Listen in as I talk to Stephen Quinn of The Early Edition on CBC Listen as we discuss my new book, A Holly Jolly Diwali, how the writing world has begun to open up to new voices over the past few years, the changing times in entertainment, and my position as Richmond’s newest Writer in Residence.
Four Books To Check Out For Diwali (The Mary Sue)
NewsThe Mary Sue has gathered together four books that they think everyone should check out for Diwali for their themes of family and new beginnings and I’m thrilled that A Holly Jolly Diwali has been included!
Appearance on The Morning Show
NewsI’m so excited to share this video of my appearance on The Morning Show. Watch as I discuss A Holly Jolly Diwali, my inspiration for the novel, my South Asian background and romance.
Q&A: Sonya Lalli, Author of ‘A Holly Jolly Diwali’ (The Nerd Daily)
NewsI recently chatted with The Nerd Daily about my new book, A Holly Jolly Diwali, plus lots of other fun topics, including my thoughts about writing, my book recommendations and what I love about the romance genre.
October’s Best New Romance Books Include Second Chances and Holiday Cheer (Popsugar)
NewsReady for a little romance? Popsugar has you covered with a list of lovely books will leave you swooning as you root for a bevy of captivating characters to realise they’re perfect for one another, including A Holly Jolly Diwali.
“The ever practical Niki Randhawa finds an awfully handsome reason to throw caution to the wind in A Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli. While attending her friend’s wedding in Mumbai, Niki meets a man who encourages her to embrace her creative side, but her new romance is threatened when a job offer back home leaves her torn between listening to her heart or doing what she feels is best for her family.”
The best new rom-com reads to get us through the rest of 2021 (USA Today)
NewsUSA TODAY staffers culled through the fall and holiday book releases and picked 12 of their favourite rom-coms “that are sure to envelop you in a warm embrace”, including A Holly Jolly Diwali.
Here’s what they had to say about the book:
“Author Lalli’s prose is deft, her characters are delightful and her book is the just-right holiday romance.”
You can read the full review, and the rest of the books on this great list on the USA Today website.
The 55 Best New Books of October (Popsugar)
NewsWant to add a pile of amazing books to your TBR (To-Be-Read) list? Check out this list from Popsugar that includes Horror, Romance, and Nonfiction books – there such a wide variety that there’s sure to be something for everyone! I’m excited that my latest book, A Holly Jolly Diwali, is included in the mix!
What Is Diwali? The History Behind the Important Holiday
NewsMy next book, A Holly Jolly Diwali, focuses on the widely celebrate festival of Diwali. I recently spoke with Good Housekeeping on what this holiday means to me.
“Diwali can mean so many things to so many people, but at its core, for me it’s about celebrating the light in this world over the darkness, being with the people I love.”
To read the full article, which includes a great summary on the traditions, celebrations and customs of the Festival of Lights for those who aren’t that familiar with it, click here.
Women in minority backgrounds in romance novels
NewsI recently spoke with the Richmond News about the universal themes in my novels, the expectations that South Asian women, and women of minority backgrounds, face growing up and my new role as Richmond’s newest Writer-in-Residence.
“Often women from minority backgrounds have to make hard choices.”
“(Women) are often burdened by these expectations, cultural baggage, sexism and many obstacles that hinder us from becoming our best selves or true selves, and going after what we really want, loving who we really want and that kind of thing.”
You can read the full article on The Richmond News website here.
A Holly Jolly Diwali gets a starred review from Booklist!
NewsI’m so thrilled to share the news that A Holly Jolly Diwali has received a starred review from Booklist. The review will be in the Booklist September 15 issue.
The reviewer writes, “Funny and heartwarming, with lush descriptions of Indian beach resorts and chaotic city streets, Lalli’s latest multicultural romance is extremely satisfying; her characters are refreshingly relatable. Highly recommended for fans of Sonali Dev and Sophie Kinsella.”