Haven to Heaven: A Journey from Laos to America

**Royal Palm Literary Award Bronze Winner 2019**

In the wake of the Communist takeover of Laos, Kim Champa leads her family on a daring escape in search of a better life. Using excerpts from her daughter Kasi's diary, Kim tells the riveting story of life in a lawless refugee camp in Thailand. Together, mother and daughter share a tale of intergenerational struggle from the hopelessness of Laos, to the safe haven of the USA, to a powerful final view from heaven.

This firsthand account novel provides a vivid depiction of survival and hope in the face of tyranny and poverty. As the story unfolds, it offers a unique glimpse of our world and its multiplicity of issues. A memorable tale, it uses history, heart, and hope to explore all aspects of life.

What readers are saying about Haven to Heaven:
"An undeniably human face and voice to the American immigrant experience."
"This amazing story of courage, resilience and faith will stay with you long after you close the cover."
"The author gives the reader a deeper perspective of our humanity and touches the heart."
"This novel told a compelling story that was difficult to put down!"
"Guaranteed to make you think about family in a very meaningful way."
"Love the author's refreshingly honest writing style. It's unpretentious and compelling."
"Inspiring story of determination, faith and insight into the plight that refugees suffer for freedom."
"A beautiful testimony for future generations to read the story their parents/grandparents had to go through to find peace and freedom."
"The reader is left with a deeper understanding of true hardships and immense appreciation of life and freedom."
''The ability to love and survive, and the determination and faith of the characters make this story a completely captivating one. It will change one's perspective on life after reading."
"I enjoyed the story and the history presented in this novel but was most impressed by the strength of the women...The mother-daughter relationship, woven throughout the story, was an added bonus."
"It is a timeless book that should be considered for an Oprah book of the month or screenplay."


About the Author
Book Preview: This novel, based on the author's personal experiences and observations after the Communist takeover of Laos, provides a vivid depiction of survival in the face of tyranny and poverty. Inspiring and thought-provoking, it offers a unique glimpse of our world and its multiplicity of issues. A memorable tale, it uses history, heart, and hope to explore all aspects of life.