The Reluctant Matchmaker {#Book Review}

Aug 232012

The Reluctant Matchmaker

In her thought-provoking, uplifting new novel, Shobhan Bantwal vividly blends the nuances of contemporary Indian-American culture with an unconventional romance. . .

At thirty-one, Meena Shenoy has a fulfilling career at a New Jersey high-tech firm. Not that it impresses her mother and aunts, who make dire predictions about her ticking biological clock. Men are drawn to Meena’s dainty looks and she dates regularly, but hasn’t met someone who really intrigues her. Someone professional, ambitious, confident, caring. Someone like her new boss, Prajay Nayak.

Just as Meena’s thoughts turn to romance, Prajay makes an astonishing request. He wants her to craft a personal ad that will help him find a suitable wife: a statuesque, sophisticated Indian-American woman who will complement his striking height.

Despite her attraction to Prajay and the complications of balancing work and her “marriage consultant” role, Meena can’t refuse the generous fee. And as her family is thrown into turmoil by her brother’s relationship with a Muslim woman, Meena comes to surprising realizations about love, tradition, and the sacrifices she will–and won’t–make for the sake of both.

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Kensington (June 26, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0758258852
ISBN-13: 978-0758258854

BUY THE BOOK… Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…Shobhan Bantwal is the Indian-American author of THE DOWRY BRIDE, her debut novel set in India and slated for release by Kensington Books in September 2007. It is the first of a two-book contract with Kensington.Since 2002, Shobhan’s articles and short stories have appeared in a variety of publications like India Abroad, Little India, U.S. 1, Desi Journal, India Currents, Overseas Indian, New Woman India, Kanara Saraswat and Sulekha. Her short stories have won honors and awards in fiction contests sponsored by Writer’s Digest, New York Stories and New Woman magazines.
Her award winning stories are accessible through her web site:www.shobhanbantwal.com

FROM THE BOOK REVIEWER, MINDY…This book is set on the Eastern Coast of the United States within the Hindi culture, generally Indian (as in from India). I have a brother in law who is Indian and have had two foreign exchange students from Pakistan, so I have quite a bit of knowledge about the culture. However, this book does a great job of explaining the culture especially the concept of arranged marriages and marrying within your caste.

Not only does the book explain talk about cultural issues, but it is also a charming story. I love the exploration of the struggle first generation American children have in the pull between their traditional culture their parents still honor and the American ways they have been raised in.

I totally enjoyed this story.

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Be sure to stop by our interview with the author, Shobhan Bantwal,
for a chance to win a signed copy of her novel, THE RELUCTANT MATCHMAKER.

We were provided a book in exchange for an honest review.
Review above is our own and in no way affected by receiving a copy.

Teddy

Thanks so much for taking part in the tour Mindy. I’m so glad you ejoyed the book!
Shobhan Bantwal

Once again, thanks for a great review and interview! I sincerely appreciate your hosting me during my blog tour. Happy Reading!
Shobhan Bantwal
bermudaonion(Kathy)

I know someone in an arranged marriage and he swears by them! This sounds delightful!
Shobhan Bantwal

Kathy, being in a happy 38 year-old arranged marriage myself, I too swear by arranged marriages. There is something to be said for “arranged love” …LOL
Shobhan
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