Category: Book review

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Review of Love for two lifetimes

BLURB:

Who do you choose: the man who might be your father, or the one who could be the love of your life? Following a trail of clues in love letters her mother wrote but never sent, Isabelle Cavalera steps into a world of English aristocracy, one which years ago forced her mother to choose between her obligation to her musical gift and the obligations the man she loved had to his family, title, and estate. It’s a world of secrets and masquerades, of parental heartache and romantic betrayal. And in the midst of this world, Izzy finds Malcolm Halford, who feels as broken as she does herself.

Thrown together on a journey of discovery that spans two lifetimes and takes the reader from a grand estate in the Cotswolds to a hospital bedside in India and ultimately to the Taj Mahal, Izzy and Malcolm try desperately not to fall in love while the letters written by Izzy’s mother take on a whole new meaning as they bring an entire community together. But some loves are impossible… And some are worth any sacrifice… Uplifting, funny, tragic, and unforgettably romantic, Love for Two Lifetimes is a tale of two generations of love, a lifetime of friendship, a history of sacrifice, and one last, heartbreaking and hopeful choice revealed in prose and love letters. If you’re a fan of Pride and Prejudice, Everything, Everything, John or Jane Green, Inglath Cooper, Elin Hilderbrand, Sophie Kinsella, or any story by Nicholas Sparks, this luminous and twisting novel from the award-winning author of Compulsion and Lake of Destiny will have you thinking, smiling, and crying in the best way late into the night.

MY REVIEW:

This book was not meant to be put down, once you’ve started reading it and I finished it in two days. The author is one such who makes you feel the emotions that are undergone by the characters.

The story starts with Izzy and her classical pianist mom. They were very close to one another that she never felt the need of a father. All along when she grew up, she never knew she had a father, who it was or where he was. All she knew was only her mother and the only other family known is of her best friend Ellis’.

One fine day she is devastated by the death of her mother in a fatal car accident and all of a sudden she feels like she’s never known her mom. The diversity of the thoughts that she gets post the accident has been portrayed so well.

After her mom’s death Izzy feels that the world she had known has completely crashed on her which is when she discovers a box of love letters which were written and not sent by her mom. They were addressed to Ian Halford in England. As she reads through those letters she understands they were emotions of love and life heartfelt by her mom. This give her an urge to set out on a quest to find Ian and to determine if he could be her father, about whom she never knew anything.

She flies to England to meet Ian Halford. She gets to know that he was an aristocrat by birth and a doctor by profession. NO, this is not the typical royal romantic story. She meets Malcom who was Ian’s son. Malcom also had tragedies in life- losing his twin sister at 8 and his mom at 12. It was only him and his father all these years and he knew that his father was obsessed with a pianist. When he first met Izzy, he does not know how to proceed, but later realizes that she needs his help. Malcom initially thought that the pianist and his father destroyed his mom, but when he learns more about Izzy’s mom he realizes that there was something more that he was unaware of.

The three then decide to travel to India and to the magnificent Taj Mahal and discover more information about the pianist and Ian and the relationship between Ian’s parents. That is the point when they realize that true love’s worth. Meanwhile, Izzy and Malcom felt more affectionate towards each other and what should be between siblings. Are they really step siblings or should they continue without giving it a thought is the remaining part of the story. I would say that this is a compelling Young adult that will satisfy YA and romance audience.

The characterization of Lizzy makes it easier for us to connect with her. She is seen portrayed as an independent, strong personality who also has longings like most of us do. Not only Izzy we also get to know her mom through the journey.

The writing style is simple and crisp. The romantic part between Malcom and Izzy is something that seems to slow down the pace, irrespective of which the narration makes you fall for them.

I would deem myself to be lucky to have received the ARC for this wonderful YA book.

BOOK DETAILS:

  • Format:Kindle Edition
  • File Size:3536 KB
  • Print Length:451 pages
  • Publisher:Mayfair Publishing (25 September 2018)
  • Sold by:Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Private Limited
  • Language:English
  • ASIN:B07GTW72T4

MY RATINGS:

Cover: 4/5

Title: 4/5

plot: 4.5/5

Writing and Presentation: 4/5

Overall: 4.5/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Martina Boone is the award winning author of Love for two lifetimes. She is also the founder of adventuresinYApublishing, which is a three-time Writer’s digest websites for writer’s site.

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Book blitz – Vacay



#Vacay
Cambria Hebert
Publication date: December 3rd 2018
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

A #Hashtag and BearPaw Resort Crossover Novella

VACATION MODE ON

#Vacay Itinerary:

—Make new friends

—Meet a big dog

—Kiss in the snow

—Don’t get lost

—Ignore the press

—Don’t make national news

—Drink all the cocoa

—Wear all the hoodies

—Eat all the food

—Get lit!

—

*Please note: This is not a full length novel, but a crossover novella featuring characters from The Hashtag and BearPaw Resort series. It is apporximately 45k. The paperback is approximately 205 pages. 

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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EXCERPT:

“Family meeting!” I yelled from the bottom of the stairs, then, without pause, hit a few buttons on the phone screen.

“This better be good,” a voice grumbled in my ear after several rings.

“Family meeting,” I declared again.

He started to groan, but I hung up.

Family meetings were not negotiable. Not ever. Especially when I had something good I wanted to say.

Rimmel shuffled out of the kitchen, drowning in my hoodie and a pair of oversized sweats. Her hair looked like a chicken took up residence in the strands, and her nose was all scrunched up, accentuating the tired look in her eyes.

“Roman Anderson!” she chided, sassy as ever. “What in the world do you think you’re doing yelling up the stairs like that at six a.m.?”

Running a hand through my damp hair, I gave her a crooked smile. “Family meeting, baby.”

She snorted. “There can’t possibly be anything that important at this hour. If you wake up the boys with all that yelling…” she warned. In her arms, our daughter stirred. Rim glanced down then back at me accusingly. “Look what you did!”

I rolled my eyes. “London was already awake,” I pointed out, gazing directly at the bottle Rim was holding.

Rimmel looked down at our daughter, her eyes softening. My heart clutched a little, tightness squeezing my chest. London might be our youngest child, but seeing Rim standing in my house, drowning in sweats and holding my daughter, was something that would always affect me.

They were perfect standing there. My girls.

“Your daddy is a crazy man,” Rimmel told London. “Calling silly meetings at the crack of dawn.”

London made a sound and reached up for the black-framed glasses perched on Rim’s face.

“Nothing I do is silly! Don’t be telling my girl disparaging things about me,” I grumped, going forward to gently take her out of Rimmel’s arms. After taking the bottle, I glanced down. “Don’t listen to her, Strawberry. Mommy’s just grouchy without her coffee.”

London smelled like Rimmel, and I cuddled her closer into my chest. She reached for the bottle and pulled it to her mouth, her wide blue eyes staring at me like I was the only thing she saw in the world.

Smiling, I brushed at the soft dark hair covering her head. She was a miniature version of my wife, only with blue eyes.

The only one of our children to actually favor Rim in looks over me.

“Go get some coffee, baby. I got this.”

When Rimmel didn’t move, I glanced up. She was staring at me and London.

Lifting an eyebrow, I said, “What?”

That kissable mouth of hers pulled into a soft smile. “I just like watching you with her.”

“You make good kids, smalls.”

“You aren’t so bad yourself, Mr. Anderson.”

Heavy footfalls on the stairs made Rim lift her head.

“I’m gonna kick you in the ass, Rome,” Braeden grumped, scrubbing a hand over his face as he yawned.

“Rise and shine,” I drawled, then leaned over to kiss Rimmel on the forehead. “Get your coffee,” I instructed softly.

“It better already be made,” B bickered, brushing past.

Rimmel smiled and turned to go into the kitchen, but her feet got caught in the damn too-large sweatpants and she pitched sideways.

I lunged forward, clutching our daughter in one hand and reaching out with the other. Braeden moved a little quicker and scooped her up before she could hit the floor.

“Girl, either eat a steak or get some pants that fit,” he said, placing her on her feet.

“I thought you were half asleep.” She smacked his chest and started toward the kitchen. She fell so much it didn’t even faze her anymore.

I glanced down at London. “You can look like Mommy all you want, but how about taking on my reflexes, huh?”

“I ain’t so tired I can’t catch my sister before she busts her ass.” B scolded Rim as they continued into the kitchen. “We got shit to do today. A hospital visit ain’t on the list.”

“You know what this meeting is about?” The accusation in her voice made me wince, and I hot-footed it into the living room. I’d let him deal with that.


Author Bio:

Cambria Hebert is an award winning, bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.

Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).

Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: The Hashtag Series, Text, Torch, and Tattoo.

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest


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Review of The Gift by Sourabh Mukherjee

BLURB:

“Detailed observations of human behaviour and the complexity of human relationships…” – The Hindu After his bitter break-up with girlfriend Ishika, Aarav heads for his ancestral house in Mussoorie to get over his grief and to finish the novel he is working on. He meets Kishan, a child who has strayed into the house and spends his nights in the dusty, dark attic, scavenging through old books and toys that once belonged to Aarav and his cousins. Aarav finds his uncle’s diary, which chronicles a heart-warming love story unfolding in that house. What life-changing family secret does Aarav uncover?

MY REVIEW:

The book is the first one in “it’s all about love series’ by Sourabh Mukherjee. The plot starts with Aarav and his girlfriend getting to know that they are having a baby. This good news doesn’t seem like one for him, he currently has a deadline and is quite unsure of the time the two pink lines came up for Ishika. She storms out of the apartment knowing that Aarav is not happy with the little one coming and decides to leave him.

Aarav having a deadline to submit a novel is being pressurized by the publishing house. So in order to get a clear mind and to complete his work, he moves to Mussoorie to his ancestral house in Dehradun. He’s being welcomed by Mrs. Bakshi, the caretaker. She introduces him to a small kid, Kishan. One immediate look at him, Aarav is suspicious and starts looking for answers on his whereabouts. He realizes that the boy resembles someone who was close to him. He then starts to read his uncle’s diary which was left incomplete since the last time he visited.

It is only while reading it there comes an intertwined love story and the mystery behind Kishan’s existence. A lovable tale which makes you want to read the next book in the series.

Though the book is small about 28 pages, the tale is interesting and gives you a good feeling.

The writing style is simple and clear. The plot is interesting, where the intertwined story that unfolds gives the protagonist a thought and to change his mind. Characterizations are good while the main focus is only on Aarav, the author does justice to the other characters as well.

The climax is something that is quite unexpected, but to come to know the fact why it was portrayed that way is truly remarkable.

BOOK DETAILS:

  • Format:Kindle Edition
  • File Size:362 KB
  • Print Length:28 pages
  • Publisher:Srishti Publishers & Distributors (10 September 2018)
  • Sold by:Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Private Limited
  • Language:English
  • ASIN:B07GXNB9KW

MY RATINGS:

Cover: 4/5

Title: 4/5

plot: 4/5

Writing and Presentation: 4/5

Overall: 4/5

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Review of The shining tiger

BLURB:

Raja and Baja set off on a dangerous journey to find the famous shining tiger. Days go by, and there’s no sign of it – in fact, nobody in the villages they visit is even sure it exists! But deep in the hearts of two daring boys is the conviction that the shining tiger is somewhere in the mountains – and it’s up to them to find it!

MY REVIEW:

The book starts with an afternoon story telling session between a grandmother and grandson Meer. The boy looks engrossed when grandma starts narrating the story of “the Shining Tiger”.

The shining tiger as the grandma says is a tale that is being passed on by villages generations after generations. But there is no record as such that any person has seen it.

The story goes about two young orphan boys Raja and Baja. They stay in a tree house in the village and play with the kids. They swim in rivers, climb trees and have an interesting livelihood. Meer looks amazed when his grandma narrates the plot. She dozes off in between too.

The boys realize that the children in the village play games in an unfair manner and get them accused for crimes which they didn’t do. So they decide to move on to the neighboring village. They pack their mats, food, water and set out on the quest to find new friends and a home.

They come across a small pond, decide to take a dip and cook food when the elder kids chase them away. They move further and reach a village with empty houses. They enjoy the freedom, cook and eat. At dark, they overhear two men talking about the shining tiger, which is when they decide to go on a quest to find it.

Did they find the shining tiger, meet it, what do the villagers say when the boys narrate their tale of meeting the shining tiger is the rest of the story? When the story of Raja and Baja ends, Meer wants to learn to climb trees; so he seeks his dad help. When they have a casual talk about making friends the dad comes to know that Meer complains of not having a friend near at home.

When he teaches Meer how to climb they see another boy seated on the trunk and they get introduced. Meer asks the boy if he knows the story of ‘The shining Tiger’ and when the boy nods that he doesn’t know, Meer starts narrating the story and it goes on.

The writing style is simple and the illustrations are very thoughtful and so real. Nothing looks very clichéd and would definitely be liked by kids. A wonderful read in deed.

The font in the book is bold and readable. Overall it’s a good read for kids between 6-12.

BOOK DETAILS:

  • Reading level:6 – 14.00 years
  • Paperback:73 pages
  • Publisher:Pigeon Post Literary Press; First edition (27 September 2018)
  • Language:English
  • ISBN-10:8193847733
  • ISBN-13:978-8193847732

MY RATINGS:

Cover: 4/5

Title: 4/5

plot: 4/5

Writing and Presentation: 4/5

Overall: 4/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Moshank relia is a children’s author and illustrator whose previous books are adventures of farland and horse town.

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Taking your toddler to a restaurant. What to and what not to ?

Toddler at restaurant

How many of you are excited about going to a restaurant with a toddler? Okay let me put it this way. How many of you plan your trip to the restaurant with your toddler? By planning I mean everything- food, clothing, toys, stroller and what not.

For many of us taking a toddler with the family to have a fine dining out is something that requires days of planning. Have we taken this, have we taken that and a half way through the ride we go about” omg! We missed this”, looking at what we’ve packed seemed to be like a mini vacation.

So how can we turn this to something that we enjoy doing, something that we look forward to, something that would become a tradition to celebrate or come on let’s give the lady of the house some rest from cooking.

This can be slowly done by taking your child once he/she is about 7-8 months, so that they get used to the environment, look out what it is like, what people do.

Toddler at restaurant

Let’s take a look at few tips and tricks.

1) Eating early

This is certainly the most important point that needs to be taken into consideration. Plan to have your meal a little earlier so that your home early. Your child might be past bedtime, but you definitely need to be out of the restaurant and halfway down when they start getting cranky.

2) Pack a bag with food for the kid

You may plan to take the usual meal your toddler takes or if you’re someone who doesn’t want to run around and feed in the restaurant you may as well pack some healthy snacks to keep your toddler busy. You might even order an extra portion of salad or boiled veggies if your toddler is already sued to such food.

3) Get to know the place

You can place the order and then take round about the restaurant to explore or say hi if they are any kids around of the same age. And if you find one you’re lucky.

4) Plan what you eat

IF the restaurant that you planned to go has an online menu, make sure you decide what to order and eat there beforehand and not study the menu when you are actually there. This saves time, count on me.

5) Carry distractions

If your toddler is old enough to color to may carry some crayons and sheets keep them engaged. Some restaurants if they are kid friendly do have this available themselves. Reserve a set of toys for trips like these. They must be something new and not what the kid usually plays with.

6) Feed the kid before

If possible feed the kids before you start, in that way they are full and will not be cranky when you get there.

7) Get the corner table

Try your best to be seated in one of the corners or in booths, in that way the kid has more room and can save you from embarrassment.

8) Keep cutlery out of reach

Most parents give the children cutlery to play with. This is one of the worst way of distracting. Keep them out of reach.

9) Opt for a kid friendly restaurant

Look in for restaurants which have a high chair, kids zone and most importantly kid friendly menu. Don’t attempt to feed whatever your order to your kid to say that you are making them get used to it. They have all the time in the world to explore food. Always introduce new foods at home, by which I mean home cooked and not take away food being fed at home.

10) avoid the junk as treat

Avoid treating your kid with junk. This might tempt them to ask for it, when they see people at the other table having it.

11) Keep clean

Always carry two sets of bib and your own play mat. After all, since we eat in the restaurant we do not pay them for the mess the child makes.

12) table manners if kids are old enough

If the kids are old enough, teach them table manners. Practice pretend play of a restaurant. They can learn to order what they would want to eat with a little assistance from your side.

13) Toilet trips before eating

Take your kids to toilet before you settle down to eat.

14)Prepare for restlessness.

It may be tough for your kid to keep unmoving for a long time – about 45 minutes is the max for a child up to about age 5. Be ready to take them on a walk outside the restaurant.

15) IF everything fails; leave

Try not to get angry if, after all your preparation, your child is troublesome. Instead, ask for the bill and take away boxes, and finish the meal at home.

“If you’re so busy correcting your child that you aren’t enjoying your meal, it’s time to do something else,” says Pamela Gould, author of Feeding the Kids.

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Review of City of nine gates

BLURB:

An atheistic millionaire is forced to find and help his long lost friend achieve self-realization in a mystical City of Nine Gates known only to the Gods and the wisest sages of the Advait and the Sankhya. Assisted by other friends in the City, he leads the City on an inward enlightening journey, only to realize at the end who his friend is, what actually the City of Nine Gates is and who is that beyond all regions knowing which one never comes back … “When the Gods descend to devastate, When Kalyuga meets Apocalypse, Out of a Billion, Only one strives, Of those who strive, Only one achieves, What those sages realized, and you still haven’t, knowing which, one never comes back. Rise O’ Cities! It’s time to liberate, It’s time, to realize…”

MY REVIEW:
The city of nine gates takes you on a spiritual journey. The book is filled with verses in Sanskrit then and there which at times makes you forget that you are reading a novel.
The story is about protagonist Gyan who is a multi-millionaire but also an atheist. But his real interest is archeology. One fine day Gyan and his friend discover a structure carved from a single stone resembling that of a fort. The fort underneath a hidden city. Not just that he realizes that there is something more than just the fort and the city. And what does he discover? A temple.
The city is cursed and who will help the city come of out of it, none other than Gyan. He is helped by the magic fabric which helps him note the various information he gathers.
Gyan notices inimitable features Leading him to way into a temple from the pillars of fort. But the combination of five elements of nature is the only way to have the pillar open and lead way to the temple. The temple is protected by 12 priests in deep penance which is disturbed due to alien presence. Thus realizing his importance to unlock the secret and uplift the curse and release the souls, Gyan sets into action.
The book is enriched with truths of self-realization and the almighty, anon to mankind.
The book takes you on a spiritual journey no don’t get me wrong this is interesting to even young readers.
Gyan’s journey set amidst spiritual elements, archeology, mythology makes this a wonderful read. The background research done for the novel is very evident when you complete it.
The glossary at the back is indeed of great help to make you understand the terms in Sanskrit used by the author. For someone who is well versed in Sanskrit or already very good with spiritual or religious terms the reading of this book is a cakewalk.
I loved reading the book, since it was a new genre for me to review. The experience was just wonderful just taking your own time to get all the details absorbed, jumping to the glossary and the story back and forth to understand the terms. This made me wonder the effort that the author would have put in to research the plot and the vedic verses to support the plot.
It was a challenging mission that Gyan set out on with Parth to lift the curse on supernatural city. During the course of the quest he comes to know how the human mind comes into captivity, how the imbalance of feelings, mind, actions can create disruption to human soul.
Gyan’s charcter was thought out perfectly and in no place you see exaggeration, or him jumping to conclusions of what he finds out.
On the whole the book is a wonderful read, when you have all the time to sit in peace and read.

BOOK DETAILS:
Paperback:300 pages
Publisher:Notion Press; 1 edition (11 July 2014)
Language:English
ISBN-10:9384049646
ISBN-13:978-9384049645

MY RATINGS:
Cover: 4/5
Title: 4/5
plot: 4/5
Writing and Presentation: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours. For details check: http://www.thereaderscosmos.com/

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Review of Shillong times

BLURB:
A delightful novel about growing up in Shillong in the 1980s by the bestselling author of Bali and the Ocean of Milk and The Case of the Secretive SisterWhen fourteen-year-old Debojit Dutta meets the slightly older Clint Eastwood Lyngdoh in his maths tuition classes, he is wary of his cigarette-smoking, whisky-swilling ways. Besides, Debu has only recently escaped a bunch of local ruffians who wanted him to ‘go back home to Bangladesh’.But Debu is unable to resist being friends with Clint. For, in return for doing his maths homework, Clint introduces him to a completely new life: the heady charms of Kalsang, the Chinese restaurant forbidden by Debu’s mother; the revolutionary sounds of Pink Floyd; and most importantly, the coolest, prettiest girl in town—Audrey Pariat. Audrey loves maths and detective stories, just like Debu, and does not make him feel awkward or exotic. Together, the three of them look set to embark on many adventures. But when tensions between the Khasi and Bengali communities boil over, Shillong becomes a battlefield—old neighbours become outsiders and the limits of friendship are challenged.With crackling energy, Nilanjan P. Choudhury immerses us in the tumultuous lives of Debu, his friends and his family, and their attempts to find love and belonging. Written with uncommon warmth, humour and a delightful evocation of place, Shillong Times is an exhilarating coming-of-age story—showing us how friendship can eclipse the hardened enmities of adulthood.

MY REVIEW:
Shillong times is a book that brings you nostalgic moments of life in 80s. The story is set in Shillong, yes that’s where it gets the name. Debojit is a Bengali teenager who along with his parents lives in Shillong.
The story starts with Debojit returning home from school on a lonely path where he encounters few guys from local tribe, khasis. This tribe is against any foreign community living in their area and there are few harsh exchanges between them and Debu. He manages to escape from them. He narrates the entire episode to his parents which is when his father lectures him about the ancestors and why they settled in Shillong.
Debu’s mother started advising him to study well and look for a great career outside Shillong and get away from there. She wants him to pursue IAS and wants him to take up necessary competitive exams inorder to achieve the same. She decides to make him join tutions taken by Professor Bose who is deemed to be extremely strict.
Debu gets to know Clint in one of Bose’s tution sessions. He takes Debu to the forbidden Chinese restaurant Kalsang , introduces him to Pink Floyd music and most important of all makes him meet Audrey Pariat. Clint says shes exactly like him – likes detective stories and maths. Debu takes an instant liking on her during their first meet.
Debu’s mom gets to know about his acquaintance with Clint and warns him of dangers since he’s a Khasi himself. She utters stories from past which sends shivers inside Debu. But inspite of all that he still wishes to continue being friends with Clint. Clint also saves Debu from punishments at school from a teacher. The teacher later reveals to Debu that Clint is not good company and its better he stays away from him. Though now the number of people who are against Clint is two, Debu still is not convinced to sacrifice his friendship.
As the story progresses the tension between Bengalis and Khasis boils over, which makes Shillong a battlefield.
The language is simple and lucid. The author has brought out the beauty of Shillong also known as Scotland of the east so well in narration.
The characterization is perfect. Debu’s mom is of the typical Indian parent who wants the child to concentrate on studies and take up competitive exams. She is very strict and at the same time concerned about him, very much indeed. The pace is just the right amount for the elements for friendship, love and tension.

BOOK DETAILS:
Paperback:248 pages
Publisher:Speaking Tiger Publishing Private Limited (10 September 2018)
Language:English
ISBN-10:938807047X
ISBN-13:978-9388070478

MY RATINGS:
Cover: 4/5
Title: 4/5
plot: 3.8/5
Writing and Presentation: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nilanjan P. Choudhury’s debut novel, a mythological thriller titled Bali and the Ocean of Milk, was a (very) brief bestseller. His subsequent writings include The Case of the Secretive Sister, a detective caper set in Bangalore, and The Square Root of a Sonnet, a pioneering play on the history and science of black holes; both of which received wide critical acclaim. He confesses to having studied at IIM Ahmedabad and IIT Kanpur, and hopes that this will not be held against him. He grew up in Shillong and now lives in Bangalore with his family. He can be reached at http://www.nilanjan.net.
This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours. For details check:

http://www.thereaderscosmos.com

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Review of Chance for Rain

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Fiction—Romance, Women’s Fiction
Date Published: August 2018
Publisher: Front Street Press
photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png
Elite athlete Rainey Abbott is an intense competitor on the outside, but inside, she feels a daunting apprehension about her chances of finding true love. Her life as a downhill skier and race car driver keeps her on the edge, but her love life is stuck in neutral. A tragedy from her past has left her feeling insecure and unlovable.
Now that she’s in her thirties, Rainey’s best friend Natalie insists she take a leap and try online dating. Rainey connects with brian85 and becomes cautiously hopeful as a natural attraction grows between them. Fearful a face to face meeting could ruin the magic, Rainey enlists Natalie to scheme up an encounter between the two where Brian is unaware he is meeting his online mystery woman. Rainey is left feeling both guilty about the deception and disappointed by something Brian says.
When they finally meet in earnest, Rainey’s insecurities threaten to derail the blossoming romance. As she struggles with self-acceptance, she reveals the risks we all must take to have a chance for love.

MY REVIEW:

The book begins on a lazy Sunday when Rainey and her dad are said to be seated at their patio each engrossed in their own worlds. Rainey into her phone and her dad with the newspapers.

Rainey is physically disabled and has been confined to her wheelchair ever since the tragic accident that took away her mom and her sister Sunny from her. That fateful day is etched in both Rainey and her father’s mind. The incident that occurred due to negligent driving of a drunk driver costed them two lives to be taken away forever.

It did take them quite a lot of time to accept the reality. Rainey needed time to get herself accustomed to being able to do everything with her wheelchair, to get familiar with the landscape and terrain. Natalie is friends with her from three and has been her constant companion through thick and thin. Rainey is into skiing and athletics and teaches at a school and enjoys companionship of kids who do not look at her as an alien being giving her peculiar stares.

After much push from Natalie, Rainey decides to create and profile in an online dating profile. Which is when she gets introduced to Brian. They become pen pals who eventually become interested in each other and fall for each other. Rainey hasn’t disclosed that she’s physically challenged and has inhibitions hiding it from him due to fear of rejection. She decides to meet him not as May belle but as Rainey.

What actually happens after that? Does Brian accept Rainey for the way she is or is she being rejected is the rest of the story.

The part after Rainey creates the profile and starts hunting is where the plot picks up pace. I really loved the exchanges between Rainey and Brian. Each letter between them was filled with love, a mutual concern. The eagerness for each message from Brian crept in through me as well. The narration was done in such a way that made me think what next. I completed the book at a stretch in one go.

Rainey’s father on the other hand completely lost himself after the tragic accident. He confines himself to his university job, books and meeting the students. He avoids getting to feel or see things used by his wife that he completely starts living in the guest room. He is so sober and is uninterested in almost everything which quite annoys Rainey. It is only when Rainey tells him about the dating website and her experience she gives s him a harder push to move on and find someone. He does that and what he’s quick and he gets settled before her.

The writing and presentation is crisp and clear with nothing much of exaggeration anywhere. Characterization of Rainey and Natalie is worth mentioning. Though they were mentioned to be looking like sisters, they are different in their own ways and still stick together. Brian is not an extrovert guy but is deemed to be felling low about himself. He loves spending time with his nephew, Casey and only when Casey meets up with an accident ending up being paralyzed he realizes how Rainey feels.

Overall, the book gave me a good feeling when I was done with it.

About the Author

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Tricia Downing is recognized as a pioneer in the sport of women’s paratriathlon, as the first female paraplegic to finish an Iron distance triathlon. She has competed in that sport both nationally and internationally, in addition to competing in road racing and other endurance events. She has represented the United States in international competition in five different sport disciplines—cycling (as a tandem pilot prior to her 2000 accident), triathlon, duathlon, rowing and Olympic style shooting, in which she was a member of Team USA at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
She was featured in the Warren Miller documentary Superior Beings and on the lifestyle TV magazine show Life Moments. She has been featured in Muscle and Fitness Hers, Mile High Sports and Rocky Mountain Sports magazines.
Additionally, she is founder of The Cycle of Hope (www.thecycleofhope.org), a non-profit organization designed for female wheelchair users to promote health and healing on all levels—mind, body and spirit.
Tricia studied Journalism as an undergraduate at the University of Maryland and holds Masters degrees in both Sports Management (Eastern Illinois University) and Disability Studies (Regis University).
She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband Steve and two cats, Jack and Charlie. Visit Tricia at triciadowning.com
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Review of The closure : Journey to my true self

BLURB:

Aarti slid back and started staring outside the window. It was not the first time she was getting married, but this time she was making the decision after a long haul of struggle.

Sahil: “I have no intention of being physical with you again, but this can be an accord of providing for each other as companions so that you can realize the aspects of your life that you deserve.”

Rishabh: “Maybe I needed her to go away from me before I could realize her importance. God! I miss her.”

Ansh: “You’re evil and the worst person, I’ve ever met. I’d like to think that you’re probably dead now A.. A..Ar… Aarti…”

It’s not a midlife, neither is it an existential, nor an identity crisis, but just a need, an urge deep-found in human wishes: an appeal for closure. That’s what the journey of Aarti is all about, from being a happily invested mother-cum-housewife to a fulfilled, self-aware human being.

MY REVIEW:

The book revolves around the plot where the main protagonist Aarti, is married to Rishabh and is mom to 15-year-old Ansh. She soon loses interest in marital life. She fails in her business collaboration with a friend and there goes a big lot of money into pothole. She decides to shift her focus and learn guitar.

There comes the entry of Sahil, a young guitar teacher at an institute. Aarti falls in love with him. Will she separate from Rishabh, what will happen to ansh? Is the remaining part of the story.

The current generation relationship issues such as carefree attitude, no empathy and too much importance for career than relation is conveyed very well in the book. The book also shows how the children get affected due to restrained relationship between parents and what effect it has to people around them.

The book depicts complete drama and can be adapted onto big screen since it has all the required elements.

The writing style is simple and crisp but I would mention that there were more grammatical errors which at items give you a letdown to continue with the book. If not for that the book can be termed a good read. Though the plot is usual, its slow paced and at places a bit dragging.

The characters are brought out well and unique from one another.

BOOK DETAILS:

  • Paperback:178 pages
  • Publisher:Notion Press, Inc.; 1 edition (6 September 2018)
  • Language:English
  • ISBN-10:9781643248691
  • ISBN-13:978-1643248691
  • ASIN:1643248693

MY RATINGS:

Cover: 4/5

Title: 4/5

plot: 3.8/5

Writing and Presentation: 3/5

Overall: 3.5/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sometimes writers are born from common walks of life. Sweta Sureka is a 1985 born, Economics Graduate from St. Xaviers, Kolkata, a certified transformational life coach and an inspirational writer.

The Closure is her first venture as a writer and she aspires to write more on issues which she finds are reflections of the society on her and others alike. Her notion of writing is guided by one simple thought that books should be comprehensible first and then awe-inspiring later. Sweta aims to bring back the quaint era when writers used to mirror the life around.

Sweta lives in Kolkata with her husband and two children.

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Review of A girl to remember

BLURB:

In every angel a demon hides, And in every demon, an angel strides. Neel is a self-proclaimed demon, a slave to his desires, putting at stake even the purest of relationships for it. He lives for himself, takes life as it comes, and considers people who love as emotional fools. When he first sets his eyes on his new landlady, a widow who is eleven years elder to him, all he can see is an opportunity. He has a plan to get rich and is working hard to achieve it, until he bumps into Pihu. She is an immature teenager who likes Neel for no apparent reason, and blindly believes that he is an angel who will take away all her life’s troubles. Neel hates Pihu for her unexplained obsession, and her being a hindrance in his plan, but her firm resolve to see a good person in him shakes Neel to the core. Will Pihu make a difference? Does inner transformation come to a man who has gone to a point of no return? A Girl to Remember is an emotional roller coaster which will make you believe that confession is the best punishment.

MY REVIEW:

Human mind works in such a way that it can make you seem like an angel one time and a devil at another time.

A girl to remember is one such book that portrays the life of Pihu, an innocent girl who awaits an angelic appearance to make things right in her life.

Neel on the other hand is a teacher at one of the reputed institutions in Pune. Due to his strange actions he losses job and his accommodation at the hostel is at stake.

Pihu who is kind of obsessed with Neel, that she offers accommodation. Neel gets to know Annu( Pihu’s mom) in this situation and he immediately makes a plan. He tries to trap Annu through PIhu to get hold of the property owned by her. He uses Pihu as the trump card. But Pihu continues to see him as the angel or the savior for whom she’s been waiting for long. Annu also is aware of Neel’s activities and his past record.

But what makes both of them agree to let Neel stay? What was the incident that costed Neel his job? Why is he doing all this is the rest of the story.

The three main characters- Neel, Pihu and Annu are portrayed very well. Neel is shown as a demon whose desire is only money and fantasizes women. He would use any person as an opportunity to get what he wants.

Pihu is an innocent and immature teenager. Annu who lost her husband at young age, has overcome a lot of difficulties with strong perseveration and has a determined attitude.

The style of writing is simple and lucid. Love, confession, responsibilities, realizations are all notable elements in this plot. The twists are unimaginable and are brought out in a way that makes the book a quick page turner.

BOOK DETAILS:

  • Paperback:224 pages
  • Publisher:Srishti Publishers & Distributors; First edition (28 September 2018)
  • Language:English
  • ISBN-10:9789387022393
  • ISBN-13:978-9387022393
  • ASIN:9387022390

MY RATINGS:

Cover: 4/5

Title: 4/5

plot: 4/5

Writing and Presentation: 4/5

Overall: 4/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ajay K Pandey has touched the lives of many with his writing, and continues to write stories of love that change lives. His bestselling books You Are the Best Wife and Her Last Wish have been on top of various bestseller charts, and explore the depths to which a heart can go for love.