COLLEEN’S 2020 #BOOK #REVIEWS – “Marriage Unarranged,” BY AUTHOR, Ritu Bhathal, @RituBhathal
Featuring a Special RELEASE DAY Review!
About this Book
‘Chickpea Curry’ Lit — Chick Lit with and Indian twist!
It all started ended with that box…
Aashi’s life was all set.
Or so she thought.
Like in the Bollywood films, Ravi would woo her, charm her family and they’d get married and live happily ever after.
But then Aashi found the empty condom box…
Putting her ex-fiancé and her innocence behind her, Aashi embarks upon an enlightening journey, to another country, where vibrant memories are created, and unforgettable friendships forged.
Old images erased, new beginnings to explore.
And how can she forget the handsome stranger she meets? A stranger who’s hiding something…
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MY RECOMMENDATION
Aashi is getting married! She envisions herself dressed in different bridal outfits, and she feels like a princess… until she turns up at Ravi’s house. The door is answered by Nishi, a drop-dead gorgeous co-worker of Ravi who leaves abruptly with Aashi’s arrival.
Aashi is a lovely young woman, the kind any man would be thrilled to marry. She’s a bit naïve, but still gives Ravi, the man of her dreams, the benefit of the doubt… until she discovers the empty condom box. His betrayal is a stab to her heart. She’s got nothing left except to explain to her parents and family the depth of Ravi’s betrayal.
Aashi battles the humiliation of a broken engagement by embarking on a new adventure to India accompanied by her brothers and best friend, Kiran. When the mysterious Arjun shows up, Aashi discovers a certain attraction that just won’t go away. Where will their relationship lead?
“Marriage Unarranged,” is a Hindi love story like no other. I found myself emersed in the culture of India, learning new Punjabi names for friends and family, including religious and cultural traditions. Did I forget to mention the food? How about the clothes? I was swept away by it all!
However, this book isn’t only about a young woman’s passage into adulthood. The author broaches many cultural taboos: broken engagements, children born out of wedlock, and homosexuality, all explored with kindness and acceptance.
Aashi’s parents (Harjit, her mother and Mohinder-ji, her father) only want what is best for their children. Are they equipped to go against cultural norms, all for the love of their family?
“Marriage Unarranged,” played out in my mind like a movie on the big screen. I smelled the incense, prayed at the Gurdwara with Aashi, caught the sparkle from the bangle bracelets for sale in the market; and I fell in love with the characters. I can’t wait to find out where the author takes us next!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. This book is available today. Grab your copy now!
MY RATING
*I follow the Amazon Rating System*
About the Author
Ritu Bhathal was born in Birmingham, UK, in the mid-1970’s to migrant parents, hailing from Kenya but with Indian origins. This colourful background has been a constant source of inspiration to her.
From childhood, she always enjoyed reading. This love of books is mostly credited to her mother.
The joy of reading spurred her on to become creative in her own writing, from fiction to poetry.
Winning little writing competitions at school and locally gave her the encouragement to continue writing.
As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and teacher, she has drawn on inspiration from many avenues to create the poems that she writes.
A qualified teacher, having studied at Kingston University, she now deals with classes of children as a sideline to her writing!
Ritu also writes a blog, a mixture of life and creativity, thoughts and opinions, which recently was awarded second place in the Best Overall Blog Category at the Annual Bloggers Bash Awards.
Ritu is happily married, and living in Kent, with her Hubby Dearest, and two children, not forgetting the furbaby Sonu Singh.
Ritu Bhathal Amazon Author Page
How to Connect with the Author
BLOG: ritubhathal.com
TWITTER: @RituBhathal
FACEBOOK: Ritu Bhathal ~ Author, Poet, Storyteller
If you have your book listed on BookBub, I will add my review there also! Click HERE to follow me! (Colleen M. Chesebro) Let me know in the comments if you follow me so I can follow you!
A lovely review of this book, Colleen.
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I am thrilled with the review, thank you Robbie! ❤
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Great review of a great book 💜
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💜💜💜
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Didn’t you love it? My first crush in high school was for a boy who had moved from India to Milwaukee, WI. I hung out in the library with him and his sister for two years! We had great discussions. I’ve wanted to wear a saree my entire life. I’ve always thought I had a past life in India. LOL! ❤
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There is something very magical about India that blinds our eyes to some of its downsides like the poverty and daily struggles many of the people have their. But that is the way the world over. Back to the book I loved it and have read it twice 💜💜💜
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I know there is horrible poverty. But for all that, there is a certain mystical quality to the country. The religion has always spoken to me. Ritu covers some of that in her book. The Sikh religion is quite interesting, too. ❤
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Yes I can honestly say Ritu has covered it all perfectly and beautifully 💜
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Thanks, Robbie. This was a fabulous read. The descriptions… wowser! Ritu’s writing incorporates all five senses. It’s delightful. ❤
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💜💜💜
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Thanks so much, Robbie. You will love this story. ❤
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Oh my, sis! What a wonderful review 💜💜💜💜
Thank you so much 💜💜💜
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Ritu, the cultural elements of this story are so well written. I love these characters. Congratulations on a fabulous read. I can’t wait to find out what happens next! 😍
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I need to get this book two written!!!!
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Get on Sis. Don’t rush. Take your time and do it right like the first book. ❤
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Thank you for your faith, Sis 💜
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Oh, you’ve got this, Sis. Aashi and Pillow deserve a special love story. Only you can write that. ❤
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💜💜💜💜
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It sounds great. Congratulations to Ruti!
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Thank you, Olga ❤
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I just write my review too. Love this!
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💜💜💜
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Excellent. I wish I had the money to visit India. I’d take Ritu with me! ❤
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Me too! If only. Now that would be a trip if a lifetime. 🙂
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I’ll say! ❤
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Thanks, Olga. I feel in love with the characters – all of them. Ritu did an excellent job. ❤
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Oh, this does sound good!
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It’s fabulous, Liz. Ritu writing draws you into the scenes. The characters are well rounded and real. I loved the cultural elements. ❤
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Thank you, Liz ❤
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A lovely review of Ritu’s book, Colleen. It is on my reading list. Congratulations, Ritu. ❤
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Thanks so much, Jane. You are going to love this story. ❤
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Thank you Jane ❤
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Pingback: COLLEEN’S 2020 #BOOK #REVIEWS – “Marriage Unarranged,” BY AUTHOR, Ritu Bhathal, @RituBhathal | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
Thank you for the amazing review, Colleen! As always very appreciated. Hope you are enjoying the weekend! Best wishes, Michael
—
In Europe, we now also have storms. We were told. I am still a little inconclusive, whether I would rather have the one from the UK, called Italian “Ciara”, or the German storm named “Sabine”. 😉
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Oh, Yikes!! Two storms? Climate change is affecting our weather all over the world. Too bad our American elected officals in the “ruling” party are not able to understand the dire consequences. Stay safe my friend. ❤
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Thank you, Bro! Stay safe! Ciara is battering us rigt now!
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Thank you, Sis! We had our “Sabine” today, but it wasnt as scary as aired. Our old cherry tree (over 80 years is unharmed alive). Wish you all the best. Take care for Sonu, he should not be blown away. 😉 Michael
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Will keep Him in!!!
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💜 Very kind of you! 😉
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What a wonderful introduction, Colleen! Thank you for sharing your review!
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Thanks, Jan. I really loved this story. The cultural elements and descriptions put you right there in India. Fabulous!
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Thank you so much Jan ❤
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What a great review. I have this book on my TBR and can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Colleen 😊
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Harmony, this was a sweet read for sure. I know you will love it! ❤
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Thank you Harmony ❤
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Congrats to Ritu ❤
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What a sweet read! I love the cultural aspects in this story. The characters are the bomb! 😍❤️
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❤
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Thanks, Sis. I really enjoyed this book! ❤
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Thank you Debby ❤
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Pingback: COLLEEN’S 2020 #BOOK #REVIEWS – “Marriage Unarranged,” BY AUTHOR, Ritu Bhathal, @RituBhathal | willowdot21
Your review is wonderful and Ritu’s book sounds amazing.
Congrats to Ritu.
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Thanks, Marje. I really enjoyed this book. It was a good read. Aashi is a lovely character. I really connected with her. ❤
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❤
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Thank you so much, Margie ! ❤
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Most welcome ♡
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That is a wonderful review Colleen. Congratulations Ritu, first review is so thrilling! Wishing you great success.
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Thanks so much, Balroop. I fell in love with these characters, for sure. ❤
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They must be so different from what you know about people. 🙂
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I’m actually quite worldly, Balroop. My first high school crush was on a boy from India. I spent a lot of time with him and sister in the library learning about their culture. As a Pagan Buddhist, I view cultures differently than most people I know. I would love to visit India (wish I was wealthy). LOL! I helped to raise my step-daughters who were half-Thai, along with my three children. I love learning about new cultures and religions. That helps to bridge the gaps between people. ❤
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Wow! nice to know that Colleen… what a revelation…6 children to raise! you are a super woman! India has a lot to offer to visitors besides culture and cuisine, there is a diversity you wouldn’t find anywhere.
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5 kids… that’s why my hair turned white. LOL! India has always fascinated me. I’m convinced I lived there in another life. ❤
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Now that is interesting!!!!
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Oh, he was such a lovely boy! Of course he and his sister made me very clear that we could only be friends. I always suspected that he went off and became a doctor or something. Funny the things we remember from high school, right? LOL! 😀
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These are where stories are born… From memories hidden!
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LOL! I was as niave as Aashi back then. Culturally… I didn’t have a clue in the differences between us. It just didn’t matter to me.
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And it really shouldn’t, but that’s life, eh!
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Exactly. Even the 1970’s weren’t as advanced as we thought we were. ❤
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💜💜💜
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Thank you so much, Balroop ❤
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This long awaited book is getting rave reviews!
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It’s charming and filled with loveable characters, Darlene. It’s a fabulous read. ❤
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Each review brings a tear to my eye… so it was worth it!
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Ritu’s books sounds amazing, Colleen. I love books set in unfamiliar cultures as it adds such an interesting layer to the read. Thanks for the recommendation and many congrats to Ritu. 🙂
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Diana, I know you will enjoy this book. I wish I was independently wealthy. I would hire Ritu and we would create a WP group tour of India. LOL! ❤
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🙂 That would be the way to go!
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Now that would be EPIC!!!!
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Wouldn’t that be amazing? That would be worthy of a movie, for sure! LOL! 😀
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Thank you so much for your kind words, Diana ❤
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It sounds a fantastic roller coaster ride of a novel. I’m off to amazon for my copy. ❤
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Aww, Sis. You’ll love this story. ❤️
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❤
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Thank you so much! ❤
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What a wonderful review, Colleen. Ritu’s book reads fascinating and fun. Congratulations to her on her new release! Thanks for sharing, Sis! ❤
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Thank you so much Vashti! ❤
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It’s a cultural delight, Sis. I really enjoyed the story. I can’t wait to see where this story goes. 😀
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Going on my list for sure!
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This was a really good read. Culturally stunning. 😀
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Thank you so much 🥰
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ur review is forcing me to read the book. will do after I complete my current book. bye
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Great. Thanks.
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