I first shied away from reading this book because I thought it was going to be all about having babies, not my favourite topic. Luckily for me, I did pick up the book, read it, and enjoyed it. It was not all about babies and pregnancies, although this was a significant factor in the novel. It was more about the relationship between Chand and Campbell.
Chand is of East Indian heritage and Campbell is Caucasian. They are devoted to each other; so much so, that Campbell wears the traditional sari to please her husband, even when other modern East Indian women at their office party are wearing western dress.
No children are planned in their as yet young marriage, so when Campbell finds herself pregnant, major changes loom. Chand is not as thrilled as Campbell had hoped he would be, and the final straw, a possibly flawed baby, threatens to destroy this happy marriage.
I was drawn into the story by Ms Balawyder’s skillful development of her characters. I cared about them. I felt their joys and frustrations, and empathized with their problems.
Don’t miss reading this heartwarming novel by Carol Balawyder. You can find it here: Just click amazon.
You will also find that Ms. Balawyder has written several other very entertaining books. Although they are inter-connected, they can easily be read as stand-alones. I know you’ll enjoy them all.
Thank you, Anneli, for your interesting review. It is always fun to see how readers interpret my work. I like that you placed attention on the mixed marriage. Although I didn’t explore the issue of cultural differences in mixed race relationships, I did try to show how eager Campbell was to embrace Chand’s culture while losing herself.
Thank you also for the timing of this post. It will nicely fill in the gap between my Christmas and New Year wishes posts. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The wearing of the sari really hit home with me because it highlighted how hard women will work to please a man even though she felt a bit foolish at times (like when the East Indian women in their work crowd didn’t wear them). I felt her turmoil when she saw that maybe she had misjudged what to wear and wondered what they must think about her “trying so hard.” I enjoyed the way you got right into the character’s head.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on Carol Balawyder and commented:
It is always fun to see how readers interpret my work. I like that Anneli placed attention on the issue of mixed marriages.
Thank you Anneli for your perspective on my novel. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I came here via Carol’s blog. I really enjoyed this book too. In fact, I’ve enjoyed the whole series. It’s fun getting to know these four women through their own stories.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Carrie. I agree with you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad, Carrie, that you came to Anneli’s blog. She has some amazing photography and her novels are full of heart and. of course, a terrific sense of place.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the “plug” Carol. I have two blogs: wordsfromanneli, and annelisplace. I hope Carrie will find time to visit both.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review, Anneli! I’m looking forward to reading this book. I love Carol’s voice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good review, Anneli. You noticed a few pieces I didn’t pay attention to. Love when that happens.
LikeLike
That’s the beauty of sharing. We each notice different things and it’s good to share them.
LikeLike
Thank you, Jill for your very kind words. It makes me very happy that you like my voice. That is a precious complement. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a wonderful compliment to the author that you say you care about the characters. Great review of what sounds like a tremendous book!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Christy. You’re so right. It’s important for the reader to care about the character. Otherwise everything would seem a bit flat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful review of a book on my TBR.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So happy to hear that. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your interest and I hope you enjoy the book. All the best for 2018! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I, too, enjoyed this book. I’ve read the entire series and while I have my favorites, I felt they were all equally well written. Carol is gifted at folding the real world into fiction. I’m a fan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Ann. That’s so good to hear!
LikeLike
Interesting review, Anneli. It sounds like a human story that many will relate to as they adjust to marriages and the changes that come with children. It’s not often an easy change. 🙂
LikeLike
That is an understatement, for sure, about kids and changes in the marriage. I like how Carol Balawyder dealt with the inner feelings of the characters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have only read one of Carol’s set which was the first book which introduced all four (Campbell the counselor to three women of varied backgrounds) characters. I love each of them, but related to the oldest in the group, Missi Morgan. 😊
I would like to be able to read the other three, but it means buying through Amazon. . . I rotate through my list of friends, so eventually I will have as many as possible read! 💞 🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
You really should get a Kindle!
LikeLike
I am careful with my finances, just get along well with the library’s sources of books and computer, too. When you lose a house, career, husband and nearly my credit. . .you decide to be much more careful. No one is going to “save” me. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
For sure it’s good to be frugal. Your support is all the more appreciated.
LikeLike