Book Review: Troubles in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand

Troubles in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I stand by the fact that Elin Hilderbrand is one of my favourite authors.
This is the third and I believe final novel in a trilogy. Funnily enough it was the first in the series I took out of the library and thanks to a very thoughtful note to the reading I quickly learned I had to start with a different book. NOTE: if your writing a series having a note at the outside directing a reader to start with a different book is one the best thing ever! this is not the first time where I've started a series in the middle or end.
The book gave a nice conclusion to the story but it felt a bit ... rushed or forced with certain things - it was like the author knew that there wasn't enough for another book or just was ready to leave this story and characters. Certain things in the book didn't need to be there for the story or the plot but I can over look that because in the end it was a good conclusion to the story and these characters.

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Book Review: The Christmas Postcards by Karen Swan

 The Christmas Postcards by Karen Swan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The characters of the book were definitely well done - they were developed, had internal conflict that isn't there just of the sake of the otter, there is love, learning and reflection. The book is set at Christmas which is often a time when I reflect on the year, life and family and I felt at home with the characters. Let me say it's not like a cheesy Hallmark Christmas Movie that basically all have the same basic plot line - meaning the book wasn't forced or contrived.
Now the twists I knew were coming which is one thing but I wasn't prepared for them and how they unfold - but again they weren't forced or for the sake of it - they made sense.

It is a must read and it will make you long for Christmas to come soon even in the middle of summer

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Book Review: A Summer to Remember by Erika Montgomery

A Summer to Remember by Erika Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a random clearance book I picked up and had been putting off to read in favour of "more interesting books" and I don't know why.
Honestly, I'm happy I waited to read it at the lake because it provided the perfect backdrop for much of the novel to have a fully immersive feeling. I love the book, the story was good and while you thought it was predictable it turns out I was wrong. The story unfolded in a beautiful and natural way with some surprise twist but none that felt forced or for the sake of it. The twists made other parts of the story just make more sense, there is nothing I hate more than forced plot twists included just for the sake of having a twist.
Highly recommend!

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Book Review: What Happens in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand

 What Happens in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Paradise series and let me tell you I'm glad I didn't start when the books first came out because the suspense after the first book would have killed me. (Funny story this was the book I started with and quickly realized that it was not the first in the series so I stopped and went to read book 1 first).

The story is a good mix between love, loss, mourning, mystery and redefining your life. It's a good read, easy read but solid story. I'm literally waiting for the library to open so I can dive into the next book!

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Book Review: Here's to Us by Elin Hilderbrand

Here's to Us by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I didn't know anything about this book other than I tend to enjoy Elin Hilderbrand books.

This one could have not been more perfect for me - combining my love of cooking, a celebrity chef, death, the ocean, family drama and love stories beyond the typical that encompassed family. The book ended too early in some why's but I love the way it wrapped because it didn't leave me wondering or hanging and gave me the closure I needed for the characters.
Highly recommended summer reading - my only disappointment is that I forgot to copy the recipe to try from the book.

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Book review: Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand

 Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What can I say? I love Elin Hilderbrand books!

The book was good, detailed enough you felt like you could picture it all but it wasn't overwhelming in its detail. All of the characters were relatable - especially given the events of the past year. The story moved at a good pace and didn't drag at all. The worst part is the ending and I will be highly critical of it - it will leave you extremely disappointed - but because you want to know what happens next and you may have to wait to get the next book in the series.

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Book Review: The Stolen Hours by Karen Sawn - 6 out of 5 stars!

 The Stolen Hours by Karen Swan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been waiting a year for this book - it is second in the series to come out. I will say that this one has also left the with no satisfaction and only burning questions about what happens next. The frustration and disappointment is real to know I will have to wait at least a year for more of the story to come is agonizing (but in the best way possible).
So if you want to be gripped on your seat, imagining life in a different time and place with an amazing love story - this is the book for you.
The literal only disappointment is knowing that it is going to be some time before there is another book. I finished this book in just over two days. It's a must read and honestly I would give this book a 6 star out of 5 rating.

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