I’m delighted to be one of today’s stops on the blog tour for ‘A Kiss in Kashmir.’
Sharmila, a painter entering the autumn of her life, had gently set aside hopes of love after a heart-wrenching loss. In Kashmir to orchestrate her daughter Alina’s wedding, Sharmila never anticipated that the universe was crafting a different plan—one of second chances and unexpected love.
She crosses paths with George, a professor of Indian art history and a kindred spirit bearing the weight of lost love. Together, they explore Kashmir’s lush valleys, snow-draped mountains, clear lakes, and ancient shrines. A fragile romance quietly blossoms, gently guiding their hearts toward a future neither dared to dream of.
Is it possible for a single glance to kindle a connection, or for one to find a soulmate twice?
Yet, as their burgeoning love blooms, a startling revelation threatens to cut their story short. With the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir as its canvas, “A Kiss in Kashmir” is a touching story of love, loss, and second chances.
Purchase Links
Amazon (US): https://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Kashmir-Timeless-Tale-Love-ebook/dp/B0CPX8FLQB
Amazon (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kiss-Kashmir-Timeless-Tale-Love-ebook/dp/B0CPX8FLQB
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-kiss-in-kashmir
Author Bio –
Equal parts storyteller and globe-trotter, Monica Saigal (Bhide), is an award-winning author, accomplished literary coach, and educator who transcends countless borders—chronological, geographical, religious, and economical—to inspire her readers. Born in New Delhi, raised in the Middle East, and now residing outside Washington, D.C., she currently serves as a corporate storyteller for one of the world’s leading professional services companies.
Monica writes in a variety of genres and has written best-selling short story collections and heartwarming love stories, as well as acclaimed memoirs and cookbooks—Eat Your Books chose Monica’s memoir, A Life of Spice as one of the top five food memoirs of 2015 and Top Chef’s Padma Lakshmi picked Monica’s Modern Spice as one of the “Best Books Ever” for Newsweek in 2009. Her novel, Karma and the Art of Butter Chicken, is a book club favorite and inspired the NPR café in Washington, D.C., to serve up creations inspired by her protagonist chef. Her much anticipated upcoming novel, A Kiss in Kashmir was released in February 2024.
Social Media Links –
Website: https://monicasaigal.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mbhide
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monica.bhide1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicasaigalbhide/
Review-
“Kashmir has a way of getting deep into your soul, and once it does, you never want to let go.”
What a wonderfully evocative and captivating story! It had me yearning to visit to sample this piece of paradise for myself, such was the beauty of the depiction of the landscape and culture.
This is a tale of love through tragedy, family history, and a blend of cultures coming together in harmony.
The tagline ‘a timeless tale of love’ is especially apt. The narrative felt historical in places but was brought to the present day with current dates at the beginning of chapters and the mention of pandemic. It truly feels as though it could have been written for any time.
The warmth of the Kashmiri welcome for Sharmila and Alina is a delight, as is the open hospitality shown towards them and the blessing bestowed unconditionally upon them fosters a real sense of belonging.
Art is a prominent theme throughout; George is a professor of Indian art history, Vikram a painter and teacher, Daneen talented in textiles and Sharmila a talented artist and this helps to weave the narrative and characters together.
It’s no surprise to read the author has written several cookbooks of her own, as the mouthwatering descriptions of the traditional Kashmiri dishes are tantalising and authentic.
This is up there as one of my favourite reads so far this year.
With thanks to the author and Rachel at Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
Further stops can be found here:
Pickled Thoughts and Pinot 