Love makes the world go around, and it is the need to possess that love which can make some go crazy too!! Nothing can be more aptly shown than in this cute love story between Aisha and Fawad by author Ramla Zareen Ahmad.
Arranged marriages are common, they are practically the norm in my side of the globe. And it was during this initial meeting of two families when Aisha and Fawad saw each other for the first time. Attraction sparked, and in that emotional space, Aisha dropped coffee on the prospective mother-in-law. Brilliant first scene!!
As love stories went, the main characters met up later when Aisha joined Fawad’s office. Love blossomed, but it came on rocky road with misconceptions of the past, jealous colleagues, lusty clients, misunderstandings and false impressions. Aisha was sweet in the entire book, she was honest and kind. Fawad was the tall, handsome, and intelligent hero, liked by all and wanted by the villain-ess Nadia.
The story had its humorous and romantic moments, but the writing felt a bit formal, not what is generally seen in a love story. The misconceptions came after every few chapters, so it kind of felt slightly repetitive. But these were just minor points.
At 150 pages, the book was an easy one hour read where I had fun imagining the same plot with my yet-to-discovered-man!!
And no, an emphatic NO, I am not going in for an arranged marriage!!
I received a digital copy of the book from the author, and this is my journey into its pages, straight from the heart!!
All my reviews can be found here
How easy or difficult is it to read a book with a different culture and which has arranged marriage in the background?
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18932795.Ramla_Zareen_Ahmad
Aisha Malik waits for her destined mate as prospective suitors and their families visit to evaluate her suitability as a bride. She instinctively senses a connection with Fawad when they meet. But how can she be sure that he’s the one for her?
A past betrayal has made Fawad Rehman cynical, and his pride forbids him from forcing his attentions where they’re unwanted. But is he right in believing that his interest in Aisha is unreciprocated?
Nadia Qureshi lost her parents when she was a little girl, but she won’t let Fawad be taken away from her. She’s willing to go to any length to keep Aisha and Fawad away from each other. But will she be able to use Aisha’s impulsiveness and Fawad’s vulnerabilities against them?
Will Aisha and Fawad find the love of their lives only to have a scheming colleague drive them apart? Or will they let their love lead them to happily ever after?
Publication Date: 2nd March 2019
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18932795.Ramla_Zareen_Ahmad
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17 Responses
Seems like a quintessential Bollywood-esque entertaining plot. 🙂
Very much so.. Set in Pakistan
I cannot wrap my head around an arranged marriage but the story looks cute
Hahaha it is the way in 80% of marriages here. Divorce rates are very low in arranged… No idea why but I think the family support is extremely high in arranged marriages
Hahahahahahahaha. I love your outright rejection of an arranged marriage! But c’mon, let me and your mom have a chat….. I’ll see if Brian is available. 😂
Sweet review though 😘
Brian is married… I tried the arrange marriage thingy decades ago. The guy rejected me saying too many health problems, then dad said I am defective, so never checked it out.
Imagine a guy who was 200 pounds, had flat foot, could barely walk, was wheezing all the time couldn’t fit in my armchair, rejected me 😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣
Oh my wow. Well it sounds like you dodged that one. And he’s clearly the one who lost out! 😘
Hahaha you are being a loyal friend… I am no prize, just human 😘
You’re a very wonderful prize ❤️
If you are arranging the meeting with ‘suitable’ prospective guy. I am open to it ❤️
Hmmm… 🤔😊
I think the difference in cultures with an arranged marriage just makes the story more interesting. But I wouldn’t want one for myself. It does sound like a sweet story. The arranged marriage reminds me of Fiddler on the Roof which, of course, has a lot more going on and a depth that you wouldn’t expect in a 150 page book,
This was a cute love story with a different culture, so it was fun
Hmm. This brings me back to my high school days. My best friend was from Egypt and her cultures were very different from ours here in America. Even though her family had immigrated to America, her dad was still dead-set on arranged marriages for both his daughters. She knew from day one that she was going to marry a doctor through an arranged marriage, and that she was going to be a doctor as well, as per her father’s dictations. Though she rebelled at first, she did end up marrying a doctor and getting her own medical degree, but I think it was more out of a desire to please her father than anything. However, she has two beautiful daughters of her own now, and as far as I know, she is very happy with her arranged marriage. So, it obviously can work out for some people. I’m all for love of everyone and everything, so if it makes you happy, go for it!
This does sound like a cute story, and it made me think of my friend from way back when…Thank you for that journey back down memory lane, and of course, for your wonderful review! 🙂
Aww Leslie that was so beautiful… In my side if globe, arrange marriages have the lowest divorce rates. Maybe one can fall in love with husband after marriage
This sounds like a really sweet story, arranged marriage aside. I enjoy reading books from different cultures, I always learn so much. Wonderful review Shalini.
Thank you Carla. This is a very sweet love story…