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A Period of Uncertainty
Leela knows all about second chances. She picked herself up from personal tragedy, and stepped up as the single mother of a teenage son, respected principal of an alternative school, and keeper of peace with her demanding parents. But when a chance meeting with an old flame rekindles forgotten passions, her well-ordered existence threatens to fall apart.
Twenty years ago, Leela and Nandini had been each other’s first loves, though life eventually took them in different directions. So when Nandini tumbles back into Leela’s orbit, she is surprised at her instant attraction. They fall back into easy camaraderie and clandestine trysts. Leela knows that as long as they can keep it that way, it’s fine. She can’t afford to fall for Nandini.
Of course, Leela falls in love, bringing her world tumbling down around her ears. Her son is embroiled in a crisis of his own, her mother is horrified that her daughter might be a lesbian, and an anonymous source threatens to out her at her place of work. In “respectable” middle-class India, the resulting social and professional ostracism would be instant.
The only way to keep the shadow of scandal from consuming her is for Leela to walk away from Nandini. But doing that will destroy her.
Genre: Romance
Editor: Heather Flournoy
Cover Designer: Shweta Vachani
Twenty years ago, Leela and Nandini had been each other’s first loves, though life eventually took them in different directions. So when Nandini tumbles back into Leela’s orbit, she is surprised at her instant attraction. They fall back into easy camaraderie and clandestine trysts. Leela knows that as long as they can keep it that way, it’s fine. She can’t afford to fall for Nandini.
Of course, Leela falls in love, bringing her world tumbling down around her ears. Her son is embroiled in a crisis of his own, her mother is horrified that her daughter might be a lesbian, and an anonymous source threatens to out her at her place of work. In “respectable” middle-class India, the resulting social and professional ostracism would be instant.
The only way to keep the shadow of scandal from consuming her is for Leela to walk away from Nandini. But doing that will destroy her.
Genre: Romance
Editor: Heather Flournoy
Cover Designer: Shweta Vachani
294 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2021
About the author
Sheryn Munir
3 books31 followersSheryn Munir is a big fan of romances. After reading countless lesbian romance novels based in Western countries, she wanted to read a lesfic based in India. She didn’t know how long she’d have to wait for that wish to come true, so she decided to have a crack at writing one herself. Falling Into Place, out in January 2018, is the result of that endeavour.
Sheryn was born in Lucknow and grew up in Delhi, India. Though she started writing from the age of seven, she was only recently inspired to write an entire book in a genre close to her heart that is about her own people. She has studied journalism and freelances as a writer, editor, and web developer. While she likes visiting new places, the journeys are a tad unpleasant. She has a weakness for chocolates, Indian street foods, and British television dramas. She lives in Delhi with three laptops and an e-reader.
Sheryn was born in Lucknow and grew up in Delhi, India. Though she started writing from the age of seven, she was only recently inspired to write an entire book in a genre close to her heart that is about her own people. She has studied journalism and freelances as a writer, editor, and web developer. While she likes visiting new places, the journeys are a tad unpleasant. She has a weakness for chocolates, Indian street foods, and British television dramas. She lives in Delhi with three laptops and an e-reader.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 15, 2021
This was a good read. When I saw the name Sheryn Munir, I knew I had read her before but just didn’t really remember. I finally realized that I had read her debut when she was with another publisher, about three years ago. I remember it being a decent debut, but that it had its share of bumps. I’m happy to say that this second book felt like a big improvement over her debut. Her overall writing was much cleaner and smoother than I remember it so it was nice to see such growth.
Both of Munir’s books have been WLW stories that take place in India. While there is plenty of homophobia that LGBTQ+ people face in this book, this book also gives you hope. It was a good balance so the story didn’t feel too depressing. I don’t get to read many books that take place in India so I was happy about the setting, plus all the wonderful food descriptions had my stomach growling.
When it came to the romance I liked it, but I wasn’t wowed by it. Yes, this is a second-chance romance, but the book has a real women’s fiction feel. I liked the two mains as a potential couple and I enjoyed the personal struggle of one of the mains to either live life in secret affairs or a real relationship. They did have some chemistry but I could have used just a hint more heat between them. Also, this book was again in third person, but only 1 POV, which is by far my least favorite, so I missed connecting more with the love interest.
What made me really enjoy the book was the main character’s story. This includes her character journey, her work, and especially her relationship with her son. I don’t always have the best luck with kid characters in WLW fiction but the teenage son was really well done. The mother-son connection was great and the family and work scenes ended up being my favorite.
TLDR: A strong sophomore book for Munir. Her writing was much improved and I see a lot of potential for her in the future. The romance wasn’t quite on the level I would have hoped for, especially since I didn’t connect with the love interest as much, but still a very engaging novel. This is a story about relationships, work, and of course family. While this is a romance, it felt like more of a women’s fiction book since it’s a story of personal growth and life in general.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
Both of Munir’s books have been WLW stories that take place in India. While there is plenty of homophobia that LGBTQ+ people face in this book, this book also gives you hope. It was a good balance so the story didn’t feel too depressing. I don’t get to read many books that take place in India so I was happy about the setting, plus all the wonderful food descriptions had my stomach growling.
When it came to the romance I liked it, but I wasn’t wowed by it. Yes, this is a second-chance romance, but the book has a real women’s fiction feel. I liked the two mains as a potential couple and I enjoyed the personal struggle of one of the mains to either live life in secret affairs or a real relationship. They did have some chemistry but I could have used just a hint more heat between them. Also, this book was again in third person, but only 1 POV, which is by far my least favorite, so I missed connecting more with the love interest.
What made me really enjoy the book was the main character’s story. This includes her character journey, her work, and especially her relationship with her son. I don’t always have the best luck with kid characters in WLW fiction but the teenage son was really well done. The mother-son connection was great and the family and work scenes ended up being my favorite.
TLDR: A strong sophomore book for Munir. Her writing was much improved and I see a lot of potential for her in the future. The romance wasn’t quite on the level I would have hoped for, especially since I didn’t connect with the love interest as much, but still a very engaging novel. This is a story about relationships, work, and of course family. While this is a romance, it felt like more of a women’s fiction book since it’s a story of personal growth and life in general.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
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February 20, 2024A hugely absorbing romance between two 40yo Indian women, one a head teacher in Bangalore (bi, widowed, teenage son, dealing with demanding parents) and one a peripatetic IT person. Very much one of those romances that's a picture of a life: Leela deals with a lot of stuff that's not related to Nandini in any way and the conflict in the romance is basically the women, especially Leela, finding a way to fit their lives together.
Mature characters, great sex, well drawn setting, and enough incident and conflict to keep you thoroughly absorbed in both the romance and life parts. This is the second f/f romance I've read from this author and I will hope for more.
Mature characters, great sex, well drawn setting, and enough incident and conflict to keep you thoroughly absorbed in both the romance and life parts. This is the second f/f romance I've read from this author and I will hope for more.
November 6, 2021
India!
Happy Diwali to all who celebrate it! I actually read this on Diwali. I didn't plan for it, but it's a public holiday in Singapore and I usually spend it at a friend's because she makes outrageously good South Indian food. But since COVID-19 social regulations haven't eased up, no parties are allowed this year, so it's just home and books for me.
This is the first romance novel I've ever read by an Indian author about Indian characters based in India. And it was a real treat since 99% of the lesfic I've read in the past two years are either in America or Europe. I watch Bollywood movies on Netflix but so far I've only come across one or two lesbian characters. So I was kinda excited for this one.
The cultural part of the book is strong, but I wasn't surprised. India has a rich culture, from the sights and the sounds to the food and the language. We get some of them in this book. And there are also references to arranged marriages, intrusive parents and people who still hope for their boys to be doctors and engineers. This book also delves into LGBTQ issues in a more conservative society, what people's perceptions are among the older, younger folks and the religious folks, and of course, the infamous Section 377 law, a legacy left behind by the British that still remains in former colonies.
What surprised me most was how much I love this second chance romance between Leela and Nandini, both in their 40s, how easily they re-connected and how much chemistry they have together, even though Leela spends some time sorting out her life and her feelings for Nandini.
I received an ARC from Bella Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Happy Diwali to all who celebrate it! I actually read this on Diwali. I didn't plan for it, but it's a public holiday in Singapore and I usually spend it at a friend's because she makes outrageously good South Indian food. But since COVID-19 social regulations haven't eased up, no parties are allowed this year, so it's just home and books for me.
This is the first romance novel I've ever read by an Indian author about Indian characters based in India. And it was a real treat since 99% of the lesfic I've read in the past two years are either in America or Europe. I watch Bollywood movies on Netflix but so far I've only come across one or two lesbian characters. So I was kinda excited for this one.
The cultural part of the book is strong, but I wasn't surprised. India has a rich culture, from the sights and the sounds to the food and the language. We get some of them in this book. And there are also references to arranged marriages, intrusive parents and people who still hope for their boys to be doctors and engineers. This book also delves into LGBTQ issues in a more conservative society, what people's perceptions are among the older, younger folks and the religious folks, and of course, the infamous Section 377 law, a legacy left behind by the British that still remains in former colonies.
What surprised me most was how much I love this second chance romance between Leela and Nandini, both in their 40s, how easily they re-connected and how much chemistry they have together, even though Leela spends some time sorting out her life and her feelings for Nandini.
I received an ARC from Bella Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2021
Leela Saldana is a good and caring daughter to her aging and interfering parents. She is a wonderful single parent to her teenage son and a progressive educator as principal of an alternative private school. Leela’s life seemed complete until she has a chance meeting with an old friend and lover from twenty years ago.
Nandini Mirchandani unknowingly broke Leela’s heart when she went abroad to finalize her education. Nandini is now the CEO of an educational computer software company.
This is Sheryn Munir’s second novel and I am impressed with her personal growth as a writer. Her writing has become tighter with less superfluous descriptive narration. Munir conveys the essence of her characters lives in India without bogging down in the minutiae.
Munir’s strength lies in the building of the romance between Leela and Nandini. She takes the time necessary for the readers to feel the love and closeness growing between the two women. The story as well incorporates a number of twists and turns which is sure to keep your nose between the pages. A Period of Uncertainty is an engaging love story you will not want to miss.
I was given a free ARC of this novel by Net Galley for my honest review.
October 10, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Leela and Nandini having seen each for twenty years after college and is surprise to run into each other while going to weekend education conference. Leela went on and got married that was arranged by her parents is now a widow with a teenager son Neil while Nandini and few friends runs a educational software company. Nandini is one of the speakers at the conference where Leela there to learn what more she can do for her school where she is the principal.
Leela and Nandini catch up on their lives and rekindle their friendship which was more in college and it’s seems the feelings they had are still there. I like how both women are educated and done well for themselves. Leela parents are bit much with her mother pushing her to remarried and her father who’s talk down to her but in private with friends praise her I like how Neil points that out.
Leela and Nandini having seen each for twenty years after college and is surprise to run into each other while going to weekend education conference. Leela went on and got married that was arranged by her parents is now a widow with a teenager son Neil while Nandini and few friends runs a educational software company. Nandini is one of the speakers at the conference where Leela there to learn what more she can do for her school where she is the principal.
Leela and Nandini catch up on their lives and rekindle their friendship which was more in college and it’s seems the feelings they had are still there. I like how both women are educated and done well for themselves. Leela parents are bit much with her mother pushing her to remarried and her father who’s talk down to her but in private with friends praise her I like how Neil points that out.
October 16, 2021
I enjoyed this book very much. The romance is a slooooow burn and secondary to the story. I felt that India and their traditions, food, schools, clothes etc...was the main story. That was a real treat. I know very little about modern day India. In this story you learn a lot about their laws regarding homosexuality and how older traditional Indians regard it. Thank you Sheryn Munir for this entertaining and informative story.
November 4, 2021
Amazing book! It feels so good to read well written books by Indian authors especially on such a controversial topic in our country (to an extent that nobody even acknowledges it).
I absolutely loved it and it made me feel good and light reading about such an amazing love story set in my own country.
I hope to read more from Sheryn and i hope that this would inspire many more people in our country to write in this genre.
I applaud your courage for writing this and am grateful.
I absolutely loved it and it made me feel good and light reading about such an amazing love story set in my own country.
I hope to read more from Sheryn and i hope that this would inspire many more people in our country to write in this genre.
I applaud your courage for writing this and am grateful.
September 2, 2022
A lovely romance set in India with POC MCs. Nandini and Leela's story was authentic but not linear. Instead it's one enriched with familial and social nuances, commentary on education, bullying, single parenthood and the impact of the archiac British Penal Law adopted by India on the gay community.
October 8, 2022
I never expected or imagined I would be reading a well-written, well-conceived woman-loving-woman novel happening in my city of Bangalore.
Ms Munir has once again proved her mettle as a pro in queer writing as she deeply studies the complexity and casualness of same-sex love through Leela Saldanha and Nandini Mirchandani.
Once a college mates and lovers, life drews Leela and Nandini apart to fulfill their dreams and ambitions.
Only to come a full circle after 20 years when a chance meet in a hill station in northern India at an academic conference rekindles the old flame from which both of them can't either escape or ignore.
Leela is a principal in an international school in Bangalore, a mom of a teenager, and a widower — she lost her husband Kiran 10 years ago when Neil was just six.
Nandini is a founder of an e-learning software start-up company, single, on-off relationship with women, and a closeted lesbian.
As they meet after two decades, with so much of changes they have gone through—physical, mental, emotional and financial—sparks fly with subtlety as sensual longing constantly pins them apart as well as connects them closer.
The story happens over a period of one year from 2017 to 2018, where their initial lovemaking episodes to later non-approval from Leela's parents about the her choice of life partner is filled with so much drama and genuinity that makes this LGBT novel a true work of desi literary masterpiece.
The author has also voiced her anxiety/opinion on homophobia, teen bullying, moral policing, and cybercrimes that's prevalent in educational institutions in modern times.
I thoroughly loved reading this fiction as each and every characters were well flushed out with a clear purpose and clarity. A definite recommend from me, even though I don't agree with author's myopic political views on my country.
Ms Munir has once again proved her mettle as a pro in queer writing as she deeply studies the complexity and casualness of same-sex love through Leela Saldanha and Nandini Mirchandani.
Once a college mates and lovers, life drews Leela and Nandini apart to fulfill their dreams and ambitions.
Only to come a full circle after 20 years when a chance meet in a hill station in northern India at an academic conference rekindles the old flame from which both of them can't either escape or ignore.
Leela is a principal in an international school in Bangalore, a mom of a teenager, and a widower — she lost her husband Kiran 10 years ago when Neil was just six.
Nandini is a founder of an e-learning software start-up company, single, on-off relationship with women, and a closeted lesbian.
As they meet after two decades, with so much of changes they have gone through—physical, mental, emotional and financial—sparks fly with subtlety as sensual longing constantly pins them apart as well as connects them closer.
The story happens over a period of one year from 2017 to 2018, where their initial lovemaking episodes to later non-approval from Leela's parents about the her choice of life partner is filled with so much drama and genuinity that makes this LGBT novel a true work of desi literary masterpiece.
The author has also voiced her anxiety/opinion on homophobia, teen bullying, moral policing, and cybercrimes that's prevalent in educational institutions in modern times.
I thoroughly loved reading this fiction as each and every characters were well flushed out with a clear purpose and clarity. A definite recommend from me, even though I don't agree with author's myopic political views on my country.
October 22, 2021
This read tells the story of two women that are easy to like and appreciate where they are coming from. Nandini Mirchandani, owns an educational software company with business associates. Nandini lives a quiet life with friends and visits with family. Leela Saldana, principal of a small private school, widow and mother to a teenage son, Neil. Really appreciated their interaction, so real. Leela's parents were alot to handle but were presented in a realistic manner. Enjoyed the food, dress and location descriptions, very informative. I loved how the author told the story, so matter of fact, not a lot of fluff. This is what we think. This is why we think what we think. Life can be challenging but happiness can be found.
ARC provided by Bella Books via NetGalley
ARC provided by Bella Books via NetGalley
October 19, 2021
A period of uncertainty by Sheryn Munir.
Leela knows all about second chances. She picked herself up from personal tragedy, and stepped up as the single mother of a teenage son, respected principal of an alternative school, and keeper of peace with her demanding parents. But when a chance meeting with an old flame rekindles forgotten passions, her well-ordered existence threatens to fall apart.
A very good read with good characters. I liked leela character. 4*.
Leela knows all about second chances. She picked herself up from personal tragedy, and stepped up as the single mother of a teenage son, respected principal of an alternative school, and keeper of peace with her demanding parents. But when a chance meeting with an old flame rekindles forgotten passions, her well-ordered existence threatens to fall apart.
A very good read with good characters. I liked leela character. 4*.
October 6, 2021
I'm so glad I read this f/f second chance romance set in India. Leela and Nandini had a relationship while in college. Nandini continued her education abroad and Leela returned home to the marriage arranged by her parents. Twenty years later Leela is a principal at private school. Nandini, is openly out (as much as you can be in India), and runs an educational software company. The two meet again at a weekend education conference where Nandini is one of the presenters, They both enjoy catching up with each other.
What makes this book stand out is the own voice of the author. I love the food, clothing and other cultural aspects that really take this story to the next level. These are two educated, working, modern, Asian-Indian women who have very different lives. Leena is a widow and single mother of a 16 year old son. She lives in the same building as her parents who still command parts of her life. Nandini has never committed to a relationship. I love the two together whether exploring an ancient mosque or working in companionable silence on a couch. Son Neil and the happenings at Leela's school let me learn current LGBTQ laws in the country.
Big thank you to NetGalley, Bella Books and the author the ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
What makes this book stand out is the own voice of the author. I love the food, clothing and other cultural aspects that really take this story to the next level. These are two educated, working, modern, Asian-Indian women who have very different lives. Leena is a widow and single mother of a 16 year old son. She lives in the same building as her parents who still command parts of her life. Nandini has never committed to a relationship. I love the two together whether exploring an ancient mosque or working in companionable silence on a couch. Son Neil and the happenings at Leela's school let me learn current LGBTQ laws in the country.
Big thank you to NetGalley, Bella Books and the author the ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2021
A decent book. For me there was too much India involved, which is fine - Munir wrote the book because there are too few lesbian romances set in India, and she couldn't connect as well with the Western ones. So it's not unexpected that I couldn't connect as well with hers.
I hope there's a large audience out there who will appreciate the book, though. It's a worthwhile read.
I hope there's a large audience out there who will appreciate the book, though. It's a worthwhile read.
January 22, 2023
i adoreeee sheryn’s writing i can never say anything bad about it yk and this wasn’t just any romance novel, the homophobia in indian households was portrayed so well. i loved the setting (ofcourse i did im desi) hmm this wasn’t as good as sheryns first book but nandini and leela are sexy milfs who doesn’t love sexy milfs 🙏
November 1, 2021
Leela and Nandini, former college lovers, meet up by chance on a train bound for a remote town where they will be attending the same conference. Almost immediately, Leela realizes she's still attracted to Nandini and the two enjoy two nights together before they leave to go back to their separate lives. Leela is the principal of a private school in Bangalore. A widow, she is single-parenting her teenage son and living in the same building as her aging parents. Nandini is based in Delhi and is the co-owner of an educational software business that is about to take on Leela's school as a client.
When their relationship transitions to "friends with benefits," Leela, from whose POV the novel is written, is content and a bit excited by the subterfuge. But Nandini, who is usually not interested in relationships, calls the question and Leela needs to figure out what is most important to her.
This is a beautiful and engaging novel that held my interest. The descriptions of exterior settings (i.e., the two cities in India) as well as the interior thoughts of Leela, are well done. My only quibble is with the ending, which could have landed a bit better.
When their relationship transitions to "friends with benefits," Leela, from whose POV the novel is written, is content and a bit excited by the subterfuge. But Nandini, who is usually not interested in relationships, calls the question and Leela needs to figure out what is most important to her.
This is a beautiful and engaging novel that held my interest. The descriptions of exterior settings (i.e., the two cities in India) as well as the interior thoughts of Leela, are well done. My only quibble is with the ending, which could have landed a bit better.
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March 10, 2025didn't think this was very good actually. a kj charles f/f rec has led me astray!!!
I was really considering DNFing for a while, but I'll give it the fact that it picked up as it went on. still, though, the premise—a widow runs into and subsequently rekindles a decades-old romance with her college girlfriend—could maybe have brought the heat and tension in other hands, but sadly, it fell pretty flat for me here.
pros:
- middle-aged romantic leads!
- munir writes at the beginning of enjoying f/f and, hungry for more, deciding to tell a story set in her own country of india since she hadn't encountered many before, which is cool! I got quite a detailed picture of the day-to-day of a mangalorean catholic principal in bengaluru. unfortunately, however, principals writ large are petit bourgeois :) (:
realistic rating probably a 2.5; withholding a star rating for gr purposes because it just feels unkind on a book with only 18 reviews (here I go number nineteen!)
I was really considering DNFing for a while, but I'll give it the fact that it picked up as it went on. still, though, the premise—a widow runs into and subsequently rekindles a decades-old romance with her college girlfriend—could maybe have brought the heat and tension in other hands, but sadly, it fell pretty flat for me here.
pros:
- middle-aged romantic leads!
- munir writes at the beginning of enjoying f/f and, hungry for more, deciding to tell a story set in her own country of india since she hadn't encountered many before, which is cool! I got quite a detailed picture of the day-to-day of a mangalorean catholic principal in bengaluru. unfortunately, however, principals writ large are petit bourgeois :) (:
realistic rating probably a 2.5; withholding a star rating for gr purposes because it just feels unkind on a book with only 18 reviews (here I go number nineteen!)
May 31, 2024
(Read because of KJ Charles's review)
A very good sapphic second-chance middle-age romance, grounded in all the different relationships in the heroines' lives, with some angst in the third-act-breakup (and the parents' virulent homophobia and generally controlling attitude) but overall an optimistic outlook.
As someone who was ignorant of it, I found the discussion on India's section 377 (how it's generally presented vs. the reality and nuance of phrasing and applicability) enlightening and nuanced re:internet sources, and Neil was a great kid just in general.
A very good sapphic second-chance middle-age romance, grounded in all the different relationships in the heroines' lives, with some angst in the third-act-breakup (and the parents' virulent homophobia and generally controlling attitude) but overall an optimistic outlook.
As someone who was ignorant of it, I found the discussion on India's section 377 (how it's generally presented vs. the reality and nuance of phrasing and applicability) enlightening and nuanced re:internet sources, and Neil was a great kid just in general.
January 16, 2026
DNF at about 50%. Really liked the idea of a lesbian romance set in India, but the book was too much of a bore. Dialogue and descriptions were a bit too flat for me, even the explicit scenes. I could not interest myself in either Nandini or Leela's characters and their story. I wouldn't say it's boring in the sense that it dragged on, but not one single line inspired any urge to continue the story.
October 10, 2021
I usually enjoy second chances kinda books, but honestly I was so surprised of how much I liked this, the story itself is not exceptional but the writing style made it special,
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
June 4, 2023
A beautiful second chance romance, set in India. Endearing characters made this book hard to put down - loved it!
Did Not Finish
October 2, 2025I hate the writing. It's endlessly descriptive but also just doesn't read right. I also hate the characters. Dnf
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews