Every once in a while, I read a book that has absolutely surprised me. Meet Me in Paradise by Libby Hubscher is one such book. This book is so much more than the publisher’s notes let on. It is a deeply moving and highly engaging read and one I am absolutely recommending.
Plot Summary
The story is told from the POV of the two Cole sisters. Marin is the extremely responsible one who took on the role of caring for her younger sister Sadie upon the death of their single parent mother. Once Sadie became an adult, she chose to travel the world and photograph it – a career that sustained her way of life. Occasionally, she comes home to spend time with her older sister – in contrast, Marin that has never left the state of Tennessee. When Sadie returns home from her most recent assignment, Marin agrees to a sisters’ spa weekend on the island of Saba in the Caribbean.
On travel day, Sadie calls Marin to say she’s running late and will meet her at the airport. But Sadie doesn’t arrive. There’s plenty of turbulence on the plane and Marin is thrown into Lucas Tsai, the handsome stranger sat next to her. Luckily Lucas is there to guide Marin as she loses her luggage and the plane lands on a different island. Marin’s spa weekend with Sadie suddenly looks very different. The weekend proves to be one that has Marin letting go of her responsible ways and experiencing life in a way she hasn’t been able to for quite some time. Without giving anything away, Marin learns that Sadie hadn’t ever intended on joining her that weekend.
Book Review
I really enjoyed this book. The book began as the perfect beach read with Marin exploring the island and taking on activities she really had not intended on. I appreciated all the characters from the island which definitely gave me a Caribbean laid-back vibe. I admired the focus on the island’s ecology that was strung throughout the book. But, for me, where this book really excels is in the character development of these two sisters and their relationship. I felt a gamut of emotions when reading Meet Me in Paradise – it was such a beautiful read.
Audiobook Review
I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by Josephine Huang and Kristen Sieh. Their performance was highly expressive and authentic to the characters. I listened to the book at my usual 1.25x speed which was comfortable. I have no hesitation in recommending this version of the book to those who appreciate this format.
What I Liked About Meet Me in Paradise:
- The great character development
- The bond between sisters
- The laid-back Caribbean vibe
- The supportive community on the island which enhances this story
I Recommend This Book To:
Those readers who enjoy emotional contemporary romance
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️?/5
Add Meet Me in Paradise by Libby Hubscher to your Goodreads shelf
Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:
Love, Almost by Hayley Doyle
The Last Charm by Ella Allbright
The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lori Nelson Spielman
As always, thank you for reading and supporting my blog. I hope that I’ve helped you find your next great read! I hope that you have a wonderful day.
I'm All Booked Up
This sounds like a great beach read. We like that it focuses on the bond between sisters, Great review!
thathappyreader
Thank you both!
lifestyleseason
Great review! I love the sound of this story and how different it is! I definitely need to check this out because it sounds like a book that I would enjoy! Thank you for sharing!
thathappyreader
Thank you!
Della Driscoll
This sounds like a brill beach read! Loving this review – I always do xx
thathappyreader
Thank you Della!
Headphonesthoughts
This books sounds so interesting. I totally want to read to see what happens to her on her trip and how it changes her. Thanks for sharing.
thathappyreader
Thank you for your comment!
S.S. Mitchell
I could definitely read a book with a tropical backdrop at the moment. I need a holiday!
thathappyreader
Thank you! Me too!
sejal
Character development is something I love to see in books! I'm not that big of a fan of audiobooks, but I feel you on the 1.25x. I always use that on videos, lectures, etc. And I see some romance is involved as well, plus who doesn't want to escape to a tropical holiday. Thanks for sharing!
sejal | she/her | https://www.thelazygal.com
thathappyreader
Thank you Sejal!
Charity
This sounds like a wonderful beach read. Which are my favorite ones to read during the summer. I will have to check it out. Thanks so much for sharing!
thathappyreader
Thanks Charity!