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Passing Through Paradise
It's been two years since the mysterious accident took Sandra Winslow's politician husband, Victor--the favorite son of a town called Paradise--and left Sandra under a cloud of suspicion. She decides to sell her beach house on the edge of town and hires Mike Malloy, who touches her lonely heart. Can she trust a man with unbreakable ties to a community she's eager to leave behind--and who is determined to unearth her deepest secrets?
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First published January 1, 2002
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About the author
Susan Wiggs
197 books7,363 followersSusan Wiggs's life is all about family, friends...and fiction. She lives at the water's edge on an island in Puget Sound, and she commutes to her writers' group in a 17-foot motorboat. She serves as author liaison for Field's End, a literary community on Bainbridge Island, Washington, bringing inspiration and instruction from the world's top authors to her seaside community. (See www.fieldsend.org) She's been featured in the national media, including NPR's "Talk of the Nation," and is a popular speaker locally and nationally.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
August 15, 2009
The story of a woman who's accused of murdering her husband, a well-liked politician in the small town of Paradise. His death has been found an accident, but the townspeople still consider her a murderer. Sandra is determined to fix up her broken down beach house and get the hell out of dodge.
This is normally the type of story I would steer clear of. It sounds like a murder/mystery--romantic suspense type-thing. I've read too many of those in my life to be interested in reading more. It also sounds depressing and melodramatic.
This paperback has set on my pile of "to be read" books for long over a year. It was left here by my mom, and I had no interest in it. However, I just read another Susan Wiggs book because I had heard some murmur over her being "one of the best," and I loved it, so I decided to read this.
This is my second Susan Wiggs book, and I'm in love. I will probably go out and read everything she's ever written now. She manages to hook me from the first sentences. Her writing is emotional and true. Despite being chock full of emotions, there is nothing melodramatic about her books. The emotions feel so fresh and crisp---so spot on. I can't get over it. There are no wasted words, or stupid contrived plot devices. Her characters react realistically, in flawed ways, as humans do. Yet, these characters are so extremely likeable.
The endings are heart-warming, hopeful.
This is normally the type of story I would steer clear of. It sounds like a murder/mystery--romantic suspense type-thing. I've read too many of those in my life to be interested in reading more. It also sounds depressing and melodramatic.
This paperback has set on my pile of "to be read" books for long over a year. It was left here by my mom, and I had no interest in it. However, I just read another Susan Wiggs book because I had heard some murmur over her being "one of the best," and I loved it, so I decided to read this.
This is my second Susan Wiggs book, and I'm in love. I will probably go out and read everything she's ever written now. She manages to hook me from the first sentences. Her writing is emotional and true. Despite being chock full of emotions, there is nothing melodramatic about her books. The emotions feel so fresh and crisp---so spot on. I can't get over it. There are no wasted words, or stupid contrived plot devices. Her characters react realistically, in flawed ways, as humans do. Yet, these characters are so extremely likeable.
The endings are heart-warming, hopeful.
June 11, 2015
This book captured me so completely I could barely put it down. Sandra, like the house she inherited from her grandfather, is in need of fixing, but she hasn't the energy after her politician husband dies in the car accident that nearly claimed her life, too. She finally decides that she will have the house repaired, sell it, and leave the pergatory of her former friends' and the townspeople's accusations that she murdered their favorite son.
Sandra hires Mike Malloy. Coming off a divorce and wanting to remain close to his two children, this job may be his ticket to finding a place to live that the social worker periodically checking in on him will approve.
In the course of fixing the house, which deserves to be restored to its historical roots, Mike begins to suspect that the accident that killed Sandra's husband and his former best friend isn't all that has been described. When he stumbles on some hints, he is determined that Sandra should confront what really happened, but can she do it? Will she do it?
How each of these troubled individuals finds themselves and helps to heal each other is both affecting and reflective of the complexities of real life.
Sandra hires Mike Malloy. Coming off a divorce and wanting to remain close to his two children, this job may be his ticket to finding a place to live that the social worker periodically checking in on him will approve.
In the course of fixing the house, which deserves to be restored to its historical roots, Mike begins to suspect that the accident that killed Sandra's husband and his former best friend isn't all that has been described. When he stumbles on some hints, he is determined that Sandra should confront what really happened, but can she do it? Will she do it?
How each of these troubled individuals finds themselves and helps to heal each other is both affecting and reflective of the complexities of real life.
November 13, 2015
By the second page, I was hooked on this book.
It is a murder/suspense/love story, but sooo different from others! I gathered, from clues, that Victor, the husband, was not dead, but I had to keep reading to find out what really happened the night of the terrible auto accident. One thing was bit of a shock near the end when all of the details were finally unraveled.
The characters are excellently portrayed, and even though their actions and thoughts may seem a bit odd at times, they reflect backgrounds which were clearly identified. Nevertheless, all are likable and recognizable, and you can't help becoming involved emotionally with them.
The descriptions of even the most trivial item are very realistic, evoking a vivid picture for the reader.
I don't want to summarize the story and spoil it, but it is assuredly one of a kind and excellent!
April 30, 2011
I love Susan Wiggs writing! This novel pulled me into the lives of the characters as I found myself rooting for the main characters. Knowing there was 'something' behind what had happened added mystery and suspense. Heated emotions, searching for direction in life, moving forward, but held back by the past. Family dynamics with loss and hurt. Real life three-dimensional people that I cared for. Susan traided POV perfectly and I enjoyed the children's side brought into the picture at just the right time to add more depth and emotion. I am forever surprised at what Susan brings out in her novels. She is extremely talented at building tension that kept me on the edge of my seat, had me reaching for tissues, and shouting yeah! Totally taken for a loop in the end even though I had some of the 'real' circumstances figured out. Pleasantly surprised and smiling from ear to ear. I do believe in second chances as my life is one that has turned corners and I'm living a dream come true. This novel brings out dreams we all have had and surfaced reminders of what a change life can be when we open up and learn to be ourselves. Thank you Susan for, yet another, amazing read...(-:
October 19, 2012
Did not care for the main female character- she was a doormat/ victim and just annoyed me. Main male character was a winner though. And the big "secret" was almost immediately apparent making me wonder why the lead character just didn't come out with it and stand up for herself, for crying out loud.
April 2, 2010
Passing Through Paradise is a departure from Susan Wiggs' usual works. The novel delves into suspence that is immediately apparent from the start. What is constant and recognizable is Wigg's ability to evoke emotion and bring relevancy to relationships and family dynamics.
Although, having correctly identified the mystery early on, that fact did not discourage me from continuing. I was drawn to the characters and it was their personal journeys than discovering the mystery that captured my interest. The romance between Mike Malloy and Sandra Babcock was shadowed by the mysterious accident. It is an accident in which the community of Paradise held her accountable for and forced her to become reclusive. Even though their romance is secondary to the suspense, it was necessary and a natural development. There was also a gradual and subtle development in Sandra's character, but in the end it became apparent and a revelation compared to the person she used to be.
She is not alone in her personal journey and Mike's role in her life gives her the courage to question and make positive changes in her life. He supports, anchors but also challenges her to face her fears. From the beginning there exist a chemistry between them, but what connects and enables them to build a relationship is what they offer for each other including how to love, feel, and trust.
Although, having correctly identified the mystery early on, that fact did not discourage me from continuing. I was drawn to the characters and it was their personal journeys than discovering the mystery that captured my interest. The romance between Mike Malloy and Sandra Babcock was shadowed by the mysterious accident. It is an accident in which the community of Paradise held her accountable for and forced her to become reclusive. Even though their romance is secondary to the suspense, it was necessary and a natural development. There was also a gradual and subtle development in Sandra's character, but in the end it became apparent and a revelation compared to the person she used to be.
She is not alone in her personal journey and Mike's role in her life gives her the courage to question and make positive changes in her life. He supports, anchors but also challenges her to face her fears. From the beginning there exist a chemistry between them, but what connects and enables them to build a relationship is what they offer for each other including how to love, feel, and trust.
July 25, 2011
What I’ve always enjoyed about Susan Wiggs’ romance novels is the fact that she writes great male characters. Contrary to many other romance writers who follow the pattern of the conflicted, reluctant male love interest who needs 300 pages to come to his senses, Wiggs gives us men who are not ambiguous when they enter into a romance. So, yeah, it’s refreshing – really - to read about men who, when they give their heart, they really do, without doubt. Same goes for bringing to the page men who are wonderful family-men and fathers. That’s what I liked about Mike Malloy in this story. That’s what kept me reading. I thought the Sandra Babcock character wasn’t up to that standard. In my opinion she lacked personality, which is too bad.
Also I enjoyed how the author depicted life in Rhode Island. Now I’d like to see it for myself.
So yes, overall a likeable read, and, based on the first half of the book I would have given it more than a three star rating, but the mystery revolving around Victor was so predictable, that for me the originality and enchantment of the story faltered somewhat towards to end.
Also I enjoyed how the author depicted life in Rhode Island. Now I’d like to see it for myself.
So yes, overall a likeable read, and, based on the first half of the book I would have given it more than a three star rating, but the mystery revolving around Victor was so predictable, that for me the originality and enchantment of the story faltered somewhat towards to end.
December 29, 2019
This book was published in 2002 making it likely one of the earlier novels penned by author Susan Wiggs. Enough has happened in the last 18 years to make the premise of the story less likely to be an issue in the present day. Having said that, the story is well-written and kept me reading though I was pretty sure I knew what the mystery was from early on in the book.
April 10, 2009
This book was great! I was pretty sure I had it figured out about halfway through, but still wanted to read it to confirm my suspicion, and see how it all panned out. I didn't want to put it down!
May 10, 2021
4.5 stars⭐️
for the first two hundred or so pages of this book, i was certain i was only going to give it three stars. I deemed it boring, monotonous, and unnecessarily slow. I thought it mediocre at best. But still i was determined to finish the book all the way through, and im glad i did. through a series of plot twists later on in the book, the full story of what happened the night of february ninth unraveled. This book is both a fascinating murder mystery and a beautiful love story. But it is also a book successfully depicting what lack of acceptance and fear of discrimination and disapproval can do to a person emotionally and the havoc it wreaks on not only their own life but also the lives of all who surround them. It involves a man who felt he had no choice but to give his secret power over his entire life.
Overall, i think this book is well worth a read.
for the first two hundred or so pages of this book, i was certain i was only going to give it three stars. I deemed it boring, monotonous, and unnecessarily slow. I thought it mediocre at best. But still i was determined to finish the book all the way through, and im glad i did. through a series of plot twists later on in the book, the full story of what happened the night of february ninth unraveled. This book is both a fascinating murder mystery and a beautiful love story. But it is also a book successfully depicting what lack of acceptance and fear of discrimination and disapproval can do to a person emotionally and the havoc it wreaks on not only their own life but also the lives of all who surround them. It involves a man who felt he had no choice but to give his secret power over his entire life.
Overall, i think this book is well worth a read.
September 20, 2007
Passing Through Paradise - G+
Susan Wiggs
One February night, the car of politician Victor Winslow and his wife, Sandra, skids off an icy bridge. Afterwards, Victor is missing and presumed dead, and his wife is widely suspected of his murder despite the official conclusion that the crash was an accident. Finding that her hometown ironically named Paradise is a haven no longer, a dazed and shocked Sandra decides to renovate and sell her old beach house in order to finance a move. Mike Malloy, the contractor she hires, is an expert on historic restoration and a single dad struggling to rebuild his life after a punishing divorce. Sandra and Mike move warily toward love and healing as the house is painstakingly restored. In the process, Mike pushes Sandra toward clues that might explain Victor's fate and clear her name forever.
Susan Wiggs
One February night, the car of politician Victor Winslow and his wife, Sandra, skids off an icy bridge. Afterwards, Victor is missing and presumed dead, and his wife is widely suspected of his murder despite the official conclusion that the crash was an accident. Finding that her hometown ironically named Paradise is a haven no longer, a dazed and shocked Sandra decides to renovate and sell her old beach house in order to finance a move. Mike Malloy, the contractor she hires, is an expert on historic restoration and a single dad struggling to rebuild his life after a punishing divorce. Sandra and Mike move warily toward love and healing as the house is painstakingly restored. In the process, Mike pushes Sandra toward clues that might explain Victor's fate and clear her name forever.
January 10, 2015
Once in a while, I find a really good book that I just HAVE to finish reading right away. Passing Through Paradise is that book for me. I was intrigued right from the start as I read the first paragraph about a woman whose husband had died in a horrible car accident when she had survived. Worse yet, she was under suspicion of murder. She, like all of us, had a lot of baggage and held back feelings. I could relate to her feelings and how she wanted to protect her husband even though he had died. I did figure out the husbands back story about halfway through but kept reading to find out how or if others would also know. Great story, Susan Wiggs!
April 12, 2014
This book was a pleasant detour from the massive amounts of non-fiction I've needed to read, of late. The plot is not entirely predictable, but an astute reader will be able to figure out, well before the ending, a particular portion of the plot that is germane to the book, as a whole.
I have never been disappointed in reading a Susan Wiggs book, but will admit that this one was not my favorite. It's no "Marrying Daisy Bellamy," but it will get you through a pinch if several of her titles are missing from your local library shelf.
I have never been disappointed in reading a Susan Wiggs book, but will admit that this one was not my favorite. It's no "Marrying Daisy Bellamy," but it will get you through a pinch if several of her titles are missing from your local library shelf.
April 12, 2012
I could not put this book down!!! Page turning from the very beginning sandy an her politician husband are in a car accident that sends them off a bridge when sandy awakes she vaugley remembers the accident an they pronounce the death of her husband an accidental death. Nobody believes it an everyone thinks she killed him. shes an outcast in her town and shes desperate to escape. so w/the life insurance money shes fixing up her dilapidated family mansion to sell. but when she starts to fall in love w/ the architect things take a whole different turn for her = )
December 23, 2010
This one was just a little to trite for me. I made it 25 pages before I gave it up. I just can't handle the story of the trophy wife whose husband was killed and everyone thinks she did it. And then the local hunk comes by to save her, bring her back to life, and redeem her in the eyes of the town. You just know that is what is going to happen and I am not up for it, this one just isn't for me.
February 12, 2012
I really like the setting of the story and was greatly interested in the restoration of the old house and life on a boat at dock. There's much more going on as the main characters are involved with getting to know each other and their relationships with other people as well. There's also the mysterious death of the woman's husband and how the new male in her life knew her husband (which he does not reveal right away to her).
July 15, 2018
I won this book through Good Reads. I was so excited to win it because I really enjoy books by Susan Wiggs and this book did not disappoint. It is a rerelease that I actually read a few years ago. It is a wonderful romance and mystery in one. I did not remember the ending so the mystery was still a surprise for me. The book has a wonderful, suspenseful plot with great characters. I was very happy to read this book again.
February 23, 2012
Another great book by Susan Wiggs. She has become one of my favorite authors!
October 26, 2012
Perfect read to get lost in on cold, wet fall days. I really enjoyed the somewhat predictable storyline but well worth the read. Great author
May 25, 2013
Loved it! Moved quickly, great dialog - lovely story.
May 10, 2020
Would have been better if the got rid of about 100 pages in the beginning.
Read
October 30, 2019Sarah & Victor Winslow had been fighting when the car she was driving went off a local bridge. Victor's body was never found and after a year, he was declared dead. Sarah was ridiculed and treated as if she had murdered him because he was so well liked.
Sarah went to see his family after she received the 1st installment of the insurance payment. Victor's father, who was a paraplegic preacher, and Victor's mother both remained convinced that Sandra had killed their son and were preparing to sue her for his death in a civil suit. Sandra's troubles were not yet over. Victor had been a promising politician.
Sandra decided it was time to fix up her family's summer home, sell it and move far away. Her mother came to see her and told her that she and her father were getting divorced. Sandra felt her life was falling apart and she had no one to catch her. She was an author and that was still left to her because she had written under her maiden name. Her married name was trashed because of the news reports. The local reporter had been a woman that Victor's parents had raised Victor to believe he should marry. They weren't happy that he had chosen Miranda. Now that he was declared dead, she was cast out by his family and all the people surrounding her and Victor. She was an outcast by those that liked her husband and thought that she had killed him.
Sandra hired Mike to fix up her house. Mike was recently divorced with 2 kids. He had lost his construction business in the divorce and was trying to start again. He was living on a boat while his wife had his kids with her new husband. Mike wanted them back but had to find a more permanent place first.
Working for Sandra was a job he just couldn't turn down no matter the rumors. He had been friends with Victor when they were in school but had grown apart when Mike left for college. Mike met Sandra after he mailbox was blown up and Sandra took her anger out splitting wood to heat her house. Mike bandaged her hands and replaced the mailbox.
Mike was drawn to Sarah and something didn't sit quite right with about the little she heard about the accident. It took months for Sarah to open up enough to talk to him about what happened leading up to the accident. Sarah had been taken out of the car and left near the edge but she couldn't swim. She didn't know how she got out of the water. Near where she was found, there was a boathouse where Mike and Victor used to play when they were children.
During the months that Mike was working on the house, Sarah fell back in love with the house and she also fell in love with Mike. Mike tried to stay away from her but the more he found out about her , the more he liked her too. Sarah liked Mike's kids and even though his ex didn't want her around them, she felt like they might be the children that she always wanted but Victor resisted having. She wanted children but he kept putting her off.
Angela threatened to keep the kids away from him because of her reputation. Sarah broke things off with Mike after Angela threatened to keep the kids away from Mike. She didn't want Mike to have to choose. She broke things off so that she wouldn't have to deal with his choice.
Mike had seen some things in Sarah's attic that didn't make sense to him. He also noticed something in the boathouse. He started researching Victor's life and the incident reports of the accident. There were too many things that didn't make sense. He felt like the investigation had not been carried out thoroughly. After Sarah broke things off with Mike, he spent all his time researching what he found out.
Victor's parents sued Sarah in a civil suit and they went to court. All were shocked when Victor showed up with a tan and bleached hair. He had come back because of all that Sarah had to deal with and what his family was putting her through. He was furious at his parents.
Victor and Sarah had been followed the night of the accident. The car went off the bridge and Victor had gotten her out of the car. He drove off with his boyfriend and went to Florida. He had been watching the news reports so he knew he had to come back for Sarah. He had married her because she was young and vulnerable. He felt that he could keep his sexuality a secret by using Sarah. Victor felt sorry for her because the only thing she had done was to love him. She didn't deserve everything that was happening to her.
Victor shocked everyone by coming out the way he did. He promised to give Sarah the divorce they both wanted and he would do things in the way he should have done in the first place.
Mike bought Sarah's house with the contingency that she agreed to marry him. They ended up together and Sarah finally got the family she had always dreamed of. Mike's daughter was the target age for the books that Sarah wrote for. She loved Sarah's books and they became friends even though she told herself that she didn't want to. Sarah won over both Kevin and Mary Margaret. This happened mostly because they could tell that she enjoyed being with them. The connection was much closer with Sarah than with their stepfather.
Sarah went to see his family after she received the 1st installment of the insurance payment. Victor's father, who was a paraplegic preacher, and Victor's mother both remained convinced that Sandra had killed their son and were preparing to sue her for his death in a civil suit. Sandra's troubles were not yet over. Victor had been a promising politician.
Sandra decided it was time to fix up her family's summer home, sell it and move far away. Her mother came to see her and told her that she and her father were getting divorced. Sandra felt her life was falling apart and she had no one to catch her. She was an author and that was still left to her because she had written under her maiden name. Her married name was trashed because of the news reports. The local reporter had been a woman that Victor's parents had raised Victor to believe he should marry. They weren't happy that he had chosen Miranda. Now that he was declared dead, she was cast out by his family and all the people surrounding her and Victor. She was an outcast by those that liked her husband and thought that she had killed him.
Sandra hired Mike to fix up her house. Mike was recently divorced with 2 kids. He had lost his construction business in the divorce and was trying to start again. He was living on a boat while his wife had his kids with her new husband. Mike wanted them back but had to find a more permanent place first.
Working for Sandra was a job he just couldn't turn down no matter the rumors. He had been friends with Victor when they were in school but had grown apart when Mike left for college. Mike met Sandra after he mailbox was blown up and Sandra took her anger out splitting wood to heat her house. Mike bandaged her hands and replaced the mailbox.
Mike was drawn to Sarah and something didn't sit quite right with about the little she heard about the accident. It took months for Sarah to open up enough to talk to him about what happened leading up to the accident. Sarah had been taken out of the car and left near the edge but she couldn't swim. She didn't know how she got out of the water. Near where she was found, there was a boathouse where Mike and Victor used to play when they were children.
During the months that Mike was working on the house, Sarah fell back in love with the house and she also fell in love with Mike. Mike tried to stay away from her but the more he found out about her , the more he liked her too. Sarah liked Mike's kids and even though his ex didn't want her around them, she felt like they might be the children that she always wanted but Victor resisted having. She wanted children but he kept putting her off.
Angela threatened to keep the kids away from him because of her reputation. Sarah broke things off with Mike after Angela threatened to keep the kids away from Mike. She didn't want Mike to have to choose. She broke things off so that she wouldn't have to deal with his choice.
Mike had seen some things in Sarah's attic that didn't make sense to him. He also noticed something in the boathouse. He started researching Victor's life and the incident reports of the accident. There were too many things that didn't make sense. He felt like the investigation had not been carried out thoroughly. After Sarah broke things off with Mike, he spent all his time researching what he found out.
Victor's parents sued Sarah in a civil suit and they went to court. All were shocked when Victor showed up with a tan and bleached hair. He had come back because of all that Sarah had to deal with and what his family was putting her through. He was furious at his parents.
Victor and Sarah had been followed the night of the accident. The car went off the bridge and Victor had gotten her out of the car. He drove off with his boyfriend and went to Florida. He had been watching the news reports so he knew he had to come back for Sarah. He had married her because she was young and vulnerable. He felt that he could keep his sexuality a secret by using Sarah. Victor felt sorry for her because the only thing she had done was to love him. She didn't deserve everything that was happening to her.
Victor shocked everyone by coming out the way he did. He promised to give Sarah the divorce they both wanted and he would do things in the way he should have done in the first place.
Mike bought Sarah's house with the contingency that she agreed to marry him. They ended up together and Sarah finally got the family she had always dreamed of. Mike's daughter was the target age for the books that Sarah wrote for. She loved Sarah's books and they became friends even though she told herself that she didn't want to. Sarah won over both Kevin and Mary Margaret. This happened mostly because they could tell that she enjoyed being with them. The connection was much closer with Sarah than with their stepfather.
April 9, 2024
The book is honestly great. It fits into the time it was written (2002) so don't expect everything to be perfect and "non-cringe" at specific parts. There was a gradual pace to the ending and it did get a /little/ boring because it was partially a slow burn book of the upward denial of Sandra confessing what happened that fateful night. But, amongst that slow burn were life-changing moments for Sandra and it built up her character wonderfully. It wasn't a sudden snap of her going from shy to confident because of one moment, but instead a multitude of moments and it really harnessed how she grasped those instances well.
As for the ending, it was amazing with the plot twist (I'd like to think everyone thought it would be a twist along those lines but we were also bamboozled by another twist) but there's a kind of emptiness to it. It was partially rushed--a surprise attack. But, given we are in the perspective of Sandra herself, the abrupt cut makes reasonable sense. That twist was beyond her and the amount of growth she achieved through the journey of this book was almost a shield or mental block for her to avoid pondering on what happened in the end.
In short, the book would've gained four stars for how long it is but the twist redeemed that fifth star well. Also, I adored the moments of bonding and familial relationship between the characters. It was a real and honest written kind of bond between each character depending on who they were with--nothing like the typical awkwardness of "hey bro" or "hey sis" distance you'd get from an author who didn't really have the familial relationships they had written about while growing up.
*I loved it. I expect to read more books by Susan Wiggs in the future.*
As for the ending, it was amazing with the plot twist (I'd like to think everyone thought it would be a twist along those lines but we were also bamboozled by another twist) but there's a kind of emptiness to it. It was partially rushed--a surprise attack. But, given we are in the perspective of Sandra herself, the abrupt cut makes reasonable sense. That twist was beyond her and the amount of growth she achieved through the journey of this book was almost a shield or mental block for her to avoid pondering on what happened in the end.
In short, the book would've gained four stars for how long it is but the twist redeemed that fifth star well. Also, I adored the moments of bonding and familial relationship between the characters. It was a real and honest written kind of bond between each character depending on who they were with--nothing like the typical awkwardness of "hey bro" or "hey sis" distance you'd get from an author who didn't really have the familial relationships they had written about while growing up.
*I loved it. I expect to read more books by Susan Wiggs in the future.*
July 22, 2025
Passing Through Paradise by Susan Wiggs
I’ve read several of Susan Wiggs' novels and this one has a different tone to it - maybe a little darker? The mystery of how Sandra’s husband dies seems quite dark as well. The main Character, Sandra, is still grieving the loss of her husband in a car accident two years ago. Sandra has only a vague recollection of the events of the night of the accident and now she’s had to fight accusations that she killed her husband!
With all of the publicity, she has decided to sell her old beach home and leave town to make a fresh start somewhere else. The beach home needs lots of restoration to help it sell more quickly and she hires a contractor.
Mike is a father of two kids, he has an ex-wife and a construction/restoration business to salvage from his divorce. Sandra hires him to fix up her beach house and soon they become friends and possibly more.
Their pasts keep getting in the way of them actually getting together. Sandra’s Parents-in-Law actually filed a civil suit against her for her husband's death after criminal charges were dropped! Mike’s ex-wives threatened Mike with losing the time he has with his kids if he keeps working for Sandra.
It takes patience and careful sleuthing to figure out what actually happened the night of the accident and the information couldn’t be more helpful or timely.
I’ve read several of Susan Wiggs' novels and this one has a different tone to it - maybe a little darker? The mystery of how Sandra’s husband dies seems quite dark as well. The main Character, Sandra, is still grieving the loss of her husband in a car accident two years ago. Sandra has only a vague recollection of the events of the night of the accident and now she’s had to fight accusations that she killed her husband!
With all of the publicity, she has decided to sell her old beach home and leave town to make a fresh start somewhere else. The beach home needs lots of restoration to help it sell more quickly and she hires a contractor.
Mike is a father of two kids, he has an ex-wife and a construction/restoration business to salvage from his divorce. Sandra hires him to fix up her beach house and soon they become friends and possibly more.
Their pasts keep getting in the way of them actually getting together. Sandra’s Parents-in-Law actually filed a civil suit against her for her husband's death after criminal charges were dropped! Mike’s ex-wives threatened Mike with losing the time he has with his kids if he keeps working for Sandra.
It takes patience and careful sleuthing to figure out what actually happened the night of the accident and the information couldn’t be more helpful or timely.
September 27, 2025
The twists will give you whiplash!
This is the first book by Susan Wings that I have read. Her writing style of being very descriptive adds to the length to the book.
The story of a politician's wife accused last year of the accidental death of her husband found not guilty but still looked upon as a murderer of the town's beloved son. Living in the home given to her long ago by her grandparents, she devoted her time, money and energy into restoring the historical home in order to sell it and get way from the town that would never believe she was innocent.
He was a construction man with awards for restoring historical homes, starting over after his wife's affair, their divorce and the loss of his business to his ex-father-in-law. His first job offer came from a widow with a historical home that sat on the beach. Her husband had been his best friend in high school, though he would not share that with her? Were the rumors true? Had she actually killed his old friend? One thing was for sure...if he took the job, he would have his answers.
This is the first book by Susan Wings that I have read. Her writing style of being very descriptive adds to the length to the book.
The story of a politician's wife accused last year of the accidental death of her husband found not guilty but still looked upon as a murderer of the town's beloved son. Living in the home given to her long ago by her grandparents, she devoted her time, money and energy into restoring the historical home in order to sell it and get way from the town that would never believe she was innocent.
He was a construction man with awards for restoring historical homes, starting over after his wife's affair, their divorce and the loss of his business to his ex-father-in-law. His first job offer came from a widow with a historical home that sat on the beach. Her husband had been his best friend in high school, though he would not share that with her? Were the rumors true? Had she actually killed his old friend? One thing was for sure...if he took the job, he would have his answers.
September 5, 2023
I picked up this up b/c I got my Susan's mixed up. Don't shake your head at me! You know, it's common for those of us who read a lot, there are many of those writers who have similar names working in the same genre.
Susan--Wiggs, Mallory, Phillips, etc...
Overall, the story was good. I liked the main characters- Mike & Mallory, as well as Zeke, Sparky, Mary Margaret & Kevin-the supporting characters.
But it was too long! Seriously, she could of cut out about 200 pages of repetition.
For exs. :
-secrets revealed in her marriage w/victor before the accident
-mentioned how they're attracted to each other but takes at least tw0-thirds of the book before they do/say anything about it
Susan--Wiggs, Mallory, Phillips, etc...
Overall, the story was good. I liked the main characters- Mike & Mallory, as well as Zeke, Sparky, Mary Margaret & Kevin-the supporting characters.
But it was too long! Seriously, she could of cut out about 200 pages of repetition.
For exs. :
-secrets revealed in her marriage w/victor before the accident
-mentioned how they're attracted to each other but takes at least tw0-thirds of the book before they do/say anything about it
June 30, 2020
Meh. Typical summer romance. Widowed young woman Sandra Winslow is grieving in her old beach house when she decides to have the home restored so she can sell it and move away from all her troubles. Enter contractor Mike Malloy, the ruggedly sexy home restorer who steals Sandra's broken heart. The rest is history. Some good steamy scenes, and some predictable drama as far as second guessing the relationship and dredging up the past. But all's well that ends well, and it's a happily ever after story for Sandra. Oh yeah, and her dead husband isn't really dead. He just takes his own death so he could run away with his gay lover. Didn't see that one coming.... Lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2020
Mystery lovers will be delighted with this book. It seeks an answer to; What happened to Victor Winslow?
After a tragic accident, Victor's body was not found. he disappeared leaving his wife, Sandy, to be shunned by the community, ridiculed, hated, and whispered about. Even Victor's parents file a wrongful death suite against Sandy though the accident was ruled an accident.
Mile Malloy is a contractor renovating Sandy's beach house. He gives Sandy a new perspective on life and changes her attitude about many things. He also cannot let the case of a missing husband, Victor, go unsolved.
After a tragic accident, Victor's body was not found. he disappeared leaving his wife, Sandy, to be shunned by the community, ridiculed, hated, and whispered about. Even Victor's parents file a wrongful death suite against Sandy though the accident was ruled an accident.
Mile Malloy is a contractor renovating Sandy's beach house. He gives Sandy a new perspective on life and changes her attitude about many things. He also cannot let the case of a missing husband, Victor, go unsolved.
January 9, 2023
So.. I gave it one extra star than I originally would have, but the 4th star really is only for the quality writing Susan Wiggs puts into her books. She’s an excellent author and the writing keeps you hooked and turning pages.
But this book’s characters were so hard to put up with throughout. Literally everyone in it is has toxic qualities except for the two kids. It’s insane. I know people have their issues, and it does a good job mirroring real life in that sense, but Jesus… Sandy was the most annoying and insufferable of them all. Read it, and you’ll know why.
Hopefully her next novel I read is better with it’s characters.
But this book’s characters were so hard to put up with throughout. Literally everyone in it is has toxic qualities except for the two kids. It’s insane. I know people have their issues, and it does a good job mirroring real life in that sense, but Jesus… Sandy was the most annoying and insufferable of them all. Read it, and you’ll know why.
Hopefully her next novel I read is better with it’s characters.
September 10, 2017
I enjoyed this book. It took me a while to get into it but once I did, it was worth the effort.
Sandra is a children's author and widow recovering from a court case following the accident that took her husband's life. The town calls her "the Black Widow". She is living in her family's old beach house that needs a lot of work done on it. So, she contacts Mike. Mike is a divorcee who is struggling with trying to find work after his ex took his company and spending time with his kids.
Sandra is a children's author and widow recovering from a court case following the accident that took her husband's life. The town calls her "the Black Widow". She is living in her family's old beach house that needs a lot of work done on it. So, she contacts Mike. Mike is a divorcee who is struggling with trying to find work after his ex took his company and spending time with his kids.
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