Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Book Blitz: BEFORE... AFTER (Romantic Shorts #12) by Sundari Venkatraman

  



Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published)
Publication Date: November 26, 2023
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
Genre: Contemporary Romance

STORY-IN-BRIEF

Tall, dark, and handsome, Kedar runs a successful start-up which is growing by leaps and bounds. 

The beautiful and intelligent Aditi needs a job urgently after being made redundant by the MNC she had been working for. 

Kedar finds her tailor-made for the position of his second-in-command in his company. It’s not long before their mutual attraction and respect for each other culminates into love; and marriage.  

Twenty years later, the couple is shaken when they are faced with the biggest fear of anyone's life when Aditi is diagnosed with breast cancer. Will their relationship survive these turbulent times?



Sundari Venkatraman is an Indie Author who has 66 books to her credit, the latest book being BEFORE... AFTER..., which is the 12th romance novella in the Romantic Shorts series. Her books have consistently featured in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.

These days, the author is independently publishing her novels in paperback format under her banner Flaming Sun, printed and distributed by Notion Press. 

Even as a child, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome and she grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, Phantom comics and Mandrake comics. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy ending after the protagonists surmounted all unexpected obstacles.

Once she entered her teens, Sundari switched her loyalties from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to local heroes and heroines. And of course, the joy of vanquishing the ubiquitous evil villains! Her imagination soared and she happily ensconced herself in a rosy romantic cocoon for many years.

Then came the writing—a true bolt from the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.


You can stalk her @
      

Grab Your Copy From



Monday, September 4, 2023

Netflix Series Review: QUEEN CHARLOTTE: A BRIDGERTON STORY

 

Pic Courtesy: https://www.legacyrecordings.com

I have watched the first two seasons of the Bridgerton series on Netflix. While I loved the first season, I did not exactly enjoy the second. As for the books, I’ve read them all. The first 7 books were brilliant. But the last one was drab and boring, as if the hero didn’t have any purpose to his life. 

Recently, I got to know that a separate series had been made for Queen Charlotte, taking off from the Bridgerton series and I had to see it.

I binge-watched the six episodes, totaling more than six hours, in two days; and loved every second of it.

It had the perfect masala for a wonderful, heart-rending romance. And what characters!!!

Right from the young Queen Charlotte (India Ria Amarteifio) and King George (Corey Mylchreest), to Princess Augusta (Michelle Fairley), the queen’s attendant Brimsley (Sam Clemmett), the king’s attendant Reynolds (Freddie Dennis), and the young Lady Danbury (Arsema Thomas), each actor has rendered his role so beautifully. 

The story is about the arranged marriage between Charlotte from Germany and King George of England; about the nervous disorder the king suffers from; and how the couple make a life together despite all odds.

The English royalty and their secrets are something which is world-renowned. The attendants’ loyalty towards their respective royals has been depicted so splendidly by Brimsley and Reynolds. 

The young Lady Danbury is such a strong character and so very real. I loved her!! 

The series brings the British royals to life and touches your heart. I have to confess that I cried a few times at the young queen and king’s struggles to live their lives away from the spotlight. 

Beautifully made! 

VERDICT: A must watch if you are a fan of regency romance!!



Monday, August 21, 2023

Book Blitz: AQUARIUS REBEL (Written in the Stars #6) by Sundari Venkatraman

  



Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published)
Publication Date: August 19, 2023
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
Genre: Contemporary Romance

STORY-IN-BRIEF

Yoga instructor Shreya Udhas from Durban isn't at all interested in getting married, not when she's barely twenty-two. But she's unable to stop her mother from going bridegroom hunting when they are holidaying in Delhi for a couple of months.

Chirag Bhatia runs an ad agency and is based in Delhi. The youngest of three siblings, he's happy to let his older sisters provide the grandchildren for his parents to play with, while he himself prefers to lead the life of a gay bachelor.

Sparks strike when they meet each other for the first time. And it isn’t long before they enter a rocking affair. They don’t even let the distance cramp their style over the next four years.

Until one day, Chirag receives Shreya’s wedding invitation, to someone else. Shocked out of his wits, he’s finally ready to admit to himself that he might be in love. But what if it is too late? 




Sundari Venkatraman is an Indie Author who has 65 books to her credit, the latest book being AQUARIUS REBEL, which is the 6th and last book in the Written in the Stars series. These books have consistently featured in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.

These days, the author is independently publishing her novels in paperback format under her banner Flaming Sun, printed and distributed by Notion Press. 

Even as a child, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome and she grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, Phantom comics and Mandrake comics. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy ending after the protagonists surmounted all unexpected obstacles.

Once she entered her teens, Sundari switched her loyalties from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to local heroes and heroines. And of course, the joy of vanquishing the ubiquitous evil villains! Her imagination soared and she happily ensconced herself in a rosy romantic cocoon for many years.

Then came the writing—a true bolt from the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.


You can stalk her @
      

Grab Your Copy From



Friday, June 16, 2023

Book Blitz: DANCE WITH ME (Bollywood Bros #2) by Sundari Venkatraman

 



Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published)
Publication Date: June 12, 2023
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
Genre: Contemporary Romance

STORY-IN-BRIEF

An arranged marriage...

At a meeting set up by common friends of the family, it’s instant attraction for Bollywood choreographer Rajiv from Mumbai, when he sets eyes on the beautiful Inaaya from Raipur. Inaaya feels drawn to a man for the first time in her life when she meets Rajiv.

Deeper feelings invoked…

The duo falls under each other’s spell during the few times they meet even before they tie the knot, but are still not sure enough to admit their feelings for one another.

Then the axe falls… creating a rift between the couple 

Despite that, the physical desire between them rages on. But is that enough? Will the hapless duo ever connect on other levels? Or will they go their separate ways?






Sundari Venkatraman is an Indie Author who has 64 books to her credit, the latest book being DANCE WITH ME, which is the second book in the Bollywood Bros trilogy. These books have consistently featured in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.

These days, the author is independently publishing her novels in paperback format under her banner Flaming Sun, printed and distributed by Notion Press. 

Even as a child, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome and she grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, Phantom comics and Mandrake comics. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy ending after the protagonists surmounted all unexpected obstacles.

Once she entered her teens, Sundari switched her loyalties from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to local heroes and heroines. And of course, the joy of vanquishing the ubiquitous evil villains! Her imagination soared and she happily ensconced herself in a rosy romantic cocoon for many years.

Then came the writing—a true bolt from the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.


You can stalk her @
      

Grab Your Copy From



Saturday, March 18, 2023

LOVE... NO CONDITIONS ASKED by Sundari Venkatraman

    



Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published)
Publication Date: March 16, 2023
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
Genre: Contemporary Romance

STORY-IN-BRIEF

“I want a divorce.” Shrikant is shaken when his wife of sixteen years greets him with those terrible words when he lands in Singapore, after being separated from her for two long years because of the lockdown which had crippled the world.

Savita knows that she doesn’t deserve a wonderful man like Shrikant, even though she loves him from the bottom of her heart. Which is the reason why she’s ready to leave him; and their teenage daughter, forever.

His heart refuses to let him believe that the woman he loves more than life itself, wants to divorce him. And he tries his best to dissuade her from taking such a drastic step.

But will she listen to him? And what about Shrikant, is his love strong enough to face the truth of why Savita wants to go her separate way?





Sundari Venkatraman is an Indie Author who has 63 books to her credit, the latest book being LOVE... NO CONDITIONS ASKED, which is a standalone novel. These books have consistently featured in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.

These days, the author is independently publishing her novels in paperback format under her banner Flaming Sun, printed and distributed by Notion Press. 

Even as a child, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome and she grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, Phantom comics and Mandrake comics. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy ending after the protagonists surmounted all unexpected obstacles.

Once she entered her teens, Sundari switched her loyalties from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to local heroes and heroines. And of course, the joy of vanquishing the ubiquitous evil villains! Her imagination soared and she happily ensconced herself in a rosy romantic cocoon for many years.

Then came the writing—a true bolt from the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.


You can stalk her @
      

Grab Your Copy From





Monday, February 6, 2023

Book Blitz: LIBRA'S FLAME (Written in the Stars #5) by Sundari Venkatraman

     



Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published)
Publication Date: February 2, 2023
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
Genre: Contemporary Romance

STORY-IN-BRIEF

Dipika Sanyal is an established, internationally renowned business woman, running a modelling agency. She is swept off her feet by the handsome Mudit, who simply refuses to take ‘no’ for an answer. The Libra woman is completely floored from the word go.

Mudit Trivedi is the financial director of a multi-million crore business. He is deeply attracted to Dipika the moment he sets eyes on her. The Gemini does not want to wait for even a moment before getting to know her better.

Things go really well for the two in the beginning, until his estranged family enters the picture. Dipika has never met a ruder person than his father. Will their relationship survive the strain placed upon it?

Read the book to find out if this hot and sizzling pair of Libra and Gemini can have a life together.



A preview of #LibrasFlame


Sundari Venkatraman is an Indie Author who has 62 books to her credit, the latest book being LIBRA'S FLAME, which is the fifth book in the Written in the Stars series. These books have consistently featured in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.

These days, the author is independently publishing her novels in paperback format under her banner Flaming Sun, printed and distributed by Notion Press. 

Even as a child, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome and she grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, Phantom comics and Mandrake comics. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy ending after the protagonists surmounted all unexpected obstacles.

Once she entered her teens, Sundari switched her loyalties from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to local heroes and heroines. And of course, the joy of vanquishing the ubiquitous evil villains! Her imagination soared and she happily ensconced herself in a rosy romantic cocoon for many years.

Then came the writing—a true bolt from the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.


You can stalk her @
      

Grab Your Copy From





Monday, December 5, 2022

Spirituality: SCHOOL FOR ENLIGHTENMENT

What is Enlightenment?

I am sure this question must have crossed the minds of many people around the world, especially seekers. By seekers, I mean those who are on the journey of self-discovery.

Mukti Guru Shri Krishnaji of Oneness or Ekam has a simple explanation for Enlightenment which totally blew my mind. He says, “Enlightenment is Freedom from all kinds of suffering”.

While the explanation might be simple, getting rid of suffering is not an easy task is what I discovered during my recent sojourn at the Ekam Tapas, a spiritual retreat which I choose to call the School for Enlightenment. One thing I am sure of though: this is a one-of-its-kind school which methodically helps people attain enlightenment during the 5 levels (conducted over 6 weeks) they offer.

I am blessed to have attended the first four levels (over 4 weeks) from October 27 to November 23, 2022. I would also like to mention here that the fifth and final level will be held over 2 weeks and this is to be opened to the public for the first time in October 2023. 

Living and studying at Turiya Campus

Turiya Campus is one of the many campuses owned and run by Ekam (Oneness University). It is huge, with multiple dormitories, both AC and non-AC. There are several gardens, teeming with flowering plants, bushes and trees, surrounded by lush grass. 

There were seekers from around the world—from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh in India; from Italy, Belgium, Ukraine, Russia, Portugal, Canada, USA, Japan, China, South Africa and a couple of other countries which I fail to recall—making for an eclectic mix. 

The weather was simply amazing; the skies such gorgeous shades of blue at different times of the day. I have not seen so many stars at night in such a long time. The best part was that I could see the moon throughout all its phases from the full moon to the night before new moon. Exquisite! 

The dining hall was at one end, while the classroom was in the middle, with my dorm at the opposite end. One needed to walk at least 6000-8000 steps a day to reach the different places; which was one of the best parts of my stay there. I loved walking freely in the not-so-crowded area without a single pothole. And no vehicles either! Imagine that! Well, there were 400-450 people (the numbers changed after the first 2 weeks) attending the programme, but it was not crowded despite that. 

While I was introduced to the dormitory way of life only through the Oneness University, I was returning to it after many years. Though I was determined to attend the 4-week programme, I was wary of going back to school at 61 years.

How tough can it be...?

Let me be truthful: It wasn’t easy, especially considering that I am not really fit physically. But then again, it wasn’t difficult either. Class began at 5.30 am sharp. Oh yes! You read that right. For one who wakes up after 9 am, well, it was a different way of living. But I took to it like duck to water. After a couple of early mornings, standing in queue to have a shower, I made it a point to have a bath at 2-2.30 am and went back to sleep, only to get up at 5 am and ready myself for class. It was novel and fun!

The day started with meditation and yoga, followed by breakfast. We had ample breaks while the day winded down by around 8 pm. 

Phones were a complete no-no! And we were asked to keep ‘mouna’ or silence. While there were rules, there was no one to monitor us as they don’t believe in moral policing. Well, I managed to maintain silence 90% of the time. With no TV, laptop or phone, imagine the kind of time we had on our hands. It was simply incredible!

Food was simple and delicious. I ate frugally as a lot of running around was required. They request us to avoid coffee and do not serve it on the campus. People who were keen brought their own. I decided to give up coffee (my most favourite beverage. While I don’t have too much of it, I drink two large cups of it every day at home). I stopped having coffee four days before I left for Ekam Tapas as I thought I might undergo ‘withdrawal symptoms’. Luckily, there was no such symptom and I amazed myself by not having coffee for all of 32 days, until the last day of class. 

Classes were also conducted at Ekam Temple on 3-4 days in a week; while we went for walks along gentle slopes once a week. We travelled around in buses organised by Ekam. 

Another part of the programme which I truly enjoyed was ‘Ashtachala’ or communing with nature. We did this twice in a day, around sunrise and sunset. It was simply AWESOME. It took me back to the time when I was barely a teen. I used to spend hours on my terrace, simply staring at the sky, the sun, the moon and the stars. 

The Journey to Enlightenment

There was a lot of teaching and contemplation to be done. I loved the way the teaching was conducted. We were not allowed to take notes during class, and this is exactly how we used to study when I was in school all those decades ago. The teaching was meant to be absorbed by our consciousness and it did not really matter if we didn’t understand every single word, but needed to assimilate the content. Brilliant!

The teachers, beginning with Mukti Guru Krishnaji, followed by Acharya Ananda Giriji, and the many Dasajis, were each one of them, not only compassionate, but exactly knew what they were speaking about. 

The four weeks were set aside for the different kinds of ‘mind play’ which happens within us, including the Ego Self, the Mind Self, the Duality Self and the Craving Self. These had many bifurcations and I will not go into the details here. It is just that ‘suffering’ is created within us because of the different ways in which our thoughts play out.

‘Suffering’ is created, not because of the people around us. Ananda Giriji categorically says, “It is not created by him, her, them, or it,” but by our own “thinking”. He further qualifies it by saying, “it’s not just thinking,” but “obsessive self-centric thinking” which is the cause of all “suffering” within us.

By the end of the four weeks, this is totally etched within our consciousness. And with the powerful forces of Mukti Sutra, Mukti Deeksha and Mukti Tapas—all 3 of these happen once a week at a special space surrounded by the 1.5-billion-year-old Nirvana Hills—the ‘obsessive self-centric thinking’ loses its death grip on our consciousness, freeing us from all our ‘suffering’.

What do we achieve at the end of it all?

The state of STHITAPRAGNYA! This is a Sanskrit term which means ‘absolute calm’ under all circumstances. Shri Krishnaji makes it clear that this state does not guarantee that problems do not occur, as they are a part and parcel of our daily lives. What he says is that nothing shakes our inner self and we will be able to deal with anything which is thrown our way, all in a state of ‘absolute calmness’ as the obsessive self-centric thinking has lost its grip on our beings. 

Yes! That is what has happened to me. I find that my racing thoughts have slowed down and I am better focussed on everything. I don’t obsess over something which needs to be done two weeks later, and I am able to retain my mind in the ‘present’. This lets me live my life with a lot of energy and freedom. And to know that this is just the beginning is something that only amazes me… as the journey goes on…

Ekam Temple
Pic copyright: Sundari Venkatraman

Want to know more? Check out www.ekam.org