Review:

“The truth has the power to maim, wound, kill.”

I picked up another Preeti Shenoy novel, and as always, it turned out to be light, comforting, emotional, and immensely engaging. My journey with these characters actually began with People We Love, where I first met Aniket and Trish and witnessed Aniket’s unexpected train conversation with Nidhi. That brief encounter left me curious about where their story would lead, which is exactly why I returned to It’s All in the Planets. And I’m glad I did because this book is an emotional roller coaster with surprising depth.

The story follows Aniket, whose world is shaken when his girlfriend, Trish, asks for a break in their relationship and expects him to make certain changes in his life. Hurt and confused, he begins talking to Nidhi, a fellow passenger he meets on a train. What starts as a casual conversation slowly turns into an unexpected friendship. Even though neither of them knows if they’ll ever meet again, fate has other plans. Nidhi gradually becomes Aniket’s guide, relationship coach, and eventually someone he begins to rely on. 

Nidhi, meanwhile, is struggling in her own relationship with Manoj. Having left behind a conventional corporate career to pursue pottery and writing, she is someone trying to build a life on her own terms. She finds comfort in expressing herself through words, and as she writes about her emotions, she slowly realizes that her feelings for Aniket have grown into something much deeper. Aniket, on the other hand, is still trying to hold on to his relationship with Trish until an unexpected tragedy turns his life upside down, forcing him to confront grief, loss, and the difficult journey of healing. As he learns to cope with everything life throws at him, Nidhi quietly becomes his anchor.

One aspect that truly makes the story stand out is its clever use of astrology. The horoscope predictions at the beginning of every chapter and the recurring presence of astrologer Darshita Sen become an integral part of the narrative. Astrology quietly plays one of the biggest roles throughout the novel, constantly making you wonder whether our lives are shaped by destiny written in the stars or by the choices we make ourselves. It adds an intriguing layer to this heartfelt contemporary romance.

What I truly appreciated was how beautifully Preeti Shenoy explores love, heartbreak, grief, healing, trauma, self-worth, and the expectations we place on the people we love. The novel subtly asks an important question: should we change ourselves to fit someone else’s expectations, or should we be with people who embrace us for who we truly are? One of its strongest messages is that love is about acceptance rather than trying to change another person. It’s a simple thought, yet one that stays with you long after you finish the book. 

Preeti’s writing style is, as always, honest, comforting, and emotionally immersive. She has a way of making everyday emotions feel incredibly real, allowing readers to connect with each character’s journey. I also loved the dual narrative, where the story shifts seamlessly between Aniket’s and Nidhi’s perspectives. It gives equal importance to both their emotional journeys, allowing readers to understand their fears, vulnerabilities, and decisions instead of seeing the relationship through a single lens.

Beyond the romance, I loved how the novel celebrates friendship and family. Shubbu’s unwavering support for Aniket adds warmth to the story, while Nidhi’s friendships feel authentic and relatable. What stood out the most, however, were the parents. Nidhi’s parents are wonderfully supportive, and Tara and her father share a bond that quietly becomes one of the most heartwarming aspects of the novel.

What I appreciated the most was that the relationship between Aniket and Nidhi isn’t rushed. It begins with simple conversations, grows into genuine friendship, slowly becomes a source of comfort and healing, and only then blossoms into love. That gradual progression makes every emotion feel natural and believable. The story unfolds in layers. Alongside romance, we witness conflicts, friendships, emotional escapes, personal growth, healing, and the slow realization of love. I enjoyed how the plot keeps shifting. Just when you think you’ve understood where the story is headed, an emotional revelation, an unexpected event, or a new perspective changes its direction. These shifting dynamics keep the narrative engaging and prevent it from becoming a predictable romance. With every chapter, the narrative becomes more intense as each character confronts difficult truths and evolving emotions.

The characters are well-developed, although I personally found Nidhi  more compelling than Aniket. She comes across as emotionally stronger and more mature, making her journey particularly satisfying to follow. The climax is cinematic, with the scattered puzzle pieces coming together beautifully. The unexpected twists keep the second half gripping, and the story carries a slightly Bollywood-esque charm that makes it even more entertaining.

That said, the book isn’t without its flaws. The story unfolds at a slow pace, which allows the emotions and relationships to develop naturally, but there were moments when it felt a little stretched, and I found my attention drifting. I also felt Aniket’s character could have been more emotionally mature in certain situations. While his journey is believable, there were instances where I wished to see a little more growth and depth in his decisions. Even so, these are minor observations in an otherwise engaging and heartfelt novel.

Overall, It’s All in the Planets is an emotional, heartwarming read that beautifully balances romance, healing, friendship, destiny, and self-discovery. If you’re looking for a novel that’s comforting yet layered with meaningful emotions, this is one you’ll likely enjoy. By the end, the book leaves you wondering whether love, loss, and second chances are written in the stars or whether we shape our own destiny through the choices we make. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is It’s All in the Planets connected to People We Love?

Yes. If you’ve read People We Love, you’ll already know Aniket, Trish, and Nidhi. While It’s All in the Planets can be read as a standalone novel, reading People We Love first offers better context and makes the characters’ journeys more meaningful.

What is It’s All in the Planets by Preeti Shenoy about?

The novel follows Aniket and Nidhi as they navigate heartbreak, healing, friendship, and second chances. Blending romance with themes of destiny, self-worth, and emotional growth, the story explores whether our lives are shaped by the stars or by the choices we make.

Is It’s All in the Planets worth reading?

Yes, especially if you enjoy character-driven contemporary fiction. The novel offers an emotional journey filled with relatable relationships, family bonds, friendship, and a thoughtful exploration of healing and acceptance.

Does astrology play an important role in the story?

Yes. Astrology is woven throughout the novel through horoscope predictions and the presence of astrologer Darshita Sen. Rather than dominating the plot, it adds an interesting layer, encouraging readers to reflect on destiny, free will, and life’s unexpected turns.

Is It’s All in the Planets a slow-paced novel?

Yes. The story unfolds at a gradual pace, allowing the characters and their relationships to develop naturally. While a few sections may feel slow, the emotional payoff and layered storytelling make the journey worthwhile.

Reader_viddh’s Take

If you enjoy slow-burn contemporary romances that explore love, heartbreak, healing, friendship, family, and the delicate balance between destiny and choice, It’s All in the Planets is a heartfelt and comforting read worth picking up.

Also Read:

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Book Review: Second Innings of Love by Ishita Tavadia