Winter in Paradise

By: Elin Hilderbrand

Narrated by: Erin Bennett

A husband's secret life, a wife's new beginning: escape to the Caribbean with #1 New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand.

Irene Steele shares her idyllic life in a beautiful Iowa City Victorian house with a husband who loves her to sky-writing, sentimental extremes. But as she rings in the new year one cold and snowy night, everything she thought she knew falls to pieces with a shocking phone call: her beloved husband, away on business, has been killed in a helicopter crash. Before Irene can even process the news, she must first confront the perplexing details of her husband's death on the distant Caribbean island of St. John.

After Irene and her sons arrive at this faraway paradise, they make yet another shocking discovery: her husband had been living a secret life. As Irene untangles a web of intrigue and deceit, and as she and her sons find themselves drawn into the vibrant island culture, they have to face the truth about their family, and about their own futures.

Rich with the lush beauty of the tropics and the drama, romance, and intrigue only Elin Hilderbrand can deliver, Winter in Paradise is a truly transporting novel, and the exciting start to a new series.

"I will just say that, 24 hours after I started this book, I purchased its sequel, What Happens in Paradise, and I did not leave either book to be enjoyed by strangers at the end of my vacation." —Elisabeth Egan, New York Times

Critic reviews

PRAISE FOR WINTER IN PARADISE:

“I will just say that, 24 hours after I started this book, I purchased its sequel, What Happens in Paradise, and I did not leave either book to be enjoyed by strangers at the end of my vacation.”

—Elisabeth Egan, New York Times

"What do you do once you've become queen of the Summer novel and mastered the art of the Christmas novel? You start a new series, of course! This Fall, the incomparable Elin Hilderbrand brings us to St. John for the first novel in her new The Paradise series...Another compulsively readable hit by Hilderbrand."—Brenda Janowitz, PopSugar

"A new series from Nantucket author Elin Hilderbrand-that's set in St. John!"—Modern Mrs. Darcy

"With great verve, [Hilderbrand] has done it again with her latest novel, WINTER IN PARADISE, the first book in a planned trilogy. She is witty and engaging, and keeps her readers intrigued with a memorable set of characters...As always, she delivers a story with much detail, weaving her characters and storylines expertly...Be prepared to read a fast-paced and entertaining novel for several hours, which will keep you longing for the second book in the series."—Bookreporter

"The perfect vacation read."—Hasty Book List

"As she does in her books set on Nantucket, Hilderbrand excels at establishing a setting (the food! the luxury! the sea turtles!) that will inspire wanderlust...Hilderbrand is the queen of the summer blockbuster; her fans will be thrilled that she's looking to take on winter."—Susan Maguire, Booklist

"This fast-paced novel offers the voices of several different characters, as well as a hefty load of intrigue."—Nancy Carty Lepri, New York Journal of Books

Excellent

I usually listen to about 12 books each month. This book is the BEST book I have listened to in years! I can't wait for the next one.

Redundant Storytelling

I really like Elin Hilderbrand’s books, and I did enjoy the plot of this book. I also loved being transported to the USVI. However, every time a plot twist was revealed, each character had to mull it over in the same way, making the book very redundant. This story, which is to be a trilogy, could surely have been told in one novel. But, I will buy the second book anyway, because I am invested in the characters and the location. I just hope the second book isn’t so repetitive!

Nice story, zero plot

This book is perfect if you’re only looking for an extremely light and easy listen. When they talk about the perfect beach book, they’re talking about this one. When the crashing waves become too loud or sand gets into your earbuds, don’t worry about pausing and re-winding. You’ve missed nothing. I enjoyed descriptions of St John but so discouraged by the actual story. Or lack of... The author does not develop the characters AT ALL and she leaves her readers hanging terribly in the end. I was left staring at my ipod thinking, “this can’t be the end”. Is there a sequel to this book? I’m really glad I didn’t pay full price for this book

Predictable story line and ending

Not one of my favorite Elin Hilderbrand novels. The story had an interesting beginning, but became very slow and predictable.

Where to start?

It's hard to describe just how ,much I loved this book. The characters are all so relatable and likeable. Elin did a wonderful job and did not disappoint! I have to admit that I was annoyed at first by the ending. How can she drop a bombshell like that 1 minute before the book is over. I cannot tell you how overjoyed I was to find out this is a series so I am really hoping the loose ends are all tied up. I'm seriously depressed that I have to wait another year for the next book.