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Book Review of Return to Paradise (Leaving Paradise, Bk 2)

Return to Paradise (Leaving Paradise, Bk 2)
GeniusJen avatar reviewed on + 5322 more book reviews


Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com

Leaving Paradise, Caleb Becker thought he would have a better life, even if it meant letting go of Maggie. Yet Caleb still finds himself in trouble, once again not being his fault. With the departure of Caleb, Maggie Armstrong waited and waited for his return. As the days went by, the chances of reuniting with Caleb seemed non-existent. So Maggie decided that she would become stronger, to become more independent.

As if fate had another plan for them, Caleb and Maggie are reunited with the help of the Re-START program. The program that will keep Caleb from going to jail again and will help Maggie cope. During the four-week trip, Maggie and Caleb and four other teens drive around, talking to others about the accidents that they may have caused or experienced firsthand.

As the trip continues, emotions and feelings between Caleb and Maggie arise once again, creating conflicts, confusion, and breakdowns. Maggie knows the truth about the accident and all she wants is for Caleb to tell her himself. But Caleb is not aware that Maggie already knows, and doesn't want to break his promise to his sister.

In the end, the only way to make their relationship stronger is for Caleb to return to Paradise, where he will ultimately resolve the issues surrounding the accident, including those dealing with his family. However, doing so could have a negative outcome for his sister. Is Caleb willing to take the risk in order to finally develop a lasting relationship with Maggie, or will his promise to his sister mean more?

Once again, Simone Elkeles geniusly writes a sequel that allows the reader to fall in love all over again with her characters. Maggie and Caleb are unquestionably the strongest, and of course cutest, characters and continue to be throughout the story as they both push each other because they know it is for the best. The addition of lovable characters such as Lenny and Julio adds another dynamic to the novel that makes it even more enjoyable.

RETURN TO PARADISE will not disappoint readers who enjoyed LEAVING PARADISE.