A minute to death by Ganga Bharani - [Book Review]

Book Details:

Title : A minute to death part 1 & Part 2
Author : Ganga Bharani
Genre :thriller
Length of the book : 105 pages(part 1), 104 pages (part 2)
Source : A free copy that I won in some giveaway

Blurb:

Young, vivacious and an aspiring writer, Riya wants nothing more from her longtime crush/boyfriend than to let her in on one of his exciting investigations. After all, what better source material for a book than a real-life tragedy? 

A no-nonsense veteran cop, Rohan picks a case of probable suicide to satisfy Riya’s needs. Little does he know that there is more to this case than meets the eye. 

What made the victim hang herself at the break of dawn? What is the secret that her group of friends is hiding? Will Riya be able to salvage a workable plot for her upcoming novel out of this case of seemingly simple suicide?

Purchase Link:
Amazon

My Review :

This is a thrilling investigation story of 2 suicides in the town by a cop Rohan and his girlfriend Riya. The story is interesting with twists,  turns and clues leading to the cause of death. 

What I liked?
The thrill factor is great. The clues and deductions are good and make us analyze and think about the case. The characters are cool. Rohan as a handsome and smart cop and Riya as a bubbly writer are interesting. The story flows smoothly and the mystery is maintained till the end. I loved the plot so much that I purchased the part 2 of the kindle copy immediately after finishing the first part. 

I heard great reviews about this book before starting the book itself and thus my expectations are high. This book met all my expectations. 

The only downside is the mistakes/ spelling errors. This book might have been reviewed before publishing.

One more thing that I didn't like is that the intelligent Riya might not have chosen that path for fame. Her decision doesn't match to her personality and there would have been some justification about this in the book, which is not there. I cannot talk more as I don't want to reveal anything for new readers.

My Rating : 4.5/5

I would recommend this book to all readers who like short thrillers/ fast-paced reads.

About the Author:

Ganga Bharani Vasudevan is the author of 'Just you, me and a secret', and Plot Engine, among many others. 
Her short films 'Tiny Steps' and 'Candles' won the Best Film Award and Special Mention Award in an international film festival. She was awarded 'Best Urban Chennai Blogger Award'. 
She is now writing a script for an Indian Feature film that will be released in the year 2017.

Website: http://gangabharani.com/ 

Until next time, 

Opposite Poles Attract #vdayblogtrain #ShortStory

Radha is studious, ambitious with only one goal in her mind from her childhood - to take care of her parents well. She is from the middle-class family and she is practical. 

While all their relatives thought a girl is a burden, she wanted to prove them wrong by earning a good name and making their parents proud. 

**************************************************************************

Rakesh is born in a rich family but raised with moral values by his loving parents. He doesn't know the problems of the world but he is sensitive and kind to his friends and family.

Money is never a problem in his life and he never knew financial planning/ sticking to budgets.

Life is smooth for him. He is an intellectual and smart student.

**************************************************************************

Radha is multi-talented. She excelled in music and always won prizes in competitions.  As usual, in her second year of engineering, she attended Youth festivals representing their college for music. 

While Rakesh doesn't know anything about arts, he is good at winning prizes in debate competitions. He also participated in that year's youth festivals.

Radha and Rakesh's colleges were given accommodation next to each other. Radha met Rakesh for the first time when Radha is running to hospital taking her injured friend. Rakesh just jumped in when she needed help with searching for a hospital and managing her sick friend in an unknown city. 

But, they both don't know that destiny will make them meet again. 

**************************************************************************

5 years passed. 

Both forgot each other, both settled into their dream jobs in different cities.

When Rakesh's profile came up from their parents for an alliance, Radha immediately recognized him. Radha always believed that Arranged marriage is a gamble and only a few lucky people will win a lottery (aka a decent husband). 

Rakesh is not even interested in marriage at that time but with parent's force, he went with his family to Radha's home and instantly recognized her. 

They both talked for some time but they were not sure if they are a good match.

**************************************************************************

Radha and Rakesh's families liked each other and now, they are waiting for their children's decision. 

They both agreed hesitantly and the marriage preparations started.

Even though Radha didn't know much about him, she fell for his looks and she also knew his kindness and helping nature from youth festivals.

Though it was not a love at first sight, they both tried to learn more about each other. The late-night phone calls extended till 2 am. 

They were amazed at how different they both are from each other! 

While Radha is studious, Rakesh is an average but smart student. 

Radha is good at financial planning and prepares budgets, but Rakesh spends money lavishly.

Radha doesn't care much about her looks and prefers not to spend money on clothes and beauty parlors. Rakesh always gives preference to maintain a good look by using the best clothes and colors that suit him.

Radha is introvert and loves reading, whereas Rakesh is extrovert and always likes spending time with people.

Radha loves to listen to music whereas Rakesh doesn't know anything about music. While Rakesh loves sports, Radha never enjoyed watching sports or playing.

Radha is a vegetarian and Rakesh is foody and non-vegetarian. 

**************************************************************************
At last, they are tied in wedlock and you know what? They lived happily ever after.

Radha and Rakesh enjoyed their differences, accepted that their tastes are different, both adjusted to some extent, respected each other and more than anything else, they kept their love ahead of their egos in all circumstances.

This story is fiction but completely based on real-life experiences. 

Let me tell you from my own experience, It doesn't matter that all tastes/ interest match for a couple. 

A relationship works with love, trust, and respect. 

If these 3 ingredients are present in the recipe of your relationship, I am sure it tastes great and sustains long.

Don't you agree?

Let me know in comments - what do you think about the opposite poles attracting each other.

Until next time,

This post is a part of the Valentine’s Day blog train hosted by www.prernawahi.com & www.vartikasdiary.com, sponsored by ShilpSa, Kalpavriksha farms & Neha from @bloggingmadeeasier 

I chose to write for the prompt - Opposites attract, great minds think alike – what type of couple are you?

Shweta Ka Swayamvar by Sundari Venkatraman - Book Spot Light

Print Length: 55 pages

Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published) 

Publication Date: October 26, 2018

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC

Language: English

Available on Kindle Unlimited 

Genre: Romance, Short Story

When Shweta receives an irrefutable offer from a TV production house to participate in the reality show Shweta ka Swayamvar, she’s not as excited as she should be. And there’s a reason for it.

Adi is attracted to Shweta the moment he sets eyes on the fashion model cum TV actress. But he just doesn’t get an opportunity to woo her as he rushes off to the US for his father’s heart surgery. 

Disappointed at not meeting Adi or knowing of a way to contact him, Shweta signs up for the show, unaware of the surprise that awaits her when the shooting begins…

Are the two of them—Adi and Shweta—meant for each other or will fate keep throwing hurdles in their path? Read the full story to know more.

*A shorter version of this story was published before in the anthology Matches Made in Heaven

  

It would be great if you can add this book to your TBR

Sundari Venkatraman is an indie author who has 40 titles (36 books & 4 collections) to her name, all Top 100 Bestsellers on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.

Even as a kid, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome as she grew up reading all the fairy tales she could lay her hands on, Phantom comics, Mandrake comics and the like. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy end. 

Soon, into her teens, Sundari switched her attention from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to a local hero and heroine. Her imagination took flight and she always lived in a rosy cocoon of romance over the years. 

Then came the writing – a true bolt out of the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.

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Until next time,

A wrong move #WriteBravely

Read Part 1 and Part 2 of the story here.
Love is crazy. It makes people go off balance sometimes.

While Krithika is busy preparing question papers for her class and making copies, accidentally met the vibrant and handsome Rajiv who joined as a new teacher in his school. A casual friendship blossomed into love.

Hours became seconds for the lovebirds. The background, financial problems and, family restrictions took back seat. They went ahead and got married. Both were contented and happy till 6 months while Karthika took pride in Rajiv's possessiveness and enjoyed his undivided attention.

Small differences started cropping up whenever Karthika spends more time with her close friends or takes extra classes in school. Rajiv wants her to be dependent on him for every small thing and cannot bear when she manages anything on her own. He used to show his frustration and anger by insulting her/ accusing her of affairs with her male friends. He is the most loving husband only when she is submissive and supports her husband blindly.

Karthika didn't lose hopes on her married life as she believed that she can change her fate.

“Our fate lives within us. You only have to be brave enough to see it.” – Brave

Until next time,

Linking this to Write Tribe Festival of Words. #WTFOW #WriteBravely
This is the third part of the Fiction series written for Write Tribe festival of words.

Write Tribe

The Job that she hated #WriteBravely

Read Part 1 of the short story here.

Karthika has always dreamed of taking up higher studies and becoming a doctor.

Unfortunately, her dreams were shattered when she lost her father in a serious accident. She has to discontinue her graduation to support her family.

When her neighborhood school needed a maths teacher urgently, she had to join for money.

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She never liked the kids and doesn't have any patience to deal with their mischievousness. But, slowly the happy smiles of cute children, their curiosity, affection, and innocence changed something inside her. Now, teaching is not a job but has become a part of her life.

Until next time,

Linking this to Write Tribe Festival of words June 2018 hosted by Corinne. #WriteBravely

Write Tribe

Read Part 3 here.

Rising from the Ashes by Rubina Ramesh - [Book Review]

RISING FROM THE ASHES: 

A Short Story: Prequel to Knitted Tales 2 

by 

Rubina Ramesh

BLURB

She was one of the most beautiful woman Asura Sambara had laid his eyes on. 

Possessing a beauty of this magnitude became his passion. Sambara kidnapped her and whisked her off to his palace. 

Mayavati knows she has no option but to bow down to his wishes. But what about the young man who always haunts her dreams? She had no clue why she was in this palace but after speaking to the mischief making Sage Narada, it all started making sense to her. 

Who was Mayavati and what was she doing in Asura’s palace? 

Was Sambara her destiny? 

Disclaimer: This short story is a mythological fiction and should be treated as such. The author does not claim it to be a retelling of the Puranas. This piece is a product of her unbridled imagination. 

Grab your copy @

Amazon.com | Amazon.in | Amazon.co.uk

My Review

This is one of the shortest books that I read. First of all, I didn't know that it's a mythology by seeing the book cover. I love mythology and those numerous small stories that come in the middle of the epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. This book covers the story of Goddess Rati after she is cursed by Lord Shiva to become ash. Thus, the title of the book is apt.

The story is interesting as the characters are not very popular in our epics but known to some extent by their names. There are not many characters in the story and the focus is more on Mayawati. The story ends abruptly with Mayavati realizing her past life. I think, without reading the sequel 'Knitted Tales 2' , it cannot be said a complete story. So, have to wait for the sequel. 

The narration with twists is good. The book cover might have been different. Characterization of Mayawati is good and the author is successful in bringing Mayawati's thoughts, confusion, her pride, enchanting beauty and power clearly to the reader. 

Overall, I would recommend this to a Mythology lover. 

My Rating: 4/5

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

About the author

Rubina Ramesh is an avid reader, writer, blogger, book reviewer and marketer. She is the founder of The Book Club, an online book publicity group. Her first literary work was published in her school magazine. It gave her immense pride to see her own name at the bottom of the article. She was about 8 years old at that time. She then went to complete her MBA and after her marriage to her childhood friend, her travel saga started. From The Netherlands to the British Isles she lived her life like an adventure. After a short stint in Malaysia, she finally settled down in the desert state of USA, Arizona. Living with her DH and two human kids and one doggie kid, Rubina has finally started living the life she had always dreamed about – that of a writer.

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Until next time,

Reality dance shows - A story

Chutki, an 8year old girl looks pretty with adorable eyes and innocence in the face. She is from a middle class family, her father being a government employee and mother a house wife. She has a younger brother who is very naughty. Her parents made her join dance class as they like their little princess dancing rhythmic with music. She too loves dance and she picks up every step very fast and she is also good at academics. Her life is simple and happy. 

          Whenever she used to give a dance performance, people used to say to their parents "Chutki is a child prodigy and she is very smart. You are very lucky to have a daughter like this with exceptional talent in dance in an early age". Her parent used to feel proud and happy and that makes her also happy. She starting winning first prizes in all dance competitions that she participates. Her parents made her participate in even district level and state level competitions even though it is difficult for them to spend money on her travel and dance dress and accessories. They encouraged her in every step. 

            Her father took her for the auditions to a dance reality show for some tv channel. All judges are spellbound seeing her perfection in dance, her expressions, footsteps, hand movements etc., She got selected in auditions and even first 3 rounds of the program very easily without much competition. Now, its time for quarter finals. Their family is given accommodation in a five star hotel in Mumbai where competition takes place and the schedule for shooting is for around 2 days. There is rigorous practice with all other participants, Chutki is groomed well, every detail taken care of like her hair style, dressing and makeup. Even though there is slight competition, she could win quarter finals too. Semi finals are just few days away. They came back to their home town. Every one started recognizing them on the streets and Chutki has become a star around the household. Neighbors, teachers and all well wishers congratulated her and wished her all the best for next rounds. Prize money is a very huge amount if she wins in finals. As there are chances for her daughter to win, their parents dreamed of a comfortable house, car, giving better education to their children etc., Chutki never cared about win or loss in competition, she just enjoyed her dance till now. But, seeing her parents dreaming big, she also thought she should win for sure to make them happy. Pressure started building up. She got selected in semi finals too with another good performance. 

             Organizers arranged a shooting schedule of 10 days for finals. Each participant is assigned to a celebrity dance professional and their practice, guidance, song selection, everything is picturized. They also went to every participant's native place and interviewed their family and grand parents, showed their home, life style etc., Chutki felt like she is in a cage with all lights focused on her and every one expecting her to perform the best. Every thing around her is exaggerated and show cased in tv.  She couldn't attend school for 10 days and had to miss classes in between for different rounds of selection and shooting schedules. Their school head mistress and teachers are fine though as these organizers also showed their school in tv interviewing some of her friends and teachers. But, Chutki felt she is missing something. She wants to play like earlier with friends, fight with her brother, get good marks in academics, spend time with her parents etc., On the other side, she is becoming nervous that she might disappoint her parents, friends, teachers, neighbours and every one else if she doesn't win this finals. Earlier, she always enjoyed her dance, but now she want to perform to win the prize. 

             At last, the D -day came. Her parents took her to temple and also gave their blessings and best wishes. They made sure that she is well fed and her father also promised that he will buy her new toys and more dresses after she wins. She wanted to ask, "is it fine even if i don't win? I don't want to dance this time. Can i drop out?" etc., but didn't dare to ask. When her turn came for dancing, she is nervous, couldn't concentrate on music and is checking the faces of judges and audience in between to see the reaction. She understood that she didn't perform well like earlier and the result is as expected. She didn't win either first prize or second. Her parents, friends and everyone else who supported till now are disappointed. They showed sympathy on her and told her that she can do best in future competitions , but no one asked her why she failed and why she was not like earlier. 

             As she never experienced a failure earlier, it is difficult for her to forget this. Her parents didn't say anything and they just told her it's fine. But, her teachers, neighbors, relatives still show sympathy for not winning it even though they say at the end that it is ok, not to worry much. At last, she decided that she will never perform anywhere again and she want to concentrate on her studies. 

Author's note: These reality shows just create a hype for TRP ratings and if parents are not mature enough to counsel their children that win or loss doesn't matter much in the world, children like Chutki will feel depressed and pressurized. 

What do you think? 

Until next time,

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