The Paradise Plan

Hilton Head Island #2

by Elana Johnson, Liz Isaacson

Cassandra Haslam loves plans. Lunch plans, wedding plans, and floor plans—they all bring her joy. In fact, she's had her entire life planned out—career, marriage, and family—since age ten. She's smart, hard-working, and a real go-getter, and everything has fallen into place so far.Until her husband dies suddenly, right when she's about to enjoy the fruits of all of her hard work and planning, leaving Cass reeling and...well, without a plan.When her youngest graduates three months later, making her an empty-nester as well as a widow, Cass decides it's time to make a new plan for herself.It's not a back-up plan.It's a paradise plan.With one of her best friends now living in Hilton Head, Cass makes a move and purchases a piece of waterfront property on the island. It's the perfect place to build her paradisiacal life and her new self as she designs and constructs a beautiful beach house.But when she injures herself—not in the plan, by the way—she meets general-contractor-turned-doctor Harrison Tate. He helps her out of a jammed thumb, a sprained ankle, and a bruised ego.When he keeps showing up unannounced at her construction site, sometimes with her favorite pastries, Cass starts to wonder if she should add him to her daily routine... If she does, will her perfectly laid out plans fall short of paradise? Or could she find her new life and a new love, all without any plans at all?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2022

About the author

3-time USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson writes adult contemporary beach romance. She is the author of over 130 books across two names, and there's nothing better than sun, sand, and swoon-worthy kisses! Unless it's a sweet-and-sexy cowboy - read those under her pen name of Liz Isaacson. Or an emotional, heartfelt women's fiction novel - read those under her pen name of Jessie Newton.

Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com

Reviews

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s so much emotion in this story; both the joys and the sorrows. My heart immediately went out to Cass after losing such an important part of her life. Harrison was simply pure Southern charm and I’m pretty sure I lost my heart to him the moment this book opened. I loved watching this pair slowly opening up to one another and discovering new love. It was a little crazy-making to see the way some members of her family treated the couple, but I was so happy to see the final outcome. I may have only just finished this book, but I can’t wait to see what the series brings us next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story that teaches us about loss, heartbreak and how to learn how to cope and move on. It’s a lovely read about Cass who has everything planned out, everything except her husbands sudden death. I have to say I did shed a few tears but when Cass made the brave decision to visit her friends many months later she discovers new possibilities, new friendship and possibly new romance. It’s a fantastic, sweet clean read that will leave you with a feel good feeling about love, friendship and life.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story
Cass is a mother of three, interior designer and wife to West, an investigator. One terrible day, he doesn’t arrive home on time, and the family’s lives are never the same again. Months later, Cass travels with her best friend Bea, her husband Grant and his best friend Harrison to the Everglades, and she and Harrison are smitten. But can her friends and children accept the man that wants her by his side?

My thoughts
I liked that in this story, the characters are older and are a bit battle scarred by life. They are dealing with loss, through divorce and death, and still trying to find happiness for their everyday lives. Family support is important but so is moving on and finding what brings joy. There is romantic love, friend love and family love - and lots of pastries being shared. A sweet, clean read.

I read an eARC copy courtesy of the author.

[Krys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is technically the second book in the series, you do not have to read the other one to enjoy and understand this one.

This one resonated with me on a few different levels. To begin with, I loved the supper club! I loved the different personalities and how they all meshed together while still standing out so that I was never at a loss for who was who. I loved how they felt more like a family than a group of friends and the support they had for one another.

I felt that the grief aspect of this novel was exceptionally well done. Having lost my husband three and a half years ago, I completely understood what Cass was going through. At times, I felt as though I could be reading my own story, so I really enjoyed watching as Cass navigated her feelings of grief and loss while still being open to the possibility of something new.

I also enjoyed watching her relationship with Harrison as it grew. I loved how respectful he was of her and her mourning, and how he wasn't put off by it. Instead, he showed her that she could trust him and lean on him to help her through difficult times. I think that was one of the most well-done romances I've read in a while, and it was mostly due to how they helped each other open up and realize that they deserved a second chance at happiness.

If you are a fan of sweet reads that are well done and manage to make you smile while still tugging on your heartstrings, I would definitely recommend this story! I would read more from this author!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

[Marian Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Paradise Plan is the second book in the Hilton Head Island series. The book has recurring characters from the first book The Love List though it can be read as a standalone. I would recommend reading the first book as it’s a great read and you get to know the ladies from the supper club.

Cassandra Haslam is a planner. Wedding plans, floor plans, vacation plans and well life plans. That is until her husband dies suddenly.

When her youngest graduates high school, Cassandra decides it’s time for a new plan. She wants to sell the family home in Texas though her children are against it.

Cassandra moves to Hilton Head Island where her best friend Bea lives and decides to purchase a waterfront home. She also meets Harrison Tate, a contractor and wonders if she’s ready to start something new.

The book deals with grief and how both Cassandra and her children each deal with their own grief. The book also deals with moving on and finding what brings you joy.

I loved all the details and the friendships of the ladies from the supper club . A great beach read. I can’t wait for Lauren’s story in the upcoming third book.

I’d like to thank the author for the ARC I received in exchange for my honest opinion. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised to read that West and Cass had a different relationship than what I expected. This book was a good example of how people handle grief differently.

I thought Cass' friendships were interesting. It felt to me like I was missing something with how she interacted with some of the ladies. Some of her friends seemed more on edge than others, maybe a bit more snarky. I couldn't exactly put my finger on it. I did appreciate that in spite of their different personalities, they were very close.

Harrison and Cass had a special relationship from the very beginning. It was sweet and romantic. I hated to see them have to endure the doubts, but was glad they didn't last long. Cass only had one kid who I thought was really selfish, but I guess the circumstances had to be taken into account.

Harrison and Cass got their HEA eventually. This book was about love, loss, grief, happiness, friendship, loyalty, family, friends, and new beginnings all rolled up together. I need to go back and read HEA and Grant's story in book 1.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the Paradise Plan with its strong community of female friends who give Cass their love and support when her husband suddenly dies. After her youngest child graduates, Cass is officially an empty nester. All her life she's thrived on making plans, and she needs one now to take her into this new chapter of her life. When Cass visits her friend in North Carolina, she starts with a new plan and buys beautiful waterfront property to begin her new adventure. Along comes Harrison, a mutual friend as well as general contractor Harrison. He brings her favorite pastries, doctors an injury, cooks dinner and is so wonderful. Could their relationship develop into more? What will her children say? What will her gal pals say? A wonderful story of second chances and love! As always, Ms. Johnson writes a wonderful swoon-worthy tale with well-developed characters and so much more! I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.

[Sharon]

I loved this story so much! Elana takes you on a journey of dealing with loss, and learning to heal and move on. This is the perfect book to read on the beach or by the pool! 5 stars!
Cass and her husband have their whole lives planned out, the only thing they didn't plan on was West passing away. Now left alone in their big house, while their three kids are off doing their own thing, she decides to go to Myrtle Beach to visit her friends Bea and Grant, and unbeknownst to her, their single friend Harrison. She's not ready to start something new, or is she?
Harrison swore he'd never get married again. Then along came Cass, and he starts feeling things for her. He knows she's having a tough time, especially with her kids, but all he wants to do is be there for her.
This story is a beautiful one, as is this series so far! If you haven't read the first book (you don't need to this is a complete stand alone) but I recommend it! I can't wait for the third book to come out!

[Elaine Kiefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a touching story of moving on in life after the death of a spouse. Cass's husband was a police officer, a week from retirement, and is killed in a shooting at a mall where he was shopping. After being alone for a year and a half, Cass decides it is time to move on from the past. She buys a home in Hilton Head SC and starts a relationship with Harrison Tate, a friend of Bea and Grant's. She is unprepared for the resistance she gets from her three grown children when she announces she is going to sell her Texas home. As she and Harrison navigate the family drama and her feelings of guilt, he is patient and considerate and treats her like a queen. When she finally stands up to her children, telling them she deserves to be happy. things begin to change. The ladies of the Supper Club are a constant support and encouragement. I look forward to the next book with Lauren's story.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cass is big on planning. She's very much in love with her husband and loves her 3 children dearly. What she didn't plan on was her husband's sudden death.

She decides to visit her dear friend and the friend's new husband in Hilton Head. Cass falls in love with the place and realizes that she's been very lonely. All of her children are out of the house and she's been alone in the family home with her memories.

She meets a wonderful man but her grown children object about her plans to continue living her life.

This book reflects, I think some very real family interactions, emotions, and situations.

I received an advanced reader copy of the book from the author. This is my honest review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was a little bit more emotional and I had tears in my eyes some many times. I loved that Cass took a leap and tried something new and different and she did what she wanted for once. Even though it brought some hurt feelings with her kids. I loved that she finally told them that she deserves to be happy.
I really liked Harrison and what a sweetheart he is. He treats Cass like a queen. I sure would love a guy that brought me breakfast every morning before he went to work! Harrison just makes me smile. I enjoyed this book and loved that I got to hear more about the other supper club girls too. I like that these are romances for older couples too. Harrison's outdoor kitchen sounds amazing. Makes me want to go and grill.

[Amanda Pecotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this story from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down. I fell in love with the characters and how the story was written. I also loved how I all the characters were so involved with each other and the friendships that each one had. There was also some romance which I loved but the close knit friendships is what I liked the most. I also liked how detailed the story was so that I could picture in my mind what each place and character looked like.
I would highly recommend reading this when it comes out. I will definitely be reading more by this author

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been sucked into the supper club! I throughly enjoyed Cass’s story and catching up with all the others. The sweet romance for Cass and Harrison is charming. The family bonding and drama is intense The fun and constant care the supper club friends share is inspiring. To have a group that knows you inside and out, stands up for you and supports you, even through difficult times, everyone needs that kind of friendship. A lot takes place in this book but I never felt lost or bored. It held my attention throughout. They deal with some real life events that are hard, but handled really well. Looking forward to Lauren’s story.

[Shelley Wahls · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am hooked on the Supper Club!! I think you could read this as a stand alone, but WHY?? The first book is also wonderful!! So this is Cass's story, she loses her beloved husband and this is her story of healing and moving forward. It is AMAZING how she deals with her adult kids and their challenges with her move forward. Enter Harrison, he is FANTASTIC and so different from Cass's husband, he really is perfect for her!! I love that she is not trying to replace her husband and father of her children, just move forward and to be happy again. This is well written, clean, and gave me all the feels!!

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better. Elana Johnson continues to surprise me with her understanding a close friendship between diverse friends looks like. When is the right time for Cass to close the door on the past and move forward. Cass has spent her life taking care of her family, understandably they are very receptive to her taking care of herself. It will never be that perfect time, and it’s not the same for everyone, to start dating and in your children’s eyes, replace their dad, plus their home. I love that Cass has support and listeners. I think everyone needs a Supper Club. Looking forward to the next book.

[Karen L Ledee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very poignant story of a middle aged woman, Cass and how she copes with the sudden death of her husband. She takes some time to visit Hilton Head island twenty months later and feels peace and happiness. She also meets a man, Harrison who treats her like a queen. He is such a good compliment to her. She decides to sell the family Texas home much to the consternation of her kids. They don’t realize that she needs to be her own self now, not a mother, daughter or wife. Patience and understanding has to go a long way. Well written and a book you can relate to.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series of the Supper Club friends. Cass is happy and in love with her husband when something she never thought would happen, happened. A year after the tragedy her friends book her a vacation to Hilton Head and here is where she meets Harrison. And even though neither of them were looking for a relationship, the sparks flew between the two of them. Cass had to work with helping her grown kids realize that needed to be able to move on, but that she would never forget their dad. I love how she stood strong with what was right for her. I love how thoughtful and wonderful Harrison is. Elana has such a wonderful what to write stories with so much feeling.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
Great characters!

All of the characters seemed realistic...
Cass and her family are each going through grief differently. Her friends and Harrison's friendship and the care he shows help to heal her heart. Which surprises her kids. They aren't ready to move on yet.

Harrison really likes Cass. He understands that she likes him too. He worries he's not good enough. BUT, he's a grown-up. He actually has the hard conversations with her and they decide to see where their relationship leads.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Cassandra Haslam needs a change after her husband’s death so goes to Hilton Head to visit a friend. While there, she meets Harrison Tate a contractor. She ends up buying a house there and planning to move, but her children are against her selling her Texas house, and about her dating Harrison. The plot of this book explores grief or several family members and the ways they try to handle it. It also features personal growth and falling in love. A great read.

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elana Johnson is a talented writer, and she excels at writing realistic stories about friendships, family, and love. This is a well-written story about Cass’ upended plans, working through relationships with kids, parents, friends, Harrison, and second chances. Elana Johnson writes honest, real relationships better than anyone. The Paradise Plan has a lot of heart, and just might be my favorite book by Elana so far. This is book 2 in the Hilton Head Island Series, but can be read as a stand-alone.
Highly recommend!

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the series and heartwarming characters.
All of Cass’s carefully constructed plans come crashing down when the car pulls up to her house with the news of her beloved husband’s death.
Over a year later she takes a trip to Hilton Head and the Everglades with her friends.
She makes a decision to make major changes in her life. She plans to buy a house and move to Hilton Head.
Can the changes make her happy and help her move on with her life.
*I received this book for free for my unbiased review.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, emotional story, from losing her husband suddenly to meeting someone new, dealing with her children’s feelings about their mother selling the family home and her dating. This story explores all the drama. It grabbed me from the first and I couldn’t put it down. I love the Supper Club and all the support they give each other. Cass and Harrison are well written and just make you feel all their joy and angst. I highly recommend this one.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Alison Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cass, a widow, meets Harrison who is divorced , on a visit to her friend on Hilton Head Island and decides to spend the summer there and their romance blossoms. Her children create some difficulties but as Harrison stands by her, Cass does some soul searching and makes some life altering decisions. This is a lovely mid life romance. The series is enjoyable and based heavily on true friendship as well as new beginnings.
I received an ARC of this book but voluntarily leave this review.

[Ellen Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cass has decided to move to Hilton Head a little over a year after her husband passed away. Harrison is not interested in a relationship after his wife walked out on him. All the Supper Club is in this one with a new member. Loved how her friend's supported Cass when her kids were not happy with her decisions. Harrison is a swoon worthy hero. Great storyline that is sweet and clean. Loved this book.

I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story started with heartache, and slowly evolved to a beautiful new love. Cass decided to visit a friend and found much more than a friend just a few houses down. I love how this author brings so many wonderful things together. At times I just had to cry, but other times I laughed and cheered! I hope you enjoy this story as much as I have.
I received an advanced review copy from the author. This is my own opinion of the story.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Cassandra’s story. It was sad when West dies but her life goes on and she makes the decision to move to Hilton Head Island to be near Bess and Grant. Her children however have other plans and try to stop her. I liked the way Harrison fights for her and doesn’t give up. I would love an outdoor kitchen like Harrison has. I also cannot wait for Lauren’s story. I would recommend this book. I received an arc and the views and opinions are my own.

[Chrystalin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Paradise Plan is a book about love, loss, and love again with all of the good, bad and ugly in between. Elana Johnson is a new-to-me author and this book is a genre that I've strayed from for quite some time. It had me laughing, crying, and feeling the frustrations that Cass experienced as she navigated the waters of change. I definitely enjoyed the story of Cass and Harrison and I plan to explore more of the books by this author.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is full of so many emotions. I really like how the relationships build to a head, but they talk them out instead of making stupid decisions based on their own emotions. I was glad that Cass kept strong in her own mind and let others know how she felt not being swayed by them.
These things made it feel more real to me. That these things could really happen in life.
A very well written book.

ALSO, it is full of real romance that is CLEAN! YEAH.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie's husband suddenly dies and she's left trying to come to terms with it. She goes to stay with Bea and Grant and decides to move there, her children, still grieving, don't support her. A while later she meets Harrison, and realises that it's time, to move on, to have a life, to be happy.

A good read from Elana

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm totally enjoying this series about this group of friends in a supper club. It's great seeing the friendship and the support they give each as as they go through life and find love. I loved Harrison and Cass's story. I like that they are an older couple. These two have a lot to overcome and the story really had me pulling for them to work things out. A captivating read.