TRESNA: Gate of Love, Memoir One (Chronicles of a Balinese Priestess Book 1)

The 5-book series, Chronicles of a Balinese Priestess, recounts the real-life story of Frances Tse Ardika, the first foreigner to become a Balinese Temple Priestess. TRESNA: Gate of Love is the first memoir in her series, Chronicles of a Balinese Priestess.Full of hope, courage – and even a touch of black magic – Frances’s memoir is a vivid, inside account of the unexplored beauty, culture, and food of the “real” Bali in the early 2000s, before the age of digital nomads and Instagram influencers. But more than anything, it is a love story. Written with heart-wrenching honesty and good-spirited humour, her journey leads us through dense jungles of emotion to dreams we didn’t know could become reality.REVIEWS"TRESNA, Gate of Love, Memoir One in Chronicles of a Balinese Priestessis like a cross between Eat, Pray, Love and Crazy Rich Asians — and this first volume definitely has elements of both — but really, it’s deeper than that. This is a book for anyone who is “supposed to be” a certain way, professionally, socially, romantically, whatever, and wonders if they’d be happier doing something wildly different. This is, after all, about a dotcom executive from the West who will wind up becoming a Balinese priestess..." — Justin, Goodreads reader"I could NOT stop turning the pages. I laughed, I cried, I felt angry, I felt surprised! This book is an anthem for freedom, bravery and stepping into the unknown. The imagery is so vivid that you feel like you're right next to Frances as her path unfolds. If you've never been to Bali but have always wanted to go..reading this book will give you a beautiful impression of the lesser-known gems the island holds. Frances's character will help you find the courage you need to start that new chapter of life you've been putting off. Reading this book was exciting for the heart, captivating for the mind, and nourishing for the soul. I cannot recommend TRESNA, Gate of Love highly enough!!! and I can't wait for the future ones :)"— Anthea, Goodreads reader"This book is an absolute love story – a love story of self and the world we all live in. You can’t help but fall in love with Frances. She is all of us at some point. The difference is that she had the courage to take a leap into the unknown and the result is an extraordinary experience where your emotions and imagination are taken on a fantastical journey. As I was reading this, I was transported into her shoes and experiencing everything that she was seeing and feeling. This book was not only an introduction to Frances, but also to Bali that most tourists never get to see. The personal insight to the people, their daily lives, the culture and their food leave you wanting more. The richness and vibrancy of the details made my imagination come alive. I realize that this is just the first book and I can’t wait to read the next one."— Alysson, Goodreads reader"...looking through a keyhole into a different fascinating magic culture. Beautiful descriptions of Bali, the nature, the magic, the culture, the sounds, tastes, views, smells, people and the feeling of it… as if I can smell and hear and see it too..."— Karoline, Goodreads reader"Part travelogue and part memoir, the author balances evocative descriptions of countries, cultures and customs with her personal reflections on her own values, priorities and aspirations..."— Marnie, Goodreads reader Read more