Passing Through Paradise

The first book by Susan Wiggs that I read was 'The You I Never Knew'. It was so well written that I picked up a couple of her historical romances. Despite not particularly finding historical romances enjoyable I have to admit that I liked them. Now I've read 'Passing Through Paradise' and I hope Wiggs writes many more contemporary romances. She's just so good at it. This one is about Sandra Winslow, a children's book author and the widow of a politician who died in a tragic and suspicious automobile accident which Sandra survived. She cannot recall the circumstances of the accident or how she survived and soon becomes the leading suspect and a pariah in the town of Paradise. In order to flee from Paradise she must restore and sell her beach house, the only asset she retained following her husband's death. She meets Mike Malloy, a contractor who agrees to do the restoration for her despite his doubts about her innosense. As Wiggs slowly reveals the actual events surrounding the accident she also explores the complex relationships between Mitch and Sandra, Sandra and her loving but estranged parents, and between Mitch, his young children and his ex wife. Wiggs brings all her characters and thier problems to life and keeps her readers entranced until the last surprising page. I can't wait for her next contemporary novel.

I gave this five stars because it seemed to have every element you could want in a good contemporary story. It was up to date, romantic,and sensitive, with a good bit of intrigue. The main characters are described with a depth that gives satisfaction, understanding and insight. You finish each chapter believing these people really do exist! When sensitive writer,former politician's wife, and now shunned Sandra Windslow finds herself in an impossibly cruel situation she decides to bail out by leaving town. She is responsible for her husband's death but it was an accident Sandra never meant to happen. She was just trying to listen to her husband's emotional outburst while peering through the sleet hitting the windshield. Someone fired a gun but who? Without that proof she is thought to be the one; after all, why would she survive and not her husband? What happened to his body? The unanswered questions and private life inside her public husband were too much to bear. She has to leave. Before she can do that she must renovate her neglected family inheritance, the Victorian summer home on Blue Moon Beach. She will sell it and go find Paradise somewhere else. Mike Malloy, her parents, two children and a dog all show her in different ways what restoration is all about and really means. Susan Wiggs does it again with her multi- level messages to us through her words. Restoration and hope is a joy on any level when you read it through this author's perspective. I wish she would write more contemporary fiction. It is too long a wait between her books. If you liked this one pick up The You I Never Knew. It won't disappoint you and may make you beg her for more of her comtemporary works! ...

Susan Wiggs has exceeded her own high standards in this moving book that goes beyond romance and into the stuff of life. Sandra is a wonderfully complex character, and anyone who has ever been wrongly accused will find an admirable woman at her core. Her relationships outside of that with Mike only add a lush patina to a story already rich and brimming with all the complexities of family life and intricate challenges so many "everyday" people face. I loved this book, and I strongly encourage Ms. Wiggs to continue her exploration of contemporary novels as well as her historicals--if not for herself, for this satisfied reader!

Well-known for her historical romances, author Susan Wiggs once again delves into the contemporary venue in this moving read complete with healing hearts and and simmering mystery. Widow Sandra Winslow moves into the old beach home along the coast of Rhode Island. The home, given to her by her grandfather, is all that she has left after the death of her husband, Victor Winslow. By all accounts, Victor was the consummate politician and perfect husband and son. Only Sandra knows what happened on the bridge that fateful February when the car she was driving careened off the bridge and landed in the frigid water below. Though Victor's body was never found, Sandra survived and was exonerated at the inquest. But the townspeople and media feel otherwise as the author credibly exhibits their disdain, making it believable and not overdone. Feeling the pressure to start anew, Sandra enlist the aid of "handyman" Mike Malloy to restore the beach home so that she can sell it and move on. But she wasn't bargaining on her attraction to Mike, at first in an elemental way she hasn't felt before. There is more than just physical desire, though, as Ms. Wiggs develops their attraction in such a way that they reinforce the empty spaces in each other's lives. Their emotional baggage seems almost insurmountable, with Mike's difficulties as a single divorced dad, and Sandra's conflicting feelings concerning her apparently happy marriage. In a compelling parallel to Sandra's own parents, who are considering divorce, Mike and Sandra must learn to work through each others differences to achieve a relationship worth saving. Complex characters, a hunky hero, and a constant undercurrent of mystery, lend creativity to this novel that is so much more than a formulaic romance. A must read!

This little book packs a big wallop, from the opening anger and sadness of the main character, accused of killing her husband in an accident... to the closing scenes where all is finally revealed. (HINT: No peeking) Sandra is like someone you would know, with wacky parents and "issues" like you wouldn't believe. Mike Malloy is everyone's hero. Eye candy in a tool belt, but he is also tender, romantic and a great father to his 2 kids, who live with their mother. Highly reccomended.