Hurricanes in Paradise

I truly enjoyed Hurricanes In Paradise and the subject matter. Although I've read other books by Denise Hildreth Jones, this novel contained a different element which captured my interest. The 4 main characters are so different on the surface but they connect and develop friendships. Their interactions are as varied as the tropical waters depicted, calm one minute and later tumultous. Just like life and relationships--we have to let go to embrace what's ahead.

Riley Sinclair took her little girl and left her husband for a position on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Now, her husband is moving on with a wonderful new wife, and Riley is still struggling to get her life back together. But she is attracted to a Greek man who works on the same island.But this particular week, a hurricane is churning in the Atlantic Ocean, and still guests are arriving at her five-star resort. She's has three special guests to cater to. One is a demanding woman writer who expects to be catered to every moment. One is a beauty queen with a disease that's taking over her life. And one is an older woman, a principle at an inner-city school, who is in mourning.Desperate to get her daughter to safety with a hurricane approaching, Riley calls her ex-husband. He quickly comes for Gabby, but the weather is not all that Riley must deal with. Each of the women she has to care for comes with lurking demons, paralyzing secrets, and overwhelming fears. Together they embark on a journey of laughter, lunacy, heartache, and healing.I have read Ms. Hildreth's Savannah in Savannah series and loved them. The last book by Ms. Hildreth I didn't care much for (too sad and depressing). So I was hoping this would be a book I loved. It started a bit slow, but by the time the quests started appearing on Paradise Island the story had begun to pick up. I struggled through the first several pages, but then read page after page after page without realizing how much time passed.Riley is a character is could identify with. The elderly widow, Winnie, is a dear sweetheart. I loved her and her quirks. The writer had her baggage and is someone I could classify as high-maintenance, but in awhile I understood her, because I'm a writer--hopefully not one considered high-maintenance. The beauty queen I identified with the least, but she did tug at my heartstring.All in all, HURRICANES IN PARADISE is a book I would recommend. Discussion questions are included at the end.

I was thankful to receive a review copy of this fun, honest, and inspiring book. The story reminded me a little of the TV Shows "Love Boat" and "Hotel". Each week they'd introduce new characters and their dilemmas. Everyone tried to have fun because they were on vacation. But life doesn't stop happening just because we're on holiday!Denise introduces four very different, interesting, quirky characters that would never have talked to each other under normal circumstances. But, rules are different when you're on holiday. Time is of the essence, you may never see these people again.Denise's main character is Riley Sinclair, a single mom and head of guest relations at the hotel, working hard at her new job. Tamyra, is a beauty queen just finishing up her tour; hiding out from everyone and holding a secret close to her heart. Winnie Harris, Sam's widow of three years- is stuck in the past with Sam and is afraid to live. Then there's Laine Fulton, an author on a trip to get ideas for her new novel. She hates to eat alone and invites all of these ladies to dine with her, as she takes notes of their conversations. All of these ladies were in survival mode for one reason or another and life begins to get a little crazy as they all prepare for a Hurricane heading their way.I loved what Denise said about these women and their struggle. "These women face real-life struggles. Real-life heartache that many of us face every day...this is a story about learning to live. My hope is that as you close the pages, you will be more aware of what real living is all about, more aware that inside your soul is the ability to survive even the toughest storms."I couldn't agree with her more. Denise's book touched my heart and soul. I enjoyed these ladies, I laughed, I was surprised at what these women shared and my spirit was moved as these characters faced their fears. You can tell this author has faced some fears of her own. Finding Hope Book Club is reading this novel--I can't wait to hear what this group has to say about Hurricanes In Paradise. It's more than a great summer read. These ladies and their stories will stir your soul!ACFW Book Club Coordinator

This book was so much fun to read. I laughed and cried at some of the things that happened in this week long story. It is about 3 guest coming to a Bahamas resort Atlantis with the director of guest making herself available when they need her. One of her guests was an author coming to the resort so she could write her next novel, another came to deal with an unexpected medical issue and the third came because her children thought she needed a vacation. They were completely different women but found themselves becoming intertwined and becoming friends. Through this experience all of the women found "healing waters" at the resort. They found not only healing but faith, grace and forgiveness. Their friendship was made strong dealing with all the emotional events in each others lives. Also thrown in the mix was have to deal with a hurricane heading right towards the resort that also keeps the director of guest quite busy.I thoughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all who want a funny, emotional and uplifting read.

I enjoyed reading this book and it reminded me not to label people by their words or actions. Unless we know their personal history it is too easy to do so.All the characters here are in their own little bubbles, unwilling to let others see past their self protective shells.The incoming hurricane is real, as is the unseen one that breaks through each of their barriers and frees them to move on their lives and remain friends.This is a Christian book and for me this aspect was a bit overpowering at times. But as the story stood up on its own, I had to keep reading through to the end.

I enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. I was through a fair bit of the book when i realised it was getting a bit heavy on the "GOD" thing but that did not stop me reading, the basic story line was good and i wanted to find out how it ended. Overall a fair 3/5

Riley Sinclair, Head of Guest Relations, doesn't realise that her assistant Mia is hell bent on getting her job and will stop at nothing to do so. She seizes every opportunity that comes her way to get one over Riley and this becomes even easier when 3 demanding guests arrive and they all eat into Riley's time, even intruding on precious time with her daughter. Love is also present in the form of Greek hunk Christian for Riley.

Yet another Christian book although nothing in the synopsis indicates this.I dislike this genre intensely and I'm afraid this book did nothing to change my mind.