Photography-enthusiast Nikki is hoping to nab an internship of her dreams with the full support of her family. But first she needs to acquire the winning shot. While fixing her beloved camera to capture stunning entries, deep down she wishes she could fix her relationship with her longtime friend and neighbour- Yash.

Set amidst Diwali celebrations in the US and UAE, this fun novel is packed with culture and festivities to the brim. The author doesn’t miss any Indian/ Gujarati reference- whether it be on food, clothing, jewellery, and the festival Diwali itself. From traversing deserts and sipping Arabic coffee to applying henna and seeing the Burj Khalifa light up, this book makes for an eye-opening experience into a myriad of cultures. It was intriguing to read about the different cultures and the lifestyle in different countries. Add to this the brilliant cover, and you have one more reason to read the novel.

Nikki has ups and downs in her relationship with Yash, her feelings change- making this the main point of the book.

Overall, a delightful read with the spotlight on culture representation making this novel shine.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this novel.

-"I woke up refreshed and still a bit sleepy until I remembered how I’d confessed my feelings to Yash."

-"Because that was the cure-all for Indian moms. Food. Feed everyone for any reason and then overfeed them for good measure. […] Fell off your bike? Eat. Suffering from heartache? Eat extra."

Photographer wannabe, Nikki, is headed to Dubai to celebrate Diwali with her family. Unfortunately, her ex-best friend, Yash, and his family are going too.

From the very start of the trip, their families scheme to get the pair talking again in the hopes they will mend their broken friendship. Slowly, against the exciting and adventure-filled backdrop of Dubai, Nikki and Yash do indeed find their way back to each other and end up having the vacation of a lifetime.

This is such a sweet friends to enemies to lovers story. Patel does a wonderful job of immersing the reader in the Dubai tourist experience as well as the traditions of Diwali. The characters are charming, memorable, and jump off the page.

Teens will enjoy this one. Highly recommend it!

Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

A Massive Thank You to the Author, the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this book prior to its release date.

This book is definitely a 4.75— it’s very fast paced which is great and has some cuteee moments. Nikki is a teenager- headfirst then think later personality which is relatable cause I feel like we’ have all been there and we don’t want to hear logic or anything from those around us. Yash - he has a golden retriever personality loveddd him!! I loved the setting and it was nice hearing about the airline, and Dubai it makes me want to book a ticket on emirates to Dubai. Over all Sajini Patel is wonderful and this is a great read to add to your tbr

This is a great holiday or vacation read. It really showcases the joy/excitement/community of Diwali and the beauty of Dubai. Both Nikki's parents and sister are great side characters that showcase the importance of family. The author adding in her own traditions and experiences really heightened the authenticity.

This is a great read for a teenager. The themes of a first crush, overcoming insecurities, friendship breakups, and college and parental pressures really hit the transition period older teens are facing. I am a huge fan of this author, but I am not the biggest fan of YA works. The conflict that had Nikki and Yash "fighting", as well as how one-sided the tensions were was just a little too young for me.

Overall, I adored this read and would definitely recommend it. It's an excellent combination of the excitement of a first crush, the pain of a lost friendship, and the community of family, tradition, and holidays.

I’ve read several Sajni Patel books, and when I saw she was coming out with a new YA read I knew it was a must read. I loved her last YA release, My Sister’s Big Fat Indian Wedding, and this one had a similar vibe.

Once again, I was immediately drawn in by the cover art for her book. Like her last YA release, it really sets a perfect tone / mood to get you ready to engage in the story. It had beautiful little details you’ll come to appreciate as you read, and gives a lovely visual rep of the story to come and the importance of light in the celebration.

In Sleepless in Dubai, we get the chance to travel to Dubai with our mains on a trip to see this new place and celebrate Diwali. Patel descriptions are so vivid, you feel like you are there and experiencing the places and events alongside the characters. I love a book that allows me to ‘travel’ and learn about new places, cultures and experiences while reading.

Patel writes relatable and authentic feeling characters. They have strengths and flaws, you find yourself rooting for them even when they exasperate you at times (looking at you Nikki and your grudge 😅). For Nikki in particular as our MC, I really felt like she was written accurately to her age in her processing. I definitely remember having those moments with friends at that age.

Overall this is a fun, sweet YA read with some light romcom elements woven within. One thing I’ve come to love about Patel’s books are her ability to weave in some important issues / points as well cultural pieces while maintaining a lighthearted story. In this case, cultural and parental expectations and understanding of artistic pursuits; the gender norms and how they impact freedoms and responsibilities; and as stated previously, some lovely insight into Diwali traditions and it’s meaning.

I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next. Thank you to NetGalley and Abrams Kids / Amulet Books for the opportunity to read an early edition. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Sleepless in Dubai by Sajni Patel
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was a really cute story of neighbors who may or may not have feelings for each other. When the book opens, Nikki isn’t speaking to her best friend Yash. Despite his attempts to make amends, and the efforts of their well-meaning parents, she has yet to forgive him. When their families travel to Dubai together to celebrate Diwali, they are thrown together again and again.
What worked:
1. I loved the setting of Dubai. As a reader, I learned so much about Diwali and many of the beliefs shared by Nikki and Yash’s culture.
2. Nikki’s anger at Yash made sense, though she seemed a little dramatic at times.
3. The matchmaking efforts of the parents worked in this case. They wanted the two to look out for each other in a foreign country, so it made sense to keep throwing them together.
4. Both sets of parents didn’t completely understand their children’s artistic dreams. Nikki is constantly taking photos, aspiring to be a photographer and Yash is an artist.
5. Yash was an excellent character who showed responsibility, while also rebelling against his parents in his own way.
What didn’t:
1. I think the ended wrapped up too quickly. I would’ve liked to see a bit more resolution.

Absolutely loved this book! Sajni Patel is an amazing author. You get really invested in the characters.

First of all, I'm a sucker for anything cultural that teaches me as a I read, so I was excited to read about Nikki and her neighbor Yash's trip to India for Diwali.

For a YA book, this is a cute take on the classic so many rom-coms (Sleepless in Seattle, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, 13 Going on 30) and tropes that introduces young readers to a light-hearted, relatable love story. The touches of social media, parental "guidance", college pressures, and personal insecurities all take a turn, but never overpower the main arc of the story.

A solid read for any teen looking to dip their toe into this genre!

Overall: 4.5 stars

I'll tell my students about: language

**Thank you to NetGalley and ABRAMS Kids for the free DRC. All opinions expressed are my own.**

Very excited to acquire this for our location. As someone who loves Sleepless on Seattle why would I love Sleepless in Dubai? Also a teen rom com romance! Yes please! It takes you back to that pivotal time in your life or for our YA. Readers to what they have going on in their lives at the moment, I can’t wait to read Nikki and Yashs love story and I know our readers will as well. I’ll be sharing more soon, but just wanted to put out how excited ai am for this one and also how gorgeous is the cover?

This hate-to-love teen romcom was beyond adorable, even though its tropes were beyond predictable. It's told in such a witty, fun first-person point of view that make this YA novel so freaking cute. I love a good travel romance, and this book charts these two former friends' family trip from Texas to Dubai in time for Diwali. It's a bit of a slow burn too, but plenty adorable. It's a fluffy, innocent romance with a dash of "You've Got Mail" goodness.