GUEST REVIEW: An Enormously English Monsoon Wedding by Christina Jones

We have another lovely guest review today, Jean from Jean Bull's Writing Blog has kindly reviewed An Enormously English Monsoon Wedding by Christina Jones, here's what she thought:

Life simply couldn't be better for Erin Bentley. At twenty-seven, she is engaged to the simply divine Jay Keskar - and every minute of her day currently revolves around planning the wedding of her dreams. Until, that is, Jay's parents announce that they want to 'discuss' things - and this is when Erin's wedding heaven turns into her wedding hell . . . Tavish and Deena are Indian and have very firm beliefs about the form of wedding their only son should have. Of course, they say, Erin will be wearing a sari. And of course all the Indian pre-wedding ritual ceremonies - including tilak, mehendi, sangeet - will be observed. As Bollywood comes to Berkshire, can East eventually meet West in perfect harmony? And if not, will Erin and Jay's dream wedding even take place?

I was pleased to see that Dot was looking for more volunteers to review some books. On her list was An Enormously English Monsoon Wedding, one that I had planned to read because its tagline was ‘Bollywood comes to Berkshire’ and it sounded crazy and exciting!

Christina Jones has written a very romantic story bathed in sunshine and kisses which makes you hope that it won’t turn out to be a clash of cultures catastrophe!

Erin fell in love with Jay, Nook Green’s village vet, when he saved the life of her beloved cat, Florence. Now two years later, they have planned the perfect wedding at the Swan Hotel. And there’s only six weeks to go. They’ve chosen a civil ceremony so as not to upset either set of parents, and Erin has chosen the most beautiful dress. As they stroll through the hotel grounds to meet Jay’s parents, Deena and Tavish, everything in the garden is lovely, until lunchtime when his mother starts to question their plans and makes it clear that she expects them to have a more traditional Indian wedding. On top of this they have brought Nalisha, Jay’s childhood sweetheart, with them!

The village has some other memorable characters: Kam, Jay’s cousin and also a vet; Gina who runs the Merry Cobbler; Uncle Doug who owns The Old Curiosity Shop where Erin works; and Erin’s parents, Rose and Pete, who arrive from Australia. I particularly like the part when Deena takes Erin and her mother to buy Rose a wedding outfit.

Christina grew up in a similar close-knit Berkshire village, and has recently been involved in her daughter’s fusion wedding which, she says, went more smoothly than Erin and Jay’s! Therefore, she had lots of material to base her story on which makes it ring true. 

It’s difficult to write about this book without giving too much away. Christina describes it as a ‘Bucolic Frolic’, and it is romantic and funny: perfect to read on holiday or at home by a roaring fire. I really felt for poor Erin and Jay and I was gripped by the story, which has some surprising twists and turns and Bollywood moments, to find out whether Deena gets her way or not.

This is the first book that I’ve read by Christina Jones. She’s writing three more in this series, set in the surrounding fictional Berkshire villages she mentions in this book, and I will certainly be looking out for them. 

Jean's Rating: 5/5

Pages: Piatkus

Pages: 384

Many thanks to Piatkus for sending a review copy! 

 

Book Review: Sister by Rosamund Lupton

Nothing can break the bond between sisters...

When Beatrice gets a frantic call in the middle of Sunday lunch to say that her younger sister Tess is missing, she boards the first flight home to London. But as she learns about the circumstances surrounding Tess's disappearance, she is stunned to discover how little she actually knows of her sister's life- and unprepared for the terrifying truths she must now face. 

The police, Beatrice's fiance and even their mother accept they have lost Tess, but Beatrice refuses to give up on her. So she embarks on a dangerous journey to discover the truth, no matter the cost. 

I bought this book last year but I have only just got round to reading it. I really wish I hadn't waited so long as it was brilliant. Rosamund Lupton has written a very clever mystery but I felt that it was much more than that as she explores the special bond between sisters, in this case Beatrice and Tess.
Beatrice received a call from her mother saying that Tess is missing. Although there are five years between them plus the Atlantic ocean, they are incredibly close and Beatrice gets on the plane home. As the search begins for the truth behind Tess's disappearance, Beatrice feels as though those around her are giving up on her sister and making her out to be a completely different person. Beatrice does learn some shocking truths about her sister but she still believes that there is something more sinister to her disappearance. Beatrice feels that she owes it to her sister to reveal the truth even if it means putting herself in danger. What if someone thinks Beatrice  is asking too many questions and wants her to disappear just like Tess?
Rosamund Lupton  has an excellent writing style. she maintains tension throughout the book and I loved the many twists that the plot took towards the end. This book reminded me a little of After You'd Gone by Maggie O'Farrell in the way in which it explored human relationships. I have an older sister and I found Beatrice and Tess's relationship entirely believable. I empathised with Beatrice's desperation, although she initially has no evidence she does not give up on Tess as she had complete faith in how well she knew her sister.
This book did not take me long to read at all, Lupton constantly leaves you wanting more and I couldn't help but start a new chapter again and again. If you are looking for a tense thriller with a little more depth then look no further, I don't think you will be disappointed.

Dot Scribbles rating 5/5