Winter in Paradise

By: Elin Hilderbrand

Narrated by: Erin Bennett

Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

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

©2018 Elin Hilderbrand (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

“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

"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 book ends in mid-sentence.

The story is ok, even interesting, but it ends in mid-air, very strange. A whole chapter, or part, is missing.

Elin, I Want a Sequel, Yesterday!

I have very much enjoyed Elin Hilderbrand's books, including this one. This is my 14th Hilderbrand book here at Audible. Nantucket, and occasionally that other nearby Island that we won't name, are terrific locales in all the previous books.

In this novel we again have an island locale, mostly St John in the Virgin Islands.What makes this book different aside from the move from New England to VI and all that it implies (weather, food, music demographics and attitude), is the fact that lots remains unresolved for each of the characters. They are all still trying to figure out what they want to do next. Also, aspects of the mystery central to the book is still unresolved and there is a cliff hanger at the end.

Hilderbrand hasn't done a book series before (that I know of) but I think there are sufficient number if issues left hanging for the central characters and a number of secrets that are left unrevealed to warrant a sequel. Not to mention the figurative (will it turn out to be a literal one?) bomb dropped on the last page.

Elin, how fast can your write? This eager reader wants to know.

hated ending

The book stopped in the middle. It wasted time on failed romance not enough on main plot.

Loved it!

Elin has made me fall in love with Nantucket, even though I have never been there. Now I love St. John. But how long will I have to wait for the next book?! Not sure I can wait!!!!!

Frustrating..

As many others have said, it’s very abrupt. It’s basically a long story, repeating itself over and over and has no resolution to any of the problems and/or all relationships that develop within the story. You get NOTHING, literally nothing. The last minute of the book is the most exciting thing that happens and agin no resolution. I think it would be okay if it were a series if they clarified a few details and or relationships. I can’t stress this enough, it’s like the book was written and wasn’t finished. I enjoyed the characters and all their flaws. I just wish it didn’t focus on so many other things that literally did not matter and focused on clarification. Overall disappointing but will definitely hope that the next book in the series reveals all the answers.

As Expected!

I love these books for the little bit of mystery and the unexpected intermingling of relationships. Elin develops characters and relationships in such relateable ways. I had never read one via audio book before but it was enjoyable and I "read" it just as quickly. I didnt LOVE the ending. But, if you're looking for a "summery" read, this is the one!

missing links

interesting from the first chapter! definitely will save this author on my 'must read' list!

Hate the Ending!

Drives me crazy when the story does not tie up loose ends. Otherwise the story is a really good one!

Great first in series I hope

Set on St. John this is an intriguing beginning; I hope there are more books as there are many unanswered questions. As always with Elin Hilderbrand's books, I'm fascinated and intrigued with the characters and the premise of a double life.

How does a story end without the mystery being solved???

Great book thinking not only is it a possible romance but a mystery too. It ended with the mystery solved. The book was so disappointing like it needed 20 more chapters. Ugh!!! I have never read this authors books but I would be afraid to read another on if this is the standard.