bigskybooks's review
5.0
Title: In The Heart of Paradise
Author: Jamie McGillen
Publisher: Self-published indie author
www.jamiemcgillen.com
Genre: Historical Fiction
In the Heart of Paradise was everything I had hoped for and more. It’s the third book in the ‘Rainier Series’ and reunites us with Anna and Ben Chambers. Anna is truly one of my favorite characters ever written and Anna & Ben together are #couplegoals.
Anna had already accomplished grand adventures and summiting mountains, but in this book she is finds herself with child and in for the biggest adventure yet. But, is she ready to settle down? Her body gives her warning signs early on in her pregnancy that maybe she should and she feels caught between protecting her family and living a fulfilling life on her terms. But maybe she can have both?
The other half of the book focuses on Anna’s new friend, Elizabeth. Elizabeth is a wonderfully written character that I think readers are really going to connect with. She struggles with nervous tendencies that have been getting worse as she’s explored becoming a nurse; inspired by her idol Florence Nightingale. She also begins courting a man and wonders how she will keep these “fits of mania” to herself and if he will want a girl like her if he knew the truth.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Jamie McGillen
Publisher: Self-published indie author
www.jamiemcgillen.com
Genre: Historical Fiction
In the Heart of Paradise was everything I had hoped for and more. It’s the third book in the ‘Rainier Series’ and reunites us with Anna and Ben Chambers. Anna is truly one of my favorite characters ever written and Anna & Ben together are #couplegoals.
Anna had already accomplished grand adventures and summiting mountains, but in this book she is finds herself with child and in for the biggest adventure yet. But, is she ready to settle down? Her body gives her warning signs early on in her pregnancy that maybe she should and she feels caught between protecting her family and living a fulfilling life on her terms. But maybe she can have both?
The other half of the book focuses on Anna’s new friend, Elizabeth. Elizabeth is a wonderfully written character that I think readers are really going to connect with. She struggles with nervous tendencies that have been getting worse as she’s explored becoming a nurse; inspired by her idol Florence Nightingale. She also begins courting a man and wonders how she will keep these “fits of mania” to herself and if he will want a girl like her if he knew the truth.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
keepingyouonread's review
4.0
I’m so excited to be a part of Jamie McGillen’s launch team! In The Heart of Paradise is out now! Book three in the Rainier series does not disappoint but I will caution, if you haven’t read the first two, start at book one, each book builds on the last.
In The Heart of Paradise finds Anna pregnant with her first child and like most expectant parents she is fearful of how a baby will affect her life and her goals. The other POV is Elizabeth, Anna’s new friend. Elizabeth is consumed with doubt and anxiety, and worries that one day she may be institutionalized. She struggles with hiding her anxieties and also making connections and following her dream of becoming a nurse.
What I liked: McGillen handles Anna and Elizabeth’s worries well. Anna becoming a parent and the fears associated with that, felt very believable. Especially in her time period, a child could drastically change her goals. Anna doesn’t give up her goals just because she’s a mom.
Elizabeth first appeared in book two and seemed shy/standoffish but in book three she starts to shine and her behavior in book two is explained. I liked that while she isn’t magically cured, she finds acceptance with others and ways to cope.
What didn’t work for me: Oscar’s storyline felt a little open to me and Peter’s arc tied up quickly.
Who should read it: Historical fiction fans looking for a story that focuses on the female perspective and friendships.
In The Heart of Paradise finds Anna pregnant with her first child and like most expectant parents she is fearful of how a baby will affect her life and her goals. The other POV is Elizabeth, Anna’s new friend. Elizabeth is consumed with doubt and anxiety, and worries that one day she may be institutionalized. She struggles with hiding her anxieties and also making connections and following her dream of becoming a nurse.
What I liked: McGillen handles Anna and Elizabeth’s worries well. Anna becoming a parent and the fears associated with that, felt very believable. Especially in her time period, a child could drastically change her goals. Anna doesn’t give up her goals just because she’s a mom.
Elizabeth first appeared in book two and seemed shy/standoffish but in book three she starts to shine and her behavior in book two is explained. I liked that while she isn’t magically cured, she finds acceptance with others and ways to cope.
What didn’t work for me: Oscar’s storyline felt a little open to me and Peter’s arc tied up quickly.
Who should read it: Historical fiction fans looking for a story that focuses on the female perspective and friendships.
astifel21's review
5.0
“It felt as if each year on the mountain was building on the one before, creating a beautifully layered experience, each one colored with what she had enjoyed or struggled with on each trip.”
This is the 3rd book in the Rainier series and the conclusion to Anna’s tale. Anna discovers she is with child and tries to juggle the feelings that come along with becoming a new parent. I felt I connected to Anna a huge amount in this book as some of her worries are the same as the ones I have for the future. How to manage having a family while living your life to the fullest and still accomplishing your dreams.
“The night is darker than the sea
without a candle’s light.
But all the stars out here are free
to sparkle through the night.”
We also get to meet Elizabeth in this novel, a new acquaintance of Anna’s as well as revisit some of her other friends. Elizabeth suffers from some nervous tendencies and it was interesting seeing how she coped with those while trying to live her own full-filling life. Elizabeth was an absolute amazing character and I felt like she was portrayed so well and was so very relatable.
Overall this was the perfect wrap up to Anna’s story and I can’t wait to read more by this author.
This is the 3rd book in the Rainier series and the conclusion to Anna’s tale. Anna discovers she is with child and tries to juggle the feelings that come along with becoming a new parent. I felt I connected to Anna a huge amount in this book as some of her worries are the same as the ones I have for the future. How to manage having a family while living your life to the fullest and still accomplishing your dreams.
“The night is darker than the sea
without a candle’s light.
But all the stars out here are free
to sparkle through the night.”
We also get to meet Elizabeth in this novel, a new acquaintance of Anna’s as well as revisit some of her other friends. Elizabeth suffers from some nervous tendencies and it was interesting seeing how she coped with those while trying to live her own full-filling life. Elizabeth was an absolute amazing character and I felt like she was portrayed so well and was so very relatable.
Overall this was the perfect wrap up to Anna’s story and I can’t wait to read more by this author.
gabbysletsread's review
5.0
Honestly woah, a complete masterpiece! I love the representation in this book! The way this book spoke about the fears that come with motherhood. The mention of the "doubting disease" also knows as present day OCD! And present day dyslexia, phenomenally written and explained all of it! The epilogue was gorgeous. Am I sad that it is the last book in the series? Yes 100%
thereadroversbookclub's review against another edition
5.0
What's got two thumbs, has an overflowing heart, a huge grin on her face, and is in California but longing to be in the PNW so she can physically squeeze Jamie McGillen and thank her for the devastatingly beautiful, painstakingly touching, final book in the Rainier series? ME, IT'S ME!!!!! All good things must come to an end and in this case, this series is not merely a good thing, ‘tis THE MOST WONDERFUL thing! Jamie, Jamie, Jamie... thank you for creating characters who have done the impossible; climbed mountains, stolen my heart, and inspired me beyond comprehension. Your storytelling is absolutely magical and the incredible story of Anna Gallagher and friends will forever be in my heart!
goolsbybloom's review against another edition
5.0
Jamie McGillen does it again! In the Heart of Paradise transports readers back to the shadow of Mount Rainer and once again I am in awe of her majesty, both mountain and author.
In this third installment of The Rainier Series, we revisit Anna, she’s discovered she is pregnant and is apprehensive about the timing, and her overall well-being.
Anna’s new friend, Elizabeth, has her own goals, but her acute overwhelming anxiety threatens her dreams of a productive, happy future.
This page-turning, heart-felt historical fiction set on the backdrop of Mount Rainer explores themes of motherhood and mental health in the early nineteenth century. This well-researched narrative that features determined female protagonists explores topics that are very much relevant today. It’s a novel that will fill your heart with hope and make you yearn to explore the outdoors.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy:
•feel-good historical fiction with themes that are relevant today
•beautifully depicted scenes set in nature that will inspire you to play more outdoors
•quick paced adventure with twists that will leave you breathless
Reading this felt like coming home, perfectly paired with a cinnamon stick in your coffee and a plate of warm chocolate crinkles. If you are new to this series be sure to check out with In Sight of the Mountain, the first book in the Rainier series. Each book continues from the next, and I’m happy to report that In The Heart of Paradise is my favorite.
In this third installment of The Rainier Series, we revisit Anna, she’s discovered she is pregnant and is apprehensive about the timing, and her overall well-being.
Anna’s new friend, Elizabeth, has her own goals, but her acute overwhelming anxiety threatens her dreams of a productive, happy future.
This page-turning, heart-felt historical fiction set on the backdrop of Mount Rainer explores themes of motherhood and mental health in the early nineteenth century. This well-researched narrative that features determined female protagonists explores topics that are very much relevant today. It’s a novel that will fill your heart with hope and make you yearn to explore the outdoors.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy:
•feel-good historical fiction with themes that are relevant today
•beautifully depicted scenes set in nature that will inspire you to play more outdoors
•quick paced adventure with twists that will leave you breathless
Reading this felt like coming home, perfectly paired with a cinnamon stick in your coffee and a plate of warm chocolate crinkles. If you are new to this series be sure to check out with In Sight of the Mountain, the first book in the Rainier series. Each book continues from the next, and I’m happy to report that In The Heart of Paradise is my favorite.
joannasbookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
This may be my favorite book in the series yet! Though set in the 1890s, the themes in the novel are so relevant to our world today. Anna is with child and is trying to determine a balance between becoming a mother and being adventurous. During that time frame, women had specific roles they were expected to follow and I applaud Anna for not backing down from being her own person. Anna's friend Elizabeth also has her challenges and I loved seeing her story unfold. She struggles from what she calls, "doubting disease" which is representative of OCD in today's world. The way Jamie spoke about Elizabeth's challenges and accomplishments with managing her mental illness was remarkable. OCD is a mental illness that unfortunately took my father from this world and I really liked seeing it so well represented in this novel. Mental health is health! Not only was this book packed full of important themes in our world, but the story was also well written, heartwarming, and was a page turner. In the Heart of Paradise is jammed packed with strong women which in the 1890s is so awesome to see! I love Jamie's writing and can't wait to read her other books! Also, can the cover be any more beautiful?!
sarahsbookstack's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this latest addition to this series!
Anna is now having her first child. She should be feeling joyful all around but has creeping doubts. She had things happen early in her pregnancy that her doctor BLAMES her for (which is an utterly ridiculous thing). She is ridiculed by some for still wanting to climb while she's pregnant.
We also get Elizabeth's perspective. She has what we know now as a mental health issue but she's also ridiculed for it. I always thought it was sad back then that when someone had a mental health issue, they were just thrown into some asylum. No help for them at all, doctors just think that if they rest "it will go away".
I was so happy and proud when each of these women eventually knew ( with some love and help from others) and ultimately decided to do what they needed to do on their own to get through the trials they have.
Anna is now having her first child. She should be feeling joyful all around but has creeping doubts. She had things happen early in her pregnancy that her doctor BLAMES her for (which is an utterly ridiculous thing). She is ridiculed by some for still wanting to climb while she's pregnant.
We also get Elizabeth's perspective. She has what we know now as a mental health issue but she's also ridiculed for it. I always thought it was sad back then that when someone had a mental health issue, they were just thrown into some asylum. No help for them at all, doctors just think that if they rest "it will go away".
I was so happy and proud when each of these women eventually knew ( with some love and help from others) and ultimately decided to do what they needed to do on their own to get through the trials they have.
pnwbookishmama's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0