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The Grand Samara
Home has always been a temporary arrangement for Samara Mansingh, a wayfaring wedding photographer and the daughter of a diplomat. When her father is uprooted once again, Samara needs a place to stay in Delhi. Next stop: the Khanna family. Samara’s memories of the Khannas are vague at best, but she doesn’t remember their home feeling so much like a war zone. And the last thing their surly eldest son, Sharav, wants is a houseguest eavesdropping on the chaos. Sharav has a melodramatic sister pushing back on an arranged marriage, a withdrawn lead singer brother who won’t sing, and a widowed mother hiding her grief in the garden. Sweeping into the household like a tornado, irrepressible Samara is a practically perfect distraction. She has a mind to help a girl find true love, push a young man to find his voice, and bring a lonely and loving widow out of mourning. Maybe Samara can even get on Sharav’s ruggedly handsome good side. The only sure thing is that the Khanna family will never be the same again. Neither will Samara, who may finally find what she’s been missing her entire life: a home.
288 pages, Paperback
Published September 18, 2024
2 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Trisha Das
8 books44 followersTrisha Das is the author of the very popular romcom Never Meant To Stay, Ms Draupadi Kuru: After the Pandavas and its sequel The Misters Kuru: A Return to Mahabharata, which feature characters from the Mahabharata dropping down from heaven into modern day Delhi, Kama’s Last Sutra, a historical time-travel romance, The Mahabharata Re-imagined, The Art of the Television Interview and the internationally acclaimed How to write a Documentary Script. Ms Draupadi Kuru was nominated for the MAMI Book to Screen award.
Trisha has written columns and short stories for Magical Women, a feminist fantasy anthology, and publications like Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Grazia India, Hindustan Times and Scroll. She also sits on the jury for the Orange Flower Festival.
In her film-making career, Trisha has directed over 40 documentaries. She's won an Indian National Film Award and was the University of Georgia’s International Artist of the year as well as a visiting artist at University of Michigan, New York University, INSEAD and Emory College. Her films have been widely screened at international film festivals, telecast on the Discovery Channel, the Star Network, NDTV and Doordarshan and have helped propel funding for grassroots social change across India.
You can follow Trisha on Instagram @trishadas, Facebook @trishadasauthor, Twitter @thetrishadas or contact her via email at trishadasauthor@gmail.com.
Trisha has written columns and short stories for Magical Women, a feminist fantasy anthology, and publications like Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Grazia India, Hindustan Times and Scroll. She also sits on the jury for the Orange Flower Festival.
In her film-making career, Trisha has directed over 40 documentaries. She's won an Indian National Film Award and was the University of Georgia’s International Artist of the year as well as a visiting artist at University of Michigan, New York University, INSEAD and Emory College. Her films have been widely screened at international film festivals, telecast on the Discovery Channel, the Star Network, NDTV and Doordarshan and have helped propel funding for grassroots social change across India.
You can follow Trisha on Instagram @trishadas, Facebook @trishadasauthor, Twitter @thetrishadas or contact her via email at trishadasauthor@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 19, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
This is such a cozy and feel-good read!
Samara is a wedding photographer who dreams of moving to the US to settle down. But due to certain events, she ends up staying with the Khanna family. Sharav, on the other hand, is the perfect son, running his family business and keeping everything in order. This book shows the story of how Samara brings warmth and connection to everyone in the Khanna house, and it’s written beautifully.
Though Samara’s journey is the highlight of the book, Sharav’s perspective is also in the book, and how they fall in love with each other is the best! There are some important life lessons in the book, like how plans can change no matter how much you prepare for the future. Ultimately, you will end up with what is meant for you.
There is great humor in the book, and the number of characters is perfect. Hence, it is a smooth and fun read. I love how the story also shows the journey of other characters as well, showing how they break out of their shells and embrace life. Another aspect that I liked was that there is no excessive drama that leads the plot astray.
Overall, it’s a lovely book that I highly recommend. Everyone should give it a try!
I thank the author for the review copy ✨️
This is such a cozy and feel-good read!
Samara is a wedding photographer who dreams of moving to the US to settle down. But due to certain events, she ends up staying with the Khanna family. Sharav, on the other hand, is the perfect son, running his family business and keeping everything in order. This book shows the story of how Samara brings warmth and connection to everyone in the Khanna house, and it’s written beautifully.
Though Samara’s journey is the highlight of the book, Sharav’s perspective is also in the book, and how they fall in love with each other is the best! There are some important life lessons in the book, like how plans can change no matter how much you prepare for the future. Ultimately, you will end up with what is meant for you.
There is great humor in the book, and the number of characters is perfect. Hence, it is a smooth and fun read. I love how the story also shows the journey of other characters as well, showing how they break out of their shells and embrace life. Another aspect that I liked was that there is no excessive drama that leads the plot astray.
Overall, it’s a lovely book that I highly recommend. Everyone should give it a try!
I thank the author for the review copy ✨️
January 12, 2025
This is a modern Indian retelling of one of my favourite Georgette Heyer novels, The Grand Sophy. The author does a really good job translating the characters and story beats to a different setting, but somehow it didn’t feel quite as fun to me. Part of the Heyer appeal is her way with words, particularly her knack for using period slang while still being understood and the way her characters converse. It’s a hard tone to strike, especially in a modern setting, which is possibly what held me back for this book. Still, cool premise, and I have to admire how the author hones in on the similarities between Regency-era English ton and modern-day posh Delhi-ites to carry over the characters and plot. It’s a lot of character arcs and storylines to juggle!
October 3, 2024
Book Review: The Grand Samara by Trisha Das
When I picked up The Grand Samara, I was looking for a light, engaging read, and I actually ended up with so much more. This book was an absolute delight for me! Trisha Das has beautifully crafted a story that is both heartwarming and humorous, with characters that are going to stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
The plot revolves around Samara Mansingh, a young spirited wedding photographer who has never quite felt at home anywhere due to her father’s ever-changing diplomatic postings. Then she unexpectedly ends up as a temporary houseguest with the Khanna family in Delhi. What follows next is a whirlwind full of emotions, laughter, and genuine connections. I found myself immediately drawn to Samara’s boldness and quirky personality. Her determination to shake up the tense and somewhat broken Khanna household makes for such a compelling read.
The Khanna’s are dealing with their own issues when Samara enters the picture suddenly. Sharav, the eldest son, is focused on business and seems completely disinterested in having a houseguest around, let alone one as lively and cheerful as Samara. He’s brooding, stoic, and stubborn in fact a perfect contrast to Samara’s vibrant energy. As they begin to interact more in the later chapters, I found their chemistry to be electric and captivating. Their dynamics kept me turning the pages eagerly, wondering what was going to happen next.
But it’s not just Sharav and Samara who steal the show. Each of the Khanna family members has their own distinct storyline, making this beautiful book feel like a colourful tapestry of emotions and personalities. There’s Diya, the melodramatic sister resisting an arranged marriage, and Dhruv, the withdrawn musician struggling to find his voice again. Even the Mother, who is buried in grief, finds a way to bloom again under Samara’s influence. The way author Trisha Das explores each character’s journey made me feel like I was part of their family, watching everything unfold right in front of me.
I also really loved the fact that the book was structured in short, snappy chapters, making it very easy to read and hard to put down. The writing style of our author is simple yet evocative, pulling you in without being overwhelming. The language is easy , which makes it comfy and pleasurable for the readers.
On many occasions I’d find myself smiling as I read, especially when Samara’s antics would spark some much-needed life into the Khanna household.
The whole book felt like watching a feel-good movie that had elements of drama, humour, and just the right amount of romance. It’s a perfect read for anyone who loves a cosy, character-driven story that still packs a punch emotionally. The scenes are vivid and beautifully crafted, making it very easy to visualise each moment as if it were playing out on a screen. You get lost in the world of the Khannas and Samara, and by the time you finish, you almost feel extremely sad to leave them behind.
I would strongly recommend “The Grand Samara” to anyone looking for a page-turner that is heartwarming, easily readable, and filled with memorable characters. It’s one such book that will leave you smiling and thinking about the characters long after the final chapter.
When I picked up The Grand Samara, I was looking for a light, engaging read, and I actually ended up with so much more. This book was an absolute delight for me! Trisha Das has beautifully crafted a story that is both heartwarming and humorous, with characters that are going to stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
The plot revolves around Samara Mansingh, a young spirited wedding photographer who has never quite felt at home anywhere due to her father’s ever-changing diplomatic postings. Then she unexpectedly ends up as a temporary houseguest with the Khanna family in Delhi. What follows next is a whirlwind full of emotions, laughter, and genuine connections. I found myself immediately drawn to Samara’s boldness and quirky personality. Her determination to shake up the tense and somewhat broken Khanna household makes for such a compelling read.
The Khanna’s are dealing with their own issues when Samara enters the picture suddenly. Sharav, the eldest son, is focused on business and seems completely disinterested in having a houseguest around, let alone one as lively and cheerful as Samara. He’s brooding, stoic, and stubborn in fact a perfect contrast to Samara’s vibrant energy. As they begin to interact more in the later chapters, I found their chemistry to be electric and captivating. Their dynamics kept me turning the pages eagerly, wondering what was going to happen next.
But it’s not just Sharav and Samara who steal the show. Each of the Khanna family members has their own distinct storyline, making this beautiful book feel like a colourful tapestry of emotions and personalities. There’s Diya, the melodramatic sister resisting an arranged marriage, and Dhruv, the withdrawn musician struggling to find his voice again. Even the Mother, who is buried in grief, finds a way to bloom again under Samara’s influence. The way author Trisha Das explores each character’s journey made me feel like I was part of their family, watching everything unfold right in front of me.
I also really loved the fact that the book was structured in short, snappy chapters, making it very easy to read and hard to put down. The writing style of our author is simple yet evocative, pulling you in without being overwhelming. The language is easy , which makes it comfy and pleasurable for the readers.
On many occasions I’d find myself smiling as I read, especially when Samara’s antics would spark some much-needed life into the Khanna household.
The whole book felt like watching a feel-good movie that had elements of drama, humour, and just the right amount of romance. It’s a perfect read for anyone who loves a cosy, character-driven story that still packs a punch emotionally. The scenes are vivid and beautifully crafted, making it very easy to visualise each moment as if it were playing out on a screen. You get lost in the world of the Khannas and Samara, and by the time you finish, you almost feel extremely sad to leave them behind.
I would strongly recommend “The Grand Samara” to anyone looking for a page-turner that is heartwarming, easily readable, and filled with memorable characters. It’s one such book that will leave you smiling and thinking about the characters long after the final chapter.
December 8, 2024
Samara Mansingh worked as a wedding photographer in Delhi and lived with her diplomat father Dilip. Her father’s profession ensured she did not stay in any place for more than two years. Her best friend Maya pestered her to move back to New York but Samara is actually enjoying the big-fat-Indian weddings, travelling to exotic locations for covering destination weddings and wanted to stay on for a few more months. When Samara’s father got transferred to Nigeria, it was decided that Samara would stay with the family of his old friend Rajeev.
It has been six years since Rajeev passed away, and his widow Jyoti is sad after his demise. Their eldest son Sharav Khanna is running their family business successfully, though it meant he was emotionless all the time and only committed to keeping his family and employees happy. His sister Diya wants to be a jewellery designer though her mother is interested in Diya getting married to Yash Malhotra, as the Malhotras are dear friends. The youngest son Dhruv who wants to be part of a music band is forever disconnected from his family and is hiding his troubles from them.
Samara enters the Khanna household during such conflicted times; will she be able to mingle with them and finally get a feel of home and family that she yearned all her life, forms the rest of the story.
The story has the perfect mix of family relationships and romance, which is rare in Indian novels. Also the characters have just the right amount of balance without going overboard, while being funny. Samara has the perfect mix of confidence, vulnerability and is the exact opposite of Sharav who needs to be in control of everything in life.
Jyoti, Diya, Dhruv and Yash have their own character arcs which is a positive aspect of the story. Even Biba has prominence in every sequence she is part of. The profession and back story of each character is well portrayed by the author. The family dynamics and bond between the Khanna parivar realistically showcases what Indian families are about — annoy and trouble each other but stand united when faced with external challenges.
I wish Sharav had more footage in the first half of the book as the intensity of his character comes out towards the end of the story. Also, the pre-climax drags on a bit though it has the best fun sequences.
A heady mix of emotions, drama and romance, The Grand Samara is the perfect pick for this holiday season as it makes for a warm, cozy read.
It has been six years since Rajeev passed away, and his widow Jyoti is sad after his demise. Their eldest son Sharav Khanna is running their family business successfully, though it meant he was emotionless all the time and only committed to keeping his family and employees happy. His sister Diya wants to be a jewellery designer though her mother is interested in Diya getting married to Yash Malhotra, as the Malhotras are dear friends. The youngest son Dhruv who wants to be part of a music band is forever disconnected from his family and is hiding his troubles from them.
Samara enters the Khanna household during such conflicted times; will she be able to mingle with them and finally get a feel of home and family that she yearned all her life, forms the rest of the story.
The story has the perfect mix of family relationships and romance, which is rare in Indian novels. Also the characters have just the right amount of balance without going overboard, while being funny. Samara has the perfect mix of confidence, vulnerability and is the exact opposite of Sharav who needs to be in control of everything in life.
Jyoti, Diya, Dhruv and Yash have their own character arcs which is a positive aspect of the story. Even Biba has prominence in every sequence she is part of. The profession and back story of each character is well portrayed by the author. The family dynamics and bond between the Khanna parivar realistically showcases what Indian families are about — annoy and trouble each other but stand united when faced with external challenges.
I wish Sharav had more footage in the first half of the book as the intensity of his character comes out towards the end of the story. Also, the pre-climax drags on a bit though it has the best fun sequences.
A heady mix of emotions, drama and romance, The Grand Samara is the perfect pick for this holiday season as it makes for a warm, cozy read.
November 3, 2024
When I picked up The Grand Samara, I was looking for a light, engaging read, and I actually ended up with so much more. This book was an absolute delight for me! Trisha Das has beautifully crafted a story that is both heartwarming and humorous, with characters that are going to stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
The plot revolves around Samara Mansingh, a young spirited wedding photographer who has never quite felt at home anywhere due to her father’s ever-changing diplomatic postings. Then she unexpectedly ends up as a temporary houseguest with the Khanna family in Delhi. What follows next is a whirlwind full of emotions, laughter, and genuine connections. I found myself immediately drawn to Samara’s boldness and quirky personality. Her determination to shake up the tense and somewhat broken Khanna household makes for such a compelling read.
The Khanna’s are dealing with their own issues when Samara enters the picture suddenly. Sharav, the eldest son, is focused on business and seems completely disinterested in having a houseguest around, let alone one as lively and cheerful as Samara. He’s brooding, stoic, and stubborn in fact a perfect contrast to Samara’s vibrant energy. As they began to interact more in the later chapters, I found their chemistry to be electric and captivating. Their dynamics kept me turning the pages eagerly, wondering what was going to happen next.
But it’s not just Sharav and Samara who steal the show. Each of the Khanna family members has their own distinct storyline, making this beautiful book feel like a colourful tapestry of emotions and personalities. There’s Diya, the melodramatic sister resisting an arranged marriage, and Dhruv, the withdrawn musician struggling to find his voice again. Even the Mother, who is buried in grief, finds a way to bloom again under Samara’s influence. The way author Trisha Das explores each character’s journey made me feel like I was part of their family, watching everything unfold right in front of me.
Read more about the book here:
https://theindianbookclub.com/readers...
The plot revolves around Samara Mansingh, a young spirited wedding photographer who has never quite felt at home anywhere due to her father’s ever-changing diplomatic postings. Then she unexpectedly ends up as a temporary houseguest with the Khanna family in Delhi. What follows next is a whirlwind full of emotions, laughter, and genuine connections. I found myself immediately drawn to Samara’s boldness and quirky personality. Her determination to shake up the tense and somewhat broken Khanna household makes for such a compelling read.
The Khanna’s are dealing with their own issues when Samara enters the picture suddenly. Sharav, the eldest son, is focused on business and seems completely disinterested in having a houseguest around, let alone one as lively and cheerful as Samara. He’s brooding, stoic, and stubborn in fact a perfect contrast to Samara’s vibrant energy. As they began to interact more in the later chapters, I found their chemistry to be electric and captivating. Their dynamics kept me turning the pages eagerly, wondering what was going to happen next.
But it’s not just Sharav and Samara who steal the show. Each of the Khanna family members has their own distinct storyline, making this beautiful book feel like a colourful tapestry of emotions and personalities. There’s Diya, the melodramatic sister resisting an arranged marriage, and Dhruv, the withdrawn musician struggling to find his voice again. Even the Mother, who is buried in grief, finds a way to bloom again under Samara’s influence. The way author Trisha Das explores each character’s journey made me feel like I was part of their family, watching everything unfold right in front of me.
Read more about the book here:
https://theindianbookclub.com/readers...
November 10, 2024
The book is a wonderful story of how the idea of home is something we are all looking for, sometimes in a place, sometimes in a person, but the pursuit of that home is what makes our life. The writing of the book is quite engaging and keeps you hooked. What worked for me in the book was the linear storytelling and the manner in which the situations develop in the book. I loved how a “pre-Samara” dinner at Sharav’s house is shown, and the change that happens when Samara comes to live with them. Samara’s interactions with each family member have been planned and written quite nicely. Trish takes each family member and their interaction with Samara to bring out various aspects of the plot. Another aspect of the book that I loved was the Sharav-Samara interaction. Right from the first moment to the last page, Trisha writes a roller-coaster ride of emotions. The whole scene about Sharav’s arranged marriage was just so perfect and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The humor in the book is on point and you’ll definitely laugh like a crazy person whenever you come across a humorous part of the book. The climax is the highlight of the book and the comedy of errors is quite a fun part to read and at the same time, heartwarming in the manner it is written.
The characters in the book have been written in detail. Trisha has given due thought to the characters and each of them has been crafted to fit into the story perfectly. I liked the manner in which Samara’s character has been written. She has her own flaws, but I loved how she makes the lives of those around her better. The way she helps Sharav’s sister find love, his brother his voice and herself a place she could call home. Sharav’s character as the “in-charge” of the Khanna household who likes to take charge and keep things in control was also something that was fun to read. Nonita and her family deserve a mention just for the fun they brought into the plot.
The characters in the book have been written in detail. Trisha has given due thought to the characters and each of them has been crafted to fit into the story perfectly. I liked the manner in which Samara’s character has been written. She has her own flaws, but I loved how she makes the lives of those around her better. The way she helps Sharav’s sister find love, his brother his voice and herself a place she could call home. Sharav’s character as the “in-charge” of the Khanna household who likes to take charge and keep things in control was also something that was fun to read. Nonita and her family deserve a mention just for the fun they brought into the plot.
November 4, 2024
he Grand Samara is a beautiful, warm-hearted tale with humour, family dynamics, and self-discovery woven together. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Delhi, this follows Samara Mansingh, a spirited wedding photographer whose nomadic childhood has left her feeling unrooted. When circumstances lead her to stay with the Khanna family, her presence shakes up their lives in unexpected ways, and each family member faces challenges that Samara's lively energy can no longer ignore.
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Samara is bold, unconventional, and endearingly likable-just the right character to move through the complicated world of the Khannas. Sharav, the eldest son, is reserved and business-focused; he makes an interesting foil with his seriousness to her gaiety. Their chemistry evolves through playful clashes and touching moments that gives the story a lovely romantic edge without overpowering the core theme of family. There are no one-dimensional creations from the Khanna family-from Diya, defying the tradition of arranged marriages to Dhruv, a brooding musician-very well weaved through with their individual journeys. They add up to this broken yet unforgettable family.
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Comprising small and engaging chapters, the words are a light and easier read - quite apt for anyone needing an easy way out. Its true strength is in the relatability and emotional depth of the novel. The novel is written around themes of belonging, healing, and the messy beauty of family. Vibrant descriptions, humor, and heartfelt moments abound in the book and this makes it a joyful read that will leave you smiling and maybe a bit wistful to say goodbye to Samara and the Khannas. This book is sure to be perfect for all readers who love warm stories, rich in character, romance, and Indian cultural sensibilities.
.
Samara is bold, unconventional, and endearingly likable-just the right character to move through the complicated world of the Khannas. Sharav, the eldest son, is reserved and business-focused; he makes an interesting foil with his seriousness to her gaiety. Their chemistry evolves through playful clashes and touching moments that gives the story a lovely romantic edge without overpowering the core theme of family. There are no one-dimensional creations from the Khanna family-from Diya, defying the tradition of arranged marriages to Dhruv, a brooding musician-very well weaved through with their individual journeys. They add up to this broken yet unforgettable family.
.
Comprising small and engaging chapters, the words are a light and easier read - quite apt for anyone needing an easy way out. Its true strength is in the relatability and emotional depth of the novel. The novel is written around themes of belonging, healing, and the messy beauty of family. Vibrant descriptions, humor, and heartfelt moments abound in the book and this makes it a joyful read that will leave you smiling and maybe a bit wistful to say goodbye to Samara and the Khannas. This book is sure to be perfect for all readers who love warm stories, rich in character, romance, and Indian cultural sensibilities.
October 15, 2024
Imagine living out of suitcases your whole life, never staying in one place long enough to call it home. That's Samara's story, a free-spirited wedding photographer who's always on the move. But when her dad gets transferred again, Samara finds herself at the doorstep of the quirky Khanna family.
As she settles into their chaotic household, Samara brings a breath of fresh air. She's like a tornado, sweeping away the dust and secrets that have been hiding in the corners. The Khanna's are a lovable mess - Sharav, the grumpy older brother; his sister, who's fighting against an arranged marriage; and their mom, who's hiding her grief in the garden.
Trisha Das's writing is like a warm hug. She makes you laugh, cry, and root for Samara as she navigates this crazy family. You'll fall in love with Sharav's rough exterior and soft heart, and cheer on Samara as she helps the Khanna's face their demons.
What makes "The Grand Samara" special is its honesty. It's about finding a home, not just a physical place, but a sense of belonging. Samara's journey is relatable, whether you've moved around a lot or felt like an outsider in your own family.
This book will make you smile, nod your head in recognition, and maybe even shed a tear. It's a reminder that family is messy, beautiful, and worth fighting for.
🍄 If you enjoy stories about:-
- Quirky families
- Self-discovery
- Romance
- Indian culture
- Heartwarming dramas
Then "The Grand Samara" is the perfect read for you.
"Home is where the heart is." For Samara, that means finding a family that loves her for who she is, flaws and all. Will she find her forever home with the Khannas? Dive into "The Grand Samara" to find out.
As she settles into their chaotic household, Samara brings a breath of fresh air. She's like a tornado, sweeping away the dust and secrets that have been hiding in the corners. The Khanna's are a lovable mess - Sharav, the grumpy older brother; his sister, who's fighting against an arranged marriage; and their mom, who's hiding her grief in the garden.
Trisha Das's writing is like a warm hug. She makes you laugh, cry, and root for Samara as she navigates this crazy family. You'll fall in love with Sharav's rough exterior and soft heart, and cheer on Samara as she helps the Khanna's face their demons.
What makes "The Grand Samara" special is its honesty. It's about finding a home, not just a physical place, but a sense of belonging. Samara's journey is relatable, whether you've moved around a lot or felt like an outsider in your own family.
This book will make you smile, nod your head in recognition, and maybe even shed a tear. It's a reminder that family is messy, beautiful, and worth fighting for.
🍄 If you enjoy stories about:-
- Quirky families
- Self-discovery
- Romance
- Indian culture
- Heartwarming dramas
Then "The Grand Samara" is the perfect read for you.
"Home is where the heart is." For Samara, that means finding a family that loves her for who she is, flaws and all. Will she find her forever home with the Khannas? Dive into "The Grand Samara" to find out.
March 9, 2025
If you are looking for an angsty yet fun Indian romcom then look no further. The Grand Samara serves you a grand Indian romance, with grand family affairs and a grand romantic gesture in the end.
Samara Mansingh is a wedding photographer who has to live with the Khannas as her father puts her into their care and leaves India (once again). The Khannas are an eccentric family, with Sharav Khanna being the oldest sibling and the now head of the family after his father's passing. He is the grumpy guy who will absolutely not tolerate Samara meddling into his family's affairs and magically solving their issues.
Meanwhile Samara wins over the Khannas' heart (except Sharav, but we'll get to that later) by pumping up everyone— from encouraging the reserved guitar-playing younger brother of Sharav's to reigniting the passion for flowers in Sharav's mother. As Sharav sees his family lighting up from inside because of Samara's efforts, he can't stop himself from falling in love with her. The catch is, Sharav is already engaged to someone else.
This roller coaster of a romcom set in the heart of Delhi is sure to flutter those butterflies in your stomach. While I am not a fan of the subtle cheating trope in books (this was no exception), if I get around it and see the shenanigans in the Khanna household, it was quite a fun read.
Samara was a well fleshed out character and I really felt her agony when she had to choose between her career and the only man she ever fell in love with. Similarly, Sharav was a really good broody character for whom honor and duty means everything, until Samara comes crashing down his defences.
Samara Mansingh is a wedding photographer who has to live with the Khannas as her father puts her into their care and leaves India (once again). The Khannas are an eccentric family, with Sharav Khanna being the oldest sibling and the now head of the family after his father's passing. He is the grumpy guy who will absolutely not tolerate Samara meddling into his family's affairs and magically solving their issues.
Meanwhile Samara wins over the Khannas' heart (except Sharav, but we'll get to that later) by pumping up everyone— from encouraging the reserved guitar-playing younger brother of Sharav's to reigniting the passion for flowers in Sharav's mother. As Sharav sees his family lighting up from inside because of Samara's efforts, he can't stop himself from falling in love with her. The catch is, Sharav is already engaged to someone else.
This roller coaster of a romcom set in the heart of Delhi is sure to flutter those butterflies in your stomach. While I am not a fan of the subtle cheating trope in books (this was no exception), if I get around it and see the shenanigans in the Khanna household, it was quite a fun read.
Samara was a well fleshed out character and I really felt her agony when she had to choose between her career and the only man she ever fell in love with. Similarly, Sharav was a really good broody character for whom honor and duty means everything, until Samara comes crashing down his defences.
November 13, 2024
Rom-Com of the Year-
Review of 'The Grand Samara'
The Grand Samara is a sharp, witty story with its heart worn right on the centre of the wrist. Samara and Sharav are trapped in their non-home and sort-of-home, both looking for roots as well as peace. When Samara sees Sharav in a pre-wedding photoshoot she is shooting, she feels instantly drawn towards him. But does he reciprocate this attraction? Well, Samara can find out by herself. Like always, her diplomat father has been transferred yet again. He decides to send her to a family friend's home for as long as she is in Delhi. No points for guessing who lives in this home.
This is my first Trisha Das novel. Have you ever experienced that feeling where you read one book by an author and then want to read whatever they have written, maybe their grocery list too? Yes, this one has that effect on me.
If you are going to read one rom-com this year, forget Emily Henry and read this. Trisha has written with an experience and skill of a writer who's on top of her game. Barely into 30 pages in, I fell in love with her characters. If that's not a sign of a good writer, I don't know what is. And let me put a disclaimer here. I don't usually read rom-coms or romantic books so if I loved this one, maybe rom-comers will sleep with this book by their pillow.
Trisha reminds me of what Anuja chauhan used to be, before she forayed into writing murder mysteries and lost the knife of her nib. Maybe that evacuated throne of India's desi-love-book-writer is coming towards Das.
Review of 'The Grand Samara'
The Grand Samara is a sharp, witty story with its heart worn right on the centre of the wrist. Samara and Sharav are trapped in their non-home and sort-of-home, both looking for roots as well as peace. When Samara sees Sharav in a pre-wedding photoshoot she is shooting, she feels instantly drawn towards him. But does he reciprocate this attraction? Well, Samara can find out by herself. Like always, her diplomat father has been transferred yet again. He decides to send her to a family friend's home for as long as she is in Delhi. No points for guessing who lives in this home.
This is my first Trisha Das novel. Have you ever experienced that feeling where you read one book by an author and then want to read whatever they have written, maybe their grocery list too? Yes, this one has that effect on me.
If you are going to read one rom-com this year, forget Emily Henry and read this. Trisha has written with an experience and skill of a writer who's on top of her game. Barely into 30 pages in, I fell in love with her characters. If that's not a sign of a good writer, I don't know what is. And let me put a disclaimer here. I don't usually read rom-coms or romantic books so if I loved this one, maybe rom-comers will sleep with this book by their pillow.
Trisha reminds me of what Anuja chauhan used to be, before she forayed into writing murder mysteries and lost the knife of her nib. Maybe that evacuated throne of India's desi-love-book-writer is coming towards Das.
October 23, 2024
Samara comes to live with the Khannas temporarily but she can’t keep her hands to herself. After seeing a mourning mother, a girl struggling to navigate her love life and a young boy having difficulty being seen in a family and moreover a young engaged man crumbling filling his fathers shoes, Samara finds herself amidst a robust family. Does she add to the mess or untangles the life they have? That’s what this book is all about
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Samara is a ray of sunshine walking as a wedding photographer and when she falls in the arms of a hot guy things get different. Choosing between a life in NYC and Delhi, her life is set to change after her heart longs for someone.
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This is such a a well written book. Funny and full of drama! The right kind to keep to unwinding at the end of the day. I stayed up till 1 am reading this and man oh man I wasn’t disappointed! Thank you Trisha Das for this amazing book!
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Samara is a ray of sunshine walking as a wedding photographer and when she falls in the arms of a hot guy things get different. Choosing between a life in NYC and Delhi, her life is set to change after her heart longs for someone.
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This is such a a well written book. Funny and full of drama! The right kind to keep to unwinding at the end of the day. I stayed up till 1 am reading this and man oh man I wasn’t disappointed! Thank you Trisha Das for this amazing book!
January 21, 2025
I fell head over heels for this captivating desi romcom! The leads' engaging banter and playful moments left me wanting more. But what truly impressed me was the author's thoughtful portrayal of the Khanna family, offering a rich and relatable exploration of brown culture and family dynamics.
This heartwarming romcom is a must-read, boasting vibrant characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and poignant themes. When free-spirited wedding photographer Samara joins the quirky Khanna household, she helps each family member - including the enigmatic Sharav - confront their deepest struggles.
As Samara becomes embroiled in their lives, will she discover a sense of belonging or continue her carefree journey? Immerse yourself in this delightful romcom to find out.
This heartwarming romcom is a must-read, boasting vibrant characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and poignant themes. When free-spirited wedding photographer Samara joins the quirky Khanna household, she helps each family member - including the enigmatic Sharav - confront their deepest struggles.
As Samara becomes embroiled in their lives, will she discover a sense of belonging or continue her carefree journey? Immerse yourself in this delightful romcom to find out.
June 27, 2025
very wholesome-ly cute romcom
cliché kinda story but still fun to read and the 'rom' part of 2nd half of the book had a romcom sucker like me seriously hooked up
would have given it a 4.5, mainly cuz it progressed to be so cute I honestly wanted few more chapters lol 😗😭
cliché kinda story but still fun to read and the 'rom' part of 2nd half of the book had a romcom sucker like me seriously hooked up
would have given it a 4.5, mainly cuz it progressed to be so cute I honestly wanted few more chapters lol 😗😭
December 29, 2024
The book is beautifully written in an engaging style that radiates warmth and cozy feelings. The plot is heartwarming and humorous, and I found myself smiling throughout the book. The language is simple and flows easily, with short chapters that make it a breeze to read.
The characters are very well fleshed out, and each one, whether minor or major, has their own story. Reading this felt like watching a Bollywood movie, with elements of drama, humor, extravagance, emotions, and just the right amount of romance.
The best part of the book was the food descriptions—they will make your stomach grumble and your mouth water!
If you’re looking for a book that’s easy to read and packed with cozy vibes, this is the perfect choice for you.
The characters are very well fleshed out, and each one, whether minor or major, has their own story. Reading this felt like watching a Bollywood movie, with elements of drama, humor, extravagance, emotions, and just the right amount of romance.
The best part of the book was the food descriptions—they will make your stomach grumble and your mouth water!
If you’re looking for a book that’s easy to read and packed with cozy vibes, this is the perfect choice for you.
December 31, 2024
4.5 stars damn this book was so good from the first it got me hooked loved the fmc girl is she unique I loved their chemistry and the vibes she had the with the khanna fam this book is light fluffy and very cute def a good meet cute 😭✨
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