A New Life in Paradise

Retiring in the Philippines

By: Philippe Faucon

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Retirement was supposed to be quiet. James Faulkner didn’t expect it to come with typhoons, tricycles, or all kind of loving ladies.

After decades of doing the responsible thing, James packs up his well-ordered life and relocates to Dumaguete, a coastal city in the Philippines where the breeze is warm, the fish is fresh, and absolutely nothing goes according to plan.

He wants peace. What he gets is:

• A house full of surprises—including two young women who seem to think he’s running a halfway hostel.

• A misfit crew of expats who debate everything from beer brands to the meaning of life.

• And more romantic attention than he’s had since the Reagan administration.

There’s Elena, graceful and guarded, who sees straight through him. Maribel, whose smile could start fires (and arguments). And don’t forget Lourdes, who shows up with baked goods and zero subtlety.

As James tries to adjust to sunburns, fiestas, and cultural curveballs, he’s faced with real questions:
What does starting over actually mean? Can you open your heart at sixty? And is it still called a midlife crisis if it happens in paradise?

From awkward Tagalog mishaps to moonlit dinners, A New Life in Paradise is a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud novel about reinventing yourself in a place where mangoes are ripe, love is unpredictable, and every day brings a new kind of beautiful mess.

Perfect for fans of character-driven fiction, slow-burn romance, and second chances served with a side of sunshine.