Mother & Daughter did a beautiful job of writing this book, thoroughly enjoyed it! Very descriptive and if only this island really existed.
I loved this book. Like others have said, it's like watching a movie in your mind. I was quickly drawn into the lives of the characters and couldn't put it down. This book has everything - family, love, tragedy and unexpected twists. It is a perfect read for book clubs. I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a beautifully descriptive story.
The story of Ari and her family from her young teen years through adulthood - such a well-written story, it made me truly care about the characters and that emotional attachment is what I look for in a book. Often when trying a new author (or in this case, authors) you don't know what you'll get, if the writing style will appeal, if the story will hold your interest. This one definitely scored very high on both points - a richness of description that really brought me into each scene (and now I want to visit this island!), and a story that kept me wondering what would happen next and how the family would handle each challenge that came their way. I definitely recommend this one!
I’m newer to fiction reading - but after moving to my paradise a year ago I promised myself to slow down and enjoy a well written imaginary word. Emily was a guest on my wife’s podcast “Sailing Through Life”. When you know the back story of how this book came about (and how I learned about it) you know (and you know) you paths were meant to cross. A wonderful reflectional, inspirational, and passionate journey of well …. “life”. Thank you both for creating this world that I’m so thankful you shared. So glad the Heywoods are a part of my life now too!
As a youth services librarian, I rarely read adult books but this is one of the exceptions. A lush story with exquisite detail about a very loving family. While some may view the family dynamic as unrealistic, for me it came at a time when my own family was struggling through some very heavy things and it comforted me. Also, as an avid reader I can almost always tell what the plot twist or "big reveal" will be, but this mother and daughter duo caught me off guard. These are the moments that I call "throw the book across the room" (which I don't actually do) because I truly did not see that coming. Well done!
This novel by a mother daughter duo is to say the least captivating. I could not put it down. It is so well written. I believe it will be on the best sellers list. I enjoyed it so much. It has intrigue, romance, the characters come alive. Very descriptive, like a movie playing in your mind. Highly recommend this book. It will change the way you look at life.
The story began slowly, details you'll recall later. A beautiful
Love song that you don't want to end. A book you will read over & over.
Bird of Paradise is a beautifully written novel about a a teenage girl coming of age and experiencing all that life has to offer, good, bad, wonderful and awful. The authors take you on a journey all over the world and weave you into this close knit family that loves each other well. This is an excellent debut novel made bittersweet by the authors’ story. I sincerely hope that Emily Johnson is already penning a follow up.
I have read a lot of books in my life...this was an experience and an exceptional journey to many wonderful places with a family of wonderful traditions! It made you feel like you were watching in person as their story unfolded! I cried at some parts...and that doesn’t happen often! This book is right up there with Marie Force and Barbara Freethy my favorites! What a great book!
Filled with family values, adventure, life lessons, intrigue, hope, and love, this captivating novel by a mother/daughter duo might just cause you to rethink the way you're living life and make some adjustments to your own. One may travel the world over, but in the end, there's truly no place like home.
This was recommended by a friend. What a great recommendation! I'm not sure what I like the best about the book. The entire thing is just absolutely wonderful. The writing is beautiful, and the description the authors used made me feel like I was one of the characters. The development of the characters and story makes this a must-read in my opinion.
This was such a beautiful story. The detail was amazing. This book made me feel a range of emotions, and I found myself both crying and smiling at parts. I couldn't put the book down and finished it quickly, despite the length of the book itself. Don't let the length deter you from reading. You'll miss out! The romance, like the rest of the book, was beautifully written—creating a bit of heat without going overboard. Very classy. And the real-life story behind the book makes the relationship between the mother and daughter in the book just that much more special. It must have been difficult for Emily to finish something like this after losing her mother. I didn't make it past the dedication before crying. I tried to figure out where one left off and the other one started. The transition was seamless. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an exquisite, emotional, all-consuming story of family and love
Beautifully written coming-of-age novel. You journey with Ari as she experiences all the beauty and heartache life has to offer. It will keep you up late, make you cry, and leave you longing for your own Island.
