Return to Paradise Review

Maggie and Caleb just went through the worst year of their lives. Hit by a car and starting life over with a limp, Maggie never thought she would forgive Caleb. But she did—and fell in love. What they shared was real. But Caleb wanted to be free from the past—and a terrible secret: he wasn't the one who hit Maggie. So he left Paradise—and Maggie—forever. When Maggie and Caleb run into each other in a different town, they can't deny their true feelings. Will Maggie let Caleb get away again? Or will Caleb face the truth and return to Paradise?
Taken from GoodReads.

Return to Paradise is the second half of Maggie and Caleb's journey. They hated each other, found each other, loved each other, and lost each other, all in one year. Now the circumstances are different, and in a new town and place, Caleb and Maggie have found each other again. Only this time, Caleb has gotten himself into a new mess of trouble, and Maggie has found her confidence - and her voice. Are they brave and strong enough to weather their mutual struggles and learn to live with and love each other again?

I read Return to Paradise in about five hours straight, much like I did with Leaving Paradise, but I have to say that I don't feel as satisfied with this installment as I did with the first. That's not to say that the writing of Return to Paradise is any less emotional or exceptional as before, but I'm going to be honest. Simone Elkeles is an amazing author with the unique ability to paint a story with environments and characters that are tangible, true to humanity, and relevant. That said, I almost think the story was better left with the inconclusive story line of Leaving Paradise. Ever hear that statement, less is more? In my humble and brutally honest opinion, sometimes I think authors need to remember that.

I'll start with the strengths of Return to Paradise. Written in alternating POVs, I can honestly say that this book holds true to the character voices developed in book one. Caleb and Maggie are easily distinguished, and their own voices make it easier to relate to them. I have to be honest though, while I enjoyed the character development for Maggie - she was stronger, braver, and more assertive - I felt that this was almost the same journey as we watched them go through before. The same questions were posed in my mind...do they love each other? Will their love overcome obstacles? Will the truth come out after all? That, I felt, was a little tedious. Delving into some of the minor characters from the last book definitely helped the book along though.

I think that Return to Paradise is a good book, don't get me wrong, but I don't think I absolutely had to read it. I almost prefer how it played out in my head. Either way, it's a strong read with a great voice and cast of characters. I'll give it a 4 out of 5, and I'd recommend this to fans of YA, contemporary fiction, and those who loved Leaving Paradise.