Paradise House

by Erica James

Angel Sands is a traditional seaside resort of bed and breakfasts, cottages to rent, and teashops. And with the best views of the tiny beach and surrounding coastline is Paradise House, home to the Baxter girls—or the Sisters of Whimsy as they're known locally. With their mother taking time out to find herself, it's down to Genevieve to maintain the smooth running of the family-owned B&B. Not an easy task given that their father—now that his wife isn't around—has suddenly become a magnet for the opposite sex. And there's little help from her sisters. Nattie is too busy offending her long time admirer, and Polly spends most of her days with her head in the clouds or in a book. But when news spreads in the tightly knit community that a nearby dilapidated barn has been sold, Genevieve finds that a bittersweet trip down memory lane is unavoidable.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Romance, Contemporary, Womens Fiction, Novels, British Literature

416 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

With an insatiable appetite for other people's business, Erica James will readily strike up conversation with strangers in the hope of unearthing a useful gem for her writing. She finds it the best way to write authentic characters for her novels, although her two grown-up sons claim they will never recover from a childhood spent in a perpetual state of embarrassment at their mother's compulsion.

The author of nineteen bestselling novels, and the winner of the 2006 Romantic Novel of the Year Award, Erica divides her time between Suffolk and Lake Como in Italy.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine, certainly not one of her best.

Felt a bit long winded and extremely cheesy - normally Erica James books are a bit deeper than that.

Three stars.

[Leanne Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frankly, I wouldn't have finished this book except that I had a personal goal to reach in the form of my 2013 reading challenge. As it was, I ran overtime and had to finish it in 2014. I found the story very slow, especially in the first of the four parts, which basically just set the scene for the subsequent action.

Nevertheless, I did persist with the novel and found that it improved once the back story of Genevieve and Christian's relationship began to be filled in. The author has a talent for depicting character in action and this creates a warm sense of familiarity for the reader. One feels as if one is part of the family group, involved in the family dynamics and able to respond emotionally to the remarks and behaviour of the more off-beat and annoying people in the story.

There were parts of the book which really held my attention and kept me committed to finding out what eventually became of all the characters. In particular, I enjoyed reading about the near-drowning of little Lily Rose and the Angel Sands Talent Competition. To my mind, there could have been more of this kind of action, particularly in the start of the book, to keep up the pace. Erica James is a competent writer who writes good dialogue and creates a satisfying plot, but I do not think I will be rushing to read another of her books in the near future, simply because the length of the book doesn't warrant the amount of attention it demanded.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paradise House is an encouraging character-driven story featuring Genevieve Baxter. She's dyslexic, has just left a job under stressful circumstances, and had her heart broken in her teens. She has two younger sisters who are also important in the plot. Genevieve runs Paradise House, her parents' bed and breakfast hotel, after her mother took off to 'find herself' some months previously.

The first time I read this, I found the first section of the book rather slow-moving with too many flashbacks. However on re-reading fifteen years later, I liked it very much. I thought the first section sensitively done, and important for understanding the latter part of the book.

I became very involved with all the main characters by the time I was about half-way through, particularly Genevieve (who is the main viewpoint character) and found it extremely moving towards the end. Perhaps the ends were a little too neatly tied up in the last chapters, but that's not a major problem.

Overall an enjoyable book, one which I liked very much on re-reading.

Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...

[• Lisa • · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance love, Erica James does it again. Dreamy and engaging a story that I will treasure in my heart.

These stories never fail to pick up my book heart and demand that I fall in love. If this is your type of reading genre, you can't go far wrong than to pick up an Erica James novel.

Family drama, true love and forever type endings. It's a solid read that shows what true romance is all about.

[Ellie Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the threads and in particular the flashbacks to the teenage years. Some really engaging characters and plot lines. Two things that I found hard to stomach though- 1. The author’s portrayal of dyslexia which, if I had it, I would be genuinely offended by, and which will continue to cause a complete misunderstanding of the vast spectrum of the disorder and its impact, and 2. The idea that you would rekindle a relationship with someone whose behaviour essentially resulted in you developing an eating disorder and getting sectioned.

What. On. Earth.

[Caroline Rebisz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong female characters and a lovely story. Great good feel book for lazy winter days.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Erica James treasure for her fans! Great storyline with strong characters, each with their own lives to share. I will definitely read this novel again in future.

[Pippa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've made it to page 99 but the prospect of plodding through another 350 pages is not something I want to do, even the possibility of improvement later on is insufficient to warrant the effort. I have made absolutely no connection to any of the characters and the story is far too slow to compensate for that absence. It is my first by this author and, as some reviews claim it is not one of her best, I have picked up "Coming Home to Island House" on deal so will see if that one is more to my taste.

[Janey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually love Erica James but this, though it had many of the perfect ingredients, ambled along too slowly. I got annoyed at so many of the characters who, while never putting it into words (not emotionally articulate lot these!) took the view, "Never make a decision or take an action today if you can become a martyr by putting it off a few years."
I suppose real life can be like that - but it doesn't make for great reading!
Some of the characters need a good shake- the woman who goes to New Zealand and leaves her husband, three daughters, granddaughter and the bed and breakfast she and her husband were running without saying why, or how long she'd be gone, and even letting them think she had found another man, because she thought the romance had gone out of her marriage. To be clear, this is a husband who not long before gave up his beloved farm and his lifetime of farming to move to the B&B in Wales to make her happy. What a selfish woman - yet we are meant to like her I think. Sorry, no can do.
Positives? The setting is wonderful, and there is some sensitive treatment of eating disorders, deafness and single parenthood. There are some very likable characters and the overall story is good - would have been better if it had been shorter.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. I can’t believe Christen actually did it with Rachel! I thought it was just going to be a misunderstanding like they were just moving something but just wow! And my god I totally agree with Nattie about there mother. She left the family high and dry! I would not have easily forgave her. If it was like a planned trip for like a week or so then that would have been fine but for months and all she wanted was attention, that just blows my mind! And omg Gran was the best character, I loved her!

[Sarah Hills · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago and didn't realise it until I was a fair few pages in. However it was just as good on a second read.
As ever a very well written book, a wonderful and at times a heart breaking story. It takes place over many years following the Baxter family and also our lovely Christian. Saying that other secondary characters are just as well fleshed out like Adam which I have come to expect from Erica James books.
She is a very accomplished writer and has such a great story telling ability you always know that when you pick up one of her books you are in for a treat.
I am trying to read some of her back catalogue hence buying this book for the second time! I was not disappointed and have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Baxter's again.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the adage 'loose yourself in a good book' and this was one of those. The narrative flowed, characters easy to get to know and a lovely story with the right level of drama, love and sincerity.

It tells the story of the baxter family and the many intriguing happenings that occur to the three Baxter girls in the village of angel sands where their parents own a b&b.

A lovely story that is easy to get lost in so the 400+ pages pass in a blur.

[Elisabeth Bibbings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another heart-warming family story from Erica James, this one about families who relocate to a beautiful seaside location to set up businesses. Pembrokeshire is the location, where the Baxters run a guesthouse - except Dad is grieving because Mum has disappeared to New Zealand, Polly is dreaming and playing music, Nattie is upsetting everyone with a waspish tongue, and only Genevieve seems to be doing any work.
Lots of weddings, romances, and only one funeral.

[Nurul Rabat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bought this book as I was into Bed & Breakfast few years ago. Now I dont feel like travelling anymore hence, the book becomes less attractive. Also, I am not into the protagonist who got back to her ex after everyhting he put her through. You can have a 2nd chance, but not with someone who made you fall into depression. Thats disturbing.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good holiday reading, loved the book the first time I read it, then I purchased the book again in a charity shop, not remembering i had read it, must have been another cover, I enjoyed it even more the second time around.

[Amanda Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never been disappointed by an Erica James book. I enjoyed reading about Pembrokeshire and got caught up in the characters' personalities and lives. I found the book well written and would recommend to any Erica James fan.

[Ann Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant easy read book. Genevive is one of three sisters but it becomes her responsibility t ensure the smoot running of the family run bed and breakfast when her mother absconds. Some romance involved.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot was good, the characters were well portrayed but I felt there were too many personal relationships going on. This is probably it seemed overlong and , sometimes, repetitive. Worth taking on holiday when you don’t want to sit with it all day.

[penelopewanders]

A sweet almost coming of age story - learning to trust again and overcome insecurities - and recognize when a best friend is anything but. Slightly different, with a deaf hero, and a rather amusingly dysfunctional family. A relaxing and entertaining read.

[Gabriela Bourke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Starting off my reading challenge with a bang by getting through this one in a day. As far as these sorts of novels go it was easily readable and had some interesting characters, but wasn’t as nuanced or compelling as other James’ novels I’ve read.

[Mrs Vivien Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

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I did not enjoy this as much as other of her books as I felt it was somewhat predictable. I will continue to read this great author.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not my first Erica James novel, but a definite favourite.

[Kate Daysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't normally my kind if book but it was a gift. I found it a bit too long but was quite fluffy and is a feel good story

[Katie Harper-Holdcroft · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hate not finishing a book but this was really very slow going.

[Polly]

A lovely book with lots going on, quite long winded but still enjoyable.

[Marie Rayner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read with characters I could care about.

The ending was too well tied up. It felt contrived and a bit unbelievable.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

So amazing

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! It would be an ideal holiday read. Family, romance, heartache, beautiful setting, solid storyline. It’s all there.

[Zahidah Rosli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't expect myself to enjoy this random book I bought second hand from a friend. Just not a fan of the ending. I would love Gen to choose Adam over Christian.