Book Review: Something Old, Something New by Aarti V Raman, Andaleeb Wajid, Devika Fernando, Neil D'Silva, Preethi Venugopala, Ruchi Singh, Shilpa Suraj

Good day!
7 Novellas in one book. Too much goodness to devour 😍
Our Author friends had released this Anthology of  Indian Second Chance Novellas called: Something Old, Something New on Valentines Day-14 February 2020. The Blurbs excite you. I have read books by each Author so I was sure I was going to enjoy reading this Short Story collection.
Hence this Review is very late. 5 months late. I would like to apologize to the Authors for the delay.

In this review I will shift from my usual format of Review. I am going to talk about each novella at one time. I loved each story. So let's Dive in.

Warning: Sorry, I talk to characters from books in this way. Get too attached to them. Blame the Authors for it 😉 Read full review to understand what I am saying 😃


To know more about the book, read: Book Blitz: Something Old, Something New - A DRA Production 

No Other Love by Aarti V Raman

The story keeps getting interesting at every step. I would have used the word thrilling but it's a romance story not a thriller. So you get the idea, right? Never a dull moment.

Raw emotions. Turmoil can be felt by the reader. So much that you want to soothe both Vikrant and Anika. The yo yo like emotional swing from love, despair, hopelessness, regret,... pulses through the pages.

The doctor life theme of the story resembles Grey's anatomy series. It shows how doctors are always in their zone and also deal with raw emotions keeping a  poker face for patients and their families. The efforts and hard work put in by doctors while managing their patients, home, studies forms the base of the story. Then layers of each protagonist's past, upbringing, family influence, insecurities, dreams and how it shapes us as human beings is shown. These layers unravel as the story progresses.

I also liked the way the concept of : People change with time and situations, is demonstrated. Each character takes this concept further as the story proceeds. 

Paper Hearts and Promises by Devika Fernando

Paper hearts. The name itself caught my interest. Devika has a strong hold in penning mixed nationals as protagonist and their stories.

This one too is a good mix of Indian and Australian cultures, personalities, behavior, language etc. 

I liked the description of Tara's shop and her creative bend of mind. Luke brings to mind Martin Henderson. I had to Google it coz I'm bad at remembering names or titles of movies. Song lyrics is a different thing. I am sure Devika had someone in mind when sketching Luke's character. I'm trying to guess who?

The reason for the separated lovers was stupid when I read the story but after mulling over it, it seems acceptable and a human (woman's) way of thinking. I wanted to know how they came together, Devika. Please make this into a full novel.

My Heart’s Regret by Shilpa Suraj

The story seemed like a South Indian movie to me. There was constant pull & push. Antsy, angst-y both protagonist. In fact I thought Mr.Reddy, father of Sam had a defined role & you could predict what he will do next. Both Sam & Rags just kept giving up on their love. I was all angry each time they parted. Even at the end with Happily ever after, I don't know how they will survive each other.

Guys, make up your mind !

Coming Home by Andaleeb Wajid

This is the first time I am reading a story by Andaleeb Wajid. Have heard a lot about her books. Not disappointed :)

Loved the setting of the quaint, cute little town. Could feel the coolness of the place up in the hills with tiny lanes. The description of the cafe, the roads, houses, hospital is superb. Makes visualizing it so easy and like a painting.

Piya Basanti re, Kahe sataye aaja... This song was playing in my mind throughout while reading this story. 

Loved all the characters. Each sketched out in detail. All human with their flaws & thus made them more relatable. You felt you were part of the town and a good neighbor who knew each one perfectly.

I was glad there was happily ever after. Loved the fact that Meesha took the liberty to express herself. It didn't make her look needy. Instead it made me respect her more as a self made woman who knows her mind and takes responsibility for her decisions. I liked Nausheen aunty too. 

The cafe is tempting me to bake something now or visit one soon. 

My Warmest Sorrow by Preethi Venugopala

Good short story. It was warm & full of sorrow as the Title. One could feel the sorrow rage through Diana. Im glad she had her brother and friends around her and didn't let her slide in more depression. Liked how the picture of a strict father is painted in the background. How he liked People in power or to be the person in charge of power.

I am glad both Ajay and Diana upgraded themselves in their careers. Also how they gave love a second chance.

Never Stopped Loving You, Ruchi Singh

Im still angry at Arjun. The dialogues by Radhika were perfect. Blame someone but yourself. I wanted Radhika to not reconcile & stick to her decision. She had suffered too much. 

If not for the last few pages & twist, I would have stuck with my decision.

The anguish & depression Radhika felt can be clearly seen in the story. I loved Nisha for being a true friend.

I wanted to know who the kidnappper was & why did he plot the kidnapping. Ruchi, please sequel to this story or a full fledged novel, maybe?

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Do buy the book, read it and leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads.

Bye. Take care.