Review of 'The Paradise Resort' by Tricia Stringer
Release date: Sept 29th, 2026
Publisher: HQ Fiction
REVIEW
This was such a delightful character driven novel to read, set in beautiful Kimberly, Western Australian. A place I am sure where we’d all love to visit and have a holiday there! Relationships are a huge part of the story and there are a number of colourful characters that keep this plot fascinating. There’s a little mystery at its core that adds an extra spice and intrigue, too. The dialogue is witty and often the humorous antics of the holiday guests provide plenty of laughter. But there are some serious topics, too, woven gracefully into the storyline.
The Paradise Resort contains some re-occurring characters from Tricia Stringer’s previous novel The Road Trip which unfortunately I did not read. But I still enjoyed this novel as a stand-alone. There is a large cast of characters of various temperments and personalities. But the main focus is on Kathleen and Omar, an interesting couple who have been together six weeks and now giving their romance a chance to grow. Omar is a paramedic from Adelaide on extended leave after being diagnosed with PTSD. His therapy and medication treatment may have helped, be he still tries to avoid dealing with medical encounters. Yet his professional training may be so ingrained in him, he cannot help but rescue Kathleen when she hurts her hand. And more than once he jumps in to help others along the way. It was so nice to hear Kathleen praise him for his efforts. Positive encouragement goes a long way!
Kathleen is the assistant manager at the resort and she has many daily challenges. The novel shows how difficult it can be to deal with customers. Those who stay at the resort are often fussy and full of complaints. All kinds of events happen that demand creative thinking and attention. Injuries also occur that require first aid and further professional medical assessment. This poses a problem when the manager discovers that Omar is a paramedic. For she then expects him to assist every time an accident or health crisis occurs. This puts more pressure on Omar (when he was only hired to be a handyman). But Kathleen steps in to try and protect him by reminding Nelda that she herself is the most senior First Aider in the business. As Kathleen and Omar both learn after working at the resort for a short time, Nelda, the manager is not the easiest person to deal with. But Kathleen learns to stand up to her when needed and although this job is a temporary one, she tries her best to do right by everyone.
Beatrice Foreston is a wealthy woman in her 70s who recently had breast cancer and removal of her left breast. She is on a much needed break after her treatment. She is a friend of the resort owner and although she comes across a bit demanding due to her station, when Kathleen and Omar take her to the hospital in Broom, when she has a spell, she proves she can be a nice person. She certainly appreciates what this couple are doing to help her. But when Beatrice’s brother Arthur arrives, he brings a whole lot of unexpected news that will shake up her life and many other people she knows. She has to make a decision and it won’t be easy.
The novel is delivered through three viewpoints: Nelda, Kathleen and Beatrice. Ironically these three unlikely characters eventually team up to sort out a ‘mystery’ that will keep them busy. Beatrice has a plan that will shock her brother. Will it work? He is counting on her to follow his lead and advice after he dropped a bombshell on her. But she has other plans. This makes for some fun times ahead!
I thoroughly enjoyed The Paradise Resort that flows like a movie. It is easy to picture all that is described. And the lively colourful characters are so well delivered, they keep you on your toes following their moves and challenges. Highly recommend. A great story that is a pure delight to read. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to HQ Insider for a review copy.
