relatable character for any age. So, keep reading and find "your pair of shoes" to step into.
Set near the Everglades in a Florida resort community that has seen better days but never lost its' true magic. Mirroring the journey of the characters that are each on the precipice of discovering a new path ahead if they don't want to lose their magic as well.
BONUS: Prepare yourself to meet a charming "young girl on the rise" that has a style of her own... And has encouraged me to be on the hunt for a unicorn t-shirt as soon as possible... No judgment please. You are never too old to embrace a whimsical tee!... ✨😎✨
Pages: 320
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Sub-Genre: Domestic Fiction
Time Period: Present Day
Location: Florida (Everglades Region)
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: The Suite Spot by Trish Doller
Movie: A Good Year
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A broken engagement. A ruined vacation. An adorable little girl. This unlikely combination provides the perfect opportunity for something amazing to happen...
Mary Valley is feeling "off her game." Both personally and professionally. She writes features for a home magazine, but she's lost touch with writing content for real people. Her last feature was about a mega-mansion with a moat!
Plus, she's not very close with her daughter, CC, or her granddaughter, Larkin. Not to mention her relationship with her boss — who also happens to be her fiancé — is going nowhere. Neither towards the altar nor towards the type of work she feels passionate about.
Mary has just about had enough of her boss — and now ex-fiancé — who is always choosing everyone and everything over her. So she books herself a trip to The Low Key Inn... And invites her daughter and granddaughter to join her.
All seems great until her daughter bails on their family vacation together. Now all alone with her granddaughter — who is a unicorn-loving spirit child trapped in a long list of “do’s and don’t’s” by her mother — in this quirky hotel full of charm.
Mary struggles as she sees her paradise getaway retreat turn into a series of mishaps, problems, and disappointing challenges.
Then... Mary and Larkin book a fishing trip with Daniel who shares his houseboat with Tripod, an unforgettable three-legged dog.
Daniel is a man who is struggling since his son was killed in Afghanistan. He supports himself by taking resort guests out to sea via his fishing charter business. But his mind and heart are feeling a bit lost at sea.
When each of the characters in this book enters the story, we begin to see the truth of how life itself is a love story. We all belong in this world with someone, and when we find them their lives become more precious than anything else on earth — even if sometimes it takes a little time and effort to get there!
--------------------
All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-...
♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
// COME ON OVER & SAY HELLO!...
Website: https://thisismyeverybody.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThisIsMyEve...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thisismyeve...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismyeve...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisismyever...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/t_everybody
And let's be friends here on Goodreads too!... ✨😎✨
June 27, 2022
3.5/5
This was a sweet little read about starting over and healing in the process that I liked but didn’t quite love. I enjoyed the fact Mary, Ollie and Daniel were a little older than the average main character. As cute and fun as this was it deals with some heavy emotional stuff but it handles it in a hopeful manner so it’s not all that sad. The location is ideal for a summer read and there were so many heartwarming scenes and moments but it did drag a little for me at points during the middle. But as an easy way to spend a few hours I still mostly enjoyed it and can definitely recommend the audio version as it was great.
This was a sweet little read about starting over and healing in the process that I liked but didn’t quite love. I enjoyed the fact Mary, Ollie and Daniel were a little older than the average main character. As cute and fun as this was it deals with some heavy emotional stuff but it handles it in a hopeful manner so it’s not all that sad. The location is ideal for a summer read and there were so many heartwarming scenes and moments but it did drag a little for me at points during the middle. But as an easy way to spend a few hours I still mostly enjoyed it and can definitely recommend the audio version as it was great.
June 29, 2022
I didn't quite know to expect from Paradise Girls. Little girls raised on a beach? Twenty-somethings on spring break? This was a good surprise.
Mary, Ollie and Daniel are at a crossroad in their lives. Mary has just broken an engagement to Ron, Ollie is trying to keep her motel, the Low-Key Inn, going and Daniel is grieving the loss of his son in the war.
After Mary breaks off her engagement to Ron, a colossal jerk by the way, she decides to book a trip to Florida and on a whim picks the Low-Key Inn because she likes the dolphin fountain. She brings along her granddaughter, Larkin, and books a charter fishing trip with Daniel as the captain. I loved all of these characters and the dog, Tripod, so named because he has only three legs. I want to spend some time at the Low-Key Inn and one of their rainbow decorated igloos, hear the ocean, collect shells and feed the birds.
I found Mary's daughter, CC, very unlikeable and wish I knew more about how they got to the point that they did. Granddaughter, Larkin, was adorable. I felt like parts of the ending were wrapped up too neatly and didn't realistic but ultimately this is a story of dealing with the past, healing and moving on.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital copy of this book.
Mary, Ollie and Daniel are at a crossroad in their lives. Mary has just broken an engagement to Ron, Ollie is trying to keep her motel, the Low-Key Inn, going and Daniel is grieving the loss of his son in the war.
After Mary breaks off her engagement to Ron, a colossal jerk by the way, she decides to book a trip to Florida and on a whim picks the Low-Key Inn because she likes the dolphin fountain. She brings along her granddaughter, Larkin, and books a charter fishing trip with Daniel as the captain. I loved all of these characters and the dog, Tripod, so named because he has only three legs. I want to spend some time at the Low-Key Inn and one of their rainbow decorated igloos, hear the ocean, collect shells and feed the birds.
I found Mary's daughter, CC, very unlikeable and wish I knew more about how they got to the point that they did. Granddaughter, Larkin, was adorable. I felt like parts of the ending were wrapped up too neatly and didn't realistic but ultimately this is a story of dealing with the past, healing and moving on.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital copy of this book.
July 27, 2022
Sweet, heartwarming, and tender!
Paradise Girls is an optimistic, engaging novel that takes us into the lives of three main characters. Mary, a kind-hearted young grandmother who, after her recent breakup with the man she thought she would spend the rest of her life with, decides to embark on a little getaway to regroup and discover what she truly desires. Daniel, a divorced father who, after losing his only son in Afghanistan, decides to lead a simpler life involving a houseboat and his late son’s three-legged dog, Tripod. And Ollie, a widow who is just beginning to struggle with her love for a dilapidated inn and her need for something more.
The prose is sweet and reflective. The characters are caring, supportive, and generous. And the plot is a compelling tale of life, loss, family, friendship, generosity, self-discovery, support, consideration, happiness, taking chances, companionship, new love, and the intricacies of mother-daughter relationships.
Overall, Paradise Girls is a cosy, charming, uplifting debut by Gingras with its small-town charm, endearing characters, heartfelt storyline, and reminder of how important it is at any age to find that place that truly feels like home.
Thank you to SMP Romance – St. Martin’s Press for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Paradise Girls is an optimistic, engaging novel that takes us into the lives of three main characters. Mary, a kind-hearted young grandmother who, after her recent breakup with the man she thought she would spend the rest of her life with, decides to embark on a little getaway to regroup and discover what she truly desires. Daniel, a divorced father who, after losing his only son in Afghanistan, decides to lead a simpler life involving a houseboat and his late son’s three-legged dog, Tripod. And Ollie, a widow who is just beginning to struggle with her love for a dilapidated inn and her need for something more.
The prose is sweet and reflective. The characters are caring, supportive, and generous. And the plot is a compelling tale of life, loss, family, friendship, generosity, self-discovery, support, consideration, happiness, taking chances, companionship, new love, and the intricacies of mother-daughter relationships.
Overall, Paradise Girls is a cosy, charming, uplifting debut by Gingras with its small-town charm, endearing characters, heartfelt storyline, and reminder of how important it is at any age to find that place that truly feels like home.
Thank you to SMP Romance – St. Martin’s Press for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2022
This book tells the story of three people, Mary, Daniel, and Ollie. They are all at crossroads where they need to make huge changes in their lives. I loved all three of these characters and was rooting for them right from the beginning. In some ways it was pretty obvious how everything would turn out, but the journey to get there was delightful. Larkin and Tripod were great in their supporting roles too! All in all this was a sweet, satisfying read.
December 2, 2022
I was a little worried when I picked this one up. I seem a bit off with romance right now and I wasn't sure how this one would fit. Imagine my surprise when I was completely swept away!
I like the varying POV and their different points in their life. I found Mary a bit. . .boring in the beginning but once she started making some big decisions and growing in to herself, finding herself again, I liked her a lot more.
I started out with hearts in my eyes for Daniel as his story broke my heart AND he had a 3 legged dog named Tripod (I loved this!)
I found the side characters (daughter, granddaughter, Ollie and others) interesting and nice additions to the story we needed to see it all clearly. Maybe it was the hustle bustle of the season, but I loved this little Christmas time read and the journey Mary went on!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
I like the varying POV and their different points in their life. I found Mary a bit. . .boring in the beginning but once she started making some big decisions and growing in to herself, finding herself again, I liked her a lot more.
I started out with hearts in my eyes for Daniel as his story broke my heart AND he had a 3 legged dog named Tripod (I loved this!)
I found the side characters (daughter, granddaughter, Ollie and others) interesting and nice additions to the story we needed to see it all clearly. Maybe it was the hustle bustle of the season, but I loved this little Christmas time read and the journey Mary went on!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
September 4, 2022
3.5 🌟
Mary has recently broken up with her boyfriend, who happens to be her boss, so she takes her granddaughter on a getaway to beautiful Florida.
In Florida, Mary meets Daniel, a fishing tour guide who is divorced and still grieving the death of his son.
Although I usually appreciate middle-aged romances, I struggled a bit with this one. I felt like Mary, who is only 42 yrs old, acted older than Ollie, the much older owner of the Inn where Mary was staying.
Daniel quickly became my favorite character, as his closest companion was his deceased son’s dog, Tripod. Daniel, Mary, and Ollie all have family heartache and loss in common, and it brings them together. If you enjoy books that read like a Hallmark movie, 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵, then I believe you will enjoy 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬.
Thank you to @stmartinspress for a gifted copy.
Mary has recently broken up with her boyfriend, who happens to be her boss, so she takes her granddaughter on a getaway to beautiful Florida.
In Florida, Mary meets Daniel, a fishing tour guide who is divorced and still grieving the death of his son.
Although I usually appreciate middle-aged romances, I struggled a bit with this one. I felt like Mary, who is only 42 yrs old, acted older than Ollie, the much older owner of the Inn where Mary was staying.
Daniel quickly became my favorite character, as his closest companion was his deceased son’s dog, Tripod. Daniel, Mary, and Ollie all have family heartache and loss in common, and it brings them together. If you enjoy books that read like a Hallmark movie, 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵, then I believe you will enjoy 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬.
Thank you to @stmartinspress for a gifted copy.
June 12, 2022
3.5 stars
This is a solid example of women's fiction that surprised me in a good way.
Mary, the m.c., is a relatively young grandmother whose career, romantic relationship, and interactions with her daughter and granddaughter have taken some recently disappointing turns. Rather than holing up at home, Mary heads out of Brooklyn for Christmas in Florida with her little granddaughter and a charming cast of new friends.
I've not read a ton of women's fiction that features older main characters, and honestly, I was a little concerned when I realized that Mary and her experiences were perhaps going to be more aligned with mine in several more decades or perhaps never. That noted, this is a quick and uncomplicated read, and it was a very nice change of pace from what I typically choose. Readers looking for a grandmotherly character exploration that is somewhat predictable but also a nice escape will also enjoy this read.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
This is a solid example of women's fiction that surprised me in a good way.
Mary, the m.c., is a relatively young grandmother whose career, romantic relationship, and interactions with her daughter and granddaughter have taken some recently disappointing turns. Rather than holing up at home, Mary heads out of Brooklyn for Christmas in Florida with her little granddaughter and a charming cast of new friends.
I've not read a ton of women's fiction that features older main characters, and honestly, I was a little concerned when I realized that Mary and her experiences were perhaps going to be more aligned with mine in several more decades or perhaps never. That noted, this is a quick and uncomplicated read, and it was a very nice change of pace from what I typically choose. Readers looking for a grandmotherly character exploration that is somewhat predictable but also a nice escape will also enjoy this read.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
December 15, 2021
This is a heartwarming story about loss, forgiveness, and personal growth. The story centers around three characters, Mary, Daniel, and Ollie, each of whom is at a crossroads in life. Mary, a 42-year old mother and grandmother, has just broken up with her long-term boss/boyfriend in New York. At the urging of her best friend, she and her granddaughter, Larkin, head to the Low-Key Inn, an old beach hotel in Florida, for Christmas. Mary had hoped that her estranged daughter, CC, would join them, but CC had other plans in mind. While in Florida, Mary meets Daniel, a pensive loner and fishing guide who has demons of his own to overcome. She also befriends, Ollie, the elderly woman who owns the Inn and is struggling to maintain it. As their lives become more and more intertwined, Mary, Daniel, and Ollie draw strength from each other and begin to realize that there just might be a light at the end of the tunnel after all.
This is a beautifully written book by Sandy Gingras, and I would definitely recommend it to Jenna Bush Hager's book club!
This is a beautifully written book by Sandy Gingras, and I would definitely recommend it to Jenna Bush Hager's book club!
December 22, 2021
Paradise Girls was a quick, easy read that allowed me to escape the holiday madness and relax for a bit. Set around Christmas, this book chronicles the evolution of the characters, Mary, Ollie and Daniel as they navigate the seasons of their lives. All three are dealing with unrelated major life changes, their worlds collide and they end up helping each other find some peace. A story of healing, self discovery, love and forgiveness, Paradise Girls was a little predictable but was a comforting, light story that filled my need for some “brain candy”.
April 3, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
I couldn't put this book down...It was so cute and fun and having it set in a beautiful location didn't hurt either.
This books follows 3 characters who are all over the age of 40 and trying to figure out the 2nd part of their lives. Throw in a cute kid and a 3 legged dog and you've got a fun, Christmas on the Beach read.
I would love to see this one become a trilogy so we can follow the characters and their plans and their new relationships.
I couldn't put this book down...It was so cute and fun and having it set in a beautiful location didn't hurt either.
This books follows 3 characters who are all over the age of 40 and trying to figure out the 2nd part of their lives. Throw in a cute kid and a 3 legged dog and you've got a fun, Christmas on the Beach read.
I would love to see this one become a trilogy so we can follow the characters and their plans and their new relationships.
July 26, 2022
3.75 Stars
Paradise Girls was a cute read. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters, but I needed a little more towards the end. There were three narrators, but only two of them felt fully developed. The owner of the hotel, Ollie, had a significant voice throughout the book but her story hadn't felt complete. The book has open endings for most of the characters, but Ollie still felt underdeveloped for a character with her own POV.
Mary and Daniel's story arcs were the most significant in the book. I enjoyed Daniel's characterization and Mary's part in his story. I did struggle with Mary's age sometimes. She's a 42-year-old grandmother of a 4-year-old and there were times I had to remind myself of her younger age. It wasn't just that she was a grandma, but her overall characterization seemed older.
Even with my few critiques, I still enjoyed the story and would try future books by the author.
August 29, 2022
A sweet story about finding personal meaning and rediscovering happiness. Although it took me a little to get into the story, I really enjoyed listening along to Mary and the rest of the characters embark on their journeys toward happiness, healing, and finding their way home. This takes place around Christmas Time but is not overly "Christmasy" (it can really be read any time of year). Fans of character-driven stories that involve personal healing and redefining/reestablishing "home" should check this one out!
Thank you to Jane Rotrosen Agency for my free copy!
Thank you to Jane Rotrosen Agency for my free copy!
June 21, 2022
I applauded Mary’s actions at the beginning of the book. Ron is a weasel and she is well rid of him. Traveling to an island during the rushed holiday season seems ideal, but it comes with its own set of challenges.
I loved the beach setting and Mary’s developing relationship with her family. I do question her Judgment toward the end, but it turns out well.
It a nice diversion read for a day on the beach.
Thanks to St. martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advance read.
I loved the beach setting and Mary’s developing relationship with her family. I do question her Judgment toward the end, but it turns out well.
It a nice diversion read for a day on the beach.
Thanks to St. martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advance read.
July 18, 2022
A soul searching journey of love, loss, and friendship
A tale of the people that are put in your path in your lifetime and the impact they’ll have. This book followed 3 characters, Mary, David and Ollie. Each of their stories are unique and tragic in their own right but we see them persevere once they find the courage to continue on and find what truly makes them happy; even if that means it wasn’t the future they envisioned for themselves.
A tale of the people that are put in your path in your lifetime and the impact they’ll have. This book followed 3 characters, Mary, David and Ollie. Each of their stories are unique and tragic in their own right but we see them persevere once they find the courage to continue on and find what truly makes them happy; even if that means it wasn’t the future they envisioned for themselves.
June 6, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. This was a sweet book about finding your true self and starting over again. I thought it was an interesting concept. I felt the story did drag at times, but I enjoyed it.
December 12, 2021
It's Christmas time and 42 year old Mary has just broken up with her long time love. Ron was also her boss so she quit not only Ron but also her job. She was an interior decorator but for the last several years she's been writing home improvement columns for Ron's magazines. She isn't sure what to do with her life. Her daughter CC has gotten distant with her and keeps Mary's young grandchild, Larkin, away from her because she believes that Mary doesn't set boundaries. Her best friend convinces her to go out of town with her daughter and granddaughter for the holiday. Her daughter cancels at the last minute to go on a cruise but is allowing her daughter to spend the time with Mary. Mary rents a room at the Low-Key Inn. It's a rather run down hotel in Florida but when she sees that her room is a small igloo like structure, she decides to stay. As Mary and Larkin spend time together, Mary starts easing up on some of the rules that CC set for her. She lets Larkin eat sweets instead of the vegan diet her mother believes in, let's her wear casual clothes instead of dresses and continues to break down other rules. Mary and Larkin go on a charter fishing trip with Daniel, a guide, and get to know Ollie, the owner of the Low-Key Inn. Mary plus her two new friends are all at crucial places and their lives aren't very happy. Will their new friendship help them all to heal and be ready to face life again? Will her daughter keep her granddaughter away from Mary again because of all the rules that she's broken?
This is a fantastic book about making changes in life and doing the things that make you happy instead of the things that life expects of you even though change is emotional and difficult. I enjoyed all of these characters as they made changes in their lives and found happiness in proving that no matter how old you are, you can still change.
This is a book that made me laugh and made me cry. I look forward to reading future books by this author.
Thanks to goodreads for a copy of this book to read and review.
This is a fantastic book about making changes in life and doing the things that make you happy instead of the things that life expects of you even though change is emotional and difficult. I enjoyed all of these characters as they made changes in their lives and found happiness in proving that no matter how old you are, you can still change.
This is a book that made me laugh and made me cry. I look forward to reading future books by this author.
Thanks to goodreads for a copy of this book to read and review.
July 10, 2022
Paradise Girls was one of those stories an older generation would enjoy. I am a mom, but this grandma was a mess, very chaotic and while it was charming, I found the story lacking an actual plot. Sure, families have issues but with Mary, her slapstick clumsiness was getting old and I could not picture Daniel falling in love with such a weird lady. I loved the Holly character, she might have magical abilities, but I loved how she would never give up on her hotel. She appreciated her guests and struggled to find ways to talk to Alan, but overall I found those two characters lovelier than the main ones.
I empathized more with Daniel and the loss of his son Timmy. Timmy's dog Tripod was just the cutest and I loved how Larkin always named him "Try hard". Overall, not a lot happened in this story and I know that this one trip was all about Mary thinking about Ron, her recent ex and boss, but I did not like how she kept thinking about him even after meeting Daniel. This book could have been shortened up a bit to get Mary to figure out what she really wanted in life and who she was in life by ten chapters shorter.
That being said, I still laughed and enjoyed the side characters, the writing just could have gotten to the point a lot sooner. Thank you to Sandy Gingras, Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
I empathized more with Daniel and the loss of his son Timmy. Timmy's dog Tripod was just the cutest and I loved how Larkin always named him "Try hard". Overall, not a lot happened in this story and I know that this one trip was all about Mary thinking about Ron, her recent ex and boss, but I did not like how she kept thinking about him even after meeting Daniel. This book could have been shortened up a bit to get Mary to figure out what she really wanted in life and who she was in life by ten chapters shorter.
That being said, I still laughed and enjoyed the side characters, the writing just could have gotten to the point a lot sooner. Thank you to Sandy Gingras, Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
October 28, 2021
The story is about healing and confronting ones deepest fear and sorrows and taking the next step, and there are people and places who brings joy and surprises to others not in a magical way but in the gratitude and experiences way that helps them make those next steps.
There are many places in this story that made me smile but there are two in particular that are my favorites.
The Low-Key Inn which is a rundown motel that has much heart and beauty in it and brings peace of mind to others because its owner Ollie decided that birds and flowers were more important than money.
My other favorite is the character Tri-pod a three legged dog who befriends a little girl and brings a smile to her face and others and is a support to his owner Kipper, who lost his son.
I found that the book is very emotional as the characters deal with their lives and confront their fears, but at the same time there is hope that makes you believe that everything will work out and makes the book more enjoyable to read.
I want to thank St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for this wonderful book
There are many places in this story that made me smile but there are two in particular that are my favorites.
The Low-Key Inn which is a rundown motel that has much heart and beauty in it and brings peace of mind to others because its owner Ollie decided that birds and flowers were more important than money.
My other favorite is the character Tri-pod a three legged dog who befriends a little girl and brings a smile to her face and others and is a support to his owner Kipper, who lost his son.
I found that the book is very emotional as the characters deal with their lives and confront their fears, but at the same time there is hope that makes you believe that everything will work out and makes the book more enjoyable to read.
I want to thank St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for this wonderful book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2022
Audiobook Review:
I relaxed and listened as narrators Wiley and Mendel read this beautiful book to me. Wiley's voice is unique and very emotional as she captures Gringas' female characters' personalities and feelings. She adds a rich depth of audio portrayal that adds so much to the character development. Mendel brought out the poignancy of Daniel's life and transported me within his world.
Paradise Girls is a redeeming story of reconciliation and fresh starts amid the breezes and waters of the south Florida Everglades. Author Gringas shines with the creation of a setting that evokes images of the ocean and a seventies beach motel. Each facing change and turning points in their lives, three main characters, Mary, Daniel, and Ollie are drawn together in paradise to discover what matters most in life.
Heartaches and pain can bring people together. Mary vacations to the Everglades with her granddaughter after the loss of love and her home magazine writing career. The hurt of losing his son has sent Daniel into a solitary life on his houseboat.
The endearing Ollie owns the dated Low-Key Inn and needs help.
This book slowly built up for me as it progressed, until it had me happily absorbed into the lives of Mary, Daniel, and Ollie. Meeting Mary's granddaughter Larkin and Daniel's dog Tripod were a joy. I thought a lot about home and possessions with the book's theme of what we need to be happy and what we can let go of. The importance of finding our place and our people amid life's turmoil is prominent in Gringas's writing. I loved the inclusion of nature's components such as sand, plants, water, and sky in the overall atmosphere of the plot. Enjoy this appealing book in any season, and it is especially good for those who enjoy Christmas in July reading like I do.
Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin for the advance reader's copy. Thank you to Net Galley for the advance audiobook. I am providing my unbiased review of both.
I relaxed and listened as narrators Wiley and Mendel read this beautiful book to me. Wiley's voice is unique and very emotional as she captures Gringas' female characters' personalities and feelings. She adds a rich depth of audio portrayal that adds so much to the character development. Mendel brought out the poignancy of Daniel's life and transported me within his world.
Paradise Girls is a redeeming story of reconciliation and fresh starts amid the breezes and waters of the south Florida Everglades. Author Gringas shines with the creation of a setting that evokes images of the ocean and a seventies beach motel. Each facing change and turning points in their lives, three main characters, Mary, Daniel, and Ollie are drawn together in paradise to discover what matters most in life.
Heartaches and pain can bring people together. Mary vacations to the Everglades with her granddaughter after the loss of love and her home magazine writing career. The hurt of losing his son has sent Daniel into a solitary life on his houseboat.
The endearing Ollie owns the dated Low-Key Inn and needs help.
This book slowly built up for me as it progressed, until it had me happily absorbed into the lives of Mary, Daniel, and Ollie. Meeting Mary's granddaughter Larkin and Daniel's dog Tripod were a joy. I thought a lot about home and possessions with the book's theme of what we need to be happy and what we can let go of. The importance of finding our place and our people amid life's turmoil is prominent in Gringas's writing. I loved the inclusion of nature's components such as sand, plants, water, and sky in the overall atmosphere of the plot. Enjoy this appealing book in any season, and it is especially good for those who enjoy Christmas in July reading like I do.
Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin for the advance reader's copy. Thank you to Net Galley for the advance audiobook. I am providing my unbiased review of both.
August 4, 2022
I was drawn to the story after reading the blurb.
Mary Valley is preparing for Christmas and looking forward to her upcoming nuptials to Ron. Ron also happens to be her boss. She is positive this time that Ron won't cancel this time. This time there is a plan, a set date, and the Justice of the Peace slated for 10 a.m.
Mary doesn't count on Alexandra putting in an unexpected appearance, and Ron informing her that she's not included.
Although Mary doesn't have the best relationship with her daughter, CC, she is talked into scheduling a vacation and inviting her daughter and granddaughter, Larkin, along. Mary hopes to be able to reconnect with CC.
This is another area that doesn't pan out the way Mary has hoped. CC bows out of the vacation and allows Larkin to go, but with a long list of dos and don'ts. Bad luck seems to travel in threes, when the luxurious hotel is nothing like the picture on the internet, and is overbooked leaving Mary the only option of staying in an igloo.
The trip to Florida is just what Mary needs, although she doesn't know that yet. Daniel Dayes doesn't realize that some lady who is very klutzy and after scheduling a fishing trip with him will hook him figuratively and literally.
I enjoyed this story about two people dealing with issues, who came around to find hope for something better. I was glad that Mary finally took a stand for herself, instead of trying to catch crumbs and be satisfied. I loved Ollie, the hotel owner, with her love of the birds and wanting to make her guests happy. There were quite a few laugh-out-loud parts as well.
I received an ARC from NetGalley via St Martin's Press and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
Mary Valley is preparing for Christmas and looking forward to her upcoming nuptials to Ron. Ron also happens to be her boss. She is positive this time that Ron won't cancel this time. This time there is a plan, a set date, and the Justice of the Peace slated for 10 a.m.
Mary doesn't count on Alexandra putting in an unexpected appearance, and Ron informing her that she's not included.
Although Mary doesn't have the best relationship with her daughter, CC, she is talked into scheduling a vacation and inviting her daughter and granddaughter, Larkin, along. Mary hopes to be able to reconnect with CC.
This is another area that doesn't pan out the way Mary has hoped. CC bows out of the vacation and allows Larkin to go, but with a long list of dos and don'ts. Bad luck seems to travel in threes, when the luxurious hotel is nothing like the picture on the internet, and is overbooked leaving Mary the only option of staying in an igloo.
The trip to Florida is just what Mary needs, although she doesn't know that yet. Daniel Dayes doesn't realize that some lady who is very klutzy and after scheduling a fishing trip with him will hook him figuratively and literally.
I enjoyed this story about two people dealing with issues, who came around to find hope for something better. I was glad that Mary finally took a stand for herself, instead of trying to catch crumbs and be satisfied. I loved Ollie, the hotel owner, with her love of the birds and wanting to make her guests happy. There were quite a few laugh-out-loud parts as well.
I received an ARC from NetGalley via St Martin's Press and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
July 2, 2022
Paradise Girls is a redeeming story of reconciliation and fresh starts amid the breezes and waters of the south Florida Everglades. Author Gringas shines with the creation of a setting that evokes images of the ocean and a seventies beach motel. Each facing change and turning points in their lives, three main characters, Mary, Daniel, and Ollie are drawn together in paradise to discover what matters most in life.
Heartaches and pain can bring people together. Mary vacations to the Everglades with her granddaughter after the loss of love and her home magazine writing career. The hurt of losing his son has sent Daniel into a solitary life on his houseboat. The endearing Ollie owns the dated Low-Key Inn and needs help.
This book slowly built up for me as it progressed, until it had me happily absorbed into the lives of Mary, Daniel, and Ollie. Meeting Mary's granddaughter Larkin and Daniel's dog Tripod was a joy. I thought a lot about home and possessions with the book's theme of what we need to be happy and what we can let go of. The importance of finding our place and our people amid life's turmoil is prominent in Gringas's writing. I loved the inclusion of nature's components such as sand, plants, water, and sky in the overall atmosphere of the plot. Enjoy this appealing book in any season. It is especially good for those who enjoy Christmas in July reading like I do.
Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
Heartaches and pain can bring people together. Mary vacations to the Everglades with her granddaughter after the loss of love and her home magazine writing career. The hurt of losing his son has sent Daniel into a solitary life on his houseboat. The endearing Ollie owns the dated Low-Key Inn and needs help.
This book slowly built up for me as it progressed, until it had me happily absorbed into the lives of Mary, Daniel, and Ollie. Meeting Mary's granddaughter Larkin and Daniel's dog Tripod was a joy. I thought a lot about home and possessions with the book's theme of what we need to be happy and what we can let go of. The importance of finding our place and our people amid life's turmoil is prominent in Gringas's writing. I loved the inclusion of nature's components such as sand, plants, water, and sky in the overall atmosphere of the plot. Enjoy this appealing book in any season. It is especially good for those who enjoy Christmas in July reading like I do.
Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
April 2, 2025
Thank you St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this I won through a giveaway here on goodreads.
I received an ARC of this book before it published in 2022 and have STRUGGLED to get into it. Several times. This time I was able to get through it by immersive reading it with the audiobook and it was still a struggle.
I did appreciate the general type of story the author was trying to tell. The middle and later life self discovery and new beginnings choices that the characters made were moving and relatable.
What I REALLY struggled with was how the characters were written. Every single one was a caricature of a stereotype. The hand-wringing grandma (who is offensively my age in her early 40s) who could not get out of her own way until the last 20 pages as the MC, the grumpy curmudgeon of a love interest for her, the infantile 5 year old, and SOB that were every other man in the story were just all a LOT. And the narrator of the audiobook was also just incredibly bad.
I received an ARC of this book before it published in 2022 and have STRUGGLED to get into it. Several times. This time I was able to get through it by immersive reading it with the audiobook and it was still a struggle.
I did appreciate the general type of story the author was trying to tell. The middle and later life self discovery and new beginnings choices that the characters made were moving and relatable.
What I REALLY struggled with was how the characters were written. Every single one was a caricature of a stereotype. The hand-wringing grandma (who is offensively my age in her early 40s) who could not get out of her own way until the last 20 pages as the MC, the grumpy curmudgeon of a love interest for her, the infantile 5 year old, and SOB that were every other man in the story were just all a LOT. And the narrator of the audiobook was also just incredibly bad.
December 8, 2022
A novel works when the characters draw you in and this is exactly what Sandy Gingras does in her latest novel, "Paradise Girls." Her characters: Mary and CC and of course, granddaughter, Larkin, and Daniel and the dog -- Tripod --all make this story enchanting. Even the secondary characters stay vivid in my mind. The writing is face-paced, tight, and wonderful. It's clean and direct without making our eyes glaze over with unnecessary descriptive paragraphs. Gingras writes with attention to moving the story along, even as we're finding out about the characters and what makes them tick. This is a story about looking for hope, bumping up against life, and staying open to love when it shows up at your door in whatever land you're living. A perfect book to gift someone during this holiday season.
June 24, 2022
This is a lovely, heartwarming story. Each character is on a journey and as their paths intersect, they have to reconcile their past experiences with the possibility of a hope-filled future. I really enjoyed the author's ability to peel back the layers and show us the characters' inner turmoil. The novel is so authentic and sometimes raw, especially when the characters grapple with their individual losses. I feel this particular writing style makes for an enjoyable reading experience. I was rooting for each character to find their way toward happiness. And as a dog person, I love when a dog is a secondary character. Tripod is the best!
Highly recommend Paradise Girls to women's fiction fans seeking an enjoyable summer read.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions shared here are my own.
Highly recommend Paradise Girls to women's fiction fans seeking an enjoyable summer read.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions shared here are my own.
July 1, 2022
Paradise felt a little more like drama and sad paradise. I ended up enjoying this book in the end, but it was real slow to start.
I know it was partly to build drama and drive the plot, but the characters were kind of depressing. Mary with her relationship gone wrong and a strain with her daughter and Daniel grieving his son and the threat of losing his dog made it hard to find the bright spots.
This book is written well, but I was hoping for more of a beach read instead of a drama/redemption type of book. At least the hotel was kind of quirky and the little girl Larkin lightened it up a little bit.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
I know it was partly to build drama and drive the plot, but the characters were kind of depressing. Mary with her relationship gone wrong and a strain with her daughter and Daniel grieving his son and the threat of losing his dog made it hard to find the bright spots.
This book is written well, but I was hoping for more of a beach read instead of a drama/redemption type of book. At least the hotel was kind of quirky and the little girl Larkin lightened it up a little bit.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
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