Hudson-Maggio’s crisp, engaging prose and quick-paced storytelling will please readers of lively, travel-minded international fiction, though the novel doesn’t dig too deeply beneath the surface of Indian life. Extreme poverty, enormous wealth, Ayurvedic spas, extravagant weddings, unyielding tradition, fantastic Indian cuisine, a snake charmer–all the boxes for depicting India as an exotic backdrop for romantic adventure get checked. At times, the depiction strains credulity in the interest of generating tension: even in the nation’s most traditional homes, the days of the bride and groom not knowing each other’s names before the ceremony are long past.

Still, the language is breezy and the dialogue captivating, as Hudson-Maggio demonstrates a strong sense of character revealed through conversation. Narrative perspective is split between different narrative voices–first Harlow, then Tej, and later Sophia, Harlow’s mother. The introduction of Sophia as narrator might at first seem jarring, though the choice to highlight her perspective deepens her characterization from cold mother to wronged woman aching for her child. Readers looking for a light, character-driven romance with empathy and wit will find much to enjoy here.

Takeaway: Readers will find this culture-crossing cheerful romance a breezy read with some captivating dialogue.

Great for fans of: Rebecca Ryman’s Olivia and Jai, Nicola Marsh’s Busted in Bollywood.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A