Book 2: The Paradise Plan – eBook
Book 2: The Paradise Plan – eBook
$9.99 Original price was: $9.99.$4.99Current price is: $4.99.
Author: Shop Elana Johnson Books
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?
Description
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…
G.G. –
A swoon-worthy tale of second chances and so much more!
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.
S.Abreau –
Beautiful second chance romance!
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!
Moose girl –
Love this series!
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!
Topmom52 –
So Good
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.
Gayle –
Beautiful story of loss and loving again
Loved story #2 in this series about the women of the Supper Club. Life happens and this story shows how these women support, encourage, and sometimes frustrate each other in life. Cass and Harrison navigate friendships and family and saying goodbye and hello all at the same time. Looking forward to book #3 I this series.
Word Mechanic –
Enjoyable tome
I found this wonderful love story very hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story about mature love.
G.G. –
A swoon-worthy tale of second chances and so much more!
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 S –
Great addition to the series
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.
LeAnn –
Enjoyable second chances story
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.
Patricia Bumpass –
Beautiful Story of Love Lost and Love Found Agai
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Cassandra and Harrison and watching them fall in love. It was so easy for Cass to advocate for herself with her kids and friends. They only saw her with West so it was difficult for them to see her with Harrison. He had her back and I think that helped her stand up and stand out. A lesson more of us string later in life women need to learn.
LCsigns4u –
We can begin again
Another great book by Elana Johnson. She never disappoints. This is a great start to a new series of books. Starting over after the death of a spouse is not always easy but this book defines it perfectly. It can be just as good, just different, than before. The message for me is to go out there and live my best life (I have not lost a spouse but my mom did and her next husband was so good to her). I truly enjoyed this story and look forward to the rest of the series.
Michaela –
beachy atmosphere
I’m really enjoying this series. There is plenty of romance and I’m loving the beachy atmosphere. Such great character who are working through things in life. I can’t wait for the next book!I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Word Mechanic –
Enjoyable tome
I found this wonderful love story very hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story about mature love.
Kelly M. Cotton –
Love these books!
I’ve read the first two books in the Hilton Head Island series and can’t wait to keep reading about everyone in the Supper Club!!
LeAnn –
Enjoyable second chances story
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.
Kelly M. Cotton –
Love these books!
I’ve read the first two books in the Hilton Head Island series and can’t wait to keep reading about everyone in the Supper Club!!
S.Abreau –
Beautiful second chance romance!
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!
LCsigns4u –
We can begin again
Another great book by Elana Johnson. She never disappoints. This is a great start to a new series of books. Starting over after the death of a spouse is not always easy but this book defines it perfectly. It can be just as good, just different, than before. The message for me is to go out there and live my best life (I have not lost a spouse but my mom did and her next husband was so good to her). I truly enjoyed this story and look forward to the rest of the series.
Elaine Kiefer –
Sweet romance
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.
Gayle –
Beautiful story of loss and loving again
Loved story #2 in this series about the women of the Supper Club. Life happens and this story shows how these women support, encourage, and sometimes frustrate each other in life. Cass and Harrison navigate friendships and family and saying goodbye and hello all at the same time. Looking forward to book #3 I this series.
carolyn s. hayden –
Absolutely loved this book. Can’t wait to continue with Laurens story and hopefully more. S good to read a story about love lost and moving on with living and enjoying life.
It was just that captivating a read.Wrote my revived above and can’t wAit for next in series. Loved it.
Karen L –
Life after death.
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
Amanda Austin –
Great story!!!
This was a great book about friendship, dealing with grief in different ways, dealing with difficult family in a healthy way and was a great sweet romance.Would recommend to anyone looking for a sweet story to get lost in!I got an advanced copy for free but I left a review voluntarily!
MaryEllen –
Great characters!
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.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.
VVV –
Serious but Hopeful Story About Moving Forward When Life Surprises You
I was pulled in immediately to this story about how, despite our best efforts to plan our lives and control what happens, life sometimes doesn’t go according to the plan. Cass never dreamed she would suddenly become a widow in her forties just when she was arriving at the empty nest stage and was getting ready to enjoy the next stage of life with her beloved husband but that was what happened. It felt very real to me since this is exactly what happened to my beautiful mother when she was forty-seven years old. I couldn’t stop turning the pages as I took the journey with Cass as she found a way to move forward and find happiness in the next chapter of her life while bringing the loved ones in her old life along with her. It was a story about letting go of living in the past while holding on to the love and the memories. I loved Harrison (her second chapter), and her wonderful friends from the supper club. And I hurt with Cass’ children who were going through their own journeys through grief. It was all very authentic but it was hopeful and not depressing. One of my Elana Johnson favorites—highly recommend! I received an advance copy of the book from the author and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.
Michaela –
beachy atmosphere
I’m really enjoying this series. There is plenty of romance and I’m loving the beachy atmosphere. Such great character who are working through things in life. I can’t wait for the next book!I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Shadowell –
Sweet, clean, and crazy.
This is another very enjoyable and moving story in this series. Despite all of Cass and Harrison’s trial their love stands the test.
Kindle Customer –
Great book!
I loved this book. It made me change my perspective of my mom dating.
Wren Woodland –
Grieving and moving on from the loss of a spouse/parent
Cass’ life plan goes right out the window with the senseless death of West right before his retirement and her youngest’s high school graduation. With two older daughters everyone is reeling as they process death and grief and loss. Cass is left to rattle around alone in her big house until it feels like she’s being swallowed up. Her Supper Club friends are there to help her survive and she visits Bea and her new husband on Hilton Head island and finally starts feeling alive. Of course their good friend Harrison helps. This is such a great story of a woman rediscovering herself after a great loss and finding the strength to pursue what she wants in face of opposition of family and friends. Harrison is nothing like West, but he’s good and kind and treats her like a Queen. She has to be strong as she guides her adult children through their own grieving process and there’s definitely some tough love/straight talk involved. This is a realistic look at grief and moving on and coming to grips with new realities among the different characters and how the supporting people both help and hinder. Harrison is an amazing hero, very real and flawed himself but willing to do the hard things to make the relationship work.I received this as an ARC and its clean with an underlying Christian life view (but not overt). Its a mature look at the grieving process.
JESSICA J. SANDERSON –
Thought provoking
Cass and Harrison’s story hit me as real. You could feel the pain and grief she and her kids went through while at the same time you could feel her heart opening up again. Harrison was very patient and kind and a very lovable character. Bravo!
Shelley –
Can Cass heal and move on? Can her family accept it?
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 Wes, 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. I also enjoy the friendships of the supper club, and their relationships. This is well written, clean, and gave me all the feels!!
tutors463 –
Good Read/Series
I enjoyed reading this women’s fiction/romance. I look forward to the next book. I would highly recommend it.
Shadowell –
Sweet, clean, and crazy.
This is another very enjoyable and moving story in this series. Despite all of Cass and Harrison’s trial their love stands the test.
tutors463 –
Good Read/Series
I enjoyed reading this women’s fiction/romance. I look forward to the next book. I would highly recommend it.
MJ –
Really Great Series
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.
Sharon S –
Great addition to the series
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.
Ellen M. Hogan –
Emotional Story
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.
Amanda Austin –
Great story!!!
This was a great book about friendship, dealing with grief in different ways, dealing with difficult family in a healthy way and was a great sweet romance.Would recommend to anyone looking for a sweet story to get lost in!I got an advanced copy for free but I left a review voluntarily!
di115 –
Cassandra’s story
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.
Barbara W –
Love comes unexpectedly
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.
Michal –
Sweet
What a fun second book in this series. I enjoyed watching all the characters unfold, but especially Harrison and Cass falling in love. Enjoy this beach romance!
Authors Show Linda –
Beautiful story of love and friendship
Cass finds her life turned upside down when her husband suddenly dies, leaving her with a big house full of memories in a small town in Texas. Harrison is divorced and owns a successful construction company on Hilton Head. When Cass visits Bea and Grant (from book 1) she meets Harrison and while there’s a bit of interest there, nothing happens for a couple more years. At that point, Cass is ready to move on and likes the idea of moving to the island. She buys an almost-finished house three doors down from Harrison and the sparks begin to fly. But neither her grown twin daughters or younger son want her to sell the family home, move across the country and especially get involved with another man. It seems like it’s all over until she gets her back up and expresses to them all what she wants and what she’s going to do to get it. All her girlfriends from Texas support her and they adore him and even her parents think he’s wonderful. At this rate, by the time we come to the end of this series, the whole girlfriend supper club will be living on the East Coast. Another fabulous story about the importance of friendship, family and love.
Sasha –
A must read!
Life is like this sometimes. You have a plan and then something happens. And your life is never the same. Cassandra handles losing her husband as many of us might, relying on close friends and family, looking to grow and make changes. She crafts a new beginning and finds love along the way. Loving this series!
debbie –
A wonderful story
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.
Authors Show Linda –
Beautiful story of love and friendship
Cass finds her life turned upside down when her husband suddenly dies, leaving her with a big house full of memories in a small town in Texas. Harrison is divorced and owns a successful construction company on Hilton Head. When Cass visits Bea and Grant (from book 1) she meets Harrison and while there’s a bit of interest there, nothing happens for a couple more years. At that point, Cass is ready to move on and likes the idea of moving to the island. She buys an almost-finished house three doors down from Harrison and the sparks begin to fly. But neither her grown twin daughters or younger son want her to sell the family home, move across the country and especially get involved with another man. It seems like it’s all over until she gets her back up and expresses to them all what she wants and what she’s going to do to get it. All her girlfriends from Texas support her and they adore him and even her parents think he’s wonderful. At this rate, by the time we come to the end of this series, the whole girlfriend supper club will be living on the East Coast. Another fabulous story about the importance of friendship, family and love.
Elaine Kiefer –
Sweet romance
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.
Sasha –
A must read!
Life is like this sometimes. You have a plan and then something happens. And your life is never the same. Cassandra handles losing her husband as many of us might, relying on close friends and family, looking to grow and make changes. She crafts a new beginning and finds love along the way. Loving this series!
carolyn s. hayden –
Absolutely loved this book. Can’t wait to continue with Laurens story and hopefully more. S good to read a story about love lost and moving on with living and enjoying life.
It was just that captivating a read.Wrote my revived above and can’t wAit for next in series. Loved it.
Shelley –
Can Cass heal and move on? Can her family accept it?
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 Wes, 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. I also enjoy the friendships of the supper club, and their relationships. This is well written, clean, and gave me all the feels!!
Ellen M. Hogan –
Emotional Story
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.
E. Littke –
Second chance at love
I liked Harrison and Cassie. I liked seeing their relationship develop. It was interesting to see how her children reacted to the relationship. I liked seeing characters from other series pop up. I will read more in this series and by this author.
Patricia Bumpass –
Beautiful Story of Love Lost and Love Found Agai
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Cassandra and Harrison and watching them fall in love. It was so easy for Cass to advocate for herself with her kids and friends. They only saw her with West so it was difficult for them to see her with Harrison. He had her back and I think that helped her stand up and stand out. A lesson more of us string later in life women need to learn.
Michal –
Sweet
What a fun second book in this series. I enjoyed watching all the characters unfold, but especially Harrison and Cass falling in love. Enjoy this beach romance!
Mindy Clayton –
Love this book and series!
I’ve been waiting for this book since I finished the first book in the series, and it didn’t disappoint. It has all the messy elements of blending families after a death and how tricky that can be. I love all the ladies in the dinner group and can’t wait for more of their stories!
MJ –
Really Great Series
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.
Marilyn –
Older and wiser
I like this story line and these characters. They are a little bit older and going through many hardships in their lives. Good friends and families make things a little easier.Different people handle grief differently and so you have to give people time to go through the stages of grief. You can come out happy on the other side.I received an ARC of this book and am giving an honest review.
Marianne K. –
Heartfelt and emotional..
This is a wonderful and emotional romance. I liked it very much.. Heartfelt and emotional..
VVV –
Serious but Hopeful Story About Moving Forward When Life Surprises You
I was pulled in immediately to this story about how, despite our best efforts to plan our lives and control what happens, life sometimes doesn’t go according to the plan. Cass never dreamed she would suddenly become a widow in her forties just when she was arriving at the empty nest stage and was getting ready to enjoy the next stage of life with her beloved husband but that was what happened. It felt very real to me since this is exactly what happened to my beautiful mother when she was forty-seven years old. I couldn’t stop turning the pages as I took the journey with Cass as she found a way to move forward and find happiness in the next chapter of her life while bringing the loved ones in her old life along with her. It was a story about letting go of living in the past while holding on to the love and the memories. I loved Harrison (her second chapter), and her wonderful friends from the supper club. And I hurt with Cass’ children who were going through their own journeys through grief. It was all very authentic but it was hopeful and not depressing. One of my Elana Johnson favorites—highly recommend! I received an advance copy of the book from the author and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.
Mindy Clayton –
Love this book and series!
I’ve been waiting for this book since I finished the first book in the series, and it didn’t disappoint. It has all the messy elements of blending families after a death and how tricky that can be. I love all the ladies in the dinner group and can’t wait for more of their stories!
MaryEllen –
Great characters!
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.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.
Topmom52 –
So Good
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.
di115 –
Cassandra’s story
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.
Kindle Customer –
Great book!
I loved this book. It made me change my perspective of my mom dating.
Marianne K. –
Heartfelt and emotional..
This is a wonderful and emotional romance. I liked it very much.. Heartfelt and emotional..
Moose girl –
Love this series!
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!
Wren Woodland –
Grieving and moving on from the loss of a spouse/parent
Cass’ life plan goes right out the window with the senseless death of West right before his retirement and her youngest’s high school graduation. With two older daughters everyone is reeling as they process death and grief and loss. Cass is left to rattle around alone in her big house until it feels like she’s being swallowed up. Her Supper Club friends are there to help her survive and she visits Bea and her new husband on Hilton Head island and finally starts feeling alive. Of course their good friend Harrison helps. This is such a great story of a woman rediscovering herself after a great loss and finding the strength to pursue what she wants in face of opposition of family and friends. Harrison is nothing like West, but he’s good and kind and treats her like a Queen. She has to be strong as she guides her adult children through their own grieving process and there’s definitely some tough love/straight talk involved. This is a realistic look at grief and moving on and coming to grips with new realities among the different characters and how the supporting people both help and hinder. Harrison is an amazing hero, very real and flawed himself but willing to do the hard things to make the relationship work.I received this as an ARC and its clean with an underlying Christian life view (but not overt). Its a mature look at the grieving process.
JESSICA J. SANDERSON –
Thought provoking
Cass and Harrison’s story hit me as real. You could feel the pain and grief she and her kids went through while at the same time you could feel her heart opening up again. Harrison was very patient and kind and a very lovable character. Bravo!
Marilyn –
Older and wiser
I like this story line and these characters. They are a little bit older and going through many hardships in their lives. Good friends and families make things a little easier.Different people handle grief differently and so you have to give people time to go through the stages of grief. You can come out happy on the other side.I received an ARC of this book and am giving an honest review.
Karen L –
Life after death.
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
debbie –
A wonderful story
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.
Barbara W –
Love comes unexpectedly
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.
E. Littke –
Second chance at love
I liked Harrison and Cassie. I liked seeing their relationship develop. It was interesting to see how her children reacted to the relationship. I liked seeing characters from other series pop up. I will read more in this series and by this author.
Sharon M. (verified owner) –