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A Match Made in Mehendi by Nandini Bajpai is a book that sounds light on the surface, but it also has some deep themes. It is a fun read that also tackles issues of bullying. The main character, Simi, is one that is both quirky and relatable. This is a perfect book for your back-to-school TBR.
Author: Nandini Bajpai
Also by this author: Sister of the Bollywood Bride
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: September 10, 2019
Rating:
Fifteen-year-old Simran "Simi" Sangha comes from a long line of Indian vichole-matchmakers-with a rich history for helping parents find good matches for their grown children. When Simi accidentally sets up her cousin and a soon-to-be lawyer, her family is thrilled that she has the "gift."
But Simi is an artist, and she doesn't want to have anything to do with relationships, helicopter parents, and family drama. That is, until she realizes this might be just the thing to improve her and her best friend Noah's social status. Armed with her family's ancient guide to finding love, Simi starts a matchmaking service-via an app, of course.
But when she helps connect a wallflower of a girl with the star of the boys' soccer team, she turns the high school hierarchy topsy-turvy, soon making herself public enemy number one.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: A Match Made in Mehendi by Nandini Bajpai
❀ Unique Theme
The concept of a matchmaking family is one that I have never come across. There are quite a few books that have a matchmaking theme, but this one kicks it up a notch. The women in the family seem to have a gift that Simi is determined to evade. Although, with the help of her best friend and brother, they develop a really cool app that combines technology, art, and matchmaking.
❀ Enjoyable Main Character
As the app gains popularity within Simi’s school, a well-known bully causes all sorts of issues for Simi and her friend. I really enjoyed reading about how Simi deals with the problem and relies on her family and friends for help. Her character shows quite a bit of growth and she is easy to root for.
❀ Enjoyable Characters
A Match Made in Mehendi is one book to pick up this fall if you are looking for a contemporary novel that will pull at your heartstrings. The characters are enjoyable and the concept is fresh. I am looking forward to reading more of Bajpai’s works.
Playlist: A Match Made in Mehendi
A Match Made in Mehendi blog tour is in full swing! Make sure to stop by all the blogs on the tour!
About Nandini Bajpai
Nandini Bajpai grew up in New Delhi, India, one of four sisters and many cousins, in a family that liked to read.
She lived and worked in India, Australia, and the US, before settling in the Boston area with her husband, kids, and a fluctuating number and variety of pets. Although she dabbled in corporate finance, business analysis, and fostering shelter animals, her first love is writing.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.