Katie never stops moving – constantly changing her address, her boyfriends, her life. But every June, for a month, she goes back to Maine. To the old lake house her family calls Paradise.
But one day Katie wakes up in a hospital bed in Maine, with no memory of the last eighteen months. From her current boyfriend to the global pandemic, Katie is lost. And everything at Paradise has changed, too… including her best friend in the world, Nic.
Nic puts down deep roots. She still lives in the house where she grew up. She’s the memory keeper of her family. And she’s been in love with her best friend Katie for almost her entire life. Now Katie’s claiming not to remember the night that destroyed their friendship forever. Is her amnesia real? Or does she just want to forget?
And how can either of them move on, if only one of them remembers the truth?
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My Review
This is a beautifully written, emotionally layered novel that delves into the complexities of friendship, identity, and the choices that shape who we become. Katie and Nicole have been inseparable since childhood, their bond tested by time, ambition, and the diverging paths of adulthood. When their dreams and desires begin to clash, the two women find themselves at a crossroads, questioning not only their friendship but also their own sense of self.
Cohen’s storytelling shines with empathy and depth, exploring how even the strongest relationships can falter when life pulls people in different directions. The Maine setting adds a serene yet poignant backdrop to the emotional turbulence, capturing both the beauty and isolation of self-discovery. The characters feel incredibly authentic—their pain, confusion, and loyalty leap off the page, making it impossible not to root for them.
With its honest portrayal of love, friendship, and growing pains, Paradise is a tender, thought-provoking read that lingers long after the final page. A heartfelt, soul-stirring novel perfect for readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven stories.
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