Weekend Reads: Books by Julia Quinn

Any new book by Julia Quinn is an auto-buy for me. I love historical romances and Julia Quinn is the one author whose books are worth every penny you spend. They have romance, a fairy-tale setting, intrigue, and tons of laughter.

I love most of her books but the Bridgerton series is my most favorite among her books. You read one book from the Bridgerton series and you will automatically buy her all other books. I even have the second epilogue collection of the Bridgerton books called ‘Happily Ever After.'

More than that, I have reread some of her books multiple times. So, this weekend, I want to introduce some of her books (my favourites) to you. Among the four books I am recommending, three are from the Bridgerton Series. Please excuse me, I love the Bridgertons.

Splendid:

Blurb:

There are two things everyone knows about Alexander Ridgely. One, he's the Duke of Ashbourne. And two, he has no plans to marry anytime soon...

That is until a redheaded American throws herself in front of a carriage to save his young nephew's life. She's everything Alex never thought a woman could be—smart and funny, principled and brave. But she's a servant, completely unsuitable for a highborn duke—unless, perhaps, she's not quite what she seems...

American heiress Emma Dunster might be surrounded by Englishmen, but that doesn't mean she intends to marry one—even if she has agreed to participate in one London Season. When she slipped out of her cousins' home, dressed as a kitchen maid, all she wanted was one last taste of anonymity before her debut. She never dreamed she'd find herself in the arms of a dangerously handsome duke... or that he'd be quite so upset when he discovered her true identity. But true love tends to blossom just when one least expects it, and passion can melt even the most stubborn of hearts.

What I loved:

This is the debut book by Julia Quinn and I loved every bit of it. Emma's character is so well written that she is my favorite among all Julia Quinn heroines. And yes, it is hilarious, filled with toe-curling love scenes and of course, (sigh) a swoon-worthy hero.

An offer from a Gentleman:

Blurb:

Will she accept his offer before the clock strikes midnight?

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball—or that "Prince Charming" would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other—except, perhaps this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid's garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breath-taking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?

What I loved: I love the story of Cinderella. This is another Cinderella Story which is far more poignant, filled with writing and incidences which will make you fall in love with the characters. And of course, who doesn’t love a fairy-tale remade into an unforgettable historical romance.

Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie will make you forget the original Cinderella and the Prince. Period.

Duke and I

Blurb:

Can there be any greater challenge to London’s Ambitious Mamas than an unmarried duke?

—Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers, April 1813

By all accounts, Simon Basset is on the verge of proposing to his best friend’s sister, the lovely—and almost-on-the-shelf—Daphne Bridgerton. But the two of them know the truth—it’s all an elaborate plan to keep Simon free from marriage-minded society mothers. And as for Daphne, surely she will attract some worthy suitors now that it seems a duke has declared her desirable.

But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, it’s hard to remember that their courtship is a complete sham. Maybe it’s his devilish smile, certainly it’s the way his eyes seem to burn every time he looks at her… but somehow Daphne is falling for the dashing duke… for real! And now she must do the impossible and convince the handsome rogue that their clever little scheme deserves a slight alteration, and that nothing makes quite as much sense as falling in love…

What I loved: This is the first book of the Bridgerton series that I read and made me fall in love with the Bridgerton Clan. Simon Basset and Daphne will dazzle you with their hilarious dialogues, fights and of course a sizzling romance.

When he was Wicked:

Blurb:

Everything was so much simpler... when he was wicked.

In every life, there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knows one's life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London's most infamous rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton.

After a lifetime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as they chased him, of allowing himself to be caught but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and hard into love it was a wonder he managed to remain standing. Unfortunately for Michael, however, Francesca's surname was to remain Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer—the occasion of their meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin.

But that was then... Now Michael is the earl and Francesca is free, but still she thinks of him as nothing other than her dear friend and confidant. Michael dares not speak to her of his love... until one dangerous night, when she steps innocently into his arms, and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of secrets...

What I loved:

I heart books with second chances in love. Here Francesca Bridgerton doesn’t seek love, it finds her. The entire story was a compelling read for me. I have read it multiple times and each time, I loved it for a different reason. Michael Stirling is without doubt a drool worthy hero.

If you are by now tempted to buy her books, click the below link to check out her books from Amazon. 

Books By Julia Quinn

Weekend Reads: Best in Self-Help

This week, I am recommending four self- help books which influenced and changed my outlook towards life. These are my 'go to' books when I need some inspiration.

If you haven't read these books, I want you to check them out.

THE SECRET by RHONDA BYRNE

Regarded as a life-changing read for many readers, The Secret by Rhonda Byrne is a self-help book that embarks to motivate the reader about a universal paradigm about the success that can be achieved though it remains hidden for most people. The book explores about unveiling this little secret which may transform how people look at things and lead them on to the road of success and true happiness.

According to the author, the book makes proper use of the 'law of attraction’ and shows how positive thinking can open a treasure trove of bountiful happiness, health and wealth. The book posits the law of attraction as a primeval law that completes the law of the universe (as well of our lives) through the process 'like attracts like’. The author is also of the view that as people think-and-feel, so do they send a corresponding frequency to the universe that in turn attracts events and circumstances of the same frequency. Hence, if one is always able to think positive and think right, naturally, one will obtain the best results always. In all this argument, however, there is no scientific basis for the views expressed as to how such 'attraction' affect the biological and physical processes of the body.

What I liked:
This book was an eye opener for me. I started analyzing my thoughts and life experiences after reading this. Whatever success I have achieved in my life, the harbinger of it all was this book.

Recommended for all those who want to give their life a complete makeover.

THE GIFTS OF IMPERFECTION by BRENE BROWN

New York Times best-selling author and professor Brené Brown offers a powerful and inspiring book that explores how to cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection to embrace your imperfections and to recognize that you are enough.

Each day we face a barrage of images and messages from society and the media telling us who, what, and how we should be. We are led to believe that if we could only look perfect and lead perfect lives, we'd no longer feel inadequate. So most of us perform, please, and perfect, all the while thinking, What if I can't keep all of these balls in the air? Why isn't everyone else working harder and living up to my expectations? What will people think if I fail or give up? When can I stop proving myself?

In The Gifts of Imperfection, Bren頂rown, PhD, a leading expert on shame, authenticity, and belonging, shares what she's learned from a decade of research on the power of Wholehearted Living--a way of engaging with the world from a place of worthiness.In her ten guideposts, Brown engages our minds, hearts, and spirits as she explores how we can cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough, and to go to bed at night thinking, Yes, I am sometimes afraid, but I am also brave. And, yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable, but that doesn't change the truth that I am worthy of love and belonging.

What I liked:
I was impressed by the lessons, the examples and the general tone of inspiration and upliftment.
I have bookmarked certain guideposts that I would read again for sure as they were truly inspirational.
Recommended for all those who want to live a brave and alive creative life.

BIG MAGIC by ELIZABETH GILBERT

Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. 

Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work,  embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.

What I liked:

Every chapter had a lesson for me. Every line resonated and came at the right moment when I needed to hear it. I read this book one chapter at a time. Sometimes going back and re-reading some portions. This book is going to remain on my bedside table so that I can reach out for it anytime I feel a bit down. 

A must read for every creative.


YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE by LOUISE L HAY

This New York Times Bestseller has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. Louise L. Hay, bestselling author, is an internationally known leader in the self-help field. Her key message is: "If we are willing to do the mental work, almost anything can be healed."

The author has a great deal of experience and firsthand information to share about healing, including how she cured herself after being diagnosed with cancer.

What I liked:

This is one book that I am asked to consult every now and then by my friends and family alike. Tell me what is the affirmation for curing 'XYZ' ailment. Tell me what is the emotional cause of ABC. I get asked such questions and I consult the book immediately. This my healing handbook.

Consult this book to heal every aspect of your life, including relationships, career, and health.


Hope you liked this week's recommendations.
What is your favorite self-help book?
Do tell me in the comments.

Weekend Reading Suggestions: Week 1

I am a bibliophile and these days I am on a reading spree.
This week, I am starting a new series on my blog called Weekend Reading Suggestions. These are the books that impressed me in more ways than one. I am sure they won't disappoint you.

So what do I have for you this week?

The Prince's Special Bride by Devika Fernando:

Blurb: Marie doesn’t believe in fairytales and needs no handsome prince to rescue her from misery – but everything changes when she falls in love with Crown Prince Christian of Taragonia. When his sister invites Marie to the palace, their lives collide and leave them both fighting their forbidden attraction.

Prince Christian has no place in his life for love or for a woman who doesn’t fit into the royal scheme of things. But vivacious Marie steals his heart and puts all he has lived for at stake. When the media gets wind of their affair, he has to make a difficult decision.

Will the unlikely couple have a chance at a happy ending?

What I liked most?

 Devika Fernando's vivid writing style won my heart. Marie and Christian seemed like two real persons. I want to meet them. (Devika Fernando, is it possible?)

The Mahabharata Secret by Christopher C Doyle:

Blurb: It is a thriller novel that revolves around mythology, science, religion and terrorism. The story-line takes the readers all the way back to ancient times in 244 B.C., where Emperor Ashoka the Great discovers a dark secret of the great Mahabharata. The secret is so dangerous that it could cause massive destruction to mankind if falls into wrong hands.

For 2300 years the secret remained hidden to save the world from untold horror. Hence, to save the secret, Ashoka forms a group of people called 'Nine’ and gave them oath to protect the secret even on price of their lives.

Suddenly the story comes to the present, where a retired nuclear scientist, Vikram Singh is murdered in a mysterious way. Before his strange death, Vikram has sent few e-mails with cryptic clues to his nephew, Vijay. These clues further lead Vijay and his friends to unlock the secret in his uncle’s message. Throughout the story, Vijay along with his friends is racing against time while solving the mystery behind his uncle’s death and the message Vikram left before his demise.

What I liked most?

 The various fictional and mysterious things about epic Mahabharata while going through the series of adventures in the book. Combining past and present, the book kept me glued to it till I finished it.


Trouble Has a New Name by Adite Banerjee

Blurb: Will you pretend to be my fiancé for the next few days? Recently single model Rayna Dutt does not feel like flying to her friend's big fat Indian wedding. But she does and when a mix-up with room allocation forces her to share a luxury villa on Emerald Isle with the gorgeous owner of the hotel Neel Arora, best man at the wedding, things begin to look up. Until Rayna's ex turns up with a new girl on his arm! Hitting the panic button, Rayna searches for a solution. Surely Neel wouldn't mind being her fake fiancé…? In an instant the attraction they share is at fever-pitch, but when scandal comes calling Rayna soon finds herself in more trouble than she can handle!

What I liked most? 

Adite Banerjee effortlessly made me fall in love with the protagonist Neel. And I had a bookish hangover for days. And I am saving to go for a long holiday to Neel's place.
 Perfect Weekend Read!

Abhaya by Saiswaroopa Iyer:

Blurb: A tale set in the times of Mahabharata. An assertive and idealistic Princess Abhaya meets the enigmatic Krishna Vaasudeva. A bereaved Dhatri, pursued by her own family is saved by Lord Bhauma. When subverted religion becomes a tool in the hands of power thirsty and strikes Bharatavarsha, the land of Aryas, Abhaya finds herself face to face with the impending doom.

"Can we combat the fear with faith? Can we keep our faith undeterred when the last traces of hope melt away? Can we receive blame and adulation, accept them and yet not give in to them?"

What I liked most?

Saiswaroopa has a way of taking you on a time travel to the era when the flute of Krishna made Gopis swoon and the arrogant warriors didn't flinch while they ended the lives of unsuspecting innocents. Action packed and completely entertaining.

The Adventures of Ernie Fish by Sudesna Ghosh:

Blurb: Say hello to Ernie Fish, the famous cat expert and his two cats Giri and Garby. And there's a dog too. Join them on their adventures as Ernie Fish's own cats prove his theories wrong, give him advice, and even sing! Every short story in this collection is full of meow.

What I liked most?

It is a hilarious weekend read for both children and their parents. If you love cats, you are in for a treat. The book has some very cute cat pictures.

P.S: Except for the first book and the third book in today's suggestions, all the books are available on Kindle Unlimited. It means you can read them for free by subscribing to Kindle Unlimited.
If you want to know why Kindle Unlimited is a good idea, read this post.