Where Is 'What Happens In Paradise' Set?

I just finished 'What Happens in Paradise' and the deaths in this book hit hard. The most shocking one is Russell Steele, the husband of Irene Steele. His death is the catalyst for the entire story, revealing a double life that Irene never knew about. Russell’s plane crash in the Caribbean sets off a chain of events that uncovers secrets, lies, and a whole other family he kept hidden. The way Elin Hilderbrand writes his death makes it feel like a punch to the gut—it’s sudden, tragic, and leaves everyone reeling. Another death that stands out is Rosie, Russell’s mistress. Her death is just as abrupt and mysterious, happening shortly after Russell’s. It’s clear someone doesn’t want the truth to come out, and Rosie’s murder adds a layer of suspense to the story. The way her death is handled makes you question everyone’s motives, especially the people closest to her. The book does a great job of making these deaths feel personal, like you’re grieving alongside the characters. The emotional weight of these losses drives the plot forward and keeps you hooked until the very end.

I’ve been following 'What Happens in Paradise' since it first came out, and the sequel question is a hot topic among fans. The book does have a sequel, titled 'Trouble in Paradise', which continues the wild, tropical drama of the first installment. Elin Hilderbrand really knows how to keep readers hooked with her signature blend of romance, mystery, and island vibes. The sequel dives deeper into the lives of Irene and her sons, exploring the fallout from the secrets uncovered in the first book. The stakes feel higher, the emotions more raw, and the tropical setting just as immersive. What I love about the sequel is how it expands the world without losing the charm of the original. New characters bring fresh conflicts, and the twists are even more unpredictable. If you enjoyed the first book’s mix of family drama and suspense, the sequel delivers in spades. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to cancel plans just to finish it in one sitting. The trilogy actually wraps up with a third book, 'Paradise Lost', which ties up all the loose ends in a way that’s both satisfying and bittersweet. Hilderbrand’s writing feels so vivid, like you’re right there on St. John with the characters, feeling the ocean breeze and the tension between them. The sequels aren’t just rehashes of the first book—they build on it, adding layers to the story that make the whole series feel richer. If you’re someone who gets attached to characters, you’ll appreciate how their arcs develop across all three books. The sequels are a must-read for anyone who fell in love with the original’s blend of escapism and emotional depth.

Just finished 'What Happens in Paradise' and the ending hit me like a tidal wave. Irene and her sons finally uncover the truth about Russ's double life in St. John, but it’s not just about the money—it’s about the emotional wreckage left behind. The family dynamic shifts when Cash chooses to stay in paradise, embracing a simpler life, while Baker returns to the States, trying to rebuild. Irene? She’s left grappling with betrayal but finds a sliver of hope in new relationships. The last scene with the storm sweeping over the island mirrors the chaos of their journey—raw, unresolved, but oddly poetic. If you love messy, human endings, this delivers.

I just finished 'What Happens in Paradise' last week, and while romance plays a significant role, it’s not *just* a romance novel. The story weaves together mystery, family drama, and tropical adventure. The main character Irene’s love life gets complicated when secrets about her late husband surface, but the focus shifts between her emotional journey and the suspense of uncovering his double life. The romantic elements are there—chemistry with a new guy, tension with old flames—but it feels more like a life-reinvention story with love as one piece of the puzzle. If you want pure romance, try Elin’s '28 Summers' instead—this one’s a hybrid.

I've been diving into 'What Happens in Paradise' lately, and while it feels incredibly vivid and authentic, it's not based on a true story. The novel is part of Elin Hilderbrand's trilogy, set in the picturesque yet fictional St. John in the Virgin Islands. Hilderbrand has a knack for crafting immersive settings that blur the line between reality and fiction, but she draws inspiration from her own experiences rather than real events. The characters, like Irene and her sons, are entirely fictional, though their struggles—love, betrayal, and secrets—resonate because they mirror universal human experiences. What makes the story feel so real is Hilderbrand's attention to detail. She paints the island's lush landscapes and tight-knit community with such precision that readers might mistake it for a real place. The emotional arcs, especially Irene's journey of rediscovery after her husband's death, are grounded in relatable emotions. While the plot twists—hidden affairs, sudden wealth, and family drama—are dramatic, they serve to heighten the escapism, not document true events. Hilderbrand's strength lies in making the fantastical feel tangible, which is why so many readers wonder if the story is real.

In 'Troubles in Paradise', the ending wraps up with a mix of resolution and lingering tension. Irene and her family finally confront the secrets that drove them to the Virgin Islands, revealing betrayals and hidden motives. The villain gets a fitting comeuppance, but not without a twist—someone unexpected steps in to deliver justice. The Steele family dynamics shift dramatically, with some members choosing to rebuild their lives elsewhere while others stay, embracing the island’s chaotic charm. A stormy confrontation on a yacht serves as the climax, where truths explode like fireworks. The final scene shows Irene watching the sunset, hinting at new beginnings but leaving enough open-ended to make you wonder what’s next for her. It’s satisfying yet smart enough to avoid being too neat.

I recently grabbed 'Troubles in Paradise' after hunting for it everywhere. Major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Book Depository stock it both in paperback and hardcover. Local bookstores often carry it too—just call ahead to check availability. If you prefer digital, Kindle and Apple Books have instant downloads. For budget hunters, AbeBooks or ThriftBooks sometimes list secondhand copies in great condition. Pro tip: Check indie bookshop websites like Powell’s; they often ship nationwide and support small businesses. For international buyers, Booktopia (Australia) or Waterstones (UK) are solid options. Libraries might have copies if you’re okay with borrowing. The audiobook version, narrated by a fantastic voice actor, is available on Audible and Spotify. Always compare prices; some sellers offer signed editions or exclusive bundles during promotions.

'Winter in Paradise' transports readers to the lush, tropical island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a stark contrast to the snowy Midwest where the protagonist, Irene Steele, initially resides. The novel’s setting is a character in itself—vibrant, sun-drenched beaches, turquoise waters, and secluded villas perched on cliffs create a paradise that feels both idyllic and isolating. The island’s beauty masks darker secrets, mirroring the dual nature of the story’s themes of love and betrayal. St. John’s small-town vibe amplifies the tension, as everyone seems to know each other’s business, yet nothing is as it appears. The local bars, like the iconic Beach Bar, and winding coastal roads add authenticity to the setting. The juxtaposition of Irene’s mundane life back home with the island’s escapist allure drives the narrative, making the setting pivotal to the emotional stakes. Hilderbrand’s vivid descriptions of rum cocktails, crashing waves, and humid breezes immerse readers in a world where paradise becomes a gilded cage.