Paradise

Author:

Judith McNaught

Published:

Pocket Books, 1991 ; 409 pages

Related titles by this author:

Perfect

Subgenre:

Contemporary romance

Setting:

United States -- Chicago IL, 1989

Main characters:

Matthew Farrell and Meredith Bancroft

Sexual explicitness:

Fairly explicit

Keywords:

Intrigue ; betrayal, class differences, dynasties, heiresses, marriages of convenience, retail industry

Reader rating:

Reader comments:

It's a great book. I've read it 3x already. Most of my friends here in Manila love it also. Will there be a new book from JM? It's been so long since Remember When. I hope she publishes another soon. (S.F., 5-16-98) Judith McNaught is by far the best romance author I have ever read. I have never been touched so deeply by any other book or movie that I have ever read. Judith McNaught ruined me for men - because I want to find a Matt or a Clayton or Stephen or Nicholas and I will not settle for anything less. (J.J., 5-15-98) I loved this book! Whenever I read it I always picture Elizabeth Shue and Billy Baldwin as matt & Meredith. (F.G., 4-7-98) I loved, loved, loved this book. I've read hundreds of romance novels and Paradise is one of my all-time favorites. Judith you did it again! (S.B., 4-4-98) I simply fell in love with Matthew! Judith McNaught is the BEST! (R.R., 3-30-98) have`nt read a better romance. (K.W., 3-27-98) wonderful?! (J.J., 2-6-98) The most outstanding book i've evr read in my entire life.Simply the best.The plot, the characters, costumes..and of course beautiful relationship. My family, my friends and my relatives read it twice and consider it the best so far.Very realistic,I wish there was a movie. (E.C., 1-14-98) I love this book and I cannot put it down when I am raeding it. It is the best book that I have ever read and I don't know if I will ever get to read a book as good as this. It made Judith McNaught my No.1 favourite author. (E.C., 1-13-98) I picked the book up one evening and didn't put it down until the sun came-up. I thought it was quite probably the most wonderfully romantic book that I have ever read. I love Matt and hope that one day I will meet a man as dashing as him. (A.C., 6-3-97) I love modern time books. Judiths was the only real good one that I ever read. Keep doing what your doing. love my mother and me. (A.P., 5-12-97) I'm sorry to say this is my least favorite of Judith's books. Matt leaves me cold. I did enjoy this book, its a good read, but not up to her regular standards. Now if this was a book from any other author (except Krentz, Palmer or Garwood) it would be very good indeed. I still want her heros to be as good as Clayton Westmorland. Matt just is not as much of a male as Clay is.. (S.B., 5-9-97) I really enjoyed this book, but I am a little annoyed that so many of McNaught's novels are the same. They meet, they fall in love, one thinks the other has betrayed him/her in some way and then tada happy ending. I realize that these novels are supposed to be a bit formulaic, but I don't see why an author as gifted as McNaught can't vary her theme a little bit. On the hole, however, I thought that this novel had great characters. (E.D., 4-28-97) I've never read such a good book. It's my all time fave. I can't wait to read the other Judith McNaught books. I recommend Paradise to anyone who loves a good romance novel. Matt and Meridith are the perfect couple. I hope they make a movie out of this book. (P.B., 4-18-97) PARADISE is just that!! Can't say enough good about the book. Judith McNaught is the best. (K.W., 4-4-97) One of the best books i've read. it's one of those stories you'll never forget. Read this Book! (C.C., 3-26-97) I read Until You first and then proceeded to read all of Judith's other historical novels skipping over the contemporary ones - until I ran out of the historical ones. Then I HAD to start on the others because I love Judith's books so much. I get all of my books from the library but Whitney My Love and Paradise are the only ones I also bought before I even finished the ones from the library because I had to OWN the words. Judith you're books. Thank you!! (B.Z., 3-19-97) This is the greatest book we have ever read! Judith McNaught's books are the greatest things ever written, Matt Farrell is the greatest guy there could ever be. I wonder if there is anyone like that in real life. I want this to happen to me! (K.L., 3-18-97) McNaught does THE BEST endings of anyone in the business! This one is my alltime favorite. I constantly re-read it. I've even memorized parts of it! (M.S., 3-17-97) I love this book, I even read it every two months,I've collected about 250 romance novels and this one (together with Kingdom of Dreams) I like best. (V.D., 3-13-97) A fantastic book that engrosses you from the beginning til the very last moments. My first Judith McNaught book was "Double Standard", and since reading it, I've gone out and bought everyone of her books. I now am on my last and only Judith McNaught book that I have not yet read, "Something Wonderful"--and I bet it will be just that!!! (T.K.P., 3-4-97) This is without a doubt the best book I've ever read. I rerear it every time I need a pick-me-up. (C.D., 2-19-97) Ever since I read this book, I have been wishing for my own department store, and of course, my own Matt. (D.S., 2-15-97) I am absolutely in love with this book. I have read it 5 times, and I would be more than happy to read it again. Judith, if you're reading this, I have to thank you for writing such an amazing story. And I recommend every single one of her other books. I've read all of them and loved them just as much. (K.P., 2-7-97) I absolutely adored this book, and I suggest it to everyone I see. I fall in love with all McNaughts characters, and I'm afraid they've spoiled me and I'll never find a guy as perfect as they are!! You've ruined me for life, McNaught, but I love you anyways. (T.G., 1-11-97) ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! "REMEMBER WHEN" IS A BETTER READ WITH A GREAT PLOT1 (R.G., 12-27-96) Meredith was nice but I wouldn't hesitate to steal Matt from her! Fantastic book! (A.D., 12-26-96) LOVE IT. McNaught,where do you get your ideas from????? Oh got this book is perfect. It's the only book and Once and Always which brought tears to my eyes. Keep it up McNaught. I just can't wait to read Remember When. I've read every single book of yours and just can't wait for Remember When. Anyone who loves her book just e-mail me at sss@tm.net.my (S.S., 12-20-96) All I can say is that i stayed up all night reading this book, and then i skipped class to read it all over again. I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! (L.P., 12-19-96) My favorite of all of McNaught's books. I agree that a great story would be about Matt's sister. One thing that sets Judith McNaught's books apart is bringing her characters in her other books. It makes her readers look for her new release even more. (C.B., 12-18-96) One of the best books i've ever read. (S.D., 12-12-96) I wish she'd write about Matt's kid sister next, (a perfect excuse for Judith McNaught to write MORE about Matt, Meredith and Marissa). (J.C., 12-9-96) I couldn,t put this book down! Judith Mcnaught is truly the most gifted romance writer that I,ve had the extreme pleasure of reading. (B.P., 12-4-96) An easy read. (R.R., 11-28-96) Loved it. But I love Matt and Merideth in Perfect even more. I love how Judith brings back characters for us to enjoy again. I love running into old friends in a new book. (S.B., 11-28-96) A great book to read. My favourite part is on when Matt and Meredith are on the farm. So sweet *sigh* (C.C., 11-26-96) Paradise is what I claimed my dream novel.....fall in love with the characters the first time I read the book. I was so happy to see both Matt and Meredith back in Perfect It's the only book that made my cry (with its heartwarming storylines) and laugh (with its witty dialouge) and the same time. Like many of Judith McNaught's fans, I only hope that she can write more books..... (D.T., 11-25-96) This was the first book I read of Judith's and have been hooked ever since. She is now my all time favorite author and I have read each of her books, many of them several times over. I would love to correspond with other die hard fans. Write me at: Dumon001@mailhost1.csusm.edu. (J.D., 11-25-96) This was my very favorite Judith McNaught book. I can't say enough about how good the story was. Matt and Meredith will always have a place in my fondest memories. (D.L.D., 11-12-96) My first judith mcnaught book was "something wonderful". since then I've read almost all her books and I can say that Paradise is one of her(if not ,THE) greatest works of all time. I have not read Perfect yet.. but now that I know that Matt and Meredith appear again.. I'll be sure to catch it the next time I go to the bookshop!!!!! (S.L., 11-10-96) There is no comparison. (A.E., 11-9-96) How come all the guys I've met aren't like Matt? This was my favorite novel in the McNaught collections. I loved this novel. I keep on reading it over and over again...all the lies, love, and laughter...oh I love it! (R.L., 11-5-96) I WANT MATT!!!! I wish I was Meredith. There is nothing else to say. (H.T., 10-28-96) I never thought I could like an author as much as I like Judith McNaught. Paridise was the first book of hers that I ever read & I read it in two day (w/3 young kids, that's a tough feat). I wish there was a way to contact her and let her know that we want MORE, MORE, MORE!! Keep up the good work! (L.T., 10-26-96) I have found a love in books I never knew existed. The books Paradise and Perfect were the first two and only two books so far I have read by Judith McNaught. Unfortunately I read Perfect first so I knew what the end would be like, but the book Paradise was still very heartwarming and inspiring. My all time favorite is and will probably always be Perfect. The story really touched me. I couldn't believe that I actually felt like I was in the story. I hope one day this book will become a movie. I'm currently waiting for your next book "Remember When" (S.H., 10-24-96) LOVED IT!!!!!! Bought it originally because I read "Perfect" and it had Matthew and Meredith in it, then found "Paradise" in a secondhand shop for £1 - worth SO much more!! I wait with baited breath for Judith's books to come out, althought British shops are not the absolute best for getting hold of the books I want to read. I wish she would write more!! Get moving Judith!! (S.C., 10-22-96) In true style Judith McNaught writes another heartwarming book. If you liked this one read PERFECT by the same author (R.B., 10-14-96) This is in answer to the comment that in "whitney my love" why is whitney's hair red than in "until you" it was brunette. Please reread your book, because in "Whitney my love" her hair is brunette not read!!! I just reread the book!! (H.H., 10-11-96) Judith Mcnaught rules as the queen of romance novel. I love every single novel. Her novels pulls at soul and lingers in your heart for days and months after you've finished. Paradise is a must read. If you have not read paradise than you are not a true romance novel reader!! (H.H., 10-11-96) I loved the story. This was a great book! I love all of McNaught's books this rivaled "Whitney My Love" (S.G., 10-4-96) wonderful!!! i read it 16 times. (P.E., 10-4-96) I loved it so much I read it about 12 times. Paradise touched every part of me physically, emotionally and spirtually. Thanks Judith (J.P., 10-1-96) I have so far lent this book to 5 friends and each and every one has bought her own copy after reading it. I love Judith McNaught, and yes, if only she wrote faster! (J.A., 9-27-96) This book was wonderful! (M.A., 9-23-96) Ahhh Paradise. A keeper on my shelf, I often go back to it when I need a great book to immerse myself in. I just loved that she brought Matt and Merideth back in "Perfect." I wasn't ready to say goodbye to them. I'm still not. Can't say enough good things about McNaught books. First tripped into McNaught books through "Almost Heaven" and have been a fan ever since. Only wish she wrote more often. Have been eagerly awaiting her latest, a spinoff of the second Christmas Anthology, 1995. My only question is with regard to Whitney's (Whitney My Love) hair color change from red in the first novel and then to brunette in "Until You," where Sheridan Bromley suddenly became the "redhead." Just curious. (B.Q., 9-22-96) If you want to convice somebody that romance novels are not just bodice-ripping, brain-dead stories, then have them read this book... then sit back and enjoy while you watch them crave for more of McNaught's books! (C.C., 9-21-96) I absolutely loved this book one of the best I've ever read. McNaught is in the top five of my favorite authors! (K.M., 9-12-96) I have read all Judith McNaught's books and have fallen in love with each and every one of them. I wish she would write faster because I find myself in bookstores constantly looking for new books. (D.P., 9-11-96) I actually read this after reading "Perfect" (one which should be added to the database!)! The struggle of these two is a certain tear-jerker. McNaught is one of my favorites! I, too, am awaiting "Remember When" with great anticipation. Thanks for all of the wonderful reads. Her books are like old friends and I read them again and again! (B.K., 9-9-96) By far my favorite of all her novels. Her books are so easy to read. Can't wait for Remember when to come out. Hope she will write more books soon! (L.S., 9-6-96) Wonderful story by Judith McNaught! I have read all of her novels and have enjoyed them immensely. I only wish she wrote a little faster! All of her books receive a 5 rating in my opinion. "Paradise" is an exciting story of loved lost and then regained after many years. Matthew and Meredith are wonderful characters involved in a relationship that will leave you with a smile on your face. I highly recommend this novel for any romance reader. (A.M., 9-3-96) Loved it!!! Although I have been waiting very patiently for the next one!!! (J.A.N., 8-26-96) Ms McNaught is my favorite romance writer. I've read all her books and all of them successfully reduce me to tears. I'm eagerly waiting for her next book. I hope she'll write faster, because I was reading one a day till I finished her books the bookstore. (Y.P.F., 8-24-96) Oh, goodie, you put this one on the database! It is one of my all-time favorites! In "Paradise," Judith McNaught has written the consumate romance, one that really could have happened with settings and dialogues that make you wish you could call these people up and "do lunch." As an extra bonus, she put some special thought and effort into this novel's secondary characters; I loved Merideth's best friend, and I was especially partial to her "I-love-her-too-so-you-better- watch-your-step" lawyer. The scene with all the lawyers in Matt's office was a heady mix of sexual tension and pure testosterone; one of my favorite moments in all of romantic literature. 'Fer shur, fer shur,' Judith McNaught makes you believe in her men! (S.R., 8-20-96) I love this book so much!!! This is the ULTIMATE book in romance! I have never cried on a book before and Paradise changed all that. I am so much in love with Matthew... Judith McNaught is the one and only perfect romance writer. The rest are just so and so. No one can put a wonderful story together with REAL EMOTIONS the way Judith does. I've read all her books after this and I tell you, ALL (except maybe Tender Triumph) are five-hearters too. She never loses her touch at all. I can't wait for Remember When to come out. Keep on giving me more, Judith! Make it fast, too, it seems that you're taking forever to make one! (T.P., 8-19-96) As usual, McNaught has come up with a brilliant story. The heroine, Meredith, has real doubts about herself. The dialogue is witty and emotional. This is a definite MUST read! (C.C., 8-13-96) Having read everything that Ms. McNaught has written, PARADISE is still my favorite: memorable characters (Where are the Matt Farrells of the world?), a well developed plot(Don't expect to put this book down before it's finished), good dialogue (with many verbal fencing matches), and humor (just as endearing as Meredith's lilting laugh). Truly a romance classic! (A.S., 8-8-96) I've basically have read all of Judith's books, and to this date, she's still my favorite romance novelist. All her latest books rate a 5. She's the best I've seen... Wish she can write some more and more! (B.R., 8-1-96) Matthew Farrell is a close version to my dream man! (P.P., 7-27-96) Have you ever read a book that made you laugh and cry at the same moment? Or how about one that made you believe again in second chances? Well, Paradise would not dissapoint readers who are definitely romantics at heart. Some of the novel's highlights are when Meredith lost her baby, when Matthew tries to win her back and when Meredith finally has to make a choice between Matthew and her father. (L.B.T., 7-24-96) Judith McNaught is one author who makes each of her stories unique and special. She has the talen to hold your interest from the first paragraph to the last. "Paradise" is no exception. I originally only liked historical romances. "Paradise" changed that. She is THE author who can "capture" you into another time, another life and never let you go until the end -- at least till you read the next Judith McNaught. She's a keeper!! (J.D., 7-24-96) I can read this one again and again, but then again I could probably read all of Ms. McNaught's novels over and over! Matt and Meredith are unforgettable characters. I don't have to tell my friends to read this one. They know by now any novel written by Judith McNaught is a MUST read! Can't wait for the new one, "Remember When"... (K.K., 7-24-96) Wonderful!!!! Have not found a book that matches its excitement, tenderness, passion, & honest true love, since reading this in 1991! I will forever remember Matthew & Meredity. Judith, please write more!! (P.F., 7-23-96) What can I say about this book and this author that has not already been said? Paradise is a beautiful love story. It is perfect, as are all her romances. She's the only author that has ever made me cry with her fearlessness in delving into the deeper emotions that people possess. I love her sexy, storng heroes and her lovely, compassionate ladies. I have read every last word this author has written...over and over again. I can't wait until "Remember When" is published. I'm on pins and needles! (J.T., 7-23-96) This is one of my favorites by Judith McNaught. I think her books are some of the best I've ever read in the romance genre. (P.Z., 7-21-96) A decent read, though I could do without McNaught's name-dropping-laden, People-magazine-type-ogling shallow glamorization of real-life Hollywood denizens and other jet-set types, few of whom I find worthy of admiration. (E.P., 7-18-96) The perfect hero. (E.C., 7-18-96)

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