Hurricanes in Paradise

by Denise Hildreth Jones

When Riley Sinclair stepped into her new job as director of guest relations at a posh resort on Paradise Island, she felt the final pieces of her once-broken life coming together. But the waters become choppy when Riley discovers that some who come to the Atlantis Hotel are accompanied by paralyzing secrets and overwhelming fears. Riley and three guests are in desperate but unknowing need of each other, eventually forging unlikely yet powerful friendships. With a hurricane headed straight for the island, together they embark on a journey of laughter, heartache, and healing.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Ebooks

365 pages, Paperback

First published January 6, 2010

About the author

Denise Jones is a southern girl who loves Jesus, SEC football, family, friends, good food and cold Coca-Colas. She is the mom of one shih-tzu, the bonus mom to five kiddo's and the husband of one Mr. Jones. She spends her time leading Reclaiming Hearts Ministries in her home of Franklin, TN. And every now and then she writes a few books.

You can email her at:
denise@reclaiminghearts.com

Reviews

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like each person became my friend. The book reminds you that you don't really know people by their outside appearance. It also deals with moving on with your life after something bad happens. This book is a lot different than her other books, but I really enjoyed it. I plan to re-read it sometime.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this book thinking it would be light and forgettable. I was mistaken! I was quite surprised at how much I enjoyed the character development portraying four wounded yet resilient women whose ability to care for one another make it all happen. There is substance in this message, even though at times I really laughed right out loud. If you want a real treat, be sure to read this one, it's worth it!

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thankful to receive a review copy of this fun, honest, and inspiring book. The story reminded me a little of the TV Shows “Love Boat” and “Hotel”. Each week they’d introduce new characters and their dilemmas. Everyone tried to have fun because they were on vacation. But life doesn’t stop happening just because we’re on holiday!

Denise introduces four very different, interesting, quirky characters that would never have talked to each other under normal circumstances. But, rules are different when you’re on holiday. Time is of the essence, you may never see these people again.

Denise’s main character is Riley Sinclair, a single mom and head of guest relations at the hotel, working hard at her new job. Tamyra, is a beauty queen just finishing up her tour; hiding out from everyone and holding a secret close to her heart. Winnie Harris, Sam’s widow of three years- is stuck in the past with Sam and is afraid to live. Then there’s Laine Fulton, an author on a trip to get ideas for her new novel. She hates to eat alone and invites all of these ladies to dine with her, as she takes notes of their conversations. All of these ladies were in survival mode for one reason or another and life begins to get a little crazy as they all prepare for a Hurricane heading their way.

I loved what Denise said about these women and their struggle. “These women face real-life struggles. Real-life heartache that many of us face every day…this is a story about learning to live. My hope is that as you close the pages, you will be more aware of what real living is all about, more aware that inside your soul is the ability to survive even the toughest storms.”

I couldn’t agree with her more. Denise’s book touched my heart and soul. I enjoyed these ladies, I laughed, I was surprised at what these women shared and my spirit was moved as these characters faced their fears. You can tell this author has faced some fears of her own. Finding Hope Book Club is reading this novel—I can’t wait to hear what this group has to say about Hurricanes In Paradise. It’s more than a great summer read. These ladies and their stories will stir your soul!

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first saw this book was available to review, via FIRST Wild Card Tours, I wasn't sure whether it was something I would enjoy reading, or not. I decided to go ahead and request it, since I had enjoyed Denise's previous book, The Will of Wisteria.

Let me just tell you that I am sooooo glad I got my hands on this book -- it is absolutely amazing! There are so many laugh-out-loud moments, but I also found myself almost sobbing at times. Hurricanes in Paradise will most definitely be on my Top 10 list of favorite books for 2010. Yes, it's THAT good!

As you can see from the synopsis, this book is about 4 women who end up at the same resort in the Bahamas. They've all had life-changing experiences that they haven't quite come to terms with, though none of them actually realize it.

Let me interrupt myself, and mention this -- if you don't enjoy reading books that focus on how truly great God is, then this one may not be for you. I, personally, don't enjoy reading a book where I feel like religion is being "forced" on me, but in no way whatsoever did I feel that way with this book. I actually thought everything fit together perfectly.

The first person you meet will be Riley Sinclair -- she is the director of guest relations at the five-star resort, Atlantis, where this story takes place. After her life fell completely apart, and she reached absolute rock-bottom, Riley decided that she needed to get away from everything familiar and try to start over with a clean slate. Even though she feels like she has dealt with the heart-breaking events of her past, she soon finds out that she has a lot of emotional "baggage" locked up tight inside. One huge lesson that Riley has yet to learn is that she can't truly move on with her life until she finally forgives herself for the tragic events from her past -- as her family, her friends, and especially her God, have already done.

The next woman to arrive at Atlantis is Tamyra Larsen, who is a "pagent" girl. A few weeks before her arrival, she decided to sell everything she owned, including her car. She made this extreme decision after receiving the most devastating news of her young life. Tamyra hasn't even found the courage to tell her family what's going on, but she eventually opens up to one of the other ladies staying at the resort. Her story was a real tear-jerker for me!

Dr. Winnie Harris is the third to arrive, and she is the most colorful character in this story. Her crazy sayings had me laughing so hard I had tears running down my face! You never know what's gonna come out of her mouth! She is also one of the most caring women -- always ready to listen whenever anyone needs to talk, no matter if it's day or night.

The most famous guest is Laine Fulton. She is a world renowned author, and has an attitude that just won't wait. Laine was the hardest character for me to warm up to, as she gives you no reason whatsoever to like her. She's rude, obnoxious, and just plain uncaring of other people's feelings -- at least, that's how she first comes across. By the end of the story, she had found a special place in my heart.

There are quite a few more characters involved to help carry this story along, but I don't want to bore you to death, or give away any vital information that might ruin it in any way for someone!

Writing this review, and remembering special scenes, has almost brought me to tears once again. I can't encourage you enough to go out and BUY a copy of this book if you have to! Just get yourself a copy as soon as you possibly can -- it's definitely worth your time!

To find out more about Denise Hildreth and/or her books, be sure to pop over to her website.

***I would like to say a special "thank you" to Vicky Lynch of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc for sending me a review copy, via FIRST Wild Card Tours.***

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Hurricanes in Paradise" is Christian women's fiction. Since I don't think like any of the women in this novel nor have I had male-female relationship troubles similar to theirs (abuse, an affair, a widow having trouble letting go, and depression combined with alcoholism), I didn't connect emotionally with them. If I had, I think I would have really liked this novel since the characters did (mostly) deal with realistic problems.

The author was very fond of using figures of speech and extensively describing every detail (significant or not) of every character's clothing, their "police line-up" appearance, and the details of the decor in every room of the resort. This created a slower pacing in the first 100 pages or so, but then it picked up.

The main theme was about forgiving yourself and facing your fears. The target audience seemed to be Christian women or women with a Christian background. The first part of the novel hardly had any references to God, but each woman in turn had a supernatural experience of emotional healing (including wind where there shouldn't be any, the sun winking, an actual conversation with God, and similar experiences). Then the praying and references to God became more frequent. Jesus Christ didn't have a role in this novel.

While the story was enjoyable enough once it got moving, I was left feeling a bit irritated at the author for something that happened at the end. It felt not-quite believable and wasn't necessary, so the ending didn't feel completely satisfying.

There were implied references to sex in the character's conversations, but no sex during the novel. The minimal bad language was of the "he cussed" style. Overall, I'd recommend this as clean reading.

I received this novel as a review copy from the publisher.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 women take a much needed vacation in the Bahamas and are left in the capable hands of resort guest manager Riley Sinclair. Each of the women in the story are fighting their own battle and over the course of a week in paradise they are forced to confront their demons and an impending hurricane. Classified as Christian fiction the book does deal with religion and prayers quiet often, but does not over do it. Hildreth provides a very detailed portrayal of southern live complete with multiple references to the drink of the land- sweet tea and vivid imagery and explanation of many southern themes and sayings.

Overall this was an enjoyable read. I enjoyed most of the characters, although I couldn't quite relate to them and I felt that Winnie was a little over the top ( which I guess was the point). The book flows and moves through although I was disappointed at parts of the ending that felt unbelievable. Other than that the book was a good read for fans of Christian fiction and stories of redemption.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A title with the word hurricane in it should be a HUGE clue about what is going to happen in this book.
There is a a real hurricane, but the true storm comes when four women from an unlikely friendship.

This is a a great example of women's fiction done well. Hildreth has yet to disappoint me with one of her stories.
She lays down a complex web of layers for all of her characters and yet the book is easy to read. By the end of the book I wanted to gather my own friends together for an evening out to embrace the special thing called, 'friendship of women' there is nothing like it. All women need special friends to get them through the good and the bad times.

What I like about Hildreth's books is she doens't pull her punches. If something bad is going to happen, should happen to her characters she lets it occur making her writing real.

Tyndale provided this copy to me for review, but as I've said before if I don't like it I don't review it. As mama said, "Don't say something unless you can say something nice."

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much to my surprise I really enjoyed this book.

The characters were well depicted and the general story telling good. It provided an interesting account of the turmoil that can be all too easily become part of everyday life and the amazing strength of a recently formed friendship by the four women over a varying age group.

[Nicole O · Rating 4 out of 5]

...I love this book!

SO MUCH!

I don't know how I can describe this book.

[Della Tingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third book by author Denise Hildreth, and my face is utterly streaked with tears. That’s the sign of a good book, as well as a memorable one. A friend of mine constantly says, “Life goes ON, not OFF.” That expression fits this book to a t. Being from the south, I love, love, love sweet tea, and I wish I were friends with Riley, Laine, Winnie, and Tamrya.

I am going to try to let people know they matter like Tamrya does. “She took Albert’s hand and wrapped it in both of hers. Something she had done since she was little. She always wanted people to know they mattered. Two hands said, ‘You really matter.’” I love this!

When Winnie talks to God after being so angry at him since the loss of her beloved husband of fifty years, she says, “It’s not fair, you know.” God whispers to her heart, “Yes, I do know.” Winnie says, “I miss him.” God replies, “And I miss you.” This touching dialogue is applicable to my own life. It is easy to feel anger towards God over loss.

Riley confronts her own pain. “And something in that moment let her know she didn’t want to live under her own load of shame anymore. That everyone at their core was wretched. Sure, society had its own measuring scales, but in the light of this kind of grace, all were wretched beyond deserving. But now she realized that’s why it’s called grace. Because you can’t earn it. You can’t ever be good enough for it.”

Finally, Riley tells her story. She is told, “It is horrible, Riley. And sad. And I’m sorry it is yours. But it’s only part of your story. Don’t ever let yourself think it is the sum of your story. There is much left for you to write.” Oh, those words are beautiful and applicable to me and to so many others, too.

I am definitely passing this book straight to my friend who constantly reminds me, “Life goes ON, not OFF.” Life is a gift. Live it.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hurricanes in Paradise A Novel by Denise Hildreth (Tyndale May 10, 2010) 384 pages.

When I was browsing the Tyndale website for book reviews this title stood out to me. “Hurricanes in Paradise”. One I hate hurricanes. I have a fear of them. Go figure since I live in Florida. Paradise caught my eye, who wouldn’t want to live in Paradise.

Hurricanes in Paradise

Riley Sinclair is the main character of this novel by Denise Hildreth. Riley knew from the moment she stepped onto the Island of Paradise that her life that had been broken was finally turning around. The setting takes place on Paradise Island, Bahamas. I’ve never been, but the author makes you feel as if you are actually walking on the beach with Riley throughout the entire book.

Riley is beginning a new job at the Atlantis Hotel, she will be director of guest relations at this five-star resort. Each page keeps your attention and craving for more as you read about this exciting story from Riley as well as three other women guests whose lives have been broken at some point in time.

One thing I loved about this book was how life-like it was. The author takes four ordinary everyday people and shares their deepest hurts and how they together reach healing. How the Lord has all our plans in His hand and it is in His time that they are discovered or revealed. This book was not overly religious for those of your squirming in your seat. You can read it if you are not a Christian, but I must warn you it will cause you to stop and think about the path of salvation.

In the book, Riley and three women guests are in desperate need of each other. They don’t know it, but the Lord does and He leads them to one another time and time again. The outcome, powerful friendships!

You are probably asking where does the Hurricane in the title come from. A hurricane is headed straight for the island and together these four everyday people must embark on a journey through a physical storm and the one that has shattered their lives. As you read each page these four shattered lives are forged in friendship and healing.

I was very impressed with the book. I’ve read some of the reviews and I thought they were a little harsh. I definitely won’t walk past a Denise Hildreth book without reading the back cover.

Until next time,

M

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Southern fiction for quite some time and I have wanted to read Denise Hildreth’s books, but I have just not had a chance until now. There were so many things to like about Hurricanes in Paradise; it’s hard to know where to begin. I guess the most obvious place to begin is with the setting. Although this book does not take place in the South, it does take place at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas with a cast of wonderful Southern ladies (a few of them anyway). There were several times I went to the website for the Atlantis just to see the places Denise was talking about and I saw what a wonderful job of describing the resort she did. She really brings the reader right into the beauty of the setting.

Another memorable and wonderful aspect of this story is the characters. Riley, Winnie, Laine, and Tamyra are all very different, but their chemistry is unmistakable and natural. Each of these ladies has her own story of pain and each are in different stages of healing and they need each other and God to survive the storms of life. Their situations are very dramatic and tragic, but at the same time, realistic. I enjoyed watching their friendship grow to a point where they were there for each other when it really mattered.

Hurricanes in Paradise has it all. It has laughter, pain, romance, and beauty which makes for a well balanced and interesting story that was difficult to put down. There was just one thing near the end that I did not care for. I won’t elaborate because I don’t want to ruin it for anyone, but after reading the ‘Note from the Author’, I understand better the need for it. Denise did an excellent job showing the healing power of God and the importance of friendships. I highly recommend this book and I will eagerly seek out the other books by this author after reading Hurricanes in Paradise.

[Kathleen Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hurricanes in Paradise by Denise Hildreth is a heartwarming and sometimes sad tale of four women who come together at a hotel on Paradise Islands in the Bahamas. Each of these women are at the hotel for different reasons but all have issues that they can't seem to let go of. Riley, is the director of guest relations, whose job it is is to take care of these ladies and see that they have everything they need. Laine is a famous author who is trying to deal with a divorce that was caused by an infidelity on her part. Winnie is a widow who came to the hotel because her children thought she needed to get away and ironically back to the place where she and her husband honeymooned. Tamyra is a young beauty queen who is faced with an illness and an abusive relationship. Riley also has her own demons from her past and a child to raise. Riley sees that her guests have what they need and over the course of this week becomes quite close to all of them. To top it off there is a hurricane heading their way, an assistant to Riley who has her own agenda and a man who would like to be romantically involved with Riley. Each one of these ladies faith has been tested so far that they think that He has abandoned them. With the help of each other they start to heal mentally and spiritually . I liked the story, there was an abundance of humor along with sadness but written in such a way that you could feel the heartbreak that each of these ladies faces. The lesson here is to forgive others but also to forgive yourself.

[Jennifer Hodges Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riley Sinclair is the Guest Relations Manager for the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. In this story she has 3 guests that require her special attention this week on top of that they find out that there is a hurricane on the way.

In meeting the 3 guests and keeping them busy each day Riley discovers that each of them have hidden problems, Winnie the widow who’s children force her on her first vacation since her husband’s death 3 years ago, Lanie the famous author who treats Riley as if she was a annoying speck, and Tamyra the beauty queen who has just got the worst news of her life. As the week progresses each women becomes close to the others and with the help of her new friends makes peace with their situations Riley included who has been running from her own past. There is a funny relaxing way that each of the characters interacts with each other that made me want to be included in the group.

This book is listed as Christian fiction, not something I have read a lot of but the story kept me interested and I could not wait to finish. There was not a lot of preaching in this story but each character has a crisis of faith done in a natural way. If you want lots of Bible verses or talk of Jesus this is not the book for you but if you want to read how people live with their faith on a daily basis this will fit the bill. I would make this a nice relaxing summer read not to deep but not complete fluff either.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Hurricanes in Paradise, four women meet on an island, and their worlds are forever changed when they must confront their pasts and learn to live again. Riley, a hotel manager, must deal with three high maintenance clients, each with a past of hurt much like her own. When their lives become linked, the women confront their past and learn to heal and to move on.
Denise Hildreth captures the personalities of strong yet vulnerable women perfectly. She tackles the painful situations of life gracefully. At times, there was a little too much drama: how many bad things can really happen to four women? The theme of forgiveness for the past and healing for the future was evident, but it could have been achieved with more realistic problems. (I don't want to give away the ending by being more specific!)
Overall, this is a good read. I would especially recommend it to a woman who is feeling the guilt of yesterday's mistakes!

www.laurathebookworm.blogspot.com

[Trinity Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about the lives of four very different ladies. They are all different ages, stages in life and different situations. Hurricane in Paradise takes you on a journey of love, forgiveness and peace. Even when we spend time with someone we really don’t know the hurts and heartaches they have been through. This book will have you laughing and crying.
Join Riley, Laine, Winnie and Tamyra as they enjoy the pleasures of paradise while a hurricane is on the horizon in more than one way. In this wonderful book you will see these ladies overcome their fears, struggles and losses by going to the Lord and giving Him full control of their lives. One big lesson in Hurricanes in Paradise is learning to forgive yourself. Also by learning to lean on each other. A book you don’t want to miss. A must read.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went to an author's luncheon on this book. I'm interested to see how I like it after having met her.

Okay, so I liked this. But you can tell she's a Christian author. And I don't mean that in a nasty way, I just mean that she talks about her characters praying and their faith and all that. Not what I usually read, but it was nice and sort of wholesome. It dealt with adultery and alcoholism and domestic violence, but in non-graphic ways. Some lit for women has sex scenes and this did not. It was a nice change of pace.

But I must say, I spotted what would be the main character's plot conflict and how it would work out from a mile away. Too obvious. Maybe I've just read too much lit for women.

I am eager to read her others, but I'll probably space them out between my other reads.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hurricanes in Paradise by Denise Hildreth is a story filled with honesty and inspiration. Though it takes place in place in the Bahamas & is technically not a southern tale it is filled with southern women. A sad but heartwarming story where four southern women meet and come together to share each of their stories.

Though this book is classified as southern fiction and does have some prayers in it, I found it was not overdone like most.

Though there was sometimes quite a bit of drama pertaining to the four women and their stories this was an enjoyable read. Not only is this a heartwarming, touching read it also has its laugh out loud moments. I quite enjoyed this book & would certainly read another of Denise Hildreth's books in the future.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun read with heart and a touch of Christianity. The characters were well developed and believable. (And I have to say that I just knew there was something about Mia from the very start. I couldn't figure it out until about the last quarter of the book, though.) Watching each of the women find their way back to God was really cool to see, and I do think it accurately depicted how God reaches everyone in different ways. And sometimes, we have to be FORCED to face our issues before we can fully return to Him.

Overall, it was a great book. I like that it was filled with hope and faith, and was fun to read, too.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were parts in this book that I liked and parts you could sense coming from early on. There is romance. There are parts that are a bit contrived. Without getting into detail, I do like what the main female characters tell other characters when they discover their struggle(s). It's good advice.

Have fun meeting:

Winnie - She's a Baptist!

Riley - head of guest relations at the resort

Laine - an obnoxious author

Tamyra - a beauty queen

All these women have stuff to deal with and overcome.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I liked the characters and I wanted to keep reading to find out how they evolved. I couldn't decide between a 3 and 4, but I gave this book a 4 because i did care for the characters, it made me want to pick it up and keep reading, and it made me laugh and cry. A bit contrived at parts and somewhat predictable. I would read more from this author. I think the cover of the book could have been better. I'm one of those readers that chooses books by the cover, and this is not one I would have read just by looking at the cover!~

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Another of the books I picked up in Jefferson, Texas after listening to the author speak. The story of four women and their meeting in the Bahamas at the Atlantis Resort. Four very different characters that would probablly never have met under ususal circumstances. This book is a "christian" type book, however, it wasn't preachy, etc. I really liked the characters, and it had a bit of many writing elements to keep the story moving.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the characters in this book, their varied pasts, how they helped each other deal w/those pasts and how they drew closer to God b/c of that closure. The quote on the front of the book, by another author, sums it up well, "Soaked with sun, wit, and heart, this is a story of healing and the hope, that sometimes, surviving that storm has its rewards."

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad to read something by Denise again! I learned that as women, we all have our own storms and sometimes just joining together with other women, we can face those storms together. Women need each other in this world, and we should all remember that.

Thanks Denise for not dissapointing!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm pretty new to the Christian fiction genre - I've read several and not liked them.

This book is a really great one! I highly recommend it. It includes spirituality in a realistic way. I plan on reading more of Ms. Hildreth's books in the future.

[Alissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the stories of the four woman and since their backstories were all revealed slowly it kept me engaged. Makes me want to visit Atlantis. I also liked that the religious aspects of the book were subtle and each woman's faith was tested and grew in an authentic way.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the entire book in one day. I was initially drawn in since I have been to Atlantis and enjoyed reading about the familiar places in the resort. But the story really grabbed my attention and I could not put it down.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went and saw the author at a author luncheon. I had a great meal and recieved a signed copy of the book.I loved the author and the book. I am now reading another one of her books.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Characters were very well written and you felt like you really knew them. I love Winnie, wish I had someone like her in my life!

[January]

Hurricanes in Paradise by Denise Hildreth [Denise Hildreth Jones]
375-page Paperback story ends on page 365
https://youtu.be/adhN2-gGkmI

Genre: Christian Fiction, Women's Fiction

Featuring: Divorcée, Bahamas, Atlantis Resort, Hospitality, Author, Widower, Adventure, Drama, Romance, Author's Note, Discussion Questions

Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult situations

My rating: 🌀 DNF on page 35 Ch. 3

My thoughts: 📖 Page 15 of 365/375 Ch. 2 - So far it has potential but I'm not ready to dive in, rotating to the next book.
📖 Page 35 Ch - I tried to pick this up yesterday and was interrupted after 2 pages today I started that chapter over and had to skim the previous chapter to remember what was going on. That's a sign I was too far removed from the story. In this chapter, I saw the same scene 3 times with different characters and I think it was supposed to be funny but I didn't get it, looked rude to me.

Why I quit: It's been 10 days since I picked up this book and I'm still on chapter 3, at first I had other books distracting me but now I think I'm just not feeling this book. I want to try again but after browsing the questions I'm not sure I will.

Recommend to others: Maybe.