Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Review of Only Wheat not White by Varsha Dixit



Only Wheat Not White 
by 
Varsha Dixit 



The Blurb


What if the one you completely love is the one you simply can't! Twenty-six-year-old Eila Sood moves to America to mend fences with her estranged older sister, Sheela. Eila and the rest of the family in India had cut off ties with Sheela after she married Steve Jacobs, 'out of caste, and out of color'. Elia soon realizes that Sheela's marriage is on the rocks. To help pay Sheela's household bills, Eila takes a second job at an afternoon strip club. When she crosses paths with the owner, the handsome Brett Wright or 'blue-eyed ogre' as Elia calls him, he both infuriates and fascinates her. Brett turns out to be her reluctant and unquestionably sarcastic knight in shining armor. As Eila and Brett spend more time together their desire for each other builds. However, when Brett discovers the true reason for Eila's refusal he storms out of her life, accusing her of being a prejudiced coward. Will Eila find the courage to break stereotypes and embrace her love? Will Brett find solace in the arms of his ex-girlfriend Cate? Will Sheela and Steve divorce? All of these questions and more are answered in Varsha Dixit's latest and humorous and steamy love story.
Buy @



My Review

Only Wheat not White is a story where cultures dissect as people of different origin mingle, interact on a daily basis of life thus creating a storyline for the readers to ponder upon!

OWnW is a story that revolves around a girl, Elia who comes to the US on a work permit, and unites with her sister, Sheela, who has been alienated from her family in India after her marriage to a "white" guy. The author has described Elia via many incidents as funny, talkative,  eccentric and sometimes fun loving thus, helping her make many friends from diverse cultures during the journey. While befriending many, she would occasionally bump into a blue eyed ogre whose synergy could be felt for long with the reader. 

When Sheela's marriage was facing cracks, Elia proved worthy as a sister even though she and her family estranged Sheela when she married "out of the box". While helping her cope financially, she gets a chance to meet her ogre face to face, and feelings creep in as they meet on a daily basis since she worked in his restaurant. As Love knows no caste or color; history was repeated for this Sood sister.

Although there is one thing that left me to go round in round, and that is the parent's conclusion IF they accepted the second daughter's alliance to a "white" and not "wheat" complexion.

The Author has a done great job in bringing out each character while keeping them intact in the story line. The starting is a bit slow and stretched out, but eventually, it becomes a smooth and quick read for the reader. The narration is smooth and flowing, and while introducing the NRI aspect she has done it with a style that is non-judgemental thus, allowing me to recommend this book. 



Meet the Author



I'm the author of four books and the genre that I write is contemporary romance. Penning stories defines and completes me.I thinks of myself as a borderline obsessive-compulsive dreamer who thinks deep but writes light. A true ‘feel good’ junkie seeking quick fixes, I love a good laugh and a good book. A voracious reader of who dunit mysteries and legal dramas, I did sit down to pen a book on serial killers but finding it impossible to maim or kill anyone, even on paper, I penned a romantic story instead. Thus, I found my true calling – at least for the time being.Even though creativity is gender free, I feel blessed and enriched to be a woman.
Currently, with my family, I'm settled in the US.


You can her @

                           

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Wordless Wednesday #112

'Tis the season for lights since it gives us joy!



Mantra for today: We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle. 
                                                                                                             Marilyn Monroe 

Happy Holidays and See you in 2016!

Sunday, December 13, 2015

A Bowl of Sugar


"A Bowl of sugar, again?" Pete shot as he opened the door to his neighbor.


"aha! yes, you know me so well" grinned Sara while looking beyond him and into his living room that opened the door to.

While he took the bowl to fill with the required ingredient she sauntered in while keeping a keen eye on everything around, "Wow! These pillow cases are so authentic. Love them. New, huh?"

"Nopes!" he dismissed with a sulk as he continued to pour the sugar.

"Seriously?" Sara replied in astonishment, "they weren't around last time when I came in?"

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write about a looky-loo.  Join in the FUN at CarrotRanch

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

ROOMIES FOODIES BY MEGHANA CHAUDHARY JOSHI, LAKSHMI ASHWIN



Check out the Contest: Try the recipe in the excerpt and click pictures (with or without you). Share it on social media tagging us and win a free copy of the book!
Roomies / Foodies 
by 
Lakshmi Ashwin and Meghana Chaudhary Joshi
Publisher 


Blurb 
The year is 2001. Two young Indian girls arrive in the U.S. for the first time, to attend graduate school and be room-mates. One’s a non-cook. The other’s kitchen skills are strictly basic. As luck would have it, both are consummate foodies. And it’s not just advanced Molecular Biology they’ll come to tackle—the daily challenge is to feed their stomachs…and souls…on a thinner-than-spaghetti budget! Part memoir, part cook- book, Roomies/Foodies compiles the experiments and culinary adventures of Lux and Meg as they stick to their resolve of eating only non-boring food! Written in a slick, hip, conversational style, this well-organized handbook bubbles with anecdotes, tips, tricks, cheater’s methods and over 60 lip-smacking recipes. Spanning an easy-to moderate spectrum of skills, Meg and Lux’s “Eureka moments” in their own kitchen will help spare YOU some painful trial and error in yours!


EXCERPT FROM THE FIRST CHAPTER 

One day, exhausted, I fell asleep on the couch in the graduate student lounge at Roswell Park, waiting for Lux. Since we were on the same research campus, we commuted and ran errands together. In those early days, we were joined at the hip.
 It was a lot to deal with, this new life, with its sudden and crushing study load, having to walk or take public transport everywhere (I missed my Kinetic Safari) and we were glad of each other’s company. We started taking advantage of the subway and other modes of public transport to explore our town, checking out affordable food joints. One such journey introduced us to crépes. I tried making them at home and discovered a really simple breakfast item in the process.


Serves 4

Ingredients:

Rice flour or refined flour (maida)                   1½ cups
Milk                                                                        1 cup
Egg                                                                          1
Slab of chocolate                                                     1
Butter
Sugar                                                                      3 tsp

Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes for each crepe
               
Mix the flour with milk and sugar and beat in the egg.
Melt butter on a tava* or a flat non-stick pan on medium heat.
Pour the flour mixture evenly in a thin layer across the bottom of the pan, coating it completely.
Grate the bar of chocolate over the open side of the crepe, in a sufficient quantity to cover the top, while the other side is still cooking.
Gently lift up a side of the crepe to see if it is done. It should appear slightly browned and lift easily without tearing.
Fold the crepe in half over itself. The chocolate should melt and hold the 2 edges together. Remove and serve with a melting dot of butter on top.

Tip: For an interesting Cheese-n-Chocolate variation, sprinkle some grated cheese or small globs of cheese after you have sprinkled the grated chocolate. If you have no time for the grated chocolate step, make just the plain crepe and spread Nutella or jam, or cheese spread for an even quicker meal 

MEET MEGHANA CHAUDHARY JOSHI, LAKSHMI ASHWIN


Meghana Chaudhary Joshi (Meg) has worked in clinical research in the US, run her own socio-environmental venture and is currently Practice Manager with Mirai Health. She is a fitness freak who loves to travel and explore varied cuisines as much as the outdoors. Meg lives in Pune with her husband, daughter, and Golden Retriever. 

Lakshmi Ramachandran, a.k.a Lux, graduated from SUNY Buffalo with a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology in 2006. She is presently a science writer at the National University of Singapore. Besides Science, she is passionate about food and loves to cook. She lives in Singapore with her husband and two children. 

MEET MEG AND LUX :)


Contacts them @
Twitter: @RoomiesFoodies
Email: roomiesfoodies@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bloodygoodbook
Twitter: @BloodyGoodBook
Website: www.bloodygoodbook.com

Contest 

Try the recipe in the excerpt and click pictures (with or without you). Share it on social media tagging us and win a free copy of the book!

This Tour is Hosted by 




Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Wordless Wednesday #111


Change of color in the foliage indicates a change of season.
While Man is prepping up for the cold, rainy days ahead. He draws inspiration from nature to bend, bow and embrace what comes his way and be prepared for any changes in his life!

Mantra for today: Nothing is constant so enjoy your present while preparing for your future.

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Thursday, December 3, 2015

Tolerance and Mankind

A man is an intelligent soul, and with that comes feelings, opinions and different ways to express that thought.

Some might take it well while some would object it or there would be a handful who would just ignore it.

That's understandable!

After all it boils down to the man being a brilliant, well-informed being so, he has the right to have his beliefs.

These ideas could be good for some while bad for a few and ugly for a handful.

Not everyone will agree, which makes us all distinct even though we all possess the same number of appendages, but the use of them depends on how our brain thinks thus action is dependable on the thoughts.

Now, what really marvels me is that in spite of so many ideas, concepts, theories, speculations this planet is holding about a billion humans who no doubt fight, argue, and even kill over narrow and trivial issues. But when dark black clouds blow away we can inhale the air of positivity, the willingness to help thy brethren who have either got injured physically or emotionally.

Aha! The power of speech, huh!



Speech no doubt is the expression of what we are! Speech is the outlet for happiness, sorrow, and all the good, bad and ugly things we are observing on this planet. But, without it there would be no life, no spirit as we all would be roaming around like zombies!

What I'm really trying to say is that Tolerance is the key to enjoying the bounties that Life has in store for all of us.

Wear the sheet of fortitude to be able to let go when you do not agree with someone!
Have the patience to listen to someone out.
Have the endurance to bear the brunt while letting go!

Mantra for today: Tolerance towards someone starts with us!

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This is a Finish the Sentence Friday post. This week’s sentence is “What I’m really trying to say is…”
Hosts:
Me (Kristi of Finding Ninee)
Co-hosts: Mardra Sikora (http://www.mardrasikora.com/)
and Vidya Sury (vidyasury.com)

Mindful Parenting



Savita was perplexed and agitated at her daughter's reaction.
While being mindful that its just a phase, she let out deep breaths as she forced herself to listen her out.

"Mom! Everyone wears this in school. Why can't I."

"Nopes!" came a high response from mom as she continued, "I don't see Anju or Halle or Kay wear such outfits."

There was a few seconds pause, but it gave ample time for Savita to take in a couple of breaths while her daughter hissed to her room without further instructions.

Mom advanced towards her closed door with the hope that she would listen to at least a teeny bit of gyaan that she had to deliver.

"Try to shine out of the crowd, my Love rather than be amongst the Horde."

No reaction

Savita walked away and plopped herself on the couch with her head tilted at an angle with the hope to stretch out that irritant muscle around her shoulder.

"What do you mean?" came a slow query

Savita sat up with a jerk.

Elated but still spoke with caution, "According to you everyone wears that kind of attire, why do you also have to join them? Be unique. Adopt a style that is like a conch that can be music not only to the ears but also be amiable to the eyes thus bringing an affable surrounding."

She said the above in one breath while crossing her fingers under her legs. After all a Mom can only hope and preach to a teen at this junction of time.


Mantra for today: Offering Moral Advice requires to be Mindful.

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This is a fiction for the above picture prompt!


Cover Reveal: Encounters- Someone's Always Waiting by Sumana Khan




Encounters by Sumana Khan 





Blurb 

Someone Is Always Waiting 

EXCERPT FROM THE NOVELETTE “THE STORYTELLER” IN ENCOUNTERS COLLECTION

I stare at the cement bench covered in pigeon shit and spot the dim outline of the granite slab embedded in the backrest. Years ago, when the bench was new, the granite slab was a shiny black mirror inscribed with the words ‘Dedicated to the courageous people of Thirukadal’. Four cyclones and many pigeons later, the words have disappeared. The place is so choked with weeds that the bench appears to rest on the thorny plants. Behind me, beyond a muddy track, the Bay of Bengal hisses and sighs in a treacherous language.

I look up at the sky, as if to decode the time. My watch says it is half past seven in the morning, but the sky, clotted with grey clouds, remains secretive. It could be evening as far as the heavens are concerned. A depressing form of rain is assured; the kind that only occurs in this eastern coast of South India—skies that sob continuously for forty-eight hours, increasing humidity, mosquitoes and the stench of choked drains, damp walls and wet clothes. I wonder if the sky had been just as morose on the morning of 26 December, 2004.

I tie a handkerchief around my face, covering my nose and mouth, and hack away at the weeds. Swarms of mosquitoes and flies rise in a static buzz and hover over my head like a satanic dark halo. It takes me an hour to clear a small area around the bench. The sky starts its weeping just as I scrub the bench with a coconut husk and Vim detergent powder.    
After half an hour, the granite slab gleams into existence once again. I’ve got my memorial ritual paraphernalia in a Food World plastic bag. I bring out a strand of jasmine that I loop around the granite slab, its fragrance weak in the rain. I crouch under my umbrella that won’t open fully and light a couple of incense sticks. I’ve forgotten to bring the incense holder, so I stick the smouldering incense into a banana that was to be my breakfast. I place it on the bench in front of the granite slab and hold the umbrella over it. I close my eyes in an attempt to pray. All I can think of is the angry allergic rash that’s spreading on my legs and hands thanks to the weeds and that the incense smells like a cheap aftershave.

I give up and sit on the bench, still holding the umbrella over the incense. The rain stings my skin like the rash. The hard, wet seat numbs my thighs instantly and a dull arthritic pain blooms in my knees and lower back. I squirm, shifting my weight from one butt cheek to the other. I wait, just as I’ve waited in vain for the last seven years, for the storyteller to show up. The incense is all ash now. I may as well eat the banana and tell you the story of how I met this mysterious man.    

About The Author 


Sumana Khan was born and raised in Bangalore and currently lives in the UK. She is a blogger and a student. Her debut novel was The Revenge of Kaivalya. 

Author website: http://www.sumanakhan.com

Join the Giveaway  +Goodreads 




Goodreads Book Giveaway


Encounters - Someone's Always Waiting by Sumana Khan


Giveaway ends December 11, 2015.
at Goodreads.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Wordless Wednesday #110


Today the Roots of this tree will make us contemplate our past, present, and our goals as we continue to breathe and thrive on this planet.

We all are aware of our genesis, but where do we go from here?

Ponder upon....

Mantra for today: Progress of man lies in his own hands. Consciousness is the key!

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