Meet Me in Paradise

Starred review from January 18, 2021
The Caribbean island of Saba provides the beachy backdrop for Hubscher’s beautiful debut, a poignant, emotionally authentic story of sisterly bonds and unexpected love. Marin Cole’s younger sister, Sadie, a globe-trotting photojournalist, returns from an assignment looking tired and suggests a restorative sisters’ weekend on an island paradise. Marin, who’s been overly cautious since the death of their mother 12 years ago, reluctantly agrees, unaware that Sadie has an ulterior motive for the trip: get Marin out of her comfort zone. Sadie pretends to miss their flight, sending Marin off on the adventure without her, having already enlisted the help of Lucas Tsai, owner of the resort they’re booked into, to help uptight Marin find the fun by coaxing her into exploring the island. Lucas, who’s reeling from the recent death of his father, agrees to Sadie’s plan—but he never expected to fall for Marin. Sadie, meanwhile, struggles with health issues she’s keeping secret from her sister. The title suggests a breezy island rom-com, but Hubscher doesn’t shy from heavy topics, resulting in a story that is as likely to elicit tears as laughter. This is sure to tug at readers’ heartstrings. Agent: Sharon Pelletier, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret.

February 1, 2021

DEBUT When Marin Cole's sister, Sadie, returns from an adventure looking tired, Marin finally gives in to a sisters' weekend at a luxury resort in the Caribbean. Her first time leaving Tennessee turns immediately to disaster when Sadie misses the flight, and turbulence sends her tumbling into the handsome stranger sitting next to her--hotelier Lucas Tsai. When Marin reaches Saba, she learns Sadie never planned on joining her. With Lucas's help and Sadie's prodding from a distance, Marin sets out to conquer her fears and see what the island holds, including the possibility of hooking up with the handsome resort owner. Then Marin learns the real reason Sadie didn't join her was a cancer diagnosis--and that Lucas knew all along. While she reels from the news, Lucas tries to right some of the wrongs, but it may not overcome Marin's feelings of betrayal. VERDICT Hubscher's debut novel is the perfect book for anyone longing for family, travel, and romance. Prepare for some tears mixed with the happy-ever-afters.-- Kellie Tilton, Univ. of Cincinnati Blue Ash

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2021
A tropical island vacation does not sound ideal for homebody Marin Cole, but she'll do anything for her younger, globe-trotting sister, Sadie. When their journalist mom died while on assignment during their youth, Marin completely devoted herself to Sadie, but now Sadie wants Marin to experience life at its fullest and live for herself. Sadie plans this sisters' trip for them but then misses the flight, leaving Marin to journey on her own. Marin meets Lucas Tsai, gorgeous hotelier, and as they explore the stunning island of Saba together, Marin opens herself up to new adventures, including scuba diving, karaoke, and possibly falling in love. The idyllic island setting sparkles, but this story isn't all sunny. The characters deal with grief and heartbreak. Debuting author Hubscher gently weaves in the more somber story lines, so readers aren't blindsided yet will still feel the full emotional impact. The romance blooms beautifully, and while there are several complex and endearing secondary characters, this is primarily Marin's story told mostly through her own captivating narrative. Tissues should be on hand.

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