Today is my stop on the blog tour for The Rearranged Life by Annika Sharman!! I am so excited about this new romance! Annika is sharing an exclusive excerpt and giveaway with us so be sure to check out all the festivities!!
The Rearranged Life Synopsis:
Nithya, a vivacious, intelligent and driven college senior has always known what she has wanted: a successful career in medicine and the love of her family. She's even come to terms with the idea of an arranged marriage, a tradition her conservative Indian family has held up for thousands of years.
When a night of partying puts her on a collision course with danger, Nithya's entire life changes.
Enter James St. Clair, the smart, challenging and heartbreakingly handsome American.
As Nithya and James fall in love, she questions the future she and her parents have always planned. Now, Nithya has a choice to make: become a doctor and a good Indian bride, or step away from her family and centuries of culture to forge her own path.
The decision she comes to takes her on a journey that transforms how she sees her future, her relationships with loved ones, and how she learns to put herself back together when even her best-laid plans fall apart
Buy links: Amazon // Barnes and Noble
Excerpt
“Wait, you’re going out with my brother?” Indrani sounds dubious.
“He is kind of cute. In an old-guy kind of way,” Anisha clarifies.
”That’s gross. Can you never say that again?” Indrani makes a face in reply.
Both of them are in my room as I pick an outfit for dinner.
Nishanth went downstairs and told our families we wouldn’t be joining them tonight. The enthusiastic “Have fun!” from my mom and “Sounds good, baby!” from his were loud enough to resound through the floor.
Since it’s a holiday, sparkles and shiny things are appropriate. I examine the closet, glumly noting that most of my go-to outfits are still in my apartment at Penn State, but then I’m struck with brilliance. Anisha and Indrani gasp when I slide the white anarkali over my body.
“You look amazing, Akka!” Anisha tells me, her mouth dropping open in wonder.
“Like a princess,” Indrani concurs.
Everything from the shoulders to the waistline glimmers with paisley patterns of sequins and silver piping. The translucent long sleeves are decorated around my wrists with rhinestones. I forgo the leggings, allowing the swinging chiffon fabric to hit me mid- shin. With a pair of silver heels, my Indian anarkali has been transformed into a shimmery New Year’s Eve dress.
“You forgot pants,” Anisha says.
“It’s a dress now, idiot.” Indrani shows off her fashion prowess by reaching into my jewelry box and handing me chandelier earrings made of teardrop shaped glass.
“Perfect,” all three of us say.
“Have a good time!”
“Be safe!”
Our moms call out from the front door as Aditya Uncle hands Nishanth his keys. We wave at them as we leave for Jones at 8:00 p.m.
“Doesn’t it feel just like prom?”
“We are kind of spiffed up.” I smirk, noting his black suit and silver tie.
Nishanth looks every inch the CEO he wants to be. His hair is neatly gelled back, and his broad shoulders make it clear he is wearing the suit and not the other way around.
“You look really handsome.” I sneak one more glance.
“I had to look worthy of the prettiest girl in the room.” He grins.
“Please. This old thang?” I wave off his compliment but love it just the same.
Amma told us we could come back after midnight. Until now, if I’ve ever gone out with a group of friends that included guys, the rule was always 10:00 p.m. The white dress I’m wearing along with Nishanth’s classy suit makes me feel like we’ve traded in our Indian reality for an American wedding. But it doesn’t feel clandestine. It feels simple.
Annika Sharman Bio:
Annika Sharma was born in New Delhi and brought up in the United States, where she moved with her parents as a baby. A proud alum, she graduated from Penn State University with dual degrees in Biobehavioral Health and Neuro-Psychology, and minors in Biology and Human Development and Family Studies. She received her Master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education before pursuing her dreams of becoming a writer, landing her agent Stacey Donaghy of Donaghy Literary Group while daylighting as a preschool teacher. The Rearranged Life, her first novel, was written in the month before graduate school.
Annika, a Gryffindor and Scorpio, spends much of her time dreaming of adventure, working on her next book, going on Starbucks runs with family and friends, shopping online and watching superhero movies.
The Rearranged Life, will be hitting shelves on May 15th, 2015, published by Curiosity Quills Press.
Social Media links: Website // Twitter // Facebook // Goodreads
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