Escape to the sun-drenched beaches of St. John with Elin Hilderbrand’s Paradise trilogy, a captivating blend of romance, mystery, and family drama that’s perfect for anyone craving a literary getaway. Known as the 'queen of beach reads,' Hilderbrand trades her usual Nantucket shores for the Caribbean, weaving a tale of secrets and second chances that keeps readers hooked.
From the moment you open Winter in Paradise, you’re plunged into a world where paradise isn’t quite what it seems. With her signature vivid settings and complex characters, Hilderbrand delivers a series that’s as emotionally gripping as it is escapist. Ready to dive into this tropical saga? Let’s explore the heart of the Paradise trilogy.
How the Paradise Trilogy Began
Elin Hilderbrand, a Nantucket resident and seasoned storyteller, found inspiration for the Paradise trilogy during her winter writing retreats in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. After years of crafting novels set in her beloved Nantucket, she decided to shake things up in 2018 with a new setting that matched her knack for lush, coastal backdrops. The result was Winter in Paradise, the first book in a planned trilogy that introduced readers to a fresh cast and a mystery-driven plot.
Hilderbrand’s love for St. John’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes shines through, making the island a character in its own right. Her goal? To blend the emotional depth of her Nantucket tales with a dose of Caribbean intrigue, creating a series that feels both familiar and thrillingly new.
The Heart of the Paradise Trilogy
The Paradise trilogy kicks off with Winter in Paradise (2018), where Irene Steele’s idyllic life unravels after her husband, Russ, dies in a helicopter crash on St. John. Shocked to learn he led a double life with a secret family, Irene and her sons, Baker and Cash, head to the island to uncover the truth, only to face more secrets and romantic entanglements. The second book, What Happens in Paradise (2019), deepens the mystery through Rosie’s diaries, revealing Russ’s past while the characters navigate love and betrayal. The trilogy wraps up with Troubles in Paradise (2020), where a potential conspiracy behind Russ’s death and a looming hurricane test the Steele family’s resilience, delivering a satisfying conclusion.
Themes of grief, deception, and redemption run throughout, balanced by Hilderbrand’s knack for heartfelt romance and family dynamics. The St. John setting, with its azure waters and local haunts, immerses readers in a world of beauty and secrets. Hilderbrand’s style—rich with sensory details like tropical cocktails and island breezes—makes each book a page-turner that feels like a vacation.
The trilogy stands out for its cliffhangers and multi-perspective storytelling, keeping readers guessing while rooting for characters like the resilient Irene, the endearing Huck, and the mature-beyond-her-years Maia. It’s a perfect mix of soap-opera drama and emotional depth, ideal for fans of character-driven stories.
Why the Paradise Trilogy Resonates
The Paradise trilogy has cemented Elin Hilderbrand’s reputation as a master of escapist fiction. Fans praise its ability to transport them to St. John, with many citing the vivid settings and relatable characters as highlights. The series’ blend of mystery and romance has broadened Hilderbrand’s appeal, attracting readers beyond her Nantucket fanbase. Its commercial success, with each book hitting bestseller lists, underscores its cultural impact as a go-to beach read.
The trilogy’s legacy lies in its ability to make readers feel both swept away and deeply connected. By tackling universal themes like trust and healing in an exotic locale, Hilderbrand offers a literary escape that lingers long after the final page. It’s no wonder fans clamor for more of her tropical tales.
- Publication Years: 2018–2020
- Number of Books: 3
- Setting: St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Genre: Romance, Mystery, Contemporary Fiction
Grab Winter in Paradise and dive into Elin Hilderbrand’s sun-soaked world of secrets and second chances. Your beach read adventure awaits!