Rakhi Jayashankar's Blog, page 72

Review _ Teabox Assam Masala Chai

About Teabox
Teabox brings you the freshest teas straight from tea gardens of India and Nepal so you enjoy the most authentic, delicious tea there is. Each tea is sourced within 7 days of its production and carefully vacuum packed to protect its inherent freshness.Buy it from Amazon  
Rating : 4.5



Assam masala chai is one of the flavours of seven varieties of tea provided by Teabox. 
Packing
The packing was simple. A white color sealed paper box is all that it took to pack the product. There is not MAP, ingredients, MFG, or dietary contents any such details. Presumably the product is purely targeted on providing online services. Even though these details ought to be dre.
Nevertheless, the tea leaves are packed airtight. Also a zip pouch is provided along with the product.


The zip pouch contains the details of ingredients, aroma, palate, instructions per cup etc.

Appearance



On opening we can see dried cardamom,cloves and cinnamon along with tea leaves. On boiling it takes a deep red color.

Aroma

On opening the packet the aroma of cinnamon  dominates . On boiling, cooked leaves, cloves, and cardamom joins the journey to the olfactory system

Taste

We can make both black tea as well as milk tea. I recommend milk tea. The taste is heavenly.

Price

100gm of the product costs Rs.400. But. I wouldn't say that it is overpriced. I don't mind spending that much for this taste

Review -Of rumours lived and told by Ann Correa

Book Name         - Of rumours lived and toldAuthor                  - Ann CorreaPublisher              -  Platinum pressNumber of Pages - 104Publishing Year   -2016Edition                  - PaperbackPrice                     - 199
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Rating : 3.0

My Review

Ann Correa, born and brought up in a Mangalorean Roman Catholic community in Bangalore, shows the outer world a different life of the nuns that she witnessed. She shows the world a new picture of the nuns apart from the stereotypes we see around. Sh says nuns are way beyond just school teachers, music teachers, or strict principles. Unlike the preset notions that they are a group of frigids without any aesthetic sense or any sense of appreciation, Ann tells the tale of her aunt's who liked to dress up and who were full of life. There are mentions of two controversial books by nuns who left the shrine, but there is no deeper elucidation on that front.
The demise of her great aunt-Akkai- is the major topic dealt in the book. Her quest for truth begins when she realizes that the reason behind her death is not that she was told.Ann, through the memoire lays bare the fact that her family and the church were wont to hide the reality. She is discouraged by her parents when she decides to include Akkai's death in her memoire.
Basically the book is a reality check. Authoress has openly written a lot of facts but at some points it seemed that she succumbed to pressure. Her foray into Akkai's death reaches nowhere in the end or so it shows. Editing of the book is average. At some points it is difficult to comprehend what the authoress actually meant, due to poor editing. The book is overpriced.

My Verdict:- foray into real life of nuns but I expected more.


This review is in return of a free book from the publisher  

Review - Confused bastards by Manav Vigg

Book Name         - Confused BastardsAuthor                  - Manav ViggPublisher              - Srishti Publication Number of Pages - 224Publishing Year   -2016Edition                  -PaperbackPrice                     - 195
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Rating : 4.0

My Review

While I started reading the book, the first thought that came to my mind is that it's old wine in New bottle.  The same old formula of boys having fun- booze, puffs, gals. This kept me wondering if there is no other aim for the teenagers other than these. After a few pagesm rather chapters,he narration became more focussed.

 The corporate pressure, hire and fire formula, familial pressure, father-son communication gap. The story had everything that new generation faces. Jai, who is working in the telecom sector, witnesses the corporate political games. Akash,  son of an IAS officer tries one business venture after another. Vivek, working in the banking sector, separated from his wife due to his overindulgence with astrologers in an attempt to attain perfection. Three conflicting yet compatible characters. For a change, this time I will start with character portrayal instead of the plot. The three characters and seamlessly crafted. The forth one, Sattu is also well thoughtout and portrayed character. This is one book where characters take the plot forward.

The plot, even though lacks focus in the beginning, proves to be a different tale from the overworked formulas.From the point where the three friends conceive the business idea, the story line becomes very interesting. Initially the title  'I have a frustrated ass' leaves the reader's wondering what sort of idea is this. Later when the the idea develops and more people pitch in, the name of the title is justified. How the author incorporated different people's outlook is brilliant.
Towards the climax, like the protagonists, author himself seems confused as to how to end the whole story. 

The book cover is innovative and in sink with the title.

My Verdict: 
An interesting book with a novel idea but lacks consistency.

This review is in return of a free book from Writers Melon   

Book Spotlight - Falling For the Stars by Lisa Loving Dalton

Book Description:
AMAZON #1 BESTSELLER!
This Behind-the-Scenes Tell-All About Doubling for Celebrity Superstars Also Reveals the Compelling Life Story of an Insecure Hollywood Arrival Who Rises to the Top of Her Field, But Pays a Hefty Price.AddictionChauvinism  Big Egos collide with the surprising kindness of superstars.
Discover the magic and the tragic stories of many great films & TV shows through the eyes of a stuntwoman. Dalton reveals what it took to hang over cliffs, get hit by a moving car, drop from five stories up, dodge an avenue full of speeding cars--and to ignore the Universe's more gentle prompts that it was time to quit and follow her passion into acting full-time or teaching acting. The resulting career-ending spinal injury has a story of its own, how she researched medical and alternative paths that form the heart of what she shares with the world today. "What stands out in this book is the indomitable spirit the author has, despite the extraordinary price she paid for her stellar career--including misogyny, a miscarriage, and a life-long back injury. And each juicy story she relays in her fascinating chronicle, brings home an important life lesson for the reader--one that she learned the hard way.
Stunt Gal Lisa Dalton tattles about humorous and harrowing tales culled from over 200 films, television shows and commercials including Ghostbusters Money PitCrocodile DundeeMarried to the MobFX Legal EaglesThe Last DragonSaturday Night Live  SplashThe HighlanderWorld According To Garp
Working with or doubling such superstars as Meryl Streep, Cher, Madonna, Grace Jones, Robert Redford, Katherine Hepburn, Sean Connery, Tom Hanks, Chevy Chase, Robin Williams, Ed O'Neill, Michelle Pfeiffer and more.

Author's Bio:
From a bullied, dyslexic, messy, freckle-faced, klutzy pixie, Lisa Loving Dalton grew into a statuesque and skillful stuntwoman, actor, director, teacher, author, filmmaker, leadership and life coach, and ceremonial minister. Always seeking and finding the silver lining, she has made the most of whatever life threw at her. She says, “I spill stuff, trip and drip all of the time so I made a career out of it. My advice: Embrace what is as perfect.”​Dalton appeared in more than 200 films, television shows and commercials in New York, Hollywood and Texas, including work in Ghostbusters, Money Pit, Crocodile Dundee, Married to the Mob, FX, Legal Eagles, and Splash on the big screen and ER, HBO’s Carnivale, Dr. Quinn and Melrose Place among her many TV credits.
Connect with the author:  
Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Pinterest  ~  Youtube  ~  Instagram


​Book Trailer:


​Giveaway:​

Grand Prize Package: one winner will receive: 1) a paperback copy of Falling For the Stars by Lisa Loving Dalton with autographed Last Dragon Pic2) a paperback copy of A Balancing Act by Emmanuelle Chaulet 3) an e-copy of Murder of Talent4) a 30-min video chat with author
2nd and 3rd Prize Packages: 2 winners will each get:1) a Kindle copy of Falling for the Stars by Lisa Loving Dalton with an autographed Last Dragon pic2) a paperback copy of A Balancing Act by Emmanuelle Chaulet3) an e-copy of Murder of Talent
USA onlyGiveaway ends Dec 17


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Review -Liberation of Sita by Volga

Book Name         - The liberation of SitaAuthor                  - Volga (Translated from Telugu by T.Vijayakumar & C.Vijayasree)Publisher              - HarperPerennialNumber of Pages - 127Publishing Year   2016Edition                  - PaperbackPrice                     -199
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Rating : 4.5

My Review

The epic Ramayana has been interpreted in various dimensions lately. There has been attempts to depict Ramayana from different characters' outlooks. The liberation of Sita is a collection of five short stories. Each story is Sita's association with four female characters in Ramayana- Surpanakha, Renuka, Ahalya and Urmila. These are the minor characters which were forgotten under the larger than life story of the great righteous man who set out to save his wife. Authoress is trying to put forth the fact that woman need not be protected. She should be empowered to protect herself. Authoress, in Sita's words condemns the societal tendency to portray woman as a weak gender. She tried to put forth the ancient tale in today's light.

We all have heard the story of Surpanakha whose nose and ears were cut off, which triggered the anger of her brother Ravana who in turn abducted Sita. We never bothered to think of a woman who was disfigured because she tried to possess a man. Authoress brings to light the injustice that happened to her. Nevertheless the whole scenario need not have been twisted. Surpanakha was attacked because she tried to attack Sita. This need not have changed. A repentance from Surpanakha would have added glory to the whole episode. 

Ahalya's story is a new light to the prejudistic human mind. Whether she recognized Indra or not is not stated because irrespective of whether she was right or wrong, the punishment she got was not a righteous one. Renuka is one of the most ill treated woman in history. In spite of relating to her pain, every attempt was taken till now to glorify the great Parasurama. There has been literary attempts to give recognition to Urmila but in the book, authoress tried to convey a spiritual message through Urmila.

Authoress has been recognized as a feminist writer. Her pro female outlook is evident through the book. Sometimes, over the top attempt to portray men in the bad light was disturbing. Nevertheless, her attempt to throw light to a different version of the character portrayal should be hailed.

The book was originally written in Telugu and translated to English. It is an academy award winner book. A postscript is attached with a short note by the author as well as her interview. 

This review is in return of a free book from the publisher  
About the author


Volga (Popuri Lalitha Kumari) is a noted feminist writer in Telugu. Her nearly-fifty publications include Svechcha (Freedom, 1987; novel), Rajakeeya Kathalu (Political Stories, 1992; short story collection), Neeli Meghalu (Blue Clouds, 1993; edited anthology of feminist poetry), Charitra Swaralu (Voices of History, 2001; play), and Maaku Godalu Levu (We Have No Walls, 1989; feminist essays). She has translated Agnes Smedley’s Daughter of Earth (1929), Nawal El Saadawi’s Woman at Point Zero (1975), Oriana Fallaci’s Letter to a Child Never Born (1975), and also the script of Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi (1982) into Telugu. 

Among the many awards she received are the Nandi Award for the Best Story Writer (the Government of Andhra Pradesh, 1998), the Best Woman Writer Award (Telugu University, 1999), the Suseela Narayana Reddy Award (2009), Kandukuri Veerasalingam Literary Award (2013), the Lok Nayak Foundation Award (2014), and the Sahitya Akademi Award (2015). She is currently the Executive Chairperson of Asmita Resource Centre for Women, Hyderabad. 

T. Vijay Kumar is Professor of English at Osmania University, Hyderabad. His research interests include postcolonial literatures, the Indian literary diaspora, translation and educational television. His has co-edited Globalisation: Australian-Asian Perspectives (2014) and Focus India: Postcolonial Narratives of the Nation (2007). He has translated into English (with C. Vijayasree; 2002) Kanyasulkam, an early 20th century Telugu classic by Gurajada Venkata Appa Rao. He is one of the founder editors of Muse India: the literary e-journal and a director of the annual Hyderabad Literary Festival. 

C. Vijayasree (1953–2012) was Professor of English at Osmania University, Hyderabad and Director, Osmania University Centre for International Programmes (OUCIP). Author of nearly twenty books and fifty research papers, she was well-known in the field of postcolonial studies. Her publications include Suniti Namjoshi: The Artful Transgressor (2001), Mulk Raj Anand: The Writer and the Raj (1998), Writing the West: Representation of the West in Indian Literatures (2004; editor), Nation in Imagination: Essays on Nationalism, Sub-Nationalisms and Narration (2007; co-editor).

Review of Ashvamedha by Aparna Sinha

Book Name         - AshvamedhaAuthor                  - Aparna SinhaPublisher              - Srishti Publications Number of Pages -224Publishing Year   - 2016Edition                  - PaperbackPrice                     -195Buy books from Amazon,  Flipkart
Rating : 3.5
Blurb"You have to dethrone a powerful man to become the most powerful. I was itching to defeat the single most powerful person, but there wasn't any. I was left with only one choice — to create one."

Little does Ashwin Jamwal know that the last twenty-five years of his life have been controlled by a master manipulator, who wanted to make him the most powerful man on earth, though for a reason! Ashwin steps up to take oath as the youngest Prime Minister of India and is unknowingly thrown into a vortex of power and authority as the entire world is threatened by a faceless enemy — Hades.

The world starts to look up to Ashwin as the savior, but he was just a pawn, reared only to be sacrificed in the end.

A story of greed, lies, deceptions, manipulations and corruption, Ashvamedha is a thriller revolving around the infamous game of power in a maddening bid to seek absolute control

My ReviewAswamedha, the race of power. The title gives an impression of a mythological fiction. The cover image of a a horse about to venture the Ashwamedha too gives an impression of a mythological imaginations. An impeccable blurb clears our vision. The whole story is summarized seamlessly in the blurb. 
The story starts with the adventurous life of Ashwin Jamaal, a firebrand student turned Civil Servant turned politician. Ashwin's life is constantly influenced by someone ,a maniac,a powermonger by the name Hades. Who is Hades? Author succeeded in sustaining the suspense till the end. 
First part of the book lacks the grip. It looked like author was searching in the dark for the right path but as the story proceeds the intricate tale of power, politics, revenge, treachery etc is interwoven perfectly. Author has given a decent try to depict the geopolitical scenario. The meeting of the top world leaders seemed like a meeting of college representatives. A little more care need to be taken in that front. 
The character of Ashwin is crafted well but rest of the characters are pushed to the background. Even the character of Hades could have given more build up. Characters of Vishakha, Harshit and Anout stuck out like a sore thump. Either the scenario could have been avoided or given a better build up.
The climax could not be branded as novel or innovative but there was an element of surprise. But the ramifications in the climax was overworked to the core in various books and movies, hence it was tiresome 

My verdict:- The book is a decent attempt by the author to bring forth a variety story.

Reviewed for the publisherDisclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review. I waas not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
About the author
Aparna Sinha wrote her first poem when she was seven, which she recited on All India Radio. Since then, her literary work and industry specific articles have been published in various media, including reputed business magazines across Asia.

Equipped with a Master's in management, when she was forced to quit her lucrative job because of a chronic disease, she focused on her sole passion – writing.

Tornado Giveaway3-Blind, Certainly is Love by Reshma Ranjan

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The Story:


Neha Jaiswal is beautiful and intelligent—an alluring combination—but chooses to be recluse. What works for her is her intimidating personality that comes with her success. With no desire to get in to a relationship, the strong, assertive, and hardworking Neha manages to keep the men at bay—all except one.

Sumit Conrad, a super sucessful businessman, is an intriguing specimen of a man. Known to the world as the good Conrad, Sumit is actually a recluse who prefers only his own company, to the exception of his brother John and sister-in-law Sarika.

When fate throws the flirt in Sumit and the furious Neha together, sparks are bound to fly.

Will Sumit be able to convince the headstrong and opinionated Neha that what he wants is a long haul and a passing phase?

Or will the stubborn and cantankerous Neha be successful in driving him away?

Will their love make them blind to each other or to their own flaws? Will this blind love ever find its way?

COMING SOON 

About The Author 

A Passionate romantic who loves literature and has been driven by the romance in nature and the serenity and humbleness of this universe, one who made up her own happy endings in her imagination for every movie or every book with a sad ending. 

“Slowly I started to create my own characters and situation, creating a world of romance and happy endings to my liking. But for my laziness, I would have penned umpteen numbers of stories with unexpected people meeting and falling in love overcoming the troubles and tensions in their life and finally uniting for a lifetime. Penning the beautiful fairytale romances which we all dream about is what I love to do apart from penning few verses or poems on anything under the sun.

Also a voracious reader but for which she believes she could never have started writing. 

"If I can bring a smile and a happy sigh on at least one person’s lips I will feel a blessed writer."

Now residing in Denver, USA and is driven by a penchant to check out each item from her bucket list and soon planning to list down a new bucket list.




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Review of Teabox- Selim Hill Green Tea

About Teabox
Teabox brings you the freshest teas straight from tea gardens of India and Nepal so you enjoy the most authentic, delicious tea there is. Each tea is sourced within 7 days of its production and carefully vacuum packed to protect its inherent freshness.Buy it from Amazon  
Rating : 4.0



Selim Hill Green Tea is one of the flavours of seven varieties of tea provided by Teabox. 
Packing
The packing was simple. A white color sealed paper box is all that it took to pack the product. There is not MRP, ingredients, MFG, or dietary contents any such details. Presumably the product is purely targeted on providing online services. Even though these details ought to be dre.
Nevertheless, the tea leaves are packed airtight. Also a zip pouch is provided along with the product.


The zip pouch contains the details of ingredients, aroma, palate, instructions per cup etc.

Appearance



On opening we can see dried flowers along with tea leaves. On boiling it takes a straw color.

Aroma

On opening the packet the aroma of dry tea leaves dominates. Smell of flowers was surprisingly not felt. On boiling, cooked leaves joins the journey to the olfactory system

Taste

We can make both black tea as well as milk tea. The taste plain but a slight smoky flavour is also felt. Since most people take Green tea on a healthy account, taste assessment is not needed. Still, it tastes good and gives a refreshing feeling.

Price

The product is overpriced. 100gm of the product costs Rs.500

Spotlight Night of Seduction by Iris Bolling

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Name of the book: Night of Seduction /
Heaven's Gate
Author: Iris BollingRead some reviews:

1.  Shonnie
2.  Shawnette  
3. Sister Tea 

The Story:


A Night of Seduction can change your outlook on life and open Heaven's Gate.

Night of Seduction
Music Executive Jason Davies made a mistake. That result was a gift of love, his daughter Sierra. Accepting his responsibility as a father, he moves the mother of his daughter, Latoya Wright into his home. Expectantly, she wreaks so much havoc in his life he completely gives up on love. Then he meets the sexy, lovable photographer TeKaya Kendrick and not only does he find a love, he experiences a night of seduction that will last a life time.

Heaven’s Gate
R&B singer Eric “Silk” Davies has lost his muse. Night after night he sings, bringing joy and hope of love to millions, but can’t seem to find it for himself. Then during one of his concerts, his eyes rest on a woman in the front row and his songs take on a new meaning that leads to an unbelievable night of seduction. The woman, he believes to be a call girl, turns out to be a beautiful, baggage filled, school teacher named Siri Austin who just happens to be his key to open Heaven’s Gate. 

Two brothers - Two Sisters - Two Loves of a Lifetime!





You can buy the book @

amazon.in | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk

About The Author 

Iris Bolling’s published her first novel, Once You’ve Touched the Heart in 2008. This self-published work was the first of the five additional books to complete the Heart Series. The popular Heart Series has captivated the hearts of readers and awarded Iris the Emma Award as Debut Author of the Year in 2010 

In May of 2011, Iris introduced a new cast of characters in her in Night of Seduction Series. The second book in the series, The Pendleton Rule was reviewed in USA Today and received, the 2014 Emma Award for Suspense of The Year. 

In 2012, she began the Gems & Gents series with her novel Teach Me, which generated an importune shoe contest on Facebook that spanned the international waters. It continued with the release of the very popular Book of Joshua I and Book of Joshua II. The series has earned Iris several awards including 2014 Hero of The Year and 2015 Heroine of The Year. 

The beginning of her third series, The Brooks’ Family Values, was introduced in her novel Sinergy in 2014, followed by book 2 Fatal Mistake and Propensity For Love, both released in 2015. Propensity For Love was awarded the Villain of The Year honor and has been nominated for several 2016 Emma awards. 

Iris received the honor of being named Author of The Year twice since the inception of her career, 2012 and 2014. 

In 2014, Iris stepped into a new venture geared towards bringing books to film. She produced The Heart, a television series based on her popular novels. Season two will air in the spring of 2016. 

Adding more to her resume’ Iris is now doing quest-speaking engagements to share her experience and to encourage others to follow their dreams. 
Iris currently lives in Richmond, Virginia where she is working on her next series. 

Join Iris mailing list for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram. Join Iris Book Palace. You can reach Iris at irisb@siriaustin.com 



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Go to Book No. 59>> The Thorough Check by Vadassery Thaiparambil Rakesh 
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Cyber Monday sale blast

WELCOME TO THE CYBER MONDAY SALE BLAST! 
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