A review by keepingyouonread
In the Heart of Paradise by Jamie McGillen
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.