The Recommended Reading Order for the Paradise Trilogy
Unlike many of Elin Hilderbrand's Nantucket-based books, which function as standalones within a shared universe, the Paradise trilogy is a single, continuous story with a persistent mystery and consecutive cliffhangers. Because of this, it is absolutely essential to read the books in their exact order of publication. Reading them out of order will spoil major plot points and leave you confused about the unfolding family drama.
Here is the recommended reading path for the trilogy:
- Winter in Paradise (2018) – The story begins when Irene Steele's comfortable life in Iowa is shattered by a phone call revealing her husband, Russ, has died in a helicopter crash on the island of St. John. When Irene and her sons arrive on the island, they discover Russ had a secret second family and a luxury villa.
- What Happens in Paradise (2019) – One year after the tragedy, Irene and her sons return to St. John to piece together Russ's double life. Using local diaries and uncovering hidden clues, the family digs deeper into the mysteries of Russ's business dealings while navigating new romantic paths.
- Troubles in Paradise (2020) – The final installment brings the family drama and the island mystery to a head. As a massive hurricane approaches St. John, FBI investigations, local conspiracies, and ultimate truths about Russ's death are revealed, culminating in a satisfying resolution.
Understanding the Story and Character Arc
The Paradise trilogy is beloved for its multi-perspective storytelling, switching between several characters to build a rich portrait of life on St. John and the ripple effects of betrayal. At the heart of the saga is the Steele family and the local islanders they meet along the way:
- Irene Steele: A mother and widow whose journey from shocked betrayal to personal healing and independent strength anchors the series.
- Baker Steele: Irene's oldest son, a doctor dealing with a difficult divorce back home, who finds himself drawn to the island and its resident helper, Ayers.
- Cash Steele: Irene's younger son, an outdoor enthusiast who ran a failing business in Iowa and hopes to start fresh in the Caribbean.
- Huck: A local boat captain who grievingly connects to the tragedy and becomes a central source of warmth and support for Irene.
- Rosie: The local woman who was Russ's secret island partner, whose presence is felt heavily through her diary entries and her daughter, Maia.
- Maia: Rosie and Russ's bright, resilient young daughter who is caught between two worlds and must navigate her connection to the Steele family.
The St. John Setting: A Character in Itself
Known as the "Queen of the Beach Read," Elin Hilderbrand spent winters writing in St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This deep familiarity and personal love for the island shine through in every page of the trilogy. Rather than inventing fictional venues, Hilderbrand populates the books with real-life St. John landmarks, restaurants, and beaches.
Readers will follow characters to famous local spots such as High Tide, La Tapa, Woodys, and Trunk Bay. The vivid, sensory details—ranging from local painkiller cocktails to the Caribbean heat and sudden tropical downpours—allow readers to experience the island alongside the characters, making the series feel like a genuine vacation.
Does the Paradise Trilogy Connect to the Larger Hilderverse?
attentive fans of Elin Hilderbrand are familiar with the "Hilderverse"—the interconnected universe of her Nantucket novels where characters from one book frequently pop up or are referenced in another. However, the Paradise trilogy is a distinct departure. Set in the Caribbean rather than Nantucket, it features an entirely new cast of characters and does not require you to have read any of her previous novels to understand the plot.
While there are subtle nods to Nantucket lifestyle and references that long-time readers will recognize as classic Hilderbrand touches, the Paradise series remains a self-contained story. You can pick it up as your very first introduction to Hilderbrand's writing without missing a beat.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the trilogy, here are a few practical tips to help you get the most out of your reading experience:
- Do not read them as standalones: Each book picks up almost immediately where the previous one left off. Treating these as independent novels will result in a fragmented and confusing experience.
- Be prepared for cliffhangers: The first two books end on dramatic reveals. It is highly recommended to have the next book on hand so you can jump straight into the next chapter of the mystery.
- Look out for the TV adaptation: A television series adaptation of the Paradise trilogy has been in development, with actress Ellen Pompeo attached as an executive producer. Reading the books now will prepare you for the potential screen adaptation.