Sangita's Dilemma - Cover Reveal

       I have never done cover reveal on my blog. But since I love Sundari Venkatraman's books a lot, I readily agreed to it when she asked and here goes the first cover reveal on my blog :)

Cover Reveal:

SANGITA'S DILEMMA

by 

Sundari Venkatraman

Sneak Peek

Sangita Sinclair is applauded at a special function where she receives an award for successfully heading an NGO called Penn Urimai. She’s married to Gautam and has three children. A reporter wants to interview Sangita about her passion for setting up an NGO for downtrodden women and making it a huge success. Her questions take Sangita down memory lane....

She had been a widow with a small son when she met Gautam Sinclair. Being from a conservative family, Sangita had had the devil’s own time recognising her love for Gautam for what it is. Only her troubles don’t end there....

About the author

Sundari Venkatraman has four novels and a short story collection to her name. Sangita’s Dilemma is her sixth book. Her books are self-published under the banner Flaming Sun and are often found on Amazon’s Top 100 Bestsellers’ Contemporary Romances list. 

A great fan of Mills & Boon romances over the past four decades, Sundari has always believed in ‘Happily Ever Afters’ and all her books promise joyous endings. 

Sangita’s Dilemma tells the story of Sangita, a young widow from a conservative family in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Her parents wouldn’t hear of widow remarriage and all hell breaks loose when a half-American falls in love with her and proposes marriage. Sundari deals with different issues in society in her books without preaching anyone. The characters speak for themselves. 

The author says, “I wrote this book with a lot of love and passion; I hope you enjoy reading it.” 

Sundari Venkatraman would love to hear from you @

Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | LinkedIn | Website | Google+ | Pinterest

Other books by the author

Double Jeopardy
The Malhotra Bride
Meghna
The Runaway Bridegroom
Flaming Sun Collection 1: Happily Ever Afters From India (Box Set)
Matches Made In Heaven

Are you ready?????????

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Book launch by:

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Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Wrong for the Right Reasons - Book Review

Title: Wrong for the Right Reasons 

Author: Ritu Lalit

Publisher: Ritu Lalit

ASIN: B00NQC8THK

Number of Pages: 236

Price: 185 [INR] (e-Book)

The Blurb:

Shyamoli Verma’s timing is wrong. In her late twenties, she finds that her marriage is irrevocably broken. She comes back to her parents with her pre-teen son and an infant daughter, only to find that she is unwelcome. 

Independent and brash, she decides to bring up her children and also get a divorce without any support from friends and family. 

Written with wry self deprecating humour, this is the story of a divorced woman's quest for love and security.

My Review:

There are some kind of books, which are so magical that they weave fantasies in the mind of the readers and leave them wanting for more. Then there are some books, which gives you a reality check and bring you back to the present and rightly so, because fantasies are not the place to dwell for long. The book 'Wrong for the Right Reasons' is of the latter kind.

The book narrates the story of Shyamoli Verma, a divorced woman who is trying to find her footing in this world with two kids from her broken marriage. Life is not fair with a mother, who worries more about 'respect' than about her daughter's condition, friends who deceive and husband who is enjoying his days with his childhood sweetheart and hardly worried about Shyamoli's leaving. Thrown into a difficult situation, both children grow up beyond their ages while Shyamoli tries to do her best to keep them happy. The story goes on about how she handles all the difficulties life throws at her way and emerges as a successful person.

The story also deals with the troubles Shyamoli faces as she tries to bring up her kids single handedly. There are monetary problems, what with a husband who stops sending money for kids' school fees and mother, who refuses to stand by her daughter, hoping she would go back to her husband. But above all, there is hope. Hope that hard work might succeed and happy days may find their way back into life again.

Some parts of the story were predictable but again, it had to be. The story couldn't have been told in any other way to make it better. I loved how Shyamoli took revenge against Roop and Uma for their betrayal. But Varun's betrayal was the one that shocked me the most! I felt the last part where Ketaki runs off and the drama that unfolds was stretched a little but all is well that ends well. In this book, there are plots but there is also love. There are mistakes but there is also forgiveness. Sometimes wrong decisions have to be taken, but for right reasons.

The narration is gripping and the story engaging. More than engaging, the story is realistic. We all find situations like this in real life. The characters feel real, like someone we know from our own life and thus making the story more interesting. There are all kind of people in this novel - a best friend who stabs her friend in the back for money, people who try to take advantage of the weak, people who worry about society more than happiness of the dear ones. The stark reality of today's world is written without diluting anything or sugar coating the truth.

All in all, it was a good read. A welcome break from the regular love stories.

Story Told in Pictures:

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

Buy @

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Meet the Author:

Ritu Lalit is a corporate slave turned fiction writer. A voracious reader, she is a gold medalist post graduate in English Literature who spent most of her childhood in remote areas in the northeastern parts of India, lying on grassy hillsides daydreaming and reading books.

She loves spinning tales, but no longer has her captive audience as her children grew up and flew away from the coop. Her three dogs don’t pay much attention. She began writing in the vain hope that the characters she creates will listen to her, even do her bidding.

She has five books out in the market, A Bowlful of Butterflies, HILAWI, Chakra, Chronicles of the Witch Way and Wrong, for the Right Reasons. Her fifth novel, His Father’s Mistress is coming soon.

You can stalk her @

                         

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Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Matches Made in Heaven - Book Review

Title: Matches made in Heaven 

Author: Sundari Venkatraman

Publisher: Flaming Sun

ASIN: B00R7HDVIW

Number of Pages: 148

Price: 61 [INR]

Genre: Romance

Type: e-book

The Blurb:

A collection of 13 romantic short stories based in India; a culture rich country steeped in tradition. Inspiration struck me from newspaper articles, TV shows and hearing people talk. The short stories are based on that fact that arranged marriages thrive right alongside love matches in India.

My Review:

Short stories are always fun to read. Though I love full length novels, there is something about short stories that makes me happy. Maybe it is because they are so easy to read. One can read them while taking breaks or travelling from home till office/college. Short stories are best suited to read during breaks.

This book 'Matches Made in Heaven' is a collection of 13 such short stories. All the stories are romance based and with a happy ending. What more can one ask for? The stories are so brilliantly weaved that they will bring a smile on the reader's face and leave them asking for more! Each story has something new to tell, some new world to take you to. Sundari Venkatraman has managed to weave magic through her words and paint a colorful picture for readers. 

There is a story where the groom plans his own kidnapping to marry the girl of his choice. Will it work out? Read 'Groomnapped' to find out.

'Beauty is but Skin Deep' is the story of Simran, who has faced hardships all her life because of her dark skin. Will the girl who never succeeded in pleasing her father, be able to find someone who will accept her and love her for the person she is?

There is an instant attraction between Ritu and Harsh when the first meet and neither of them can overlook the sparks flying between them. But what will happen when Ritu's parents plan an arrange marriage for her? 'An Arranged Match' or the love of her life? whom will she choose?

'Red Rose Dating Agency' is one which helps people find dates based on their likings. It helps people find their love. Ritika is content running the agency. But when a shabby looking guy appears and demands for a date, will she be able to find him one? Will she be able to handle the roller coaster ride this stranger happens to thrust her into?

Not all people who look happy are really happy. The successful actress Jahnavi has her own demons from the past which she has kept carefully hidden from the world. Will she be able to forget the past and give love another chance? Will Rehan be able to break the wall she had built around herself? Read 'Chahti hoon Tumhe' to find out more about Jahnavi and her love life.

Soumya believes in 'Soul Mates' but her dad believes in marrying the guy of same caste! What will happen to her love? Will she be able to marry her love? And when life brings her at cross roads, what will her choice be? The story deals with delicate matter of love and acceptance.

'Madeinheaven.com' is the matrimonial site managed by Jeetu, which provides a platform for people to find the love of their life. Will Jeetu, who helps millions, be able to find his love through this site? Will he be able to win over the girl he likes?

Do you believe in life after death? I didn't! But after reading 'Rahat Mili', it is difficult not to! Read the story of two lovers, separated by death, coming together in this life to be with each other.

Prisha meets Arjun through her friend's match making scheme 'Reema's Matchmakers'. Both Prisha and Arjun are married and single parents and both have decided not to marry again. This similarity brings them together. But what they didn't expect is the attraction they feel towards each other. Will they give their love a chance or pretend to be friends whole life, not understanding the other's feelings and worried about losing their friendship?

Krish, the eligible Bachelor loves Nikita and Nikita considers Krish as her friends and turns down his proposal. But to escape her parents' attempt at finding suitable groom for her, she agrees to marry Krish but there are conditions applied. She wants them to be friends. Will Krish be able to fight his attraction and make good on the deal or will he be able to convince Nikita, 'The Reluctant Bride' that she loves him too?

Swayamvars always appeared to me like something that happened in a different world, the world of royal people. Sundari Venkatraman manages to bring it out from that world to the present as she writes about 'Shweta ka Swayamvar', a story that has all ingredients like TRPs, confusion, attraction and an Alpha Male!

Love is not always what it seems to be. Sometimes people fake it for monetary benefits they get. Aisha had been privy to many such frauds in her life, who claimed to love her but were after her father's money. But Shyam claims to be different. Is he? Will the 'Pappa's Girl' be able to find her true love in him?

The last one is a Mythological romance story. It is about Velan, who has returned tired from the battle, finds Valli and falls for her instantly. The romance that follows is a treat to the readers.

Each of these stories is written in such a way that you cannot help but keep on turning pages and wish for more. The emotions are handled brilliantly. Sundari's writing is, as always, eloquent and her narration is engaging. The stories being set in India, a place with rich traditions and culture, is another plus point. A light and happy read. If you love romance love stories and you want to read something short, then go pick this one.

My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars!

Buy @

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Meet the Author:

Sundari Venkatraman has authored four novels and a short story anthology till now, Matches Made In Heaven (anthology) being the latest. The Malhotra Bride; Meghna; The Runaway Bridegroom; Flaming Sun Collection 1: Happily Ever Afters From India (Box Set) and Matches Made In Heaven have all been self-published on Amazon under the banner of Flaming Sun. The three novels are regularly seen on Amazon’s Top 100 Bestsellers’ Contemporary Romances list. The Box Set and Anthology are bound to catch up soon. 

A great fan of Mills & Boon romances over the past four decades, Sundari has always believed in ‘Happily Ever Afters’ and all her books promise happy endings. 

Matches Made In Heaven is a compilation of thirteen short stories – all romantic – based on many situations anyone can come upon in their day-to-day lives. The stories revolve around the different ways a couple can get to meet and tie the knot in a culture rich country like India. Those reading the stories will definitely be able to connect realising that one of the situations has definitely been a part of their lives. 

You can stalk her @

                          

        

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Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Angelic Beats - Book Review

Title: Angelic Beats  

Author: Sarita Singh
Publisher: Leadstart Publishing Pvt. Ltd
ISBN: 978-93-84226-50-3
Number of Pages: 247
Price: 175 [INR]


Blurb on the Book:

Angelic Beats is the story of a boy in his late teens who falls in love with a married woman. Both defy their ages; the woman for her looks and innocence and the boy for his confidence and clarity in life along with integrity. The journey of the boy for his passion also becomes journey of love for both that finally takes them to more meaningful destinations. It unfolds the changing perspective of a young boy and a married woman in various situations of life treading the path of love and success together. How they carry on with love and friendship as a responsibility is quintessence to their journeys.

Love can make one completely blind or it can candle all the darkness in life.

Sometimes destiny becomes the greatest magician. It brings two opposite people, Sahil and Aakanksha, on one platform. Even their personal statuses do not match for one is married and the other single. One is confident about making choices in life, whereas the other is always scared of making a choice. One is always positive, and the other is negative in outlook.

Unlike mathematics, where "+" and "-" always make "-", sometimes in real life, "+" and "-" do make a "+" together.

On the road leading to his passion, he happened to meet the first love of his love too. Before going to the National Defence Academy for the journey to be a commissioned officer in Indian Air Force finally, he introduced "love" in her and his own life and pledged his heart to her. The arrows of Cupid struck her also.

Do their final choices engulf all other relationships like a storm and rage and bleed their self-esteem? Or are they able to carry their choices gracefully through their quest for happiness?

My Review:

The protagonist Sahil is a 19 year old whose dream is to join the Airforce. He  is strong, determined and follows his dream passionately. On his journey to the NDA, he meets Akanksha, who is 24 and married! But this doesn't stop them from falling for each other and the story there after is how they carry on with their lives while nurturing this love of theirs.

Amidst all the odds, Sahil and Akanksha find a way to be each others strength, love providing the necessary support needed. But how long will they be able to carry on this love? Will they be able to face the society and their family?

I liked the positive approach of Sahil towards life. His confidence and his perseverance are something that can inspire you. The story starts well and is fast paced till a certain point but from the middle of the story, the pace slows down and it gets a little boring. While it is interesting to learn about the life at NDA, too much details slows down the story pace and the reader loses interest slightly.

Here are some lines that I liked from the book:

• Love is never planned nor does it happen for a reason. It just happens.
• When you are bitten by bug called Love, everything seems perfect.
• With strength comes clarity of thoughts.

All in all, I felt the book was OK. The language is simple and straight forward. Apart from few additional details which slows down the plot, the story makes a good read.

My Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Buy @

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Meet the Author:

The author, Sarita Singh, is a post-graduate in chemistry with a post-graduate diploma in mass communications. Born and brought up in Panipat, Haryana, she has been married to a doctor and is blessed with a son. The author is a state civil services (allied) officer, who has also taught in various institutions earlier. Reading and writing have always been a part of Sarita Singh who used to write her diary from a very young age. Like many others, she too loves gossiping and enjoying with friends and family as she loves spending time with them. The author believes in a few optimistic thoughts: “I am alright, I am happy where I am now, but I wish to be somewhere else. And I will try for it.”

You can stalk her @

                          

       

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Love,

Swathi :)

Canvas of Dreams - Book Review

Title: Canvas of Dreams

Author: Jaya Siva Murthy 

Publisher: Indireads Incorporated
Number of Pages: 102
Price: 119 [INR] on Amazon.in
Genre: Romance
Format: E-book

The Blurb:

Riya seems to have lost everything - the man she loves to another woman, her husband to death and her soul to fear. An unexpected meeting with her first love, Ryan, stirs up long repressed feelings but also allows her to move out of the long shadow of the past. Unburdened, she feels free to pursue her dream of opening an art gallery and the handsome and intriguing artist Rehaan. But memories of her marriage refuse to fade away and then suddenly, Ryan shows up in her life again. Now, Riya must find the courage to reconcile her past and present. For Riya, life is a canvas of dreams. Can she distinguish between reality and fantasy?

My Review:

Riya is an art curator, who goes to Singapore on work. Unexpectedly, she meets Ryan, the love of her life, whom she had lost to another woman years ago. Riya finds that she still has feelings for Ryan and things seem to fall back in place instantly. But before they could go further, reality hits her and she makes an escape; again!

The story is woven around Riya's dreams or rather nightmares. Since the death of her abusive husband, for which she holds herself responsible, these nightmares continue to haunt her every single night. She is terrified and lost. When Rehaan comes to her life, will she be able to accept his love? Will she be able to forget her past and give herself another chance?

The story  portrays the struggle she goes through to let go the past, face her fears and embrace her dreams. The story is about dreams, love and friendship. I loved how the story is woven, showing the soft as well as tough side of Riya at the same time. The language is simple and the flow is smooth. Till the very end, the suspense is well maintained as with whom Riya will end up. Amidst all the confusion in her life, her will to pursue her dreams is praise worthy. I just wish there was a little more about the male protagonist.

Here are some of the lines I liked from the book:

• Love is complex, like a pani puri. It's hard outside, yet can contain so much. That's a relationship for you. You never know what happens and how, and before you know it, it bloody ends.
• When life gets tough, you get tougher.
• It's not about how similar or how different two people are. A relationship is about whether they are able to celebrate and enjoy those similarities and dissimilarities.

All in all, it is a short and refreshing read. I would suggest it to all romance novel lovers.

My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Buy @

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Meet the Author:

Jaya Siva Murty is a business writer and social media manager from Visakhapatnam, India. Fascinated with the written word since the age of ten, she would file away her poems and short stories in a secret diary, till some were finally published by ‘Times of India’ and ‘Savvy’. She has written for the Economic Times and now provides India-relevant stories for a Hong Kong based magazine. When she’s not designing content for websites, or writing technical blogs and articles for clients worldwide, she spins yarns with unusual twists and turns through her works of fiction.

Jaya holds a business management degree and has taken creativity lessons at Stanford University. ‘Canvas of Dreams’ is her debut foray into novella writing.

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Love,

Swathi :)

Rescued by Love - Book Review

Title: Rescued by Love 

Author: Shilpa Suraj

Publisher: Harlequin India Pvt. Ltd.

ISBN: 978-93-5106-495-4

Number of Pages: 184

Price: 150 [INR]

Genre: Romance

The Blurb:

When Naina Ahuja is kidnapped as hostage days before her father, a Supreme Court Chief Justice, must sentence a terrorist, the stakes are very high. Lt Col Arjun Rathore and his team are the only ones who can be trusted with the mission of saving her. 

During their arduous trek back through the hostile terrain of Ladakh, Arjun and Naina spend days in danger of losing their lives - and their hearts. Back in safety, the real world and its very real problems threaten – as do their own perceptions of the differences between them. 

They must separate – but will life rescue their love?

My Review:

Meet Naina Ahuja, strong and determined. She is the daughter of the Supreme Court Chief Justice who runs away from her home to Leh to escape the arranged marriage with 'Fatty'. During her escapade, she is kidnapped by terrorists who demand her father that he release their leader.

Meet Lt. Col. Arjun Rathore, brave and the man of his words. He leads the team of officers who have come to rescue Naina from her captors.

On their journey back home, both fall for each other but fate has different plans and they must part ways. When they meet again, will they be able to reunite or must they part ways again?

The story is amazing with so many twists and turns. Shilpa has done a great job in capturing the attention of readers throughout the story. The story gets interesting with each page and the twists and turns will make you wonder what will happen in the end? I just couldn't put down the book until I finished it.

I loved Naina and Arjun whose characters are portrayed so well that they feel like real persons. It is difficult not to fall in love with Arjun's personality as the story progresses and I was definitely not an exception to his charms! There is perfect balance of humor and excitement in the story to keep the readers interested throughout.

I just loved Shilpa's writing and I definitely look forward to reading more books by her. I recommend this for readers who are love romance.

My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Buy @

Amazon.com | Amazon.in | Flipkart 

Meet the Author

Shilpa was a year and a half when she was first introduced to the world of books. Her mother would park her with a picture book on the floor of the kitchen while she finished her cooking for the day. While it’s no longer the kitchen floor, you can still find her tucked away in a cosy nook somewhere with her nose buried in a book. While books in all genres interest her, it was romance that captured her heart. While racing through every romantic fiction book she could beg, borrow or buy, her over active imagination started to work overtime and weave its own stories. Years in the corporate world followed by a stint of entrepreneurship crystallised her belief that all she really wanted to do was give life to the stories bubbling inside of her. She briefly managed to tear herself away from the world of fiction to find her own personal happily ever after and now spends her time happily focusing on the two loves of her life – family and writing romances. 

You can stalk Shilpa Suraj @

                       

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Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)