Table for One by Neha Bindal - [Book Review]

Book Details:

Title: Table for One
Author: Neha Bindal
Genre: Travel, Women Fiction, Contemporary
Publisher : Half Baked Beans
Source: A free e-review copy from the author for review through half baked beans

Blurb:

Taara Maheshwari, a single woman in her thirties and a successful lawyer, is tough from outside but a die heart fan of romantic movies from inside. 

She grew up seeking her “happily ever after’ but amid various heartbreaks and culture of modern age short term relationships, her believe in “true connections" got replaced by the comfort of being “emotionally disconnected.” 
After she turned 31, her parents persuaded her into meeting a guy for marriage who sounded just perfect for her. Acting on impulse, she told her parents that she would meet him only if they let her go on a trip to Europe. 

As Taara went on to explore the world, she experienced what actually happens when a single Indian girl travels to Europe all by herself. Is it only about dancing, singing or falling in love? What happens after you fall in love? Does love conquer all? 

Only her story would tell. 

Purchase Links:

Amazon India

Amazon US

My Review:

This is the story of Taara, a confused single woman when it comes to relationships. She breaks her heart in one or two relationships with her insecurities and builds a wall around her completely to avoid another heartbreak. She completely loses trust in love and life and doesn't know what to look forward to in her life. At this juncture, when her father suggests an arranged marriage, she agrees with one condition that he should allow her to do a solo Europe trip before marriage. When she thinks of this trip as an escape from marriage, it completely transforms her soul. This story is her journey of transformation and more than that, understanding herself by accepting her negatives and appreciating all good things.

What I liked?

I loved the details of places in Europe, its cuisine, and cultures. It was as if I am on a trip to Switzerland, Italy, and France. Being a lover of travel, I loved this part first.

Taara meets different people and learns something about her life through the conversations with people. There is always something to learn from others. I liked that these lessons were not preachy but practical. Taara learns to fight hard and never give up when she faces extreme weather conditions while hiking Alps. She struggles hard and enjoys her success. She learns what it is to be to love and be loved unconditionally. 

I loved these lines from the book

"May be life wasn’t about trying to fix something broken, maybe it’s about starting over and creating something new."

"Life is strange, so illusionary and still so real, I thought. Why do we live? I asked myself. We love and want to be loved."

The book cover is good and the title is apt. 

What might have been better?

I couldn't understand Snigdha and her purpose in Europe trip. Being a married woman, she loves another man who disappoints her and starts another fling with a Srilankan during her trip. I didn't get a clarity on what she wants or what Taara thinks of her. It was also unclear why Ashwin disappears without any explanation. Characterization might have been better.

I felt that the ending was abrupt and of course, I didn't like it. I understand that Taara now wants to live in the present and do whatever she likes but I felt bad for Fred. Maybe , the story will have the next part where both meet 🙂

My Rating: 4/5

I recommend to the readers who love traveling and want to read a single woman's journey.

PS: I have received a free e-review copy of the book from the author in exchange of my review and this is my honest option on the book.

I rate books by the 5-star rating system. 
1/5: I hated it
2/5: Below average, I don't like it.
3/5: It is ok with some faults.
4/5: I liked it and I recommend it to others though it has slight imperfections.

5/5: It is awesome and I will definitely recommend it to others.

About the Author:
Neha Bindal is a Chartered accountant & PGDBA and has changed four companies in her six years of corporate career. She takes life with a pinch of salt and a pitcher of margarita. She is an impulsive traveler, avid reader, part time writer and a full time dreamer.

Until next time,

India : Whose country is it anyway? by APS Kumar - Book Spot Light

About the Book:

India's rich diversity, both in its physical and natural aspects, is widely known. India has had a great past with achievements in literature, the arts, medicine and mathematics.



Indians were sea-faring and they spread their influence through their philosophy, religion and military conquest too. But Like a cosmic phenomenon, decline is every civilization is inevitable. Indian civilization too declined.



When a civilization rises, people are driven by idealism; when people are possessed of greed, it declines and falls.



Indians today are possessed of excessive, abominable, putrefying greed.



The author tells it all in an honest, engaging manner. He holds a mirror unto ourselves.

Book Link:

Amazon

About the Author:

I hail from a middle class family. Son of a soldier, I did my studies in Bengaluru obtaining a Bachelor’s degree (from St. Joseph’s College) in Science and then in Law from a different college. 

Though not very serious about studies, I took to books with keen interest in social sciences history in particular, literature and natural sciences (in general) and current affairs. I am drawn wittingly towards that abstract thinking – that is, philosophy.

Worked in a Government-owned Insurance Company - United India Insurance Co Ltd - as a Salesman (designated as Development Officer) and retired voluntarily a decade ago.

I spend time reading and writing, travelling both within the country and outside. I ardently believe in community work; I concentrate on education of children, obviously from poor background.  

Nationalism – i.e. love of fellow citizens - is my creed. I am passionate about friendships, am devoid of all other -isms.

Contact the author via eMail

Until next time,

Between You and Me by Beth D Carter - Book Spot Light

Contemporary Erotica Romance

Date Published Aug 11, 2016

A broken engagement left Madeline Shawl feeling like a shattered woman.  When she meets Hunter Caligari, he seems to be the perfect man for some friends-with-benefits action.  But when the easy affair turns into something more, it threatens her comfortable grief.

The passion of the younger man nearly infects her until Hunter tries to articulate it with the three words she refuses to hear. When she pushes him away, wounding his heart, she finds her own broken all over again.

Still, Madeline struggles to leave the past behind and accept that when Hunter said, "I love you," he wasn't just speaking for himself.

Excerpt

“I had a great time,” Hunter murmured.

Madeline wet her dry lips with her tongue. His head moved fractionally closer.

“Me…” She had to clear her throat from the huskiness coming through. “Me too.”

He smiled and their gazes met. Locked. She had this sense of free falling, just plunging head first into an unknown abyss. Had she ever felt like this with Kevin? With him everything had been easy. Simplistic. Nothing like what she was feeling now, with Hunter. He brought his hand up to cup her cheek, and she leaned into it, absorbing his heat. His eyelids narrowed a bit and his attention shifted to her mouth. All sorts of delicious tingles spread through her body because she knew he was going to kiss her. God! She wanted to kiss him back so much it was an ache deep in her gut. His head descended and her eyes fluttered shut just as the first touch of his mouth on hers brushed her lips. So gentle, like the dewy wisp of butterfly wings, and she wondered if he had kissed her at all.

She opened her eyes. The desire pooling in his blue eyes brought a gasp to her lips. His head descended again and this time, he held nothing back. Wild. Erotic. He slid his tongue over hers, tangling, dancing, and sending delicious sensations vibrating over all her nerve endings. Hot and smooth, tasting of everything dark and velvety. She’d never experienced a kiss quite like it before.

And she wanted more.

About the Author

I like writing about the very ordinary girl thrust into extraordinary circumstances, so my heroines will probably never be lawyers, doctors or corporate highrollers.  I try to write characters who aren't cookie cutters and push myself to write complicated situations that I have no idea how to resolve, forcing me to think outside the box.  I love writing characters who are real, complex and full of flaws, heroes and heroines who find redemption through love.

I’ve been pretty fortunate in life to experience some amazing things.  I’ve lived in France, travelled throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand.  I am a mom to an amazing little boy.  I’ve walked a red carpet event and visited the USS Voyager. I hate washing dishes but I love cooking. I hate washing clothes but I love wearing them. Writing my bio is difficult because I never know what to say so I hope you like this one.  My favorite color is red but I look best in black (it’s slimming).  I hate people who don't pick up their dog's crap in public places, people who don’t use turn signals, and I really hate people who are rude and condescending. I especially hate discrimination in all and every form.  And although I love holding a book in my hand, I absolutely adore my ereader, whom I’ve named Ruby.  I love to hear from readers so I’ve made it really easy to find me on the web.

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

Amazon Author Page

Purchase Links

Amazon

All Romance Ebooks

Evernight Publishing

GIVEAWAY 

eBook Copy of the Novel

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time,

Karna's alter ego by Surendra Nath - [Book Review]

Book details:
Title: Karna's Alter Ego
Author: Surendra Nath
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Dream house publication, Zenith Star
No of pages: 256
Source: A free e-copy from the author

Blurb:
Karna, the ill-fated hero of Mahabharata. Many feel he deserved to win. If only luck had favored him...

5000 years later, we have a man named Vasu, who is much like Karna – illegitimate birth, very talented but denied all credits in life, rejected in love, misses a medal in the Asian games, gets caught for telling an innocent lie, overlooked for promotion. He begins to identify himself with Karna, and interestingly Karna appears to him after every debacle to assuage and encourage him. 

It seems Vasu is Karna’s alter ego.

My Review:
The plot is about a poor but intelligent and hard working person Vasu and his journey of life. Fate is not always with Vasu and he faces many problems in each phase of his life. He gets inspired by Karna, a mythological character in the Hindu epic Mahabharatha and relates himself to Karna as they both struggled to withstand against fate. Be it an illusion or through meditation, whatever may be the reason, Karna appears before him to listen to his problems and guides him in a right direction.
Interesting right?

I too loved this plot by reading the blurb and wanted to see how the author can give advice for current  generation through the mythological character Karna. The narration is very simple to follow and I enjoyed the book till half. But, after that, it seemed like dragging by providing more lectures on morals through Karna. It became boring, repetitive and very preachy. The climax is good, though.

I loved the bonus information provided at the end of the book about Karna's life incidents. It is refreshing to read Mahabharatha in the perspective of Karna. The questions raised by Vasu to Karna and Karna's replies are justifiable. This book teaches positive spirit. 

The moral at the end is loud and clear -

 Always raise up high when stuck with problems and never lose hope. The best always waits for you which you deserve the most.

My Rating: 3.5/5

Purchase Links:






Flipkart

About the Author:
Surendra tries his hand at writing fiction off and on. A few of his short stories have been published in books and magazines. 'Karna’s Alter Ego' is his first attempt at writing a full length novel. Earlier he wrote a novella that sank without a trace.

For a living, at 58, he runs after children in KiiT International School, and the strength needed for all this chasing, he draws from his previous experience in the defence forces. He also publishes a children’s magazine – 'Kloud 9'. He is the architect of a Children’s Lit Fest, that is into its third year now in 2015.

Yes, he is married and lives happily with his wife and daughter at Cuttack. He has distant dreams of retiring as an author.
Until next time,

Ps: I have received this free e-book from the author in exchange of an honest review and this is my unbiased opinion.

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee - [Book review]

Book Details:
Title: Seeking Redemption
Author: Madhu Vajpayee
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary
Publishers: Half Baked Beans
No. of pages: 176
Source: Free Advanced review copy from book r3vi3 tours

Blurb:
The story of a girl Meera, who is unwittingly drawn into a conflict from where she finds it difficult to emerge unscathed. It's her journey from being a simple, medical graduate belonging to a middle-class family to the uncharted territories of corruption and caste based politics. Her path is crossed by the two men, both compelling yet completely contrasting characters, who are forever going to change her life. If it is Aman who can challenge her ideals and defy her resolves, and makes her the person she finally becomes, it is Abhay's sublime love which enables her to go through the vicissitudes of life. It's also the story of her loss as well as the triumph against her own demons to find her true self.

My review:
This is the story of Meera, an aspiring doctor and her turbulences in life because of poverty, corruption, caste reservation and politics around her.

People who grew up in India can easily relate to this story. I feel pity for Meera and many students like her who couldn't do higher studies in spite of their intellect because of the reservation system that prevailed in our country for so many years. I have even personally seen/ met many friends who tried to crack MBBS/ PG entrance exams, but couldn't get a seat even with a higher score as their seat is reserved for someone with a caste reservation with a very low score. The story also talks about moral values through different characters. It depicts human emotions effectively.

One thing that I didn't like about this book is that it becomes very preachy at some points. I understand, that building a story with this kind of concept is not easy. But, the reader might lose interest in the middle and may want to flip through the pages.The narration could have been made more interesting.

Few lines from the book I felt, worth sharing:

“Our birth might not ensure to which class we belong, but our deeds certainly do.”

"A poor person is just a poor person. He doesnt need to be categorized to any caste or religion or race or gender to be designated as poor. Sir, hunger, pain and suffering transcend any of these manmade divisions of the society. Just because someone is born in a particular class, religion or caste doesnt make him anything more or less than a human being. He is a human being first, after which any other label follows."

Overall, it is a good read.

My Rating: 3/5

Buy book here: Flipkart

About the Author:

Dr. Madhu Vajpayee - the writer was born somewhere in those hospital corridors where she has spent the last two decades of her life. Witnessing life at such close quarters pushed her to capture its enigma in her words and slowly it became her passion. After writing several scientific papers and chapters in books, this book is the beginning of her journey into the literary world.

Having done her graduation, MBBS from King Georges Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow she went ahead to pursue her post graduation, MD from AIIMS, New Delhi. She was a consultant at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi and was associated with management of patients living with HIV/AIDS. She is now settled in Melbourne, Australia with her family, where she is devoting most of her time to writing, the passion that she couldn't pursue earlier because of the demands of the medical profession and commitment it requires.

When not creating stories, Madhu enjoys reading and traveling.
http://www.amazon.in/dp/938431515X

Contact the Author:

Blog * Facebook Page * Twitter * Goodreads 

Reviews for the Book:

It was a perfect book and can motivate one. ~ Nidhi Author on Goodreads

Wonderful book. Clearly highlights the current problems faced in India as a result of reservation! ~ Nikhil Dave on Goodreads

It is one of the amazing fiction I have read in the near past. Highly recommended. Cocktail of Corruption, politics and love. ~ Akshay_Tripathi on Amazon

What Madhu does well with this story is to highlight many factors that need change. She brings out facets like reservation. She talks about the more rigid mindset of an Indian family ~ Vinay Leo @ Bookworm's Musings

Until next time,

PS: Received a free review copy from author through book r3vi3w tours and this is my honest opinion.