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A Map to Paradise
1956, Malibu, Something is not right on Paradise Circle.
With her name on the Hollywood blacklist and her life on hold, starlet Melanie Cole has little choice in company. There is her next-door neighbor, Elwood, but the screenwriter’s agoraphobia allows for just short chats through open windows. He’s her sole confidante, though, as she and her housekeeper, Eva, an immigrant from war-torn Europe, rarely make conversation.
Then one early morning Melanie and Eva spot Elwood’s sister-in-law and caretaker, June, digging in his beloved rose garden. After that they don’t see Elwood at all anymore. Where could a man who never leaves the house possibly have gone?
As they try to find out if something has happened to him, unexpected secrets are revealed among all three women, leading to an alliance that seems the only way for any of them to hold on to what they can still call their own. But it’s a fragile pact and one little spark could send it all up in smoke…
With her name on the Hollywood blacklist and her life on hold, starlet Melanie Cole has little choice in company. There is her next-door neighbor, Elwood, but the screenwriter’s agoraphobia allows for just short chats through open windows. He’s her sole confidante, though, as she and her housekeeper, Eva, an immigrant from war-torn Europe, rarely make conversation.
Then one early morning Melanie and Eva spot Elwood’s sister-in-law and caretaker, June, digging in his beloved rose garden. After that they don’t see Elwood at all anymore. Where could a man who never leaves the house possibly have gone?
As they try to find out if something has happened to him, unexpected secrets are revealed among all three women, leading to an alliance that seems the only way for any of them to hold on to what they can still call their own. But it’s a fragile pact and one little spark could send it all up in smoke…
352 pages, Hardcover
First published March 18, 2025
369 people are currently reading
22.9k people want to read
About the author
Susan Meissner
33 books8,555 followersSusan Meissner is a USA Today bestselling novelist with more than a million books in the hands of readers, and in eighteen languages. Her critically acclaimed works of historical fiction have been named to numerous lists including Publishers Weekly’s annual roster of 100 best books, Library Reads Top Picks, Real Simple annual tally of best books, Goodreads Readers’ Choice awards, Booklist’s Top Ten, and Book of the Month.
She attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and is a former managing editor of a weekly newspaper. Susan’s expertise as a storyteller and her thoroughly researched topics make her a favorite author of book clubs everywhere. Her engaging and warm speaking style appeal to all manner of women’s groups, literary organizations, libraries and learning institutions, and service clubs.
When she is not working on a new novel, she enjoys teaching workshops on writing, spending time with her family, music, reading great books, and traveling.
She attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and is a former managing editor of a weekly newspaper. Susan’s expertise as a storyteller and her thoroughly researched topics make her a favorite author of book clubs everywhere. Her engaging and warm speaking style appeal to all manner of women’s groups, literary organizations, libraries and learning institutions, and service clubs.
When she is not working on a new novel, she enjoys teaching workshops on writing, spending time with her family, music, reading great books, and traveling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
March 19, 2025
***HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY***
I loved this book and it is definitely one of my favorites by Ms. Meissner!!
*This novel covers a time period not often written about in the fiction that I’ve read. We are in the 1950’s when McCarthyism was in full swing. During “The Red Scare” McCarthy and others were convinced that communists had infiltrated our government, the Army and the entertainment industry - in particular Hollywood’s screenwriters and actors.
*The setting of early Malibu when it was a beautiful and uncrowded haven for the wealthy was very well described.
*The three main characters were all outstanding :
Melanie - a young and recently successful actress is blacklisted because she was seen in the company of “suspected” communists. She is staying at a rented home in Malibu to be free of prying eyes in Hollywood.
Eva - a young Polish immigrant is hired as Melanie’s housekeeper and cook. She has many secrets which she hoped to leave behind in her new life in the US.
June - is Melanie’s neighbor in Malibu, she is caring for her brother-in-law, Elwood, an accomplished screenwriter.
*A wildfire is roaring towards Malibu and everyone is ordered to evacuate.
I thought the pace of the story was great and the backstories of all of the characters were fascinating. What a diverse group of women who eventually become friends and help each other.
A great account of this period in the 1950! These are strong women who are intent on surviving their own tragedies with the help of each other. They present a story of friendship, resilience and hope. A great page turner of a novel!
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
I loved this book and it is definitely one of my favorites by Ms. Meissner!!
*This novel covers a time period not often written about in the fiction that I’ve read. We are in the 1950’s when McCarthyism was in full swing. During “The Red Scare” McCarthy and others were convinced that communists had infiltrated our government, the Army and the entertainment industry - in particular Hollywood’s screenwriters and actors.
*The setting of early Malibu when it was a beautiful and uncrowded haven for the wealthy was very well described.
*The three main characters were all outstanding :
Melanie - a young and recently successful actress is blacklisted because she was seen in the company of “suspected” communists. She is staying at a rented home in Malibu to be free of prying eyes in Hollywood.
Eva - a young Polish immigrant is hired as Melanie’s housekeeper and cook. She has many secrets which she hoped to leave behind in her new life in the US.
June - is Melanie’s neighbor in Malibu, she is caring for her brother-in-law, Elwood, an accomplished screenwriter.
*A wildfire is roaring towards Malibu and everyone is ordered to evacuate.
I thought the pace of the story was great and the backstories of all of the characters were fascinating. What a diverse group of women who eventually become friends and help each other.
A great account of this period in the 1950! These are strong women who are intent on surviving their own tragedies with the help of each other. They present a story of friendship, resilience and hope. A great page turner of a novel!
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
March 14, 2025
1956, Malibu, Paradise Circle
Secrets, connections, longing, love, loss, labels, friendships, and survival are all themes that come into play during this character driven gripping book. It is a little on the slow side and while I struggle with slow moving books, I did not mind the pacing in this book. I enjoyed this book which delt with connections, alliances, and bonds.
Melanie Cole is an up-and-coming actress who finds herself blacklisted and labeled as a communist. Eva is her maid and an immigrant from war-torn Europe who fears that she will be deported. Their next-door neighbor is Elwood, a famous screenwriter who became an agoraphobic after a horrible accident. June is Elwood's sister-in-law who was once married to his twin brother. They all orbit each other in the small area of Malibu in which they live.
I enjoy Susan Meissner's writing and how she builds her plots. The characters in this book are all unique and interesting. As more is divulged about their pasts, each character grew on me even more. Each has something in their past that evokes feelings and explains some of their motivations and thoughts. I enjoyed how each character was fleshed out and how the characters eventually became interconnected and how their bonds were formed.
I enjoyed the characters, their resilience, their strength, their humanness, and their plight. Malibu is the perfect setting and with the fire raving the area toward the end of the book, becomes a character as well. I also enjoyed the mystery in this book and the twists and revelations which occur as a result.
Wonderfully written, well thought out, and hard to put down!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Secrets, connections, longing, love, loss, labels, friendships, and survival are all themes that come into play during this character driven gripping book. It is a little on the slow side and while I struggle with slow moving books, I did not mind the pacing in this book. I enjoyed this book which delt with connections, alliances, and bonds.
Melanie Cole is an up-and-coming actress who finds herself blacklisted and labeled as a communist. Eva is her maid and an immigrant from war-torn Europe who fears that she will be deported. Their next-door neighbor is Elwood, a famous screenwriter who became an agoraphobic after a horrible accident. June is Elwood's sister-in-law who was once married to his twin brother. They all orbit each other in the small area of Malibu in which they live.
I enjoy Susan Meissner's writing and how she builds her plots. The characters in this book are all unique and interesting. As more is divulged about their pasts, each character grew on me even more. Each has something in their past that evokes feelings and explains some of their motivations and thoughts. I enjoyed how each character was fleshed out and how the characters eventually became interconnected and how their bonds were formed.
I enjoyed the characters, their resilience, their strength, their humanness, and their plight. Malibu is the perfect setting and with the fire raving the area toward the end of the book, becomes a character as well. I also enjoyed the mystery in this book and the twists and revelations which occur as a result.
Wonderfully written, well thought out, and hard to put down!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
March 6, 2025
How gorgeous is this cover?? 😍 I love it! Thank you @berkleypub #berkleypartner #berkley 🫶 for the free book!! ❤️ Pub date is 3/18/25!
I loved this! Malibu 1956… 3 strong 💪 women… one amazing story. All strangers that came together to support each other.. in fact I would say they might well be each other’s ride or die. Meet the girls.. 🔽
Melanie- the glam girl movie 🎥 star… accused of keeping company with communists. WHAT?? Blacklisted by Hollywood. WHAT?? Was this a thing?? Indeed it was. 😳Google confirmed.😂
Eva- Melanie’s housekeeper… has more secrets then you ever imagine. 🤫😳
June- the next door neighbor- friendly enough but what is she hiding? 🤔
This was an extremely likable bunch of characters. I loved all their backstories! It was absolutely intriguing. I especially loved that there is a huge mystery that myself and Melanie wanted answers to! 😏
Hollywood vibes… mysterious.. mayham… wildfires.. and a bit of history. This all made for an amazing read that I couldn’t put down. 😍
I loved this! Malibu 1956… 3 strong 💪 women… one amazing story. All strangers that came together to support each other.. in fact I would say they might well be each other’s ride or die. Meet the girls.. 🔽
Melanie- the glam girl movie 🎥 star… accused of keeping company with communists. WHAT?? Blacklisted by Hollywood. WHAT?? Was this a thing?? Indeed it was. 😳Google confirmed.😂
Eva- Melanie’s housekeeper… has more secrets then you ever imagine. 🤫😳
June- the next door neighbor- friendly enough but what is she hiding? 🤔
This was an extremely likable bunch of characters. I loved all their backstories! It was absolutely intriguing. I especially loved that there is a huge mystery that myself and Melanie wanted answers to! 😏
Hollywood vibes… mysterious.. mayham… wildfires.. and a bit of history. This all made for an amazing read that I couldn’t put down. 😍
March 23, 2025
3.5-4⭐️ 1956 Malibu, California - Paradise Circle is home to black-listed actress Melanie Cole and her friend, agoraphobic screenwriter Elwood, who lives with his sister-in-law, June, as she helps to take care of him.
Elwood is Melanie’s sole confidant, often speaking to her every day through his window. After weeks pass with no word from him, and seeing June digging in the rose bushes early one morning, Melanie and her housekeeper, Eva, become suspicious that something has happened to Elwood.
I found myself confused as to my feelings on this book. I absolutely loved Susan Meissner’s previous book, Only the Beautiful, and therefore went into this one with very high expectations. While I did enjoy it, it wasn’t quite the standout I was hoping for.
What I loved:
▪️Meissner’s focus on McCarthyism in Hollywood and the pervasive nature of it
▪️The dynamic between June, Frank, and Elwood
▪️June's wild “solution” to her predicament
▪️The deep friendship that develops between the three FMCs
▪️The fast-paced writing style that is very unique for historical fiction
▪️Melanie’s struggle to overcome her blacklist status
What I didn’t love as much:
▪️Eva’s POV, particularly in the past, felt less engaging to me, and I found my focus drifting
▪️Pacing in the second half of the book
▪️The ending felt as though it was wrapped up in a tidy bow
🎧 As is always the case for me with historical fiction, the audiobook takes it to another level. Lisa Flanagan so brilliantly captures the time period with her narration of this wide cast of characters and the Soviet threat that encapsulated the era.
All in all, this is a solid historical fiction read about a time in history that’s not as often written about. If you are looking for a HF novel that is centered around Hollywood, features female friendship, a little bit of mystery, and fast paced writing, check this one out, especially on audio.
Thank you Berkley Pub and PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
Elwood is Melanie’s sole confidant, often speaking to her every day through his window. After weeks pass with no word from him, and seeing June digging in the rose bushes early one morning, Melanie and her housekeeper, Eva, become suspicious that something has happened to Elwood.
I found myself confused as to my feelings on this book. I absolutely loved Susan Meissner’s previous book, Only the Beautiful, and therefore went into this one with very high expectations. While I did enjoy it, it wasn’t quite the standout I was hoping for.
What I loved:
▪️Meissner’s focus on McCarthyism in Hollywood and the pervasive nature of it
▪️The dynamic between June, Frank, and Elwood
▪️June's wild “solution” to her predicament
▪️The deep friendship that develops between the three FMCs
▪️The fast-paced writing style that is very unique for historical fiction
▪️Melanie’s struggle to overcome her blacklist status
What I didn’t love as much:
▪️Eva’s POV, particularly in the past, felt less engaging to me, and I found my focus drifting
▪️Pacing in the second half of the book
▪️The ending felt as though it was wrapped up in a tidy bow
🎧 As is always the case for me with historical fiction, the audiobook takes it to another level. Lisa Flanagan so brilliantly captures the time period with her narration of this wide cast of characters and the Soviet threat that encapsulated the era.
All in all, this is a solid historical fiction read about a time in history that’s not as often written about. If you are looking for a HF novel that is centered around Hollywood, features female friendship, a little bit of mystery, and fast paced writing, check this one out, especially on audio.
Thank you Berkley Pub and PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
March 18, 2025
Set during the McCarthy era, we meet three women.
Melanie has been blacklisted because she was seen with a producer that they think is a communist.
Eva is a Polish housekeeper for Melanie.
June lives next door to Melanie and is taking care of her brother-in-law who won’t come out of his house because of an accident he caused a while ago.
The odd thing is that June won’t let anybody see Elwood, and it’s a puzzle where an agoraphobic person would go.
Elwood must be there because Melanie hears a typewriter clicking.
How will these women - all with secrets - become connected?
A MAP TO PARADISE started out slowly for me, but once the background information of each character was revealed and their predicaments were revealed, I enjoyed a thoughtful, well-researched read. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Melanie has been blacklisted because she was seen with a producer that they think is a communist.
Eva is a Polish housekeeper for Melanie.
June lives next door to Melanie and is taking care of her brother-in-law who won’t come out of his house because of an accident he caused a while ago.
The odd thing is that June won’t let anybody see Elwood, and it’s a puzzle where an agoraphobic person would go.
Elwood must be there because Melanie hears a typewriter clicking.
How will these women - all with secrets - become connected?
A MAP TO PARADISE started out slowly for me, but once the background information of each character was revealed and their predicaments were revealed, I enjoyed a thoughtful, well-researched read. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
March 16, 2025
Susan Meissner has long been a talented author of historical fiction that includes strong resilient women, and this book is no exception. I found this book to be very intriguing because it uniquely takes place in the 1950s in Hollywood during the McCarthy era, the Red Scare, and the investigations of the House Un-American Activities Committee. This story took me down a nonfiction research rabbit hole while I was reading, which I enjoy.
In December of 1956 in Malibu, California three remarkable women who become improbable friends are thrown together into a peculiar situation.
•Melanie is a starlet who ends up on the Hollywood blacklist and is labeled as a communist sympathizer.
•Eva is Melanie's housekeeper who harbors secrets that she has brought with her to America as a survivor of WWII.
•And June, who has her own secrets, lives next door to Melanie. She is taking care of her agoraphobic brother-in-law who is a screenwriter in Hollywood.
All three women are concealing dangerous information that could land them in jail. As the shells around past secrets are cracked open, they decide to help each other and by doing so they bond over love and loss and end up helping themselves.
I didn't love this book as much as I loved Meissner's book Only the Beautiful, but it was still an interesting and worthwhile read. I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and women's fiction. Publication date: March 18, 2025.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the digital ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
In December of 1956 in Malibu, California three remarkable women who become improbable friends are thrown together into a peculiar situation.
•Melanie is a starlet who ends up on the Hollywood blacklist and is labeled as a communist sympathizer.
•Eva is Melanie's housekeeper who harbors secrets that she has brought with her to America as a survivor of WWII.
•And June, who has her own secrets, lives next door to Melanie. She is taking care of her agoraphobic brother-in-law who is a screenwriter in Hollywood.
All three women are concealing dangerous information that could land them in jail. As the shells around past secrets are cracked open, they decide to help each other and by doing so they bond over love and loss and end up helping themselves.
I didn't love this book as much as I loved Meissner's book Only the Beautiful, but it was still an interesting and worthwhile read. I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and women's fiction. Publication date: March 18, 2025.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the digital ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 22, 2025
Sooooo slow. The story wasn’t enough to hook me and the second half unfolded in a very predictable way. Love Susan’s storytelling, but this one just wasn’t enough for me.
September 11, 2024
“ Because there is no map to paradise. There is only the dream that such a place exists, as does the desire to possess it, and the determination to find it again when it’s been lost.”
Melanie is an actress that is being blacklisted from Hollywood because she was seeing someone that had possible Communist leanings. Eva is her Polish housekeeper that has secrets of her own. June is the reclusive next door neighbor’s sister in law. One early morning, Melanie sees June digging up her neighbor’s roses. From there these three women will form an alliance and start a friendship out of an unlikely start.
I loved each woman and their individual stories. I liked how they were able to rise after what eah had endured. Great writing and a wonderful story.
Melanie is an actress that is being blacklisted from Hollywood because she was seeing someone that had possible Communist leanings. Eva is her Polish housekeeper that has secrets of her own. June is the reclusive next door neighbor’s sister in law. One early morning, Melanie sees June digging up her neighbor’s roses. From there these three women will form an alliance and start a friendship out of an unlikely start.
I loved each woman and their individual stories. I liked how they were able to rise after what eah had endured. Great writing and a wonderful story.
April 6, 2025
“A Map to Paradise“, by Susan Meissner
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my first book by this author.
I picked it because of the great reviews, so I had high expectations.
The writing was good, but the story development was very slow and predictable.
The storytelling was a bit repetitive and not that engaging.
Unfortunately I did not connect with any of the characters.
I don’t think this one was for me.
I’m rating 3 stars based on the writing, concept and structure, but this wasn’t the compelling read that I expected.
Hardcover (Berkley/Penguin): 362 pages (cover to cover), 32 chapters
ebook (Kobo): 98k words
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my first book by this author.
I picked it because of the great reviews, so I had high expectations.
The writing was good, but the story development was very slow and predictable.
The storytelling was a bit repetitive and not that engaging.
Unfortunately I did not connect with any of the characters.
I don’t think this one was for me.
I’m rating 3 stars based on the writing, concept and structure, but this wasn’t the compelling read that I expected.
Hardcover (Berkley/Penguin): 362 pages (cover to cover), 32 chapters
ebook (Kobo): 98k words
February 11, 2025
Those who like slow-paced, character-driven stories with a light side of intrigue, "A Map to Paradise" is for you. Acclaimed author Susan Meissner is back, this time with a historical fiction novel centered around the communist Red Scare in Hollywood during the 1950s.
Actress Melanie Cole is a rising star in Hollywood when she suddenly finds herself unfairly accused of being a communist sympathizer. She's immediately placed on the Hollywood black list, with no movie studio willing to risk hiring her. Sequestered away from the public eye, Melanie's only company during the day is her hired domestic helper Eva, and her agoraphoric neighbor Elwood. When Melanie and Eva find Elwood's sister June digging in the garden before dawn one morning, the two become suspicious and concerned for Elwood's wellbeing. Is Elwood sinking deeper into agoraphobia, or did something nefarious happen?
I found this novel entertaining, though it was not as emotionally charged as many of Meissner's other works. While it was still engaging, this particular slice of history just felt a little flatter than some of the others she has tackled in the past. The dialogue felt a bit forced to me at times, like maybe Meissner was trying just a little too hard to craft a quotable line. All of the other books I've read of hers have been 4- or 5-star reads for me, so this surprised me a bit. While this won't go down as my favorite Meissner work, I still enjoy this author and will eagerly await her next book.
Read this if you love:
• stories of female friendship
• themes of belonging and found family
• second-chance stories
• light intrigue
• sentimental reads and/or The Hallmark Channel
Actress Melanie Cole is a rising star in Hollywood when she suddenly finds herself unfairly accused of being a communist sympathizer. She's immediately placed on the Hollywood black list, with no movie studio willing to risk hiring her. Sequestered away from the public eye, Melanie's only company during the day is her hired domestic helper Eva, and her agoraphoric neighbor Elwood. When Melanie and Eva find Elwood's sister June digging in the garden before dawn one morning, the two become suspicious and concerned for Elwood's wellbeing. Is Elwood sinking deeper into agoraphobia, or did something nefarious happen?
I found this novel entertaining, though it was not as emotionally charged as many of Meissner's other works. While it was still engaging, this particular slice of history just felt a little flatter than some of the others she has tackled in the past. The dialogue felt a bit forced to me at times, like maybe Meissner was trying just a little too hard to craft a quotable line. All of the other books I've read of hers have been 4- or 5-star reads for me, so this surprised me a bit. While this won't go down as my favorite Meissner work, I still enjoy this author and will eagerly await her next book.
Read this if you love:
• stories of female friendship
• themes of belonging and found family
• second-chance stories
• light intrigue
• sentimental reads and/or The Hallmark Channel
March 22, 2025
4.5 rounded up!
A MAP TO PARADISE by Susan Meissner
Thank you @berkleypub & @prhaudio for my #gifted copies. 💓 #berkleyig #berkleypartner
Susan Meissner is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. Her books Only the Beautiful, A Fall of Marigolds, and The Nature of Fragile Things are among my very favorite hist fic books. So when I saw she had a new book coming out, I jumped at the chance to read it!
A Map to Paradise takes place in Malibu, California during the "Red Scare" of the early 1950s. Here, Meissner weaves together the stories of three women: Melanie, a Hollywood starlet who's been blacklisted for Communist ties; Eva, a European iimmigrant housekeeper with a dark and tragic past; and June, Melanie's neighbor, who cares for her agoraphobic brother-in-law while harboring more than one secret.
This is my first historical fiction novel about the "Red Scare" and I was utterly transfixed! Meissner has a way of transporting the reader to the time and place of her novels, and creating such authentic, three-dimensional characters. The story grabbed hold and didn't let me go until the very last page. Ultimately, A Map to Paradise is an engaging and moving story of friendship, camaraderie, and resilient women.
🎧 Per usual, I read this by alternating between my print copy and the audiobook, which was the best of both worlds. Lisa Flanagan's narration is top notch!! She flawlessly alternates between the three MCs and their varying voices/accents. I was never lost or confused about whose chapter I was reading.
I highly recommend A Map to Paradise in whatever format you prefer. 💕
📌 Available now!
A MAP TO PARADISE by Susan Meissner
Thank you @berkleypub & @prhaudio for my #gifted copies. 💓 #berkleyig #berkleypartner
Susan Meissner is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. Her books Only the Beautiful, A Fall of Marigolds, and The Nature of Fragile Things are among my very favorite hist fic books. So when I saw she had a new book coming out, I jumped at the chance to read it!
A Map to Paradise takes place in Malibu, California during the "Red Scare" of the early 1950s. Here, Meissner weaves together the stories of three women: Melanie, a Hollywood starlet who's been blacklisted for Communist ties; Eva, a European iimmigrant housekeeper with a dark and tragic past; and June, Melanie's neighbor, who cares for her agoraphobic brother-in-law while harboring more than one secret.
This is my first historical fiction novel about the "Red Scare" and I was utterly transfixed! Meissner has a way of transporting the reader to the time and place of her novels, and creating such authentic, three-dimensional characters. The story grabbed hold and didn't let me go until the very last page. Ultimately, A Map to Paradise is an engaging and moving story of friendship, camaraderie, and resilient women.
🎧 Per usual, I read this by alternating between my print copy and the audiobook, which was the best of both worlds. Lisa Flanagan's narration is top notch!! She flawlessly alternates between the three MCs and their varying voices/accents. I was never lost or confused about whose chapter I was reading.
I highly recommend A Map to Paradise in whatever format you prefer. 💕
📌 Available now!
March 19, 2025
In 1956, on a beautiful cul-de-sac in wealthy Malibu on the California coast, Melanie Cole, Eva Kruse, and June Blankenship are all trying to figure out how to keep going.
Less than a year ago, Melanie's movie career had taken off spectacularly with her first major role. But her leading man-and-boyfriend has been identified as a Communist, and now, in the midst of the McCarthy witch hunt, Melanie is blacklisted by association.
Eva, who is working as Melanie's housekeeper, is a refugee from Poland, still traumatized by the deaths of her family and fiancé.
June, Melanie's neighbor, has devoted her life for the last several years to taking care of her reclusive brother-in-law, a onetime award-winning screenwriter. She's in love with him, and she knows he probably doesn't share those feelings.
Actually, none of those descriptions is completely true.
"A Map to Paradise" is the story of how these three women keep stumbling over each other—and needing each other—as they try to maintain their individual secrets while finding a way to hold their lives together.
Author Susan Meissner is a veteran who knows how spin a story, in a writing style that does the job without getting in her way. She usually manages to keep the three protagonists--who narrate the book in alternating chapters--a few degrees clear of stereotypes.
However, there are probably too many plot twists for a story that has plenty of its own inherent drama. Some of the twists are too pat, and Eva's back story is larded with too many heavy hints.
On the other hand, one of the undramatic pleasures of this novel is the description of Malibu before it was the flashy scene of surfers and McMansions.
(Adapted from my review in the New York Journal of Books https://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book... )
Less than a year ago, Melanie's movie career had taken off spectacularly with her first major role. But her leading man-and-boyfriend has been identified as a Communist, and now, in the midst of the McCarthy witch hunt, Melanie is blacklisted by association.
Eva, who is working as Melanie's housekeeper, is a refugee from Poland, still traumatized by the deaths of her family and fiancé.
June, Melanie's neighbor, has devoted her life for the last several years to taking care of her reclusive brother-in-law, a onetime award-winning screenwriter. She's in love with him, and she knows he probably doesn't share those feelings.
Actually, none of those descriptions is completely true.
"A Map to Paradise" is the story of how these three women keep stumbling over each other—and needing each other—as they try to maintain their individual secrets while finding a way to hold their lives together.
Author Susan Meissner is a veteran who knows how spin a story, in a writing style that does the job without getting in her way. She usually manages to keep the three protagonists--who narrate the book in alternating chapters--a few degrees clear of stereotypes.
However, there are probably too many plot twists for a story that has plenty of its own inherent drama. Some of the twists are too pat, and Eva's back story is larded with too many heavy hints.
On the other hand, one of the undramatic pleasures of this novel is the description of Malibu before it was the flashy scene of surfers and McMansions.
(Adapted from my review in the New York Journal of Books https://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book... )
September 25, 2024
This is an interesting book about the effects of the Cold War in Hollywood. So many stars were blacklisted at this time. I love the way the author brought three strong women together as they searched for their dreams. Each of them were fully developed characters and intriguing as they tried to move forward with their lives. I was fully invested with each of them as the story progressed. Susan Meissner is a go to author for me and this unique storyline delivers!
March 19, 2025
I’ve loved every Susan Meissner book I’ve been privileged enough to get my hands on, and A Map to Paradise is no exception!
Set in the 1950s….this story follows three vastly different women that through fate and circumstance — have all ended up in Malibu California. Each of these women shoulder different kinds of burdens, fears and traumatic circumstances. I love how Susan wove the mysteries of their lives together so seamlessly, in a way that kept me consistently engaged as a reader.
I loved how these women came to care for one another despite their differences, ultimately tying them closer together. There were themes of empathy, grace and hope which I really enjoyed. This might be one of Susan’s slower books. And while the pacing was slower at times due to the nature of a more character driven story, it was no less impactful or impressive.
If you love a 1950s Hollywood style setting, with historical tones of the post Cold War mixed with female friendship, I would definitely give this one a try!
Thank you @berkleypub for my free copy.
Set in the 1950s….this story follows three vastly different women that through fate and circumstance — have all ended up in Malibu California. Each of these women shoulder different kinds of burdens, fears and traumatic circumstances. I love how Susan wove the mysteries of their lives together so seamlessly, in a way that kept me consistently engaged as a reader.
I loved how these women came to care for one another despite their differences, ultimately tying them closer together. There were themes of empathy, grace and hope which I really enjoyed. This might be one of Susan’s slower books. And while the pacing was slower at times due to the nature of a more character driven story, it was no less impactful or impressive.
If you love a 1950s Hollywood style setting, with historical tones of the post Cold War mixed with female friendship, I would definitely give this one a try!
Thank you @berkleypub for my free copy.
January 3, 2025
Susan Meissner is an accomplished storyteller whose latest novel “A Map to Paradise” will be available on March 18, 2025. For those of us who have loved Meissner’s historical fiction books, I promise you will not be disappointed as you find yourself immersed in the lives of three women in 1956 in Malibu, California. These women with vastly different life experiences become friends despite seemingly nothing in common. Brought together by happenstance and impacted by earlier choices they made in their lives, Meissner weaves a compelling story against the backdrop of WWII displaced person survival and the Hollywood blacklist during the Red Scare. A definite page turner as the secrets and tension grow into a very satisfying ending. I want to thank NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2025
This is my third book by Susan Meissner and I gotta say, I loved them all. An amazing story taking place in Malibu California, 1956. During the Red Scare, when McCarthyism is in full swing. Three strong women come together to support each other. Melanie, an actress that's been blacklisted. Eva, Melanie's maid, who's a Polish immigrant. And June, who is Melanie's neighbor's caretaker. I really enjoyed all of these characters. It's a slow burn, but one you can get completely invested in. I always enjoy books about female friendships and found family. I was pulled in right from the beginning and flew through it.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
March 14, 2025
Looking for a great Susan Meissner book to pick up? I recommend The Nature of Fragile Things or Only the Beautiful. I loved both of those books. A Map to Paradise could not keep my attention unfortunately. I couldn’t connect to the story and it felt really repetitive and slow moving for me.
Thank you @berkleypub @uplitreads and @prhaudio for my #gifted copies!
Thank you @berkleypub @uplitreads and @prhaudio for my #gifted copies!
February 28, 2025
Set in Malibu, California, during the Red Scare and McCarthy era, A Map to Paradise follows the lives of three women navigating personal struggles amid the political turmoil of the 1950s. While I’m a longtime fan of Susan Meissner and have enjoyed many of her previous novels, I found it harder to connect with the storyline and some of characters in this one. However, the audiobook was beautifully narrated, making for an engaging and immersive listening experience. Though not my favorite of Meissner’s works, it still offered an intriguing glimpse into a fascinating historical period.
January 6, 2025
The author is a fav histfic writer whose immersive novels always captivate me. That was the case with her latest, blending the lives of three intriguing women during the Red Scare in 1950s Malibu. Each has secrets she dares not reveal, which kept me glued to the pages as I raced nonstop to the end. Highly recommended!
March 24, 2025
TITLE: A Map To Paradise
AUTHOR: Susan Meissner
PUB DATE: 03.18.2025
1956, Malibu, California: Something is not right on Paradise Circle.
With her name on the Hollywood blacklist and her life on hold, starlet Melanie Cole has little choice in company. There is her next-door neighbor, Elwood, but the screenwriter’s agoraphobia allows for just short chats through open windows. He’s her sole confidante, though, as she and her housekeeper, Eva, an immigrant from war-torn Europe, rarely make conversation.
Then one early morning Melanie and Eva spot Elwood’s sister-in-law and caretaker, June, digging in his beloved rose garden. After that they don’t see Elwood at all anymore. Where could a man who never leaves the house possibly have gone?
THOUGHTS:
I love Susan Meissner and this was a highly anticipated read for me. I love how the three main characters were well developed, and with the topic of wildfire in Malibu, it was very interesting how relevant many of the topics were. As usual, these are well researched, and the mystery kept me turning the pages.
An absolutely phenomenal read I recommend!
AUTHOR: Susan Meissner
PUB DATE: 03.18.2025
1956, Malibu, California: Something is not right on Paradise Circle.
With her name on the Hollywood blacklist and her life on hold, starlet Melanie Cole has little choice in company. There is her next-door neighbor, Elwood, but the screenwriter’s agoraphobia allows for just short chats through open windows. He’s her sole confidante, though, as she and her housekeeper, Eva, an immigrant from war-torn Europe, rarely make conversation.
Then one early morning Melanie and Eva spot Elwood’s sister-in-law and caretaker, June, digging in his beloved rose garden. After that they don’t see Elwood at all anymore. Where could a man who never leaves the house possibly have gone?
THOUGHTS:
I love Susan Meissner and this was a highly anticipated read for me. I love how the three main characters were well developed, and with the topic of wildfire in Malibu, it was very interesting how relevant many of the topics were. As usual, these are well researched, and the mystery kept me turning the pages.
An absolutely phenomenal read I recommend!
March 25, 2025
Susan Meissner is one of my favorite authors, but this story seemed to lack the heart and emotion of her other books. I struggled to feel connected to any of the characters.
There were three points of view, and I wonder if I would have preferred the plot to focus on just one or two of the women rather than alternating between the three.
Also, the ending wrapped up way too neatly in my opinion.
I didn’t hate this story, and I think it’s a worthwhile read, especially for fans of Meissner, but I didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as I have her other books.
There were three points of view, and I wonder if I would have preferred the plot to focus on just one or two of the women rather than alternating between the three.
Also, the ending wrapped up way too neatly in my opinion.
I didn’t hate this story, and I think it’s a worthwhile read, especially for fans of Meissner, but I didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as I have her other books.
Want to read
March 10, 2025Another author I loved in the past but have not read her work in a good while. Excited to dig into this when it’s released.
March 6, 2025
I loved everything about “A Map to Paradise” by Susan Meissner. I am a huge fan, and I highly recommend this memorable, emotional and thought-provoking novel to others. The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Mystery,Suspense, Thriller, Adult Fiction, Friendship Fiction, and 20th Century Historical Fiction. The timeline for this story is set in 1956, and the setting is in Malibu California. This is the time of the Hollywood blacklist. In this well written novel, the author vividly captures the beautiful scenery, and describes her colorful, suspenseful and dramatic characters. The three women characters that reside on Paradise Circle in California are Melanie Cole, a blacklisted actress, the housekeeper Eva, who is harboring secrets, and the neighbor June, who is the sister in law of an agoraphobic writer.
Melanie and Eva notice that June is working in her brother-in-law’s garden with beautiful rose bushes. Although he doesn’t leave the house, he often will talk through the window to Melanie. When Melanie hasn’t spoken to June’s brother, she wonders where he is. Somehow, the unlikely trio of women seem to be connected by mystery and suspense.
I appreciate how Susan Meissner discusses the historical implications of the Hollywood blacklist, mental illness, displaced persons after the war, the importance of friendship, communication, honesty, trust, love and hope. I highly recommend this captivating and intriguing novel.
Melanie and Eva notice that June is working in her brother-in-law’s garden with beautiful rose bushes. Although he doesn’t leave the house, he often will talk through the window to Melanie. When Melanie hasn’t spoken to June’s brother, she wonders where he is. Somehow, the unlikely trio of women seem to be connected by mystery and suspense.
I appreciate how Susan Meissner discusses the historical implications of the Hollywood blacklist, mental illness, displaced persons after the war, the importance of friendship, communication, honesty, trust, love and hope. I highly recommend this captivating and intriguing novel.
March 6, 2025
Malibu, California 1956
Page turner!
Three strong female characters. All with insecurities and a search for belonging. Melanie is a Hollywood actress that has been blacklisted for her ties to a suspected Communist. Melanie's housekeeper Eva is a displaced person from Europe. Widow June is caretaker for her screenwriting brother-in-law that won't leave his house.
Melanie and June are neighbors with a tepid relationship. Meissner expertly reveals bits of their pasts while also delivering a compelling 1956 storyline. Events unfold and soon it each of their lives are spirally out of control.
Highly recommend this historical novel featuring heroines from different historical events. There is a small amount of foul language.
My gratitude to Berkley Publishing Group for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Page turner!
Three strong female characters. All with insecurities and a search for belonging. Melanie is a Hollywood actress that has been blacklisted for her ties to a suspected Communist. Melanie's housekeeper Eva is a displaced person from Europe. Widow June is caretaker for her screenwriting brother-in-law that won't leave his house.
Melanie and June are neighbors with a tepid relationship. Meissner expertly reveals bits of their pasts while also delivering a compelling 1956 storyline. Events unfold and soon it each of their lives are spirally out of control.
Highly recommend this historical novel featuring heroines from different historical events. There is a small amount of foul language.
My gratitude to Berkley Publishing Group for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
February 26, 2025
✨In true Susan Meissner fashion, this book has it all – mystery, intrigue, love and loss and strong female friendships. All of these elements are set against a historical backdrop in a setting with a vivid sense of place.
✨I so loved the richly drawn cast of characters in these pages. They all have a past they want to keep secret, and the author weaves these stories together masterfully. By the end, all of the puzzle pieces fit, and the ending is perfectly satisfying.
✨ You can’t read a Meissner book without feeling all of the emotions, and this one is no different. Very heartfelt.
🌿Read if you like:
✨Strong female characters
✨Stories of McCarthyism, the Red Scare and Hollywood blacklisting
✨Old Hollywood
✨Historical fiction
✨Malibu settings
✨50s nostalgia
Highly recommend!
My thanks to @berkleypub and @netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book before its publication date.
✨I so loved the richly drawn cast of characters in these pages. They all have a past they want to keep secret, and the author weaves these stories together masterfully. By the end, all of the puzzle pieces fit, and the ending is perfectly satisfying.
✨ You can’t read a Meissner book without feeling all of the emotions, and this one is no different. Very heartfelt.
🌿Read if you like:
✨Strong female characters
✨Stories of McCarthyism, the Red Scare and Hollywood blacklisting
✨Old Hollywood
✨Historical fiction
✨Malibu settings
✨50s nostalgia
Highly recommend!
My thanks to @berkleypub and @netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book before its publication date.
March 18, 2025
Beautiful and bittersweet tale of the enduring power and resilience of female friendship. 3.5 stars
March 10, 2025
Thank you to @prhaudio for early access to the audiobook.
This is the 9th Meissner book I’ve read. I love that I can continue to count on cleverly crafted, resiliently researched and compulsively readable historical fiction. What I love in equal measure is that her books often focus on a lesser known chapter in history or a topic I know little to nothing about.
This is the story of 3 women in Malibu in the late 1950’s during the communist Red Scare in Hollywood. Female friendship/ themes of belonging and found family/second-chance stories/intrigue/sentimental. It was engaging, but not as emotionally charged as I would have liked. It was an enjoyable read, but I didn’t feel the same emotional connection I’ve felt with previous works.
I’ll continue to read her work, even if this wasn’t my favorite. My favorites are: 𝘈 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘴, 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘈𝘴 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯, and 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴
This is the 9th Meissner book I’ve read. I love that I can continue to count on cleverly crafted, resiliently researched and compulsively readable historical fiction. What I love in equal measure is that her books often focus on a lesser known chapter in history or a topic I know little to nothing about.
This is the story of 3 women in Malibu in the late 1950’s during the communist Red Scare in Hollywood. Female friendship/ themes of belonging and found family/second-chance stories/intrigue/sentimental. It was engaging, but not as emotionally charged as I would have liked. It was an enjoyable read, but I didn’t feel the same emotional connection I’ve felt with previous works.
I’ll continue to read her work, even if this wasn’t my favorite. My favorites are: 𝘈 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘴, 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘈𝘴 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯, and 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴
February 6, 2025
A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner is a historical fiction novel set in the 1950's. This story brings together 3 women who become unlikely friends because they share a secret that winds up bonding them. This novel brings in elements of old Hollywood, the Red Scare, and Communism as the backdrop of a strong female female story. Although I love Meissner's books, I did not connect with this one as much as I have with her other books. I found this one a bit slow at times. I did like the three female characters and found them interesting, but they did not carry the story enough to make this a wow story for me.
March 19, 2025
I have been reading Susan Meissner's books for a long time. She focuses on a variety of themes and I have enjoyed them all. It’s been interesting to watch her writing style evolve and character development perfected. In my mind, each book is better than the last one read.
A Map to Paradise is multi-layered and a little convoluted. In the beginning, as the storyline is being set up, it is a little slow. Then, it takes off. It takes place in the 1950s, one of my favourite eras.
The three main characters are women. Eva is an immigrant Displaced Person from Eastern Europe, Melanie is a budding actress with a successful movie under her belt and June is the sister-in-law of a successful screenwriter. As different as they seem at the outset, they become bonded friends as they help each other.
There are many interesting components to the plot. There is McCarthyism and the black listing of many top Hollywood names, agoraphobia, family strife, SECRETS (always necessary, in my mind), wildfires of Malibu, dead bodies and much more. It seems like a lot but evolves naturally.
The story has a Hollywood ending, as is befitting the storyline. There were a few happy surprises for this reader.
I appreciated the Author's Notes at the end. Kudos to Ms Meissner for the research she did to make the historical aspects of the story genuine. And, I love her description of the different but same meanings of Home to each of the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
A Map to Paradise is multi-layered and a little convoluted. In the beginning, as the storyline is being set up, it is a little slow. Then, it takes off. It takes place in the 1950s, one of my favourite eras.
The three main characters are women. Eva is an immigrant Displaced Person from Eastern Europe, Melanie is a budding actress with a successful movie under her belt and June is the sister-in-law of a successful screenwriter. As different as they seem at the outset, they become bonded friends as they help each other.
There are many interesting components to the plot. There is McCarthyism and the black listing of many top Hollywood names, agoraphobia, family strife, SECRETS (always necessary, in my mind), wildfires of Malibu, dead bodies and much more. It seems like a lot but evolves naturally.
The story has a Hollywood ending, as is befitting the storyline. There were a few happy surprises for this reader.
I appreciated the Author's Notes at the end. Kudos to Ms Meissner for the research she did to make the historical aspects of the story genuine. And, I love her description of the different but same meanings of Home to each of the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
March 17, 2025
Rich, atmospheric, and unpredictable!
A Map to Paradise is a mysterious, captivating tale set in Malibu during the late 1950s that takes us into the lives of three main characters. Melanie, an aspiring actress whose affair with a suspected communist has blacklisted her from the movie business; Eva, a European immigrant maid who is content to keep her head down and get her work done; and June, a middle-aged woman who since losing her husband has spent her days happily taking care of her agoraphobic brother-in-law.
The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are vulnerable, resourceful, and resilient. And the plot is a compelling tale of life, loss, deception, surprises, secrets, heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, survival, and a touch of romance.
Overall, A Map to Paradise is an intriguing, absorbing, enigmatic tale by Meissner that immerses you in another time and place and does a wonderful job of highlighting the lengths that people will often go to for survival, and reminds us just how important and powerful female friendships can truly be.
A Map to Paradise is a mysterious, captivating tale set in Malibu during the late 1950s that takes us into the lives of three main characters. Melanie, an aspiring actress whose affair with a suspected communist has blacklisted her from the movie business; Eva, a European immigrant maid who is content to keep her head down and get her work done; and June, a middle-aged woman who since losing her husband has spent her days happily taking care of her agoraphobic brother-in-law.
The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are vulnerable, resourceful, and resilient. And the plot is a compelling tale of life, loss, deception, surprises, secrets, heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, survival, and a touch of romance.
Overall, A Map to Paradise is an intriguing, absorbing, enigmatic tale by Meissner that immerses you in another time and place and does a wonderful job of highlighting the lengths that people will often go to for survival, and reminds us just how important and powerful female friendships can truly be.
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