A riveting and poignant novel of one womanâs journey to Bali in search of love, renewal, and a place to call homeâperfect for readers of Elizabeth Gilbertâs Eat, Pray, Love and Alex Garlandâs The Beach.
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It starts as a trip to paradise. Sent on assignment to Bali, Jamie, an American adventure guide, imagines spending weeks exploring the islandâs lush jungles and pristine white sand beaches. Yet three days after her arrival, she is caught in Baliâs infamous nightclub bombings, which irreparably change her life and leave her with many unanswered questions.
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One year later, haunted by memories, Jamie returns to Bali seeking a sense of closure. Most of all, she hopes to find Gabe, the man who saved her from the attacks. She hasnât been able to forget his kindnessâor the spark between them as he helped her heal. Checking into a cozy guest house for her stay, Jamie meets the kindly owner, who is coping with a painful past of his own, and a young boy who improbably becomes crucial to her search. Jamie has never shied away from a challenge, but a second chance with Gabe presents her with the biggest dilemma of all: whether sheâs ready to open her heart.
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Praise for The Paradise Guest House
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âTwo survivors of Baliâs terrorist bombing find love and spiritual rebirth on an island whose inhabitants believe in reincarnation in Sussmanâs touching panorama of paradise. . . . Throughout, Sussman celebrates lovers, quiet healing, and the sweetness of the island and its people.ââPublishers Weekly (starred review)
âA story of healing and redemption, of finding love in the most unexpected places, and of the importance of moving forward . . . Sussman has drawn a vivid, well-balanced portrait of a woman and a country working to recover from an unimaginable event and a very personal look at a global tragedy.ââBooklist
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âEchoing Baliâs difficult recovery from [the 2002 terrorist bombing], the characters tread the difficult terrain of post-traumatic attachment. . . . A respectful and earnest . . . treatment of devastationâs aftermath.ââKirkus Reviews
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â[A] moving story about making sense of life after a tragedy . . . This touching tale will cause contemplation about what closure truly means.ââRT Book Reviews