Serendipity, as Written by Galen Weston

Christina Lauren’s latest romance novel, “The Paradise Problem,” has sparked intrigue with its protagonist, Liam Weston, who bears a striking resemblance to Loblaw chairman Galen G. Weston. However, the writing duo behind the book, Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, insist that any similarities are purely coincidental.

Despite the unintentional Weston connection, the authors intentionally included nods to Canada in the book, such as naming the heroine Anna Green after “Anne of Green Gables.” The story also features a bonus scene where Liam and Anna travel to Canada to get married, adding a touch of Canadian flair to the romance.

In a departure from the typical billionaire hero trope, Liam Weston is portrayed as a disillusioned Stanford professor who is heir to a grocery empire but questions its values. The authors aimed to subvert expectations and explore larger themes beyond the romance genre in their 30th novel together.

Billings and Hobbs emphasized the importance of portraying realistic characters, with Anna, a struggling artist, serving as the aspirational figure in the story. The authors sought to balance escapism with a grounded portrayal of wealth, highlighting the drawbacks of extreme affluence.

As readers immerse themselves in the luxurious setting of a private island wedding, they are invited to contemplate the complexities of wealth and privilege. “The Paradise Problem” offers a blend of fantasy and reality, challenging traditional romance tropes and celebrating the idea of every individual finding their own version of a happily ever after.