𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮!

Happy Diwali to all who celebrate it! I actually read this on Diwali. I didn't plan for it, but it's a public holiday in Singapore and I usually spend it at a friend's because she makes outrageously good South Indian food. But since COVID-19 social regulations haven't eased up, no parties are allowed this year, so it's just home and books for me.

This is the first romance novel I've ever read by an Indian author about Indian characters based in India. And it was a real treat since 99% of the lesfic I've read in the past two years are either in America or Europe. I watch Bollywood movies on Netflix but so far I've only come across one or two lesbian characters. So I was kinda excited for this one.

The cultural part of the book is strong, but I wasn't surprised. India has a rich culture, from the sights and the sounds to the food and the language. We get some of them in this book. And there are also references to arranged marriages, intrusive parents and people who still hope for their boys to be doctors and engineers. This book also delves into LGBTQ issues in a more conservative society, what people's perceptions are among the older, younger folks and the religious folks, and of course, the infamous Section 377 law, a legacy left behind by the British that still remains in former colonies.

What surprised me most was how much I love this second chance romance between Leela and Nandini, both in their 40s, how easily they re-connected and how much chemistry they have together, even though Leela spends some time sorting out her life and her feelings for Nandini.

I'm so glad I read this f/f second chance romance set in India. Leela and Nandini had a relationship while in college. Nandini continued her education abroad and Leela returned home to the marriage arranged by her parents. Twenty years later Leela is a principal at private school. Nandini, is openly out (as much as you can be in India), and runs an educational software company. The two meet again at a weekend education conference where Nandini is one of the presenters, They both enjoy catching up with each other.

What makes this book stand out is the own voice of the author. I love the food, clothing and other cultural aspects that really take this story to the next level. These are two educated, working, modern, Asian-Indian women who have very different lives. Leena is a widow and single mother of a 16 year old son. She lives in the same building as her parents who still command parts of her life. Nandini has never committed to a relationship. I love the two together whether exploring an ancient mosque or working in companionable silence on a couch. Son Neil and the happenings at Leela's school let me learn current LGBTQ laws in the country.

Big thank you to NetGalley, Bella Books and the author the ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

This read tells the story of two women that are easy to like and appreciate where they are coming from. Nandini Mirchandani, owns an educational software company with business associates. Nandini lives a quiet life with friends and visits with family. Leela Saldana, principal of a small private school, widow and mother to a teenage son, Neil. Really appreciated their interaction, so real. Leela's parents were alot to handle but were presented in a realistic manner. Enjoyed the food, dress and location descriptions, very informative. I loved how the author told the story, so matter of fact, not a lot of fluff. This is what we think. This is why we think what we think. Life can be challenging but happiness can be found.

A period of uncertainty by Sheryn Munir.
Leela knows all about second chances. She picked herself up from personal tragedy, and stepped up as the single mother of a teenage son, respected principal of an alternative school, and keeper of peace with her demanding parents. But when a chance meeting with an old flame rekindles forgotten passions, her well-ordered existence threatens to fall apart.
A very good read with good characters. I liked leela character. 4*.

This was a second chance romance novel and I enjoyed it. I thought the characters were great and quite relatable. Leela and Nandini had amazing chemistry. Without giving too much away. Nandini and Leela were both each other first love twenty years ago. The reconnected by chance while on their way to attend a seminar where Nandini was one of the guest speakers.
They had a one night stand which turned into two. Needless to say they faced a few obstacles. Leela parents a very old fashion and very over bearing and wishes for her to remarry and give her son who is now sixteen years old a male figure. The story was well executed and I highly recommend, 4.5 stars.


Thank you NetGalley and Belle Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this book very much. The romance is a slooooow burn and secondary to the story. I felt that India and their traditions, food, schools, clothes etc...was the main story. That was a real treat. I know very little about modern day India. In this story you learn a lot about their laws regarding homosexuality and how older traditional Indians regard it. Thank you Sheryn Munir for this entertaining and informative story.

Leela Saldana is a good and caring daughter to her aging and interfering parents. She is a wonderful single parent to her teenage son and a progressive educator as principal of an alternative private school. Leela’s life seemed complete until she has a chance meeting with an old friend and lover from twenty years ago.
Nandini Mirchandani unknowingly broke Leela’s heart when she went abroad to finalize her education. Nandini is now the CEO of an educational computer software company.
This is Sheryn Munir’s second novel and I am impressed with her personal growth as a writer. Her writing has become tighter with less superfluous descriptive narration. Munir conveys the essence of her characters lives in India without bogging down in the minutiae.
Munir’s strength lies in the building of the romance between Leela and Nandini. She takes the time necessary for the readers to feel the love and closeness growing between the two women. The story as well incorporates a number of twists and turns which is sure to keep your nose between the pages. A Period of Uncertainty is an engaging love story you will not want to miss.

I was given a free ARC of this novel by Net Galley for my honest review.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Leela and Nandini having seen each for twenty years after college and is surprise to run into each other while going to weekend education conference. Leela went on and got married that was arranged by her parents is now a widow with a teenager son Neil while Nandini and few friends runs a educational software company. Nandini is one of the speakers at the conference where Leela there to learn what more she can do for her school where she is the principal.

Leela and Nandini catch up on their lives and rekindle their friendship which was more in college and it’s seems the feelings they had are still there. I like how both women are educated and done well for themselves. Leela parents are bit much with her mother pushing her to remarried and her father who’s talk down to her but in private with friends praise her I like how Neil points that out.

I usually enjoy second chances kinda books, but honestly I was so surprised of how much I liked this, the story itself is not exceptional but the writing style made it special,

Highly recommended