Sundari Venkatraman's Blog, page 63

A-Z Challenge 2014: 'A' for Asafoetida

Asafoetida is available in the form of a gum as well as powder. Asafoetida or Hing (हिंग) is used in Indian cooking and has a powerful flavour that one needs to get used to. It’s excellent for digestion and adds a special aroma to Indian curries. Drinking a glass of buttermilk with a pinch of Hing powder after a heavy dinner aids digestion.

It also acts as a coolant and is used liberally in mango & lemon pickles in South India. Usually, in Tamil Nadu, we avoid combining Asafoetida and Onions in the same dish as they beat each other’s flavours.

Asafoetida also has a number of useful side effects. It builds body resistance and keeps the regular user free from cold and fever.

ASAFOETIDA
Pic Courtesy: http://www.sunstarinvestments.co.za
Wikipedia says : Asafoetida is the dried gum exuded from the rhizome or tap root of several species of Ferula, a perennial herb. The species is native to the deserts of Iran, mountains of Afghanistan, and is mainly cultivated in nearby India. As its name suggests, asafoetida has a fetid smell but in cooked dishes it delivers a smooth flavour. It is also known as asant, food of the gods, giant fennel, jowani badian, stinking gum, Devil's dung, hing, kayam and ting.

Blogging from A-Z April Challenge 2014

Pic Courtesy: http://4.bp.blogspot.comI saw a number of facebook friends putting up posts regarding the A-Z Challenge 2014 to be held during the month of April. Not a very disciplined writer-blogger, I was rather hesitant to join the fray. I got to know from my friend Rubina Ramesh that the posts need not be too long with 300 words being the maximum. This made me decide that I should try this one or at least die trying. So here I am with a theme reveal, all set to take up the A-Z challenge.

I plan to write on a subject close to my heart - alternate healing therapies and using herbs, grains and other things in the course of daily cooking to enhance health. Now I am getting really excited and don't want to take up too much of your time in reading this blog.

I do look forward to posting a healthy piece of information beginning with letter 'A' tomorrow. I hope you enjoy this ride along with me Guys! Thanks for all your support.

Blog Tour: SHILPA GARG reviews DOUBLE JEOPARDY

Shilpa GargI got to know Shilpa Garg when she contacted me through Write Tribe to review my book Double Jeopardy. Thank you Shilpa! 
About Shilpa Garg in her own words:
"Shilpa Garg is a blogger from the Pink City of India who is passionate about the written words, sweets and beautiful conversations that happen over a mug of tea. She loves writing micro fiction, book reviews and general observations of life, things and circumstances on her blog,  A rose is a rose is a rose! Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Google+."
Shilpa's review of DOUBLE JEOPARDY
Double Jeopardy is a 55 page eBook which I finished reading in an hour! It is a hot and spicy, is coming of age story of a young girl, Sanya!  The book is about Sanya’s journey to woo her childhood love along with finding her true calling and listening to her heart despite the disapproval from the head. It is a story packed with love, romance and passion.
CLICK HERE to read the complete review on her blog.....
#SheReadsSouthAsia

Blog Tour: INDERPREET KAUR UPPAL reviews DOUBLE JEOPARDY

Inderpreet Kaur UppalI got to know Inderpreet Kaur Uppal via Write Tribe when she offered to review my book DOUBLE JEOPARDY. Inderpreet says that the book is "Sensual, Serious and Swift!"

About Inderpreet in her own words:

"Inderpreet Kaur Uppal is a freelance Writer, Blogger and Lecturer. She has a Masters Degree in Human Resources Management and loves to read, travel, discuss and write. Writing comes to her naturally as a gift from her parents whose love of the English language and correct expression has become a way of life for her. You can read some of her writings of www.inderpreetkaur.blogspot.in."  

Inderpreet Kaur Uppal's take on the book Sensual, Serious & Swift
The premise of the book is evident from the title 'Double Jeopardy' as well as the cover; that it still manages to surprise the reader is what is special about the book. The story traces the unrest in the mind and life of Sanya, a rich, pampered girl. 

The story is handled in a mature fashion which appeals to readers past their 20’s even though it is about a young girl. The hallmark of a good romance is that it attracts all with its ‘love story’.  All age groups can identify with the dilemma the main protagonists face.

Double Jeopardy  has plenty of love; with Sanya’s story you get to read about the love of Arth and Ansh too. The parents to have their share of love! The best part about the book is the generous amount of love sprinkled within the pages. It rubs off on the reader too.

CLICK HERE to read the complete review on her blog.....

#SheReadsSouthAsia

Blog Tour: GAURI KEKRE reviews DOUBLE JEOPARDY

Dr. Gauri KekreDr. Gauri Kekre, a blogger attached to Write Tribe reviewed my book DOUBLE JEOPARDY. The reason in her own words being, "I am an incurable romantic at heart. I love love LURRRRRV everything that has to do with romance, the candle-lit dinners, the wooing, the gifts… the works. Which is why I jumped when I was getting the chance to review Sundari Venkatraman’s Double Jeopardy." Am I glad!

About Dr. Gauri Kekre in her own words:

"My name is Dr. Gauri Kekre, a dental surgeon by education and a baker and blogger by passion and profession. Mother to two lovely girls, whose births triggered a host of unknown passions that were hidden deep within me. I write for two of my blogs, Mind Brew (http://mindbrewblog.wordpress.com) and Parent Avenue (http://parentavenue.wordpress.com). For me, always learning something new to make life better for my daughters, is paramount. In knowing that I know nothing, I found myself."


Review of DOUBLE JEOPARDY
I finished reading the book in just a couple of hours and given that I have two kids which in itself is self-explanatory to most, it can be construed that this book is an engaging read. The language flows effortlessly, as you delve into the lives of Sanya, Ansh and Arth. Their confusion becomes yours. You can’t wait to find out what happens in the end.

CLICK HERE to read the complete review on Gauri Kekre's blog.....

#SheReadsSouthAsia 

Blog Tour: VISHAL BHEEROO reviews DOUBLE JEOPARDY

Vishal BheerooIt was a lucky day when Corinne Rodrigues of Write Tribe agreed to write about my book DOUBLE JEOPARDY on her website, inviting bloggers to review it. Vishal Bheeroo downloaded the book from Indireads and gave me his honest review on his blog Scripting the story of Life . 

About Vishal Bheeroo (in his own words):

"The author has worked as a journalist for three years in an Indian newspaper based in Mauritius and is a freelance writer, an avid blogger where he writes about anything Indian. He can be found on www.vishalbheeroo.wordpress and his life revolves around books, bloggo-scope and writing. He swears by Hindi cinema, Amitabh Bachchan and the city he calls his own, Mumbai. He is working on a rom-com novel based in Mumbai and loves poetry and travelling."

Review of DOUBLE JEOPARDY
Rom-com is the flavor of the season and many authors are flocking the market with their uninhibited take on sex, sensuality and new age romance. What distinguishes Sundari Venkatraman take on this new age romance is that the novel is not restricted to candy floss or mushy stuffs neither it is all bout’ sex. In one sentence: Sassy twin love story with a twist that will hold your breath. The book  efficiently explores the complexity of human relationships, yearning for a partner and the sensitive portrayal of what goes inside the mind of a young woman, what she craves for-lust, love, sex- and what her heart wants. Love is an oxymoron, somebody truly said. Yeah! I am not apologetic that I enjoy reading well etched tales of sensuality, sexuality and eroticism. The author has beautifully described the sex scenes in a dignified, crisp and passionate way.The book will touch your heart and make you re-think on the traditional concept of love if you have a sensitive heart.

CLICK HERE to read the complete review on Vishal's blog.....

eBook Review: LYNNA’S ROGUE by Kitty Margo

I bought this book on Amazon as I love historical romances. It turned out to be a worthy buy.

Lynna is the 17-year-old daughter of the rich French plantation owner Nathan Rhodes. Afraid that she might be kidnapped, he sends away his only child along with Captain Joshua Jordan to America, to live with her aunt.

Joshua is threatened with his life and a bag of gold to keep Lynna safe during the voyage, from the hands of kidnappers. But is she safe from Joshua?

The story spans five years with many people coming into Joshua’s and Lynna’s lives before they finally get together.

Lynna is as innocent as she is gorgeous when she leaves home, but not for long. She undergoes a lot of struggle, unwanted attention, almost raped twice and gets married once, before she gets together with the man she loves.

Joshua loses the love of his life to find her after three years. But he is stymied by the vile Suzanne who insists on wedding him, saying that she’s pregnant with his child. Joshua is too smart. Despite marrying her, he proves her to be the whore she is and gets their marriage annulled. He’s still not able to get together with Lynna as he is unable to find her. And when he does, she’s married to Michael. Will their woes never end?

MY PERCEPTION

The story is well written with strong characters. The author has described beautiful locations very well. The chemistry between Joshua and Lynna sizzles. I loved reading the story that’s set in the 1850s and talks about the lives of slaves working in the cotton plantations. The sugar plantations of Jamaica have been described beautifully and a joy to read.

I loved the tropical paradise where Lynna finally lands up along with Rob. It was gorgeous while the reader is anxious to know what’s going to happen next. I enjoyed reading the book.

My only peeve was how one person could land in so much trouble. Lynna is hounded by problems from start to end. It was a tad difficult to swallow.


CLICK HERE to get your copy for free on Amazon. Grab it while the offer lasts!

Blog Tour: DANIEL’S DIARY by Rajeshwari Chauhan

Daniel's Diary by Rajeshwari Chauhan


The Blurb When Mrinalini, an art restoration expert, ventures into the ruins of Rang-Mahal and the Palace of Sumangarh, an accidental discovery of a skeleton and a manuscript detailing the exploits of Daniel, a Portuguese artist, opens a window to the forgotten era of grace and grandeur. The blossoming of love between a Moghul Emperor and a Rajput princess, is seen through the eyes of a foreign traveller, who himself falls in love with Jodhabai.
The plot revolves around Daniel’s quest for beauty and passion, the ecstasy and agony of love. He marries the famous courtesan Mahamaya only to lose her. It also draws a modern day parallel in the life of Mrinalini, a woman who seeks refuge in artistic pursuits and architectural ruins when relationships in life confuse her. 
Will she and Surajsinh be able to decode the clues left behind by Daniel? Will the curse of centuries-old unfulfilled love break into a happy ending for Mrinalini?
Buy @ Flipcart | Homeshop 18 |Infibeam | Amazon.in | BookAdda | Amazon.com            My Review of DANIEL'S DIARY by Rajeshwari Chauhan
THE STORY
The story begins with Mrinalini’s arrival at Sumangarh. The Palace of Sumangarh is being converted into a heritage hotel and she’s come over to restore the age-old paintings, a job she loves. Driver Surajsinh receives her at the station and he is a guy with an attitude much to her irritation.
Arvindsinh aka Arrow and his obnoxious girlfriend Suzan are the ones who have hired her company for the restoration work. Mrinalini settles down in a small cottage within five minutes of her palace and gets involved in her work soon. She gets to meet Dadasaheb aka Laxmansinh and his grandson Bubbles. 
Dadasaheb gifts Mrinalini with a painting that sets off a string of events. From here on the story goes back and forth in history and present day intertwining the events in Daniel’s life as Akbar’s protégée and the painting restoration conducted by Mrinalini.
Ten-year-old Bubbles and she get along like a house on fire and it’s Surajsinh who accompanies them on a visit to Rang Mahal. Rang Mahal is a crumbling structure and is in danger of falling apart. 
It is here they discover a skeleton that probably belonged to Daniel, a Portuguese travelling during the times of Emperor Akbar’s reign. They also find a diary that has been written by him in Portuguese. Surprisingly, Surajsinh appears to know Persian and translate the diary to Mrinalini and Bubbles who are both fascinated.
MY PERCEPTION
The novel is off to a slow start. Some of the characters have been introduced well with interesting scenes and dialogue. But the others have been introduced in the way of narration. The author could have made the novel a lot more interesting by letting her characters speak for themselves rather than her talking about them.
While Daniel’s Diary is a mine of fantastic information about Akbar’s court and the people in the emperor’s life, it reads more like a history lesson than a work of fiction. A lot of research has obviously gone into this work and the author should definitely be applauded for the same. I only wish the presentation had been way more interesting. 
Despite all that, I would still recommend the book as it gives one a fascinating look into history.
I have kept the best for the last. The sequence between Daniel and court dancer Mahamaya along with many characters of her household - Chhimiya, Fufi, Paro and the rest were really brought to life by Rajeshwari Chauhan’s pen. 
I also liked the way the author connects the various objects and paintings that influenced or affected Daniel’s life to many things that are found in Dadasaheb’s palace.
All in all, it’s worth a read and I will go with 3 stars for Daniel’s Diary by Rajeshwari Chauhan. 
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in return for a honest review. 
Meet the author

The Author's Thoughts
A freelance writer, artist, and teacher, Rajeshwari Chauhan has contributed as a script and content writer for many creative and promotional literature, short movies, and plays. A passionate artist, she loves to create realistic paintings on canvas as well as doing wall paintings. For her, painting and creative writing are complementary to each other.Being from the Royal family of Chhota-Udepur, she has always had a fascination for history and conservation of heritage.        Stalk him @
                  

Blog Tour: THE MALHOTRA BRIDE hosted by THE BOOK CLUB

The Malhotra Bride by Sundari Venkatraman




The Blurb
Sunita Rishi’s just turned twenty, having completed her graduation. She wants to fly free as a bird, explore career options and travel the world. Does she have a choice when Mamma & Pappa insist on arranging her marriage? Born in a rich business family steeped in tradition, Sunita has a tough job on her hands. Can she stop the tide? 
Tall, dark and handsome, Akshay Malhotra is the catch of the decade. The only son of Billionaire Raj Malhotra, he’s in a strange fix. His father’s keen that Akshay meets Sunita with marriage in mind. He’s too close to his parents to say ‘no’ for the preliminary meeting. And then he comes face-to-face with Sunita…. 
Will Sunita be falling from the frying pan into the fire when she agrees to become The Malhotra Bride?
Buy @ Amazon.com |Amazon.in | Amazon.uk | Amazon.ca |Amazon.com.au|Amazon.fr| Amazon.it |Amazon.co.jp |Amazon.co.br | Amazon.com.mx
           The Malhotra Bride by Sundari Venkatraman (Romance-Drama)


Meet the author
The Author's Thoughts
Even as a kid, she absolutely loved the 'lived happily ever after' syndrome as Sundari 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, she 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! She could never string two sentences together. While her spoken English had always been excellent - thanks to her Grandpa - she could not write to save her life. She was bad at writing essays in both school and college. Later, when it was time to teach her kids, she could manage everything from Science to Mathematics and History & Geography.
When it came to writing compositions, her kids found her of no help at all. All this changed suddenly one fine day in the year 2000. She had just quit her job at a school's office and did not know what to do with her life. She was saturated with simply reading books. That's when she got home one evening after her walk and took some sheets of paper and began writing. It was like watching a movie that was running in her head - all those years of visualising Indian heroes and heroines needed an outlet and had to be put into words. That's how her first novel, The Malhotra Bride, took shape.
While she felt discouraged when publishing did not happen, it was her husband who kept encouraging her not to give up. There was no looking back after that. While publishing took a long time happening, Sundari continued to write novels and then short stories. Her luck turned when Indireads approached her to write for them and Double Jeopardy was born.
Then came the self-publishing on Amazon. The 2nd edition of THE MALHOTRA BRIDE has been successfully published on Amazon and is available as an ebook since February 2014. The book has been very well received by the reading public.

You can stalk her @
               
                                

An InLinkz Link-up

Blog Tour: SRIDEVI DATTA reviews THE MALHOTRA BRIDE

Sridevi DattaI got introduced to Sridevi Datta via  THE BOOK CLUB . Thank you Sridevi for agreeing to do a review of The Malhotra Bride.

About Sridevi Datta in her own words:

"I strongly believe every word written or uttered serves a larger purpose in life. I am here to find that purpose and find myself nearing that goal every time I write.  Would love to connect with you all at many many levels."

Thank you Sridevi Datta for your honest feedback. 

REVIEW
Marriages in most Indian homes are not made in Heaven. Rather they are manipulated, calculated and weighed in all aspects by both sides before the parents of  the bride and the groom decide to take the plunge. If after everything, the bride and the groom are fortunate enough to fall for each other, an amalgamation of the most fruitful kind is formed.

TMB starts on this very premise. The parents of the bride and the groom without consulting their children fix their alliance. But the bride is Sunita - vivacious and pretty with her own aspirations of etching a career and the groom is Akshay - a tall dapper of a man who does not exactly want to get tied down to matrimony and wife at this stage. Yet when they meet for the first time, sparks fly, they are drawn to each other and begin falling in love.

CLICK HERE  to read the complete review....