This book was just okay for me. I loved the family dynamic between Tusli, her mom and her grandmother. I loved the ancestral history and how it ties into their life's purpose. I loved hearing about the shop and any of the scenes with spices. It was interesting that this took place in Salem, MA. Very unexpected, but I loved it!

I however, was not a fan of Tulsi. She felt much younger than her age. I hated the lack of communication from everyone. So much could have been avoided if people just talked. The mystery behind the social medias - made no sense why that person was behind it. I felt the "love story" with Tulsi was too insta lovey and fell flat. This book did a lot of telling vs. showing. And OMG...if I had to read one more sentence about Tulsi wanting to reach out and touch this man...girl...get ahold of yourself.

Overall an interesting read though!

This book was set as a cultural and generational family drama between grandmother, mother, daughter. The family dynamic was sweet in that all 3 women lived for each other and their successful little store in Salem, MA. Until Tulsi started to realize that she wanted more than the family business and family curse.

After a lot of probing, Tulsi was able to break down some of the walls that her mom and grandmother had built up over the years. I noted that it was kind of interesting how her grandmother was so afraid of her history being forgotten for future generations when both her and her mother kept so much personal history from Tulsi. There were also a couple of moments throughout that didn't quite make sense to the plot, but a cute little hopeful story about not being afraid of going where your heart leads you.

I feel like there was too much going on in this book for it to be up to Namrata Patel’s usual standards. There were too many subplots and characters to truly develop them well, including the romance. I just felt everything felt a little rush to fit everything else in. I will still continue to read Patel’s books in the future because I usually really enjoy them but this one definitely fell flat for me.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

A beautiful book about the past and the present and the story of Tulsi Gupta which had me hooked right from the start. There is so much about discovering yourself, your life and your heritage. There is a bit of mystery a bit of romance and a bit of family all mixed into this easy to read story.

A well written, interesting and even entertaining book that is very easy and enjoyable to read. Read it in a day and enjoyed every bit of it.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

"The Curious Secrets of Yesterday" by Namrata Patel is a beautifully written novel that intertwines the past with the present, exploring themes of heritage, memory, and the hidden truths that shape our lives. Patel’s narrative likely follows a protagonist who, through a series of events or discoveries, uncovers secrets from their family's past that have long been buried or forgotten. These secrets could be tied to a significant historical or cultural backdrop, adding depth and richness to the story.

Patel’s writing is often noted for its evocative prose and deep emotional resonance, bringing to life complex characters who must navigate the challenges of understanding their past to better comprehend their present. The novel likely explores how the revelations of these secrets impact the protagonist's identity, relationships, and future decisions.

"The Curious Secrets of Yesterday" is ideal for readers who enjoy multi-generational stories, historical fiction, and novels that delve into the intricate connections between past and present. Patel’s ability to weave together these elements creates a narrative that is both compelling and thought-provoking, making this a must-read for those who appreciate stories about family, history, and the enduring impact of secrets.

4.25
The Curious Secrets of Yesterday by Namrata Patel is a surprising book that hooked me quickly. I wasn’t expecting this when I started it but it’s a highly engaging story of Tulsi Gupta, who works with her mother and grandmother, at the family spice store. Though she is getting trained to takeover the business one day, deep down that’s not what she wants. The primary plot might be about self-discovery but there are so many side plots which are all equally interesting. We have a cute romance, mystery surrounding her father, a social media account for the business which popped out of nowhere and so much more. It has elements of mystery and intrigue and I loved reading about the complex relationships among the three generation of women. I definitely recommend this one.

Growing into adulthood and discovering who one is can be challenging. Add to that a multi-generational, multicultural history and a few surprises and you have the recipe for a warm, rich story that draws you right in. Thanks #NetGalley #LakeUnionPublishing

If you want to read a story about a thirty-year-old whose life choices have revolved around her family and who needs to discover who she really is and what she really likes and ultimately what moves her, then this is the book for you. If you related to the description I just gave, hi, welcome to the club. This had a nice balance of internal monologue, family dynamics and romance, that made the novel entertaining even when it got sort of dense or long-winded. My only issue would be that the pacing was odd, but that might have been a "me" problem.

The Curious Secrets of Yesterday by Namrata Patel follows Tulsi, an Indian American woman living in Salem, MA, who feels trapped by her family's expectations. Living with her mother and grandmother, she helps run a spice shop rooted in ancestral traditions. Tulsi longs for something more in her life, though she’s unsure what that "more" is.

The novel is set in Salem but avoids the typical witchcraft theme, offering a fresh perspective on the town. The story beautifully integrates Tulsi’s Indian heritage, showcasing traditions both herbal and familial that add depth to the narrative. The loving camaraderie between Tulsi, her mother, and her grandmother is genuinely heartwarming and adds a layer of emotional warmth to the story. An anonymous Instagram account starts promoting Tulsi's store, adding a touch of mystery and intrigue. Additionally, a budding romance with a new neighbor, a chef, adds a light and enjoyable subplot. Tulsi also uncovers hidden aspects of her grandmother’s past, adding layers of family secrets to the story.

However, the execution of the novel falls short in several areas. Tulsi's personality feels inconsistent, as she lacks a distinct identity except when interacting with the love interest, Lucas. This sudden change in her character feels forced and unconvincing. The constant repetition of Tulsi’s longing for something more becomes tedious and weakens the narrative’s impact. Compared to Patel's debut novel, the characters, dialogue, and stakes in this book lack the same emotional intensity and depth.

Despite these flaws, The Curious Secrets of Yesterday remains a light, summer read that delves into family secrets, personal growth, and cultural heritage. While it has charming elements and an engaging premise, the repetitive themes and less compelling character development may leave some readers wanting more. Nevertheless, it is a hopeful story about finding one's path and balancing tradition with personal aspirations.

Full review to come on Goodreads and Amazon. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a review copy

"The Curious Secrets of Yesterday" by Namrata Patel explores the lives of three generations of Indian women running an Ayurvedic spice shop. The story centers on Tulsi, who struggles between continuing the family tradition and forging her own path. While the plot is somewhat predictable, the characters and their relationships shine.

The book beautifully portrays Indian culture and the challenges faced by women due to family legacies. Tulsi's journey of self-discovery, along with her family's growth, is heartwarming and filled with love and warmth. The romance is subtle, adding to the story without overshadowing it.

Despite the predictability, the emotional depth and cultural representation make it a worthwhile read. Tulsi's growth and the family dynamics are compelling, making this book an easy yet meaningful read.

Tulsi is the main character who is treated poorly by her family and surrounded by secrets and lies. She's trapped in so many ways, and no one seems to see her.

I think the take away from this story is to be who you want to be, not living according to the constraints of your family.

There's a hint of magic (because Salem) and a hint of romance ("He didn't take her breath away, he became the air she needed.") that could have been the focus of the story but wasn't.

There are parts of this book that I found very predictable. This is something I’m bringing up at the beginning because of the title. The secrets are not the central point of the narrative, although it does define the direction most of it takes.

There is an unapologetic Indianness to the characters’ lives. It’s not the stereotypical one either, there’s a wide range of personalities and lifestyles which make it more realistic.

Our leading lady has been chaffing against her possible future role at the spice store run by her family. She does not want to be limited by that identity and travel farther than she has. The three women live together and work in tandem at the store but otherwise lead a parallel existence in their interests and aspirations.

Things start to change suddenly and there are insinuations of magic spices being attributed to the store and things just go downhill from there. There is a love story or two hidden between the narrative, but the plot is mainly about personal growth and learning to trace one’s own path without necessarily ditching tradition.

I would recommend this to readers of the genre. I would definitely be picking up more books by the author.

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

* ARC received for an honest review *

Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book.

The Curious Secrets of Yesterday is my first book I read of Namrata Patel. And I really enjoyed reading this book. As an Indian myself, it was so refreshing to read a book with a good representation of my culture and point out the problems and prejudices we face in the western world. It focused on how three generations of women navigate through life full of heavy load placed on them due to family legacies and expectations while running a Ayurvedic spice shop.

The story is filled with love and warmth. And familial support and protectiveness even if you want to forge your own path away from the family expectations. Yes it took time to reach there, but it was worth it in the end. The bond grew stronger.

This definitely was an easy but also heavy read. Definitely worth giving a chance.

This one wasn't for me, unfortunately. I really liked the idea of the story but this one was just too slow for me and i didn't find that i was invested in the outcome at all.
Definitely one for people who enjoy cosy, family dramas with a little bit love and lots of descriptions of delicious food.

Thank you to the author, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My apologies for the delay in posting this review, I had a bit too much going on.

This story centers on a young woman who finds herself at the threshold of choosing between her identity and her family. She has been firmly pushed into a role as a spice healer by her mother and grandmother, when all she wants to do is see the world. After finding a mysterious old letter in the attic, she realizes that she has to unravel her grandmother’s and mother’s secrets to free herself from their crushing expectations and learn who she really is.

There are lots of heavy themes hidden in this book: abandonment issues, societal stigma, cultural appropriation, the traps that social media can set, and more. This is a fast and easy read, and the relationships between the three women of different generations are the linchpin, reflecting the complexities many of us face in our own lives with the people we love: contradictory and messy relationships built on a strong foundation of love. The romance element is puzzling, not well developed and much too rushed.

More than family secrets, this story is about a woman in her early thirties still trying to find herself. All her life, she was taught to continue the family tradition of spice healers, ayurveda. Although Tulsi always did what was expected of her without giving it much thought. And now she's approaching her final test. Either the tradition continues or ends with her. Scared to disappoint her family, Tulsi is facing a big dilemma. She doesn't want the same life her mother and grandmother had, especially when it seems such a lonely life.

When Tulsi finds a letter from her grandmother, speaking of a long-ago betrayal, she sees it as a door to her family's past. One that always brings so much sorrow to both women. Tulsi starts to uncover secrets and old wounds she's determined to help mend. And in the process, she might discover her life's true purpose.

The family dynamics are, in a word, complex. There is a lot of love that often clashes with tradition and expectations. In particular, Tulsi's grandmother can be very stubborn in her views of the world, work, granddaughter, and past. And that becomes the biggest opposing force against Tulsi. She realises how much she allows her family to be in their ways without questioning it and how that strips away a part of her identity. All those secrets have a cost, and it might be Tulsi.

The story reflects a lot on family relations, old views, how traditions and fates can suppress and be unfair, and how past trauma affects present relationships. There's also a big emphasis on dealing with what is out of our control. The story doesn't follow only the growth of the main character. Her mother and grandmother also have a bit of learning to do as well.

While Tulsi might not know what she wants to do with her life, she shows a lot of emotional maturity. She becomes the mediator in her family's healing process. And even in the romantic relationship that starts to bloom on the side, she isn't afraid to show herself, even if that means babbling to fill in any awkwardness. The romance never overpowers the main story. It's a helper. An outsider perspective that helps Tulsi become even more assured of herself.

Every mystery or new character introduced had a very clear purpose. Once you get familiar with the story, it's obvious where the plot is going. However, the stars of the show are the characters and their relationships. So, it doesn't matter if the plot is predictable because it's only creating opportunities for Tulsi to grow and discover herself.

I had a lovely time reading this book even when Tulsi's grandmother was so uncooperative or their lives took a turn for the worse. I adored following Tulsi and witnessing her journey to discover herself as an individual, her place in her family and her family's traditions. It's a hopeful and loving story where everything works out for the best. And sometimes that's exactly what you need.

Tulsi lives and works with her mother, Devi and grandmother, Aruna. They own the store where they use the spices and herbs to treat health concerns of their clients. Tulsi hides her competence in hope of leaving and exploring the world. As the book progresses, the secrets of long ago are slowly revealed to Tulsi (as the title promises).

The thing about Namrata Patel’s THE CURIOUS SECRETS OF YESTERDAY is that you’re going to be hungry the entire time you’re reading it. This cozy book featuring a family-owned spice shop and a neighboring restaurant, not to mention countless cups of warm tea, is an inviting and enjoyable read. The plot is simple, and fairly predictable, but sometimes that’s okay. The romance felt like an unnecessary addition to what was a lovely story about family and the gifts (and burdens ) we inherit. The very best parts of the book were the moments between multiple generations.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union for the advance copy. All opinions are entirely my own.

This is a great book for a person who loves all the gossip. The story itself is set up as a mini mystery that is being unraveled while the main character is trying to navigate between two worlds- That of her immigrant grandmother and her modern day experience and the consequences of both. While she's uncovering all sorts of family secrets and truths, she's also seeing how the past has affected her life beyond what anyone intended. It's a wonderfully written story and covers a lot of ground intellectually.

#arc
#netgalley
#thecurioussecretsofyesterday