Devika Fernando's Blog, page 73

Book Club Cover Reveal - Sangita's Dilemma by Sundari Venkatraman

Cover Reveal:
SANGITA'S DILEMMA
by 
Sundari Venkatraman
Sneak Peek


Sangita Sinclair was not always this successful & passionate lady heading the NGO “Penn Urimai” for downtrodden, abused and homeless women….
When Sangita catches the eye of Gautam Sinclair she is a simple, homely girl; utterly unaware of her charms & capabilities. She has the devil’s own time in overcoming her inhibitions, hesitation, and her family’s orthodox and outdated rules before recognising her love for Gautam.
Will Gautam be able to solve Sangita’s Dilemma or will she be forever trapped in her past?


About the author



Sundari Venkatraman has four novels and a short story collection to her name. Sangita’s Dilemma is her sixth book. Her books are self-published under the banner Flaming Sun and are often found on Amazon’s Top 100 Bestsellers’ Contemporary Romances list. 
A great fan of Mills & Boon romances over the past four decades, Sundari has always believed in ‘Happily Ever Afters’ and all her books promise joyous endings. 
Sangita’s Dilemma tells the story of Sangita, a young widow from a conservative family in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Her parents wouldn’t hear of widow remarriage and all hell breaks loose when a half-American falls in love with her and proposes marriage. Sundari deals with different issues in society in her books without preaching anyone. The characters speak for themselves. 
The author says, “I wrote this book with a lot of love and passion; I hope you enjoy reading it.” 
Sundari Venkatraman would love to hear from you @

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Other books by the author

Double Jeopardy
The Malhotra Bride
Meghna
The Runaway Bridegroom
Flaming Sun Collection 1: Happily Ever Afters From India (Box Set)
Matches Made In Heaven

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Featured - Promo Blitz for Untamed & Unabashed by Liza O'Connor (Sale)

My awesome author friend Liza O'Connor and her spunky heroine Lydia are dropping by today to entice you unashamedly and unabashedly. ;-)

Great news!  Lydia can be bought for pennies this week. 99 of them.

Elizabeth Bennet told her story in Pride and Prejudice. Now Lydia Bennet tells her side of her whirlwind marriage to Lieutenant Wickham. The youngest of five daughters with a pittance of a dowry and no hope for a good marriage, Lydia feared her life was doomed from the start. She learns how to set herself apart from her sisters and gain the attention of young men. She hones charm and flirtation to an art. Willing to take risks, she manages to acquire a substantial dowry and marries her beloved Wickham. Yet, her life remains on the brink until she gains the patronage of a wealthy Duke trapped in a loveless marriage.

“Lydia was Lydia still; untamed, unabashed, wild, noisy and fearless.”

—quote by Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen


EXCERPT

The loud clearing of a throat brought their attention to the frowning butler at the door.
Lydia smiled at the man. “I know you will miss me, Mr. Tims, but Wickham and I are getting married.”
The man blinked twice. “At this hour, miss?”
She laughed and nodded. “We are going to Gretna Green. I have left Harriet a note, so don’t say a word. I want her to be surprised by my letter.”
The butler seemed to recover from his shock. “Have you a carriage to take you?”
She grimaced. “No. We are going to do that now.”
“Allow me to handle the matter.”
“Thank you, Tims. You are a good man.”
Wickham feared the butler planned to alert Colonel Forster. “That is not necessary…”
The butler smiled. “Oh, but it is, sir. I would dearly love to send the young miss off…” After a brief pause, he added, “In style.”
When the butler left the room, Lydia turned to Wickham. “I now regret all the trouble I’ve caused the poor fellow. That was most obliging of him, do you not think?”
Wickham pulled her close so she would not see the rolling of his eyes. He could only hope the butler was indeed getting a carriage so Lydia would leave before the Forsters could bring her to her senses.
Five minutes later, a post chaise with four strong horses waited at the door.
“Is this the best you could do, Tims?” Lydia asked as she climbed in the large carriage with a forward and backward seat.
“At such a late hour, with no advance warning, we are lucky I found any carriage at all.” He then looked at Wickham. “I wish you the best of luck, sir.”
“The same to you.” Wickham could only imagine the hell the man would catch when they finally realized the butler had assisted Wickham in carrying away the supply funds.

SALES LINK

Amazon

Featured - How To Survive Your Sisters by Ellie Campbell

Tour Schedule
Welcome to my stop for the Book Blitz of How To Survive Your Sisters by Ellie Campbell. This highly rated romance is on sale on Amazon in countries like India, Australia and UK from 3rd Feb to 1st March and Free on Amazon Kindle Unlimited in US!
Checkout the book, meet the author and go grab your copy of this "wonderfully warm and witty debut novel about family secrets and sibling rivalry."
How to Survive Your Sisters by Ellie Campbell
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Women's Fiction Publication Date: December 2013
A wonderfully warm and witty debut novel about family secrets and sibling rivalry.
The four MacLeod sisters are no strangers to sisterly rivalry and with one of them about to be married, there are bound to be fireworks. Perfectionist Natalie wants the 'wedding of the year'. Harassed mother, Milly, just wishes her bridesmaid's dress wasn't the size of a tent. Career-obsessed Avril secretly moons over a married man and world traveler, Hazel, the youngest, yearns to be taken seriously. Forced together for the first time in years, and with an unexpected guest stirring up old resentments, squabbles are inevitable. But when tragedy strikes things really fly apart - as some shocking skeletons emerge rattling from the crowded MacLeod closet..

~Praise for the Book~

'Makes sibling rivalry funny.' -Cosmopolitan
'A rollicking read,' -Carol Smith, author of Twilight Hour
'A cracking book with the entangled plot developing at great speed, one of the best in this area.' -BOOKSELLER
'Ellie Campbell's infectious sense of fun is immensely cheering. Her stories are a gorgeous blend of memorable characters, plot-twisting treats and heart-warming nostalgia. I hope the Ellie Campbell phenomenon is here to stay.' -Fiona Walker
'I totally ate this one up. A great book for anyone with a sister! Heck you don't even have to have a sister to get the humor!'  Reading Renee Reviews 

'The writing achieves the balance between lightheartedness and truth to look at family ties -- cosy, lovely, messy, and uncomfortable, all tangled up -- with real affection and honesty.' -Vine Voice


~Buying Links~ Amazon US {Free on Kindle Unlimited}| Amazon IN {Rs. 99} | Amazon AU {$1.80}| Amazon UK {£0.99}
 | Smartlink


~Meet the Author~
Ellie Campbell is a pseudonym for sisters, Pam Burks and Lorraine Campbell who collaborate across the mighty Atlantic, finding writing together the perfect excuse for endless phone conversations.  They are equally passionate about travel, animals and the great outdoors. Although Pam lives near London, with husband, three children and a dog, while Lorraine is on a Colorado ranch near wild and wonderful Boulder with husband, five horses, five cats, one dog and four chickens – they both believe in enjoying life to the fullest, be it discovering new remote locations or going on trail rides in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
~Follow the Author~ Webpage: http://chicklitsisters.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ecampbellbooks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllieCampbellbooks Google+ : https://plus.google.com/+EllieCampbellbooks/posts Riffle:  https://read.rifflebooks.com/list/165071 Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/ecampbellbooks Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ellie-Campbell/e/B0034OURJ8 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1710882.Ellie_Campbell Booklife: http://booklife.com/profile/ellie-campbell-5110 eNovel Authors at Work: http://enovelauthorsatwork.com/ellie-campbell Riffle Author Page: https://read.rifflebooks.com/authors/129199 Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/settings/authors#authors-search   Ellie Campbell  Book Page on Booklife: http://booklife.com/my/project/how-to-survive-your-sisters-5184 Book Pages on Booklaunch: https://booklaunch.io/ecampbellbooks/how-to-survive-your-sisters
~Hosted by~
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Book Club Cover Reveal - Take 2 by Ruchi Singh

Cover Reveal
Take 2
Second Chance At Happiness
by  Ruchi Singh
"Happily ever after has become a myth for Priya and trying to keep the relationship platonic is becoming more and more difficult for Abhimanyu"

Blurb 


Priya’s idyllic world turns upside down when she realizes her husband considers her dead weight after stripping her off her inheritance for his ambitions and lavish lifestyle.

Abhimanyu is instantly attracted to Priya when life throws them together. He knows getting involved with a married woman is inviting trouble. But despite common sense, cautions and hesitations, he is drawn to help her.

Happily ever after has become a myth for Priya and trying to keep the relationship platonic is becoming more and more difficult for Abhimanyu.

In the tussle between ethics, fears and desires... will Priya embrace a second chance at happiness?


About 
Ruchi Singh 
Ruchi Singh has a degree in Engineering and has been working in IT industry as a Consultant. She began her writing career writing short stories and articles, which have been published on various online forums. Her story ‘Boomerang’ in crime genre, won the Indireads Short Story competition in 2014, and is part of the Anthology ‘Voices Old & New‘. Her, another, short story ‘Debt of Kheer’ is part of Author’s Ink anthology ‘The Turning Point of Life', both available on Amazon. 'Take 2' is her debut novel.
A voracious reader, her favourite genres is 'romantic thriller'. Besides writing and reading, her other interests include dabbling with Indian classical dance forms.

Stalk her @ Website | Twitter | Facebook 



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Book Club Cover Reveal - Unexpected Valentines by Summerita Rhayne

Cover Reveal
Unexpected Valentines
by  Summerita Rhayne
"Love can be found at the most unexpected places, with unlikely people. Your heart might be searching for love but when love finally hits, it shies away from committing."

Blurb 


Love can be found at the most unexpected places, with unlikely people. Your heart might be searching for love but when love finally hits, it shies away from committing.
What are the barriers that keep two people away, even when perfect love is just within reach?
Explore the ways love can be discovered. Celebrate romance with this quick read ideal for romance fiction lovers.
Stories in this collection Unexpected Valentine The Magic Within Love at loggerheads Chained to Shadows Right or Wrong Coffee and Clashes Hooded Desire
Preorder now at: Amazon

About 
Summerita Rhayne
Summerita Rhayne loves to write sensual and emotional romance. There's no knowing when some quirky - or sometimes even not so quirky - happening in daily life might trigger her right brain and then she's off craving a new story. She loves writing characters who learn and grow and find their way out of their troubles and emotional hang-ups. Hot, sensual heroes and sassy but sweet heroines mostly fit the bill in her stories. She also believes that a touch of humor never goes amiss in a book.

She divides her time between family, job and writing - and loves winding down with music, movies and the internet!

Keep up with her  news @
Website | Twitter |

Her Other Works... Against All Rules Hidden Passion
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Featured - Author Interview with Nidhi

This time I'm featuring an aspiring Indian author who has been focusing on writing from an early age on and mostly writes short stories.
Indian Author Nidhi 10 Questions with Nidhi
1) What do you like most and least about being a writer?
Being a writer, I like thinking all day about different plots, different characters and reading about various genres.
Till date, there’s nothing I have not liked about being a writer.

2) Do you prefer novels or short stories?
For writing I prefer short stories but for reading I prefer novels.

3) What is the hardest thing about writing fiction?
The hardest thing about writing fiction is to write it like non-fiction, this way readers could connect easily and feel like flowing with the words.

4) Do you have any writing rituals?
Writing in a peaceful surrounding.

5) Any hidden talents or crazy facts about you?
The crazy fact about me is I love being pampered. And I am a talkative girl.

6) Do you prefer eBooks or printed books?
I prefer printed books.

7) What is the most important character trait the hero and the heroine should possess?
There is no compulsory character trait that a hero and heroine must possess. For all stories there is a different plot, different characters and different character traits.

8) Do you have any advice for (aspiring) authors?
Being an aspiring author myself, I feel that all writers must read as much as they can. Reading polishes writing, and the reading habit enhances our writing skills.

9) Any comments on the current book trends in India?
Earlier, there were only a few authors, but in the present scenario we can see a 14 year old kid being a writer. Be it a student, housewives, bankers etc., you will observe writers from almost every field and so in India you can find books on almost every genre.

10) What are you currently working on?
Being a contributing authors of nine anthologies, I am currently working on many more short stories.

About the Author
Nidhi, 19, is a student of English Honours (2nd year) is an avid reader and passionate for writing. Her first article was published when she was 12. She has got a trophy from Readomania for her story. She writes for e- magazines such as Neelam and Intellinotions. Apart from writing she loves doing social works.

ANTHOLOGIES SHE IS PART OF:

1. Tere Hi liye
2. Zest of Inklings
3. Mighty thoughts
4. Blank Space
5. Love bytes
6. Beginning for Beginners
7. Anecdotes of Love
8. Love Stories around Us
9. Lovingly Yours

Twitter:  @Nidhiauthor
Google+: Nidhi Author (nidscute002@gmail.com)
Facebook profile: https://m.facebook.com/nidhi.author?ref_component=mbasic_home_header&ref_page=%2Fwap%2Fhome.php&refid=8
Blog link: iwritenidhi.wordpress.com
Instagram: nidhi_author
Page link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-is-predestined/154074414762612
Bbm pin: 52ED2384

Book Club Blog Tour - Matches Made in Heaven by Sundari Venkatraman (Review)

Matches Made In Heaven  by  Sundari Venkatraman

Sneak Peek

A collection of 13 romantic short stories based in India; a culture rich country steeped in tradition. Inspiration struck me from newspaper articles, TV shows and hearing people talk. The short stories are based on that fact that arranged marriages thrive right alongside love matches in India.

1. Groomnapped is Ameya-Surekha’s story as a light romantic take on the serious issue of groom kidnappings. 
2. Dark skin on a woman puts off men in general or so says the society. Beauty Is But Skin Deep is Nitin-Simran’s story that proves it wrong!
3. Ritu is twenty-five and wants to wait for her Prince Charming but her parents are desperate to arrange her wedding. Does she find her prince in An Arranged Match?
4. Dating Agencies are doing their best to get young people together to tie the knot. My friend Diti runs an informal one; inspiring the Red Rose Dating Agency. 
5. A guy’s complaint about his fiancée of a few years dumping him after becoming successful in her film career felt like a rant to me. Chahti Hoon Tumhe is an ode to the successful actress. 
6. Soumya actually lives life like Soul Mates but how many have the guts to? This, incidentally, is the first short story that I ever wrote.
7. Does Madeinheaven.com help bring Menka & Jeetu together with technology driven Matchmaking website? 
8. I originally wrote Rahat Mili for an anthology; Rahat means ‘relief’ and is a name too. Read the story with the word in mind and it will fall in place.  
9.  Reema’s Matchmakers brings Arjun and Prisha together at a get-together through a matchmaking network. But will they get married?
10. Nikita wants Krish for a friend and not her husband. As The Reluctant Bride she manages to have her cake and eat it too.
11. Shweta Ka Swayamvar is inspired by the practice of Swayamwar in ancient India of choosing a husband, from among a list of suitors, by a girl of marriageable age. 
12. Pappa’s Girl is about daughters of Industrialists taking over fathers’ businesses.  
13.  Mythology romances intrigue me; Love Match For Velan is my take on Lord Murugan falling in love with his consort Valli. 

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The Story Told In Visual 



Meet the Author



Sundari Venkatraman has authored four novels and a short story anthology till now, Matches Made In Heaven (anthology) being the latest. The Malhotra Bride; Meghna; The Runaway Bridegroom; Flaming Sun Collection 1: Happily Ever Afters From India (Box Set) and Matches Made In Heaven have all been self-published on Amazon under the banner of Flaming Sun. The three novels are regularly seen on Amazon’s Top 100 Bestsellers’ Contemporary Romances list. The Box Set and Anthology are bound to catch up soon. 
A great fan of Mills & Boon romances over the past four decades, Sundari has always believed in ‘Happily Ever Afters’ and all her books promise happy endings. 
Matches Made In Heaven is a compilation of thirteen short stories – all romantic – based on many situations anyone can come upon in their day-to-day lives. The stories revolve around the different ways a couple can get to meet and tie the knot in a culture rich country like India. Those reading the stories will definitely be able to connect realising that one of the situations has definitely been a part of their lives. 

You can stalk her @

                              
         

Check out The Book Club Tour Schedule 

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'); Review (4 Stars)
I’ve already read two novels by Sundari Venkatraman – "Meghna" and "The Runaway Bridegroom" – and loved both. This is totally new to me though, because I usually shy away from anthologies with short stories. I’m happy that I gave this a chance. To honour her talent, here’s a tiny review (more or less comments that popped into my head while and after reading) for each story in the aptly named collection "Matches Made in Heaven".

GROOMNAPPED: The title doesn’t leave much to imagination – or does it? You’re in for a surprise here, believe me. I loved the almost cocky confidence and humour this story exudes.

BEAUTY IS BUT SKIN DEEP: Know the saying about the ugly duckling growing into a beautiful swan? This is sort of what happens with Simi in this heart-warming story. She had beauty lurking inside her for all those years, but it takes a few shocks and the help of Cupid to make her realize it. Can I throw another fitting saying at you? Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder!

AN ARRANGED MATCH: I saw this one coming, but that made the tale no less satisfying. The author sure knows how to write a sensual steamy scene that gets the reader all hot and bothered. And as usual, I loved both the heroine and the hero instantly.

RED ROSE DATING AGENCY: Oh, another pleasant surprise. I really like the characterization in this, and the hidden messages peppering the plot. Well done, Ms. Venkatraman, well done!

CHAHTI HOON TUMHE: I had been waiting for the author to delve into the endless possibilities of Bollywood, and with this short story she has done so in a wonderful way. I had sensed danger coming, but not in the way it finally came. Nice twist! And I also loved it that the heroine and not the hero is the movie star in this!

SOUL MATES: The author deftly manages to weave several generations and several love stories into a few words – words with a meaning that runs deep and rings true. I know about traditions in Asia / India and shouldn’t have been shocked, but I was nevertheless.

MADEINHEAVEN.COM: I have a very mixed attitude towards online dating and matchmaking, but this story was a treat to read. Once again, a surprise is in store for you. And now excuse me while I brainstorm a plan to set up a matchmaking website and attract millions to it… ;-)

RAHAT MILI: Totally hadn’t seen this one coming. With its almost paranormal touch, it wound its way straight into my heart. I think this is my favourite story of the anthology. I can see the potential for a whole novel in here. Ms. Venkatraman, if you read this, please take the hint. ;-)

REEMA’S MATCHMAKERS: I love stories revolving around second chances, and this one is no exception. I could picture the characters in my head, and I applaud the author’s daring for writing about them. They sure deserved the happy end they got!

THE RELUCTANT BRIDE: I had expected something else from the title, but what the author came up with was a pleasant and entertaining surprise. I was rooting for both of them at the same time, and loved the mix of sweet and sassy and sexy.

SHWETA KA SWAYAMVAR: If I hadn’t already picked a favourite, then this would be my choice. Loved the witty, thoroughly entertaining and imaginable story. When do we get to see it on TV? ;-)

PAPPA’S GIRL: Nicely written. Full of energy and dynamics. I like the role the father played in this story.

LOVE MATCH FOR VELAN: The last story of the anthology definitely makes it into my Top 3. I love the mythological flair to it, and although the story seemed quite predictable, it had me enraptured and longing for more. I’m beginning to think the author should try her hand at historical romance…

Rating: 4/5

New Release: Forbidden, a Romantic Thriller coauthored with Mike Wells

I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it... ;-) Today I'm celebrating the release day of the first book ever that I wrote together with another author.
Ladies and gents, let me present Forbidden , a romantic thriller and international mystery that is full of romance and suspense and might remind you of the great Alfred Hitchcock.
Oh, and let me use this opportunity to thank the amazing Mike Wells for this chance.
One woman caught in a web of deceit, domination and greed. One man she's forbidden to love.
When Lady Eleanor Sotheby unexpectedly enters the life of Jayne Clark, a 23-year old waitress from Wichita, Kansas, Jayne's world is turned upside down. Not only is she welcomed into a family that she never knew, but she is thrust headlong into the highest strata of European society. Nothing is too grand in the fairy tale lives of the uber-rich--the spectacular seaside villas, the sleek, chauffeured limousines, the outrageously expensive designer clothes.
When Jayne plays her part and learns to fit into this new world, she meets Robert Astor, the man of her dreams. But her feelings for Robert are forbidden. Jayne's heady new life begins to unravel into a dark web of deceit, domination and greed...and she ultimately finds herself confronting an evil that truly has no limits.
The eBook is available on Amazon and Smashwords and will soon be out on Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google Play and Apple iBooks too. You can buy the bundle or download each of the 3 books separately. Book 1 is only 99 Cents on Amazon USA now!

If you're interested in learning more about the process of coauthoring books, read my blog post here.

Featured - Release Day Blitz - Rekindled Desires by Debbie Macarter

RELEASE BLITZ & GIVEAWAY – Rekindled Desires by Debbie Macarter   Available Now - Released February 7th, 2015 Genre: Contemporary Romance Buy on Amazon here! Synopsis:On her best friend’s wedding night, Becca Lawson becomes distressed when she runs into the man who once held her heart and shattered it completely. One night of intense emotions and daring confessions is all it takes to rekindle long-lost emotions. Fearing another heartbreak, Becca shuts herself off completely, denying herself a chance at true love. On the surface, it seems Austin Blackstone has it all. He’s rich, young and strikingly good-looking; but deep down, his heart aches for the unforgettable girl who slipped through his fingers. When a serendipitous encounter places them together on a tropical paradise, all of his deepest and darkest secrets secrets threaten to spill over. He’s willing to forsake everything he has built to finally get what he truly desires. Rekindled Desires is a touching love story of second chances and new beginnings. Can two vastly different people forget their rules and take a chance at love? Fans of Deborah Bladon are sure to love this sweet tale set on a beautiful, Caribbean island. Giveaway: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Introducing the A to Z Challenge 2015

This year, I'm trying something new. I'll be taking part in the A to Z: 2015 Challenge for writers and bloggers. Basically it means that on every day in April - apart from Sundays - you have to write one short post. You start with the letter A and follow the alphabet all the way to the letter Z.

Sounds like fun, doesn't it? It's easier if you choose a topic, and mine came to me naturally: I'll be blogging about the theme LOVE, as I'm a romance novelist and also a believer in true love.

Come join me in April and make it more fun! Some friends of mine are part of the project too, among them Ina Tales and Sundari Venkatraman. :-)