Sequels can be tough to write about. I don’t want to give away too much. That way you want to read this book, but you also want to read the first in the series. It is a line easily crossed. If I say too much for the second book, do I give away the ending of the first?

Gosh, I hope not. 

Book Read: What Happens in Paradise
Author: Elin Hilderbrand
Number of Books Read, 2019 Edition: 45

When we last left Irene Steele, her husband’s mysterious death and second life left Irene’s and her sons’ lives in shambles. The same happened to the family of Rosie, Irene’s husband’s mistress. As the FBI continues to investigate, lives must push on. 

After job opportunities bring both Irene and Cash back to St. Thomas, Baker soon follows, with his son in tow, after his wife reveals a life changing decision. Each member of the Steele family is dealing with something (besides the mystery of Rosie and Russ), and Huck, Rosie’s father, is trying to raise a preteen and keep a large secret from her. All while Huck is dealing with an unexpected crush.

Meanwhile, Ayers is struggling to feel right in a new, but still old, relationship, while reading Rosie’s recently discovered diary. A diary which will reveal more of the Russ, Rosie and Maia story. Maia is navigating the loss of her mother well, but is trying to deal with some teenage angst.  

As each person, impacted by tragedy, tries to come to terms with what actually happened, they will also discover truths about their own lives and futures. Add a cliffhanger ending, and you’ve got What Happens in Paradise. 

Honestly, I finished reading this book about two weeks ago, and have been putting off writing down my thoughts. Why you may ask? Well, for one, I’ve been lazy, but also because I am still undecided on this book.

Yes, Hilderbrand is talented when it comes to multiple points of view. That’s how she writes the majority of her books. It just works. It still works for this one. But for other series, her sequels can be read as standalone stories. This one cannot (the same can’t be said for Frozen 2, which can be seen alone FYI). You’ll have to go back and read the first book for some context when it comes to What Happens in Paradise. Without reading the first, this one might not make that much sense.

While I did read this rather quickly, it started off slowly, and at times the plot did seem to just rehash the first book. It did have some parts that were intriguing, but that was the minority in this book. For example, I enjoyed the addition of Rosie’s diary. It gave more of the background story that we were missing. But I didn’t like Ayers' relationship with Mick, and how it was just a repeat; I also didn’t like how the book got interesting than BAM! It was over.

Long story short, I had to read this one so I can read the finale at the end of 2020.

If cliffhanger endings, a little romance, and a so-so story are your thing, go back, read Winter in Paradise, then pick up this one. It won’t be the best book you’ve ever read, but it’ll do.

Then sit back, and wait for the finale of the series. Just like me. 

Next Read: This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel