Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand - Battle of the Book

Hello Dewey Readers!

So Jillian let me borrow her copy of Elin Hilderbrand's new novel Winter in Paradise.  I absolutely LOVE Elin Hilderbrand so I was over the moon when Jillian passed her copy on to me (and grandma).  So this novel is in the vein of the Perfect Couple where someone dies.  It appears to be an accident, but it's a little weird and a little bit shady. *cough, cough* Did someone say double life?  

Anyway, like all Elin Hilderbrand books, I devoured this story.  Seriously, I read it in like 2 days.  I couldn't stop.  However, I didn't like the way that it was marketed.  When one reads the title Winter in Paradise,  it becomes easy to assume that this novel is like Hilderbrand's other winter novels (Winter Street, Winter Stroll, etc.) which take place over the holidays.  This novel does not, and actually there's not really any winter vibes at all except for where it mentions that this novel takes place shortly after the new year.  Also,  I'd be lying if I didn't note that I was a little disappointed the novel doesn't take place in Nantucket.. or even briefly in New England at all.  Instead the novel takes place in St. John and Iowa.   

Did I like the novel? Yes. 

Would I have liked it better if I wasn't looking for something of the Elin Hilderbrand brand?  Probably.

I guess this is why established authors sometimes use pen names.  So Dewey Readers, I give you a rating of 4.5 out of 5 Coffee Beans.

Until the next read!

~Jessica 

P.S.  Check out Jillian's review coming soon!