Wedding Shenanigans by Adite Banerjie - [Book Spot Light]

Book Details :

Title: Wedding Shenanigans: Or, how Rayna grapples with heartbreak, scandal and a hot hotelier
Author: Adite Banerjie
Genre: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 246 pages
Source: Kindle Edition

Blurb:

Freshly dumped Rayna Dutt does not feel like flying to her best friend’s big fat Indian wedding. But letting down her friend is not an option. So, she decides to grin and bear it. A mix up with room allocations forces her to share a luxury villa with Neel Arora, the gorgeous owner of the resort and best man at the wedding. Sparks fly and attraction sizzles.

When her ex turns up with a new girl on his arm, scandal comes calling. In desperation, she turns to Neel and proposes a fake engagement. As the attraction between them reaches fever pitch, it seems like Rayna has signed up for more trouble than ever!

*This book was previously published by Harlequin/Mills & Boon as Trouble Has a New Name.

My Review:

I am reading a wonderful romance after a long time. I loved this story which is a light read. 

Rayna Dutt is a supermodel but she is depressed with a recent breakup from her boyfriend Sid. Fortunately, her mood changes as she has to attend her best friend Milee's luxurious wedding function in Andaman islands. There she meets Mr. Neel Arora, who is a handsome hotelier. 

As fate would have it, she meets Sid in Andamans who came to the same hotel, hand in hand with his new girlfriend, Karishma. Rayna makes everyone believe that she is engaged to Neel to avoid the embarrassment of being dumped by Sid. 

But, both Neel and Rayna are getting attracted to each other day by day. Without themselves knowing about it, they get close, open their hearts to each other in very less time and fall in love. 

Things aren't easy in Neel's life and he had to leave Rayna and the drama they are playing before others. What would Rayna do? She is in too much love with Neel to hate him. Can Neel forget Rayna by just moving away from her life? 

Real love is not easy right? All relationships are complicated. Of course, this book just shows that to the reader. The Boy and girl will live happily ever after but they have to overcome their insecurities, believe in themselves and in each other before that.

I loved reading about this luxurious wedding, arrangements, parties, rituals and all that fun that comes with marriage. The hot romance is a plus. While the story is not new, the backdrop, the characters etc., made this a good read.

If you love romance, you will like this. 

My Rating: 4/5

About the Author:

Adite Banerjie discovered the wonderful world of books at an early age which sparked her interest in writing. After a fulfilling and exciting career as a business journalist, she turned her attention to fiction.

Three of her romance novels have been published by Harlequin/Harper Collins India. In 2018 she embarked on her indie journey as an author-publisher.

She also writes screenplays and in 2017 one of her scripts made it to the semi-finals of the prestigious Academy Nicholl Fellowships.

When she is not grappling with her current work-in-progress, she enjoys spending time with her husband and watching back-to-back movies.

She loves to connect with her readers through her 

website www.aditebanerjie.com, 

Facebook page (https://facebook.com/AditeBanerjieWriter) and Twitter account (https://twitter.com/adite).

Until next time,

On a rock, I grow! #ThursdayTreeLove

Do you see the tree on that rock? Isn't it different?

Until next time,

Linking this post to #ThursdayTreeLove hosted by Parul.

The Adventures of Tavish the Tractor by Anne K. Stewart - [Book Review]

 Summary: 

Meet Tavish the Tractor, he's a bit different from the other tractors, but that doesn't mean he can't be a busy tractor! Let him show you how!

Information about the Book 

Title: The Adventures of Tavish the Tractor

Author: Anne K. Stewart 

Release Date: 27^th June 2019 

Genre: Picture Book

Page Count: 26 

Publisher: Clink Street Publishing 

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28535427-the-arrival-of-tavish-the-tractor

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arrival-Tavish-Tractor-Anne-Stewart/dp/1913136507/

My Review

This book is perfect for my 4-year-old who loves tractors. 

Tavish, the tractor is painted purple by mistake, unlike other tractors who are blue and red. So, everyone chose blue and red tractors leaving the purple one. The purple tractor also wants to be busy and helpful. 

At last Jimmy's family chooses the purple truck naming him 'Tavish'. 

The first useful lesson my 4-year-old learned is that mixing blue and red, we get a purple color. He also understood about seasons and how a tractor can be used on the farm.

The illustrations are very cute. I loved the colors and the trucks. The title of the book is apt and the book cover suits the story. The rhyming poem in the story is easy to sing for kids.

I would suggest this book to 3 to 5-year-olds who love vehicles. 

My Rating: 4.5/5

PS: I have received this review copy through authoright in exchange for a review and this is my honest opinion of the book.

 Author Information 

Anne K Stewart is a retired teacher, who specialised in the Pre-school sector.  She is delighted to have been able to write something for her two young grandsons. “The Arrival of Tavish the Tractor” is her first book. Stewart currently lives in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Tour Schedule 

 Monday 24^th June

Jazzy Book Reviews

Tuesday 25^th June

Wrong Side of Forty

Wednesday 26^th June

Fantastic Feathers

Thursday 27^th June

Donna’s Book Blog

Friday 28^th June

Dash Fan Book Reviews

Saturday 29^th June

A Daydreamer’s Thoughts

Sunday 30^th June

Book Read 2day

Monday 1^st July

Rosie Writes…

Tuesday 2^nd July

Amazeball Book Addicts

Wednesday 3^rd July

Jera’s Jamboree

Thursday 4^th July

Short Book and Scribes

Friday 5^th July

Big Book Little Book

Saturday 6^th July

Splashes into Books

Sunday 7^th July

Sam’s Book Corner

 Until next time,

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins - [Book Review]

This post may contain affiliate links, clicking on those links may earn some commission to us without any additional cost to you.

Book Details:
Title : The Girl on the train
Author: Paula Hawkins
Genre: Psychological thriller, fiction, mystery
Print Length : 326 pages
Source: A copy from the local Library

Blurb:

Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She's even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. 'Jess and Jason', she calls them. Their life - as she sees it - is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy. And then she sees something shocking. It's only a minute until the train moves on, but it's enough. Now everything's changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she's only watched from afar. Now they'll see; she's much more than just the girl on the train...

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review :

The Girl on the train is a great psychological thriller. The story is narrated in the perspective of  2 ladies. Rachel who is divorced and still couldn't cope up with her single life even after 2 years is a regular commuter by train to the office. Since she is frustrated with her life, she fancies watching 'Megan' from train daily and thinking of how lucky she is to have a loving husband and a happy life. 

While Megan seems to be a happy wife to her loving husband Scott, she has her own problems to deal with. While her past still haunts, she is not able to reciprocate her love to Scott. 

While the story is narrated through both of these characters, an unexpected incident involves Rachel in Megan's life. Megan is dead and Rachel thinks that she could be of some help to give important information to Police on her disappearance. Unfortunately, her involvement makes her entangled in deep trouble but, the investigation also helps her to make peace with the past. 

A good page turner, indeed. I loved the characterization. It is interesting to understand the deep layers of each character through the narration. Characterization and mystery element made me read the book continuously. I didn't read it in one go but would have done it if I wasn't busy with office and home.

One more plus is the narration. I liked the way the suspense is maintained till the end and how things are revealed gradually in the story. 

I know, it is a best seller and so, I had high expectation on the book. This book has met all my expectations. If you love psychological thrillers, you might like this book.

My Rating : 4.5/5

Read my Review of Paula's other book - Into the Water.

About the Author:

Paula Hawkins worked as a journalist for fifteen years before turning her hand to fiction.

Born and brought up in Zimbabwe, Paula moved to London in 1989 and has lived there ever since. Her first thriller, The Girl on the Train, has been published in over forty languages, has been a No.1 bestseller around the world and is now a major motion picture starring Emily Blunt. Into the Water is her second thriller.

Until next time,

This post is written as part of a blog train #letsblogwithpri hosted by Prisha. Thanks to Kanika for introducing me to this blog train. I would love to introduce Noor to the blog train. Noor writes about her life experiences about travel, parenting and lifestyle topics. Read her posts.

Hosted By :Prisha Lalwani Mummasaurus.com IG: @mummasaurus1FB: /mummasaurus1

The Setpoint Diet by Jonathan Bailor - Book Spot Light

Book Details:

Book Title: The Setpoint Diet by Jonathan Bailor

Category: Self-help/ Weight Management, 311 pages

Genre: Adult Non-Fiction

Publisher: Hachette Books

Release date: December 2018

Tour dates: June 17 to July 12, 2019

Content Rating: PG+M


Book Description:

Join the 27,000 people who have achieved dramatic and long-term weight loss with The Setpoint Diet, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Calorie Myth.

Your body fights to keep you within a range of about 15 pounds--also known as your "setpoint weight." New research reveals that you can lower your setpoint and end that battle for good by focusing on the quality of calories you eat, not the quantity. With The Setpoint Diet, you will reprogram your body with a 21-day plan to rev up your metabolism, eliminate inflammation, heal your hormones, repair your gut, and get your body working like that of a naturally thin person--permanently.

The Setpoint Diet is a lower-carb menu that focuses on specific anti-inflammatory whole foods, including tons of produce, nutritious proteins, and therapeutic fats. Its creator, Jonathan Bailor, founded SANESolution, a weight loss company that has reached millions of people. Proven to help you lose weight naturally and maintain it, The Setpoint Diet is your new blueprint for healthy living.

About the Author:

JONATHAN BAILOR pioneered the field of wellness engineering and is the founder and CEO of one of the world’s fastest-growing permanent weight loss and diabesity treatment companies, SANESolution. He authored the New York Times best-seller The Calorie Myth, has registered over 26 patents, has spoken at Fortune 100 companies and TED conferences for over a decade and served as a Senior Program Manager at Microsoft, where he helped to create Nike Kinect Training and Xbox Fitness. His work has been endorsed and implemented by top doctors from Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins, the Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland Clinic, and UCLA. A summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of DePauw University, Bailor lives outside Seattle with his wife, Angela, and daughter Aavia.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends July 19, 2019

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Until next time,

My Gratitude List for May 2019 #GratitudeCircle

Six months into 2019 and I feel so happy in this year so far. Actually, I could reach my goals already. 

I joined work in Jan 2019 after one and half years break and my dance school is growing slowly. I am excited about our dance school's annual recital in September!

That is the reason, I am grateful and thankful to God than ever. 

Here is my Gratitude List for the last month - May 2019:

1. Work life
There are many things to be thankful for in my work life. A good manager, supportive lead and colleagues, interesting work where I can learn new skills and improve my current skills etc., 

2. Dance School
The dance school is doing good. I am happy to see students showing interest in art and practicing regularly to improve themselves. I feel grateful to my students who encourage and challenge my art.

3. Travel
Nowadays, it has become an obsession to plan my trips, research places and enjoy outdoors. Thanks to my husband for his love of traveling and thanks to my wonderful kids who are adaptive.

You might have read my recent travelogues, else, here are some links:



Utah Vacation Plan with Kids

Day 1 - Arches National Park and Canyonlands National park

Day 2 - Monument Valley Park and Four Corners National monument

Day 2 - Mesa Verde National Park

Day 3 - Pagosa Springs and Crestone


4. Books


I couldn't read many books due to work and managing home. I could read only one book 'The Girl on the train' by Paula Hawkins. I loved the book and my review is coming soon. The characterization in such books amazes me.

5. Writing regularly


It's been a wonder that I am managing to write twice or at least once a week these days. I am joining one blog hop for sure every month and so, I am reading blogs of my blogger friends too.

I am also learning to add good images, adding a watermark and creating social media friendly graphics with Canva.

That was about my May. I wish you all a happy June. Yes, six months have gone so quickly, but there is a lot more to achieve in another six months :-)
Until next time,



I received this tag from my blogger friend Amrita and I am passing it on to Anagha Yatin, another amazing blogger friend.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


Linking this to #GratitudeCircle blog hop hosted by Vidya Sury.

A day trip to Idaho Springs, where Gold Rush began

This post may contain affiliate links, clicking on those links may earn some commission to us without any additional cost to you.

Idaho springs is a historic town located in Clear Creek county of Colorado. This city is founded in 1859 when the first Colorado Gold rush has begun. Mining has been responsible for the growth of Idaho springs and now, it carries rich heritage.

From Scenic byways to hot springs to waterfalls and Gold mine tours, this quaint mountain town has to a lot to offer. 

How to reach?

Denver is the nearest airport. Check these flight options with fare less than $200:

Lake Dillon is just 38 mins drive from Idaho springs and Dillon Marina offers rental boats. This lake is gorgeous nestled in a scenic place with mountains in the background. Advance reservation is preferred for boating but it will make an unforgettable experience to anyone.

After boating, we went to an easy hike of about 0.6 miles loop at Saphire point overlook. This hike has good overlook points for photo opportunities and this is a good place for wedding photography. A bonus to this hike is watching chipmunks. Kids would surely love to see them and chipmunks are absolutely friendly posing to the photos and jumping around people.

Mt. Evans scenic byway in Idaho springs is a must visit. This is the highest paved highway in North America. Mt Evans Summit is opened only from memorial day to Labour day, weather permitting. This road reaches an elevation of 14,130 ft above sea level in just 14 miles from the visitor station.

We drove through clouds and fog as we reached to the summit. The rock house on the summit is great too. The drive has breathtaking views.

This picnic stop near Chicago Forks before Mt Evan's Visitor center is easy to be missed.

Our next stop was to St. Mary's Glacier which is around 1.5 hrs from Mt.Evans. The hike is tough and it is a very rocky road of around 1.5 miles to watch the lake on the way to the glacier. It is not easy to hike with kids.

We have planned to drive through Guenella pass which is 30 mins from St.Mary's glacier but didn't have enough time to cover this.

On the highway, while returning from St.Mary's Glacier, spotted this waterfall. Isn't it amazing?

PC: Google image labeled for reuse

A few more places that you can cover in a trip to Idaho springs are the gold mine tour at Phoenix gold mine / Argo Mill tour, Hot springs, Oh my Gawd road and the casinos at Black Hawk/ central city.

Argo Mill
PC: Google image labeled for reuse

Do you like my travelogue?

Read my other Colorado Travelogues here:
https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/search/label/Colorado

Until next time,

This post is written as part of a blog train #letsblogwithpri hosted by Prisha. Thanks to Kapila for introducing me to this blog train. I would love to introduce Mythri to the blog train. Mytri is a freelance social media professional based in jaipur and a mom blogger. Read her posts.




Hosted By :Prisha LalwaniMummasaurus.comIG: @mummasaurus1FB: /mummasaurus1


Stay in Idaho Springs!

A row of trees #ThursdayTreeLove

Linking this to #ThursdayTreeLove hosted by Parul.

Until next time,

Lacewood by Jessica James - Book Spot Light and GiveAway

Women’s
Fiction/Contemporary Romance

Date
Published: 6/18/2019

Sometimes
love is just too powerful for one lifetime…

MOVING
TO A SMALL TOWN in Virginia is a big change for New York socialite Katie
McCain. But when she stumbles across an abandoned 200-year-old mansion, she’s
enthralled by the enduring beauty of the neglected estate—and captivated by the
haunting portrait of a woman in mourning.

Purchasing
the property on a whim, Katie attempts to fit in with the colorful characters
in the town of New Hope, while trying to unravel the mystery of the “widow of
Lacewood.” As she pieces together the previous owner’s heartrending story,
Katie uncovers secrets the house has held for centuries, and discovers the key
to coming to terms with her own sense of loss.

The
past and present converge when hometown hero Will Durham returns and begins his
own healing process by helping the “city girl” restore the place that holds so
many memories. As the mystic web of destiny is woven, a love story that might
have been lost forever is exposed, and a destiny that has been waiting in the
shadows for centuries is fulfilled.

Part
love story, part ghost story, Lacewood is a timeless novel about trusting in
fate, letting go of the past, and believing in things that can’t be seen.

A
powerful and poignant tale that vividly conveys the heartache of war, the
tragedy of loss, and the fulfillment of destiny…even when souls are separated
by centuries. Lacewood takes readers on a journey that connects the past with
the present—and the present with eternity.

Excerpt

Turning
in a circle, Katie studied the room again. Faded wallpaper curled and peeled
above the dusty wainscoting, but the walls themselves appeared sturdy. On the
far side of the entryway, and dominating the wall, stood a mammoth fireplace
with an ornately carved hearth. And above the mantle hung a captivating
painting of a woman in nineteenth-century dress.

“Who
is she?”

The
sheriff turned to the dusty, sun-bleached portrait in the heavy carved guilt
frame. “One of the previous owners, they say.” He shrugged. “The family history
kind of got lost with the house. Everyone around here calls her the Widow of
Lacewood.”

Katie
stood spellbound. The woman was dressed completely in black, but the
magnificence of the gown gave the impression of sophistication and class. Her
chin was slightly elevated as if to project strength, yet there was more than a
hint of sorrow and pain in her eyes.

“She
looks so sad.” Katie spoke without removing her gaze. “And so young. How could
she be a widow?”

The
sheriff had already started to walk away, but he turned back and glanced at the
painting. “Not sure, but they say she never remarried. She’s the one out in the
cemetery, too, I reckon.”

Katie’s
heart suddenly struggled to beat. The anguish in the woman’s eyes kept her
riveted. She could see the pain. Feel a heart ripped apart. Something was
missing that could never be replaced. Katie had felt such loss before. In a
way, that’s why she was here.

“You
coming?”

Katie
heard the sheriff calling from the next room, and turned to follow. With one
quick glance back, she noticed particles of dust now swirled and danced in a
shaft of light, almost like a living thing. Her breath caught in her throat as
the dust seemed to materialize into the form of a woman, her eyes dull with the
same tortured despair and disbelief as the one in the portrait.

Katie
jerked her head around for a closer look and blinked. The woman was gone.

About
the author:

Jessica
James believes in honor, duty, and true love—and that’s what she writes about
in her award-winning novels that span the ages from the Revolutionary War to
modern day.

She
is a three-time winner of the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, and
has won more than a dozen other literary awards, including a Readers' Favorite
International Book Award and a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of
America. Her novels have been used in schools and are available in hundreds of
libraries including Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy.

Contact
Links

Website  

AmazonAuthor Page  

BookBub  

Instagram  

Goodreads  

Facebook 

Pinterest  

Purchase
Links

Special
Pre-Order Price of $3.99

Amazon  

Barnes and Noble  

AppleItunes  

Books2Read  

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Until next time,