Passing Through Paradise Author:Susan Wiggs 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 commu... more »nity she's eager to leave behind-and who is determined to unearth her deepest secrets? Wiggs's characterizations are strong; even minor characters...jump off the page with a winning blend of realism and warmth. A richly textured story that successfully moves beyond the conventions of the romance genre, this book will polish Wiggs's already glowing reputation --- Publishers Weekly Once again, Wiggs proves she's a master of both historical and contemporary romance, unfolding the story in slow, delicious layers. Readers who like Jayne Ann Krentz and Nora Roberts will also enjoy this. --- Library Journal« less
I have read a few other books by Susan Wiggs. In my opinion, this was a departure from her normal genre. I was intrigued by the mystery surrounding Sandra and her late husband Victor. I had some guesses throughout the story, and that made me want to keep reading to figure everything out. Well written book - another Susan Wiggs winner!!
Because of my love of Susan Wiggs' other books I couldn't bring myself to only give this one two stars, even though it was pretty tough to finish it. I think this was Wiggs first novel (or at least one of her first) and it's boring, predictable, and not a good intro to her other works. I usually blaze through a Susan Wiggs book.. but this one was one I'll never read again.
I usually love Susan Wiggs' books, but this was one was lacking. I urge those who don't like this title to try one of her later works. The plot is predictable and the characters fall flat. The conversations seem forced and don't ring true. Like I said, skip this one and move down the line to some of her other works.
This was an ok romance. Sandra Winslow, widow of state senator Victor Winslow, the darling of the town of Paradise, has been branded by the press and the townspeople as a "Black Widow" - although her husband's death was ruled as an accident, everyone believes she got away with murder. Much as she wants to stay in her home, living with the stigma is becoming too much for her, and she decides to sell her house and leave. But the run-down historical building needs extensive renovation. Enter Mike Malloy, divorcee and contractor specializing in historical restoration. Naturally, sparks fly. This was a pretty quick read, and despite the author's attempts at shrouding her protagonist's past in shadow, the revelation at the end was very easy to guess at, so it fell a little flat for me. I liked the characterization of Mike's children, but the side plot of Sandra's parents' break-up didn't seem necessary to me. Enjoyable enough for a bit of light reading.
