Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles

RETURN TO PARADISE
Author: Simone Elkeles
Source: Publisher
* I received this book free
of charge in exchange for
an honest review *

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Flux (September 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738718688
• ISBN-13: 978-0738718682

SYNOPSIS:

Caleb Becker left Paradise eight months ago, taking with him the secret he promised to take to his grave. If the truth got out, it would ruin everything.

Maggie Armstrong tried to be strong after Caleb broke her heart and disappeared. Somehow, she managed to move on. She’s determined to make a new life for herself.

But then Caleb and Maggie are forced together on a summer trip. They try ignoring their passion for each other, but buried feelings resurface. Caleb must face the truth about the night of Maggie’s accident, or the secret that destroyed their relationship will forever stand between them. 

MY THOUGHTS:

Oh.My.God! That's what I said when I found out about this book, when the publisher sent me the book, and also when I finished this amazing book!  This author never disappoints when it comes to teen romance and drama.

This is the second book in the Paradise series.  If you ever have doubts about reading a sequel to a book because you are afraid it won't be as great as the first, let me tell you that Return to Paradise was not only as great as its predecessor, but even more amazing this time around! I had forgotten how much I love Caleb and Maggie while waiting for this book to come out.  As soon as I started reading the first chapter, I was swept away back into the teen romance that this author does so well.  

It was hard at first knowing that Caleb and Maggie had moved on with their lives in the eight months that they have not seen each other.  Yet, even though they both are saying this to people, you can see it in their actions that they are still drawn together with strong feelings.  When they both go on a trip with four other teens, they both must confront their feelings for each other and decide if their love is strong enough to fight for. 

I loved Maggie and Caleb even more this time around.  They both have grown up in the eight months they were separated.  They have issues to work out, but you can just see the love they have for each other on every page of this book.  The side characters were amazing with Lenny being one of my favorites!  I do hope the author takes it even a step further and create a series for him as well! 

This book ties up the loose ends from Leaving Paradise that will leave the reader with closure.  I personally wish this story could have gone on for another 30 chapters or so just because I love Caleb and Maggie so much!  The ending was perfect and memorable with just the right amount of sweetness.  Reading this series swept me away to a readers paradise of teen romance and drama that this author does so well!

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS