Review- Starcursed by Nandini Bajpai

Summary-

In the ancient city of Ujjayani, the planets align to decide the fate of two starcursed lovers. Born under the curse of Mars, brilliant and beautiful Leelavati, daughter of the famed astronomer Bhaskarya Acharya of Ujjayani, knows she can never wed. But when her childhood playmate, the handsome and rich Rahul Nagarseth, returns from sea, their attraction is rekindled under stormy monsoon skies. As Leela, forced by fate to relinquish Rahul, tries to find solace in teaching at her fathers observatory, a fleeting alignment of the stars is discovered that can help overcome her curse. But Rahul is called away on a war to defend his kingdom. Can he return in time or will she lose him forever to the will of the planets? 

Set in turbulent twelfth century India, against the backdrop of the savage wars waged by Muhammad of Ghor and his band of Turkis, Starcursed is a sweeping tale of science, romance and adventure that will transport its readers to another world.

Review-

I haven't read that many young adult historicals yet so I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading Starcursed. Starcursed is the story of two star crossed lovers Leelavati and Rahul. Leela is the daughter of Bhaskarya Acharya of Ujjayani who was a scholar and an astronomer. There is actually a note in history which says that Leelavati was cursed by the stars for love. I found it all very intriguing.

In the book, Leelavati as a character was lovely. She was a sweet and intelligent girl. The way women were treated in those times was shown really well. Leela just wanted her freedom. I also found all the other astrology theories which were shown really interesting. Leela's love for Rahul was also really sweet and pure and she just wanted the best for him even if it meant denying herself.

We don't get to see that much of Rahul in the book but he does play a pivotal role. I liked how determined Rahul was. His devotion never once wavered from Leela and the bond they shared. He was ready to do anything for his love despite the differences in their castes and their astrological chart.

The romance was really sweet mixed in with some angst. You know Leela and Rahul are destined to be together but there are just so many things standing in their way. I liked how it was shown that some things we can leave up to fate but we do have the power to change our fate as well.

Nandini Bajpai is a really good author. I think it may be a little hard for others to understand how the times were in twelfth century India with all the traditions and stuff but I enjoyed reading about it. Starcursed made for a good read.

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

Review- Red Turban, White Horse by Nandini Bajpai

Summary-

Can a teenager plan a Big Fat Indian Wedding—in America?

It’s been seven years since mom died— and dad’s raised Mini to know more about computers, calculus, and cars than desi weddings—but ever since Mini saw the jewelry mom left them she’s wanted her sister to have the wedding mom would have planned.

Dad’s tech start-up means a shoestring budget, but Mini has her old Mini Cooper, her new driver’s license, her stellar sense of style, and two months of summer vacation to get it done. And she’s not letting the persistent, mysterious, and smoking hot Vir distract her, either. Flower garlands, decorations, catering, clothes, even a white wedding horse—everything is in place.

But a monster hurricane is headed for Boston and it could blow the whole band, baja, and baraat away...

Review-

Red Turban White Horse by Nandini Bajpai turned out to be a really cute read. It has a nice story with loads of characters and a protagonist who is trying to juggle everything and everyone. Every once in a while I enjoy reading clean and sweet young adult books and Red Turban White Horse was just that.

Mini is our heroine. She lives with her Dad who has just started his tech company. Mini's mother passed away seven years ago and after that the role to take care of her father has somehow fallen upon Mini. When Mini's sister Vinnie decides to get married Mini is the one who has to handle all the preparations because Vinnie is doing her residency and their mother would have wanted a big fat Indian wedding for Vinnie.

I really liked Mini. She was a sweet girl. She wanted what was best for her sister Vinnie. Even though she has everyone's support she wants to do things on her own. She just wants Vinnie's wedding to be the best day of her life. What Mini doesn't count on though is the disaster waiting to ruin all her plans.

Then we also have Vir. Vir is the love interest who seems to always pop up when Mini needs him. I found Vir to be really cute. Vir does seem to be smitten by Mini but he's got his own secrets. The main focus is not on the love story at all but I still enjoyed all the interactions between Vir and Mini. They were sweet together.

Red Turban White Horse may not have the most original of plots but the way the author has written the story makes up for it. There is a wide variety of characters and situations but in the end its just about being with your loved ones. Red Turban White Horse made for a really cute read and I would recommend it to anyone who loves chick lit.

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author is exchange for an honest review. We thank them.