I’m absolutely thrilled to share that Serena Singh Flips the Script received a starred review in Booklist. Among the lovely things the reviewer thought:
“…another stellar feel-good story of a woman learning how to manage the expectations of her traditional Sikh community while living an untraditional life.”
“Heartfelt and forthright, Lalli’s culturally rich work of women’s fiction is exceptional.”
You can read the full review on the Booklist website here.
In this guest post for The Nerd Daily, I discuss the expectations women have thrust upon them in their daily lives.
I am in that stage of life where many of my friends and peers are getting married and having families. Before the pandemic my summers were full of weddings, bachelorette parties and showers, memories that I treasure even more now that we can’t so easily see one another. My social media feed is filled – to my delight – with baby photos and family portraits, which I like and comment on without fail. I am overwhelmed with excitement when someone I love enters a new stage of life, or announces a baby is the way, or finds someone to share their life with.
Yet, as married woman in her early thirties, I find myself defensive about my own journey. I have family members, friends, and even acquaintances who seem to be waiting with bated breaths for my next big announcement. I have had several professional accomplishments since my wedding day more than two years ago, but when I call them up to share the happy news, I’ve had to learn how to be careful in my approach.
In this recent post for Writer’s Digest, I explain how I came to write the strong female characters in my latest novel, Serena Singh Flips the Script, and how my editor gave me inspiration for exploring multiple points-of-view.
Learn what prompted me to write Serena Singh Flips the Script, how long it took to get from idea to publication and what I hope readers will get out of the story.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, check out their list of the ten best new books to read in celebration of the holiday this weekend
I’m so excited to share this wonderful review of my newest book, Serena Singh Flips the Script from Publisher’s Weekly!
“Lalli (The Matchmaker’s List) charms in this delightful tale of love, friendship, and cultures clashing. … Lalli excels at creating flawed but lovable characters, and her exquisitely crafted and perfectly paced narrative captivates.”
You can read the full review on Publisher’s Weekly here.
Serena Singh Flips the Script will be released on February 16, 2021.
I’ll be joining fellow authors Elizabeth Everett, Lauren Baratz-Logsted and Jackie Logsted for a special virtual Galentine’s Day 2021 celebration online with East City Bookshop.
Date: Saturday, February 13, 2021
Time: 4:00 pm EST
Tickets are free, but registration is required. You can register for the event here.
For my US readers, you can pre-order copies of Serena Singh Flips the Script from East City Bookshop here or find it at your local bookshop using Bookshop.org.
For my Canadian readers, I’m still working on something special for pre-orders, and can hopefully share more info soon!
A wonderful list of reads to get cozy with as the weather starts to turn colder, including Grown-Up Pose!
“The crisp fall air rings in this season of opportunity and self-reflection, making this book the perfect read for all ages.”
My third novel, Serena Singh Flips the Script, will be published in February 2021 and the cover art is here!
Serena Singh is tired of everyone telling her what she should want–and she is ready to prove to her mother, her sister, and the aunties in her community that a woman does not need domestic bliss to have a happy life.
Things are going according to plan for Serena. She’s smart, confident, and just got a kick-ass new job at a top advertising firm in Washington, D.C. Even before her younger sister gets married in a big, traditional wedding, Serena knows her own dreams don’t include marriage or children. But with her mother constantly encouraging her to be more like her sister, Serena can’t understand why her parents refuse to recognize that she and her sister want completely different experiences out of life.
A new friendship with her co-worker, Ainsley, comes as a breath of fresh air, challenging Serena’s long-held beliefs about the importance of self-reliance. She’s been so focused on career success that she’s let all of her hobbies and close friendships fall by the wayside. As Serena reconnects with her family and friends–including her ex-boyfriend–she learns letting people in can make her happier than standing all on her own.
You can add Serena Singh Flips the Script to Goodreads here.
Take a break from working from home and celebrate the lighter side of literature.
Take an escape with a romantic comedy and join me as I discuss my latest book, Grown-Up Pose, with the Arlington Public Library and their Escapism Book Club.
New members are welcome. You don’t have to read the book to join, but it is encouraged.
Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Time: 12pm – 1pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)
You can register for the event here. Instructions to join the Zoom meeting will be emailed the day before the meeting to all registrants.
Check out my interview on episode 23 of the LITerally Us podcast!
On the episode, podcast hosts Gabi and Kamrun interview me about my books, The Matchmaker’s List and Grown-Up Pose, and we chat about the arranged marriage trope — particularly within the South Asian context. Other topics we cover during the interview include my favourite romance books and what I have coming up.