Review:

Rains and Romance make the best combination, isn’t it? Tell me about your current read.

It’s a tough week and I wanted to read something light and happy that’s when I stumbled upon Vandana Rathi’s “Benedictions”. My last read of June,  Book 99 of 2023 is a cosy, light-hearted romantic escape on this rainy day.

“Time is relative, especially in matters of the silly heart.”

From the book Benedictions by Vandana Rathi. 

A breezing romance, a strong, happy group of friends, supportive parents and a love to die for is all we need in life. But then, nothing in life ever comes easily. Life has its own twists and turns. ‘She was everything I wasn’t and everything I needed’ – these lines pull me to the story, making me think what “Benedictions” was all about.

Vandana Rathi’s, “Benedictions” is a beautiful and enchanting romance novel that captivates the heart and soul. Her storytelling prowess shines through, delivering a tale of love, friendship, and personal growth that will leave readers feeling warm and uplifted.

Hazel and Ben met in the most unexpected ways. Little did they know, they were on each other’s minds after their first meet. From the moment they meet, a spark ignites, and Vandana masterfully navigates their journey, keeping readers engaged and curious about what lies ahead for them.  It’s a captivating tale of unexpected love, genuine friendships, and the complexities of life.  Ben- an introvert, basketball player who did not speak much with anyone, Hazel, vibrant as vanilla, smiling and full of life. Where will destiny take them? How will their chemistry be?

With a gripping, descriptive narrative, The plot of the story is a whirlwind of love, No less than a Bollywood Romance. The way the events unfold makes readers curious about how this chemistry between Hazel and Ben will evolve. The way Vandana skillfully portrays the emotions is commendable. Narrated from both Ben and Hazel’s perspective, allowing readers to experience their thoughts, desires, and fears firsthand. This dual perspective adds depth to the story and enables readers to connect with the characters on a more intimate level.

There are moments of pure happiness, heartwarming friendships, and love to die for. Vandana keeps it real and honest with the little moments of love, jealousy, and confession that we can all connect with. It’s hilarious. She strikes a balance between romance, friendship, and family dynamics. Within the pages, readers are treated to moments of happiness, cherished friendships, and love worth fighting for.

How their friends played a pivotal role in helping them find the missing puzzles when it comes to their feelings, How they helped their friends, and the way they all supported each other in various phases of life. How both their families made them other feel comfortable, these little details will stay with the readers forever. It has a trio and a group of friends to die for. It will make you feel nostalgic. The familial relationships are also well-developed, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative.

It’s a fast-paced read filled with adventures. Hazel’s and Ben’s life is no less than a roller-coaster ride. Both of them, fighting for each other, rooting for each other. The way Hazel made Ben come out from the past, the way she was slow when it comes to Ben and his feelings made me fall in love with her. Vandana, with her compelling writing style, adds a touch of richness to the story with lots of drama and entertainment. 

The chemistry between Hazel and Ben is palpable, and their journey is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. As their relationship evolves, Vandana beautifully explores themes of love, self-discovery, and friendship. Here, we see Ben’s past, the trauma he has been through, Hazel’s memories and how they melted each time they met. How Ben’s life changed after Hazel came into his life. With each chapter, we see both of them grow, and their bond grow. Both of them building a life for a better future. 

Also Read: Captured With Love by Niharika Bhol – Book Review

The characters are well-rounded and relatable, each with their own unique story to tell. I loved the friends and their tactics, the parents and their belief and of course Ben and Hazel’s personality. The opposites. One could connect to each of them and how they stood for their friends and for themselves. The dynamics between the friends, the unwavering support of the parents, and the contrasting personalities of Ben and Hazel create a relatable and engaging experience. One cannot help but connect with these characters as they stand up for their friends and themselves.

Vandana expertly weaves moments of happiness, conflict, and vulnerability, creating a roller-coaster ride of emotions that will keep readers engaged until the very end. The story’s pacing is just right, and the plot unfolds seamlessly, allowing readers to enjoy every moment of Hazel and Ben’s journey. In all, “Benedictions” is an exciting story with a satisfying and dramatic climax, no less than a Bollywood movie that leaves a lasting impression. If you’re a fan of romance and appreciate well-developed characters and a heartwarming narrative, “Benedictions” is a must-read.

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