Folklore claims that when a soul descends on earth it splits into two, each half of the soul inhabiting a separate body. The two mortals will never be complete until they find one another. Sometimes they will need help in their search. In this case a lot.

Set in present-day India’s vibrant cosmopolitan culture, the character-driven story highlights the essence of family, values, the dynamics of a relationship, and love.

Aristocratic billionaire Vijayendra Maurya laments that his brilliant but arrogant son, Aditya, has missed out on a few home truths in life. He knows that there is none better to teach him those than Rhea, the girl who has grown up under his care. He knows in his heart that Aditya and Rhea are each other’s better halves.

Returning to his roots after more than a decade in the United States, Aditya is baffled that his father’s choice of bride for him is still Rhea—a waif of dubious parentage whom he considers to be nothing more than a conniving Cinderella. Socially more at ease with people of his own class and sophistication, for a wife, he wants someone with similar upbringing.

Rhea, now a self-confident young girl, well over her teenage infatuation of the handsome Jr. Maurya, is still smarting from his treatment of her five years back. Having lived on surrogated love all her life, Rhea seeks love, and will give her heart and soul to the man she marries, expecting the same in return.

Forced by an ultimatum, Aditya steps into Rhea’s world. He discovers the essence of who Rhea is. He is humbled by her intelligence, integrity, passion and courage; realizing emotions that he did not know he was capable of. Love kindles, though will it prevail when the truth about Rhea’s birth is revealed? What is it that defines a person – Birth or Character?

Young, spirited Rhea paired opposite a worldly, cynical Aditya makes for interesting chemistry, which will appeal universally to most female readers, irrespective of their age and cultural background.

An avid reader of romance novels, ‘Kindled Lives’ is a tender love story that I have always wanted to read.

Written within the inherited Indo-Canadian cultural paradigm, it has significant marketing potential, including translations in various languages, in the West as well as the East, India being the largest consumer base.

Self-Published for Family and friends, I am now seeking a Traditional Publisher based on the reviews and encouragement received.