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Saving Face: A Novel
People love a rags-to-riches story but hate an immigrant who lied to get ahead.
Ami Shah is on the brink of life-changing success. Her skin-care empire, Amala, is set for a dream acquisition by a Fortune 500 company, and she has just been nominated for a ChangeMaker Award, the most revered entrepreneurial honor. There's just one she's a complete and utter fraud.
Twenty years ago, abandoned orphan Monica Joseph made a decision that forever changed the course of her life—she stole her wealthy classmate's identity and moved abroad to build her life on someone else's name. For twenty years, she's managed to hide in plain sight…until an ambitious fledgling journalist sets out to write the inaugural full-length profile on her. With her carefully constructed persona and life's work now in jeopardy, Monica is left with no other to cover up her tracks once and for all, she must return to the scene of the crime—and the one place she vowed never to revisit.
Home.
Ami Shah is on the brink of life-changing success. Her skin-care empire, Amala, is set for a dream acquisition by a Fortune 500 company, and she has just been nominated for a ChangeMaker Award, the most revered entrepreneurial honor. There's just one she's a complete and utter fraud.
Twenty years ago, abandoned orphan Monica Joseph made a decision that forever changed the course of her life—she stole her wealthy classmate's identity and moved abroad to build her life on someone else's name. For twenty years, she's managed to hide in plain sight…until an ambitious fledgling journalist sets out to write the inaugural full-length profile on her. With her carefully constructed persona and life's work now in jeopardy, Monica is left with no other to cover up her tracks once and for all, she must return to the scene of the crime—and the one place she vowed never to revisit.
Home.
336 pages, Paperback
Published August 12, 2025
13 people are currently reading
4531 people want to read
About the author
Mansi Shah
4 books289 followersBorn in Toronto to Indian immigrants, Mansi Shah is the author of A Good Indian Girl, The Taste of Ginger, and The Direction of the Wind, which center on Gujarati characters and speak to generational differences across the Indian diaspora. Now based in Los Angeles, Mansi left her long-time career as an entertainment attorney in Hollywood to travel the world and write full time. She loves to cook, and food often plays a prominent role in her books. When she's not writing and traveling, you can find her swimming laps or playing tennis.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 12, 2025
She is brilliant. She is capable. She is bright. She has aspirations and goals. But she was not expected to be anything more than what she is. But does she have to accept this, or can she create something more for herself?
Well…It only took a moment to create a change. And, she took it.
But what did this reinvention of herself set in motion?
Meet Ami Shah a successful businesswoman. But is she really who she says she is?
She is at the top of the industry with a product that is gaining recognition, and everyone wants to know more about her. She is also up for one of the most prestigious awards in the industry. But she doesn’t want it. So, why is Ami so resistant to this public attention?
“Was it worth it?”
Does someone know her secret?
Will heading back to her past help her resolve her present and her future?
“The Gates of Hope.”
“All, except for those of us who had been left there.”
What will it be like to face the past? What will it be like to face Ami Shah?
As pages turn, readers wonder who is taunting her and why. Is someone out to ruin her company – or is it something more?
“Some people’s lives are limited from the moment they are born. Do they deserve less because of the circumstances in which they were raised?”
So, was it worth it?
In this taut, page-turning, compelling, character-driven story, readers will also have an inside view of the corporate world. Through the author’s lens, readers will gain access to the corporate boardroom which highlights scenes of ambition, competition, compromise and power structures that affect lifestyle choices and chronic occupational stress reactions. (Hence: the title of the book!)
This story also highlights classism, gender bias and intersectionality, creating unique challenges for individuals, especially lower-income women of color which makes this a perfect book discussion selection.
This is also a thoughtful, and heart-felt story of friendship, the burden of lies and betrayal, the beauty of second chances and an understanding of what family truly means.
Be sure to read the Author’s Note.
I was a lucky winner of this book in the Facebook Readers Coffeehouse Great Big Book Giveaway on August 19, 2025. I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.
Well…It only took a moment to create a change. And, she took it.
But what did this reinvention of herself set in motion?
Meet Ami Shah a successful businesswoman. But is she really who she says she is?
She is at the top of the industry with a product that is gaining recognition, and everyone wants to know more about her. She is also up for one of the most prestigious awards in the industry. But she doesn’t want it. So, why is Ami so resistant to this public attention?
“Was it worth it?”
Does someone know her secret?
Will heading back to her past help her resolve her present and her future?
“The Gates of Hope.”
“All, except for those of us who had been left there.”
What will it be like to face the past? What will it be like to face Ami Shah?
As pages turn, readers wonder who is taunting her and why. Is someone out to ruin her company – or is it something more?
“Some people’s lives are limited from the moment they are born. Do they deserve less because of the circumstances in which they were raised?”
So, was it worth it?
In this taut, page-turning, compelling, character-driven story, readers will also have an inside view of the corporate world. Through the author’s lens, readers will gain access to the corporate boardroom which highlights scenes of ambition, competition, compromise and power structures that affect lifestyle choices and chronic occupational stress reactions. (Hence: the title of the book!)
This story also highlights classism, gender bias and intersectionality, creating unique challenges for individuals, especially lower-income women of color which makes this a perfect book discussion selection.
This is also a thoughtful, and heart-felt story of friendship, the burden of lies and betrayal, the beauty of second chances and an understanding of what family truly means.
Be sure to read the Author’s Note.
I was a lucky winner of this book in the Facebook Readers Coffeehouse Great Big Book Giveaway on August 19, 2025. I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.
June 8, 2025
I just finished this book and I’m just sitting in this feeling of peace, sadness and a little rage. This book stirred feelings about the injustices of the world toward minorities, women, and the poor. The story is about Monica who is an orphan in Singapore working as a maid for a privileged family. Through some deception she steals an opportunity to go to a fancy business school far away and remakes herself as Ami Shah. From there she creates a skin care line that caters to the melanin-favored populace that I really want to buy. She is nominated for an amazing award but is then soon hit with anonymous texts that threaten to reveal everything about her true origins. So begins a story that takes readers between LA to Singapore as Monica tries to figure out how to save her business and find out who is trying to destroy her carefully built house of lies. The story slowly built up tension and suspense as everyone became a suspect and Monica/Ami slowly unravels. Her skin literally starts having a bad eczema flare up that served to represent her inner turmoil. (Guys, my eczema flared alongside hers!)
I enjoyed her scenes in Singapore the most-especially with the people from her past and wished for flashbacks. We are in the POV and living in the moments of Monica/Ami so we are forced to know only what she knows and just accept her deep and layered feelings of guilt and confusion.
I have so many highlights which I don’t think I can share as this is an ARC provided by the author but there was amazing commentary regarding meritocracy and the privileges of wealth and having a certain skin color in this world. It hit hard and even though Monica/Ami did do something “wrong” I really felt for her and considered her actions to be understandable.
I love how Mansi has created another FMC that is fully formed and complex that does not need a man to be her salvation or source of strength. The power of female friends who are like family and good women in her life can be true wealth and I’m 100 percent in favor of this message. Again, I received this as an ARC but these thoughts are my own.
I enjoyed her scenes in Singapore the most-especially with the people from her past and wished for flashbacks. We are in the POV and living in the moments of Monica/Ami so we are forced to know only what she knows and just accept her deep and layered feelings of guilt and confusion.
I have so many highlights which I don’t think I can share as this is an ARC provided by the author but there was amazing commentary regarding meritocracy and the privileges of wealth and having a certain skin color in this world. It hit hard and even though Monica/Ami did do something “wrong” I really felt for her and considered her actions to be understandable.
I love how Mansi has created another FMC that is fully formed and complex that does not need a man to be her salvation or source of strength. The power of female friends who are like family and good women in her life can be true wealth and I’m 100 percent in favor of this message. Again, I received this as an ARC but these thoughts are my own.
July 10, 2025
I connected with Mansi on Bookstagram last year, and since then, I’ve been patiently (no, obsessively) waiting for her next book. After A Good Indian Girl, I knew Mansi wasn't going to shy away from tough and complex conversations.
Her latest novel, Saving Face, hits just as hard. The title alone? Loaded. Across so many cultures, "saving face" means avoiding shame, protecting reputation, and upholding the image you've built — even when it costs you.
In the novel, Ami’s entire life is a performance. Mansi takes us deep into what it means to maintain that image — and at what cost. She unpacks financial disparity and power dynamics, the pressure of beauty standards on women of colour, the lure (and harm) of proximity to whiteness, and the exhausting practice of code-switching in order to be deemed “palatable” by Western norms (out main character literally has skin related flare ups). What's going on internally often can manifest externally.
But this is complex and Mansi? Well, she doesn’t just make statements she builds characters with layers. The kind you want to dissect, understand, and sit down with. That complexity is what keeps me coming back to her writing. Always nuanced, never surface level.
This book is going to be great for bookclub meetings and I hope pushes readers out of their comfort zone.
Thank you Mansi for the digital arc!
Her latest novel, Saving Face, hits just as hard. The title alone? Loaded. Across so many cultures, "saving face" means avoiding shame, protecting reputation, and upholding the image you've built — even when it costs you.
In the novel, Ami’s entire life is a performance. Mansi takes us deep into what it means to maintain that image — and at what cost. She unpacks financial disparity and power dynamics, the pressure of beauty standards on women of colour, the lure (and harm) of proximity to whiteness, and the exhausting practice of code-switching in order to be deemed “palatable” by Western norms (out main character literally has skin related flare ups). What's going on internally often can manifest externally.
But this is complex and Mansi? Well, she doesn’t just make statements she builds characters with layers. The kind you want to dissect, understand, and sit down with. That complexity is what keeps me coming back to her writing. Always nuanced, never surface level.
This book is going to be great for bookclub meetings and I hope pushes readers out of their comfort zone.
Thank you Mansi for the digital arc!
August 6, 2025
I enjoyed this story of Ami Shah, a Singaporean businesswoman living in the US, who ascends to the top of the business world as the founder and owner of a successful skincare company for non-white women. But one day, lies and secrets from her past threaten to unravel her future, forcing her to determine what kind of life she truly wants to lead.
The story touched on interesting issues such as non-white women in the white-male-dominated private sector, the price of success, and the tradeoffs one must make to get ahead, whose true consequences may not be realized until it is too late. I enjoyed seeing Ami start to question her choices and assumptions.
The novel unfolded in LA and Singapore, which was interesting to learn about. I knew little about Singapore and it was eye opening for me to learn about the insidious classism and the limitations it set on movement between the social classes. I thought the author did a good job of making the reader grow to understand and like Ami, who, we know from the synopsis, has built her success on a lie. I liked the strong, confident woman Ami became on her journey to self-acceptance and embracing her identity.
I really enjoyed this read and look forward to more by this author.
Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
The story touched on interesting issues such as non-white women in the white-male-dominated private sector, the price of success, and the tradeoffs one must make to get ahead, whose true consequences may not be realized until it is too late. I enjoyed seeing Ami start to question her choices and assumptions.
The novel unfolded in LA and Singapore, which was interesting to learn about. I knew little about Singapore and it was eye opening for me to learn about the insidious classism and the limitations it set on movement between the social classes. I thought the author did a good job of making the reader grow to understand and like Ami, who, we know from the synopsis, has built her success on a lie. I liked the strong, confident woman Ami became on her journey to self-acceptance and embracing her identity.
I really enjoyed this read and look forward to more by this author.
Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
August 6, 2025
Saving Face by Mansi Shah. Thanks to ripaldi communications for the gifted copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ami Shah has just been nominated for the Changemarkers Award, shooting her into the spotlight. That’s the last place she wants to be, despite her entrepreneurial success. Why? Because she’s a fraud.
The cover may look cutesy and light, but this story has a lot to it and a lot of difficult topics including beauty standards, inequality, and classism. It takes a bit to get going but once it does it becomes layered and complex.
“What people fail to realize was that wherever great wealth was visible, great poverty also lurked in the shadows. And most people living the in darkness would be anything to move into the light.”
Saving Face comes out 8/12.
Ami Shah has just been nominated for the Changemarkers Award, shooting her into the spotlight. That’s the last place she wants to be, despite her entrepreneurial success. Why? Because she’s a fraud.
The cover may look cutesy and light, but this story has a lot to it and a lot of difficult topics including beauty standards, inequality, and classism. It takes a bit to get going but once it does it becomes layered and complex.
“What people fail to realize was that wherever great wealth was visible, great poverty also lurked in the shadows. And most people living the in darkness would be anything to move into the light.”
Saving Face comes out 8/12.
August 1, 2025
Such a powerful story! Packed with many societal issues that span across generations, the author does a really great job of capturing social disparities, gender discrimination, poverty, inequality and finding oneself among all of this. Most importantly the story highlights how even though education offers the best avenue to spread wings, the communities who most need it are barred from it.
Initially set in Singapore, the story shares the life of Monica who was abandoned and orphaned as a child. She is exceptionally smart and is desperate to escape to a better life than what she’s deemed to; a maid and a servant.
Stealing her wealthy classmate’s name, Monica embarks on a new journey leading her to establish her own company which is focused on bringing best skin care for people like her. At the peak of her career, things start to fall apart when she becomes the first woman of color to be nominated for a grand award and simultaneously starts receiving mysterious and threatening messages vowing to share her secrets.
From start to finish the story was intriguing and well developed. Really enjoyed the narration by Soneela which bought the emotions well into life! The characters felt real and Monica’s story tells us the sad truth of what it’s like to be born poor and helpless. And the reality of what women face when trying to make a mark for themselves. The author note was very interesting too as it explains how the story came into life and the process behind writing this with historical contexts.
Would recommend!
Thank you to HTP Audio and HTP Hive for an ALC of this book. All thoughts my own.
Initially set in Singapore, the story shares the life of Monica who was abandoned and orphaned as a child. She is exceptionally smart and is desperate to escape to a better life than what she’s deemed to; a maid and a servant.
Stealing her wealthy classmate’s name, Monica embarks on a new journey leading her to establish her own company which is focused on bringing best skin care for people like her. At the peak of her career, things start to fall apart when she becomes the first woman of color to be nominated for a grand award and simultaneously starts receiving mysterious and threatening messages vowing to share her secrets.
From start to finish the story was intriguing and well developed. Really enjoyed the narration by Soneela which bought the emotions well into life! The characters felt real and Monica’s story tells us the sad truth of what it’s like to be born poor and helpless. And the reality of what women face when trying to make a mark for themselves. The author note was very interesting too as it explains how the story came into life and the process behind writing this with historical contexts.
Would recommend!
Thank you to HTP Audio and HTP Hive for an ALC of this book. All thoughts my own.
July 10, 2025
Saving Face by: Mansi Shah
Pub Date: August 12, 2025
I finished Saving Face by Mansi Shah and this one hit close to home! 🌺✨
An infant with colic and a red facial rash was left on the steps of a Catholic convent, in Singapore. Named, raised, educated and cared for by Nuns, Monica Joseph had big dreams. Dreams of breaking past societal limitations and social hirecarcy.
Working as a maid in a fellow classmates home, Ami Shah, Monica makes a life changing decision and instead of sending a university rejection letter, she sends an acceptance letter and becomes Ami Shah.
From working as a maid in Singapore, to a business school in London, Ami travels to LA and sets up a very successful skin care line.
Ami hides her true identity as she struggles with ambition, societal expectations, and the pressure to always “look perfect”, especially in front of her board members.
I see pieces of myself in her—trying to keep it together on the outside while wrestling with doubts and dreams on the inside. Shah’s writing is honest and raw, reminding me that we’re all a little messy beneath the surface, and that’s okay.
It was interesting to read about the orphanage, the Nuns who cared and educated them. We catch a glimpse of another side of Singapore that we rarely see.
If you’ve ever felt torn between who you are and who you think you should be, this book is for you. 📚💖
Thank you @mansishahwrites for the e-arc. 💕💕
Pub Date: August 12, 2025
I finished Saving Face by Mansi Shah and this one hit close to home! 🌺✨
An infant with colic and a red facial rash was left on the steps of a Catholic convent, in Singapore. Named, raised, educated and cared for by Nuns, Monica Joseph had big dreams. Dreams of breaking past societal limitations and social hirecarcy.
Working as a maid in a fellow classmates home, Ami Shah, Monica makes a life changing decision and instead of sending a university rejection letter, she sends an acceptance letter and becomes Ami Shah.
From working as a maid in Singapore, to a business school in London, Ami travels to LA and sets up a very successful skin care line.
Ami hides her true identity as she struggles with ambition, societal expectations, and the pressure to always “look perfect”, especially in front of her board members.
I see pieces of myself in her—trying to keep it together on the outside while wrestling with doubts and dreams on the inside. Shah’s writing is honest and raw, reminding me that we’re all a little messy beneath the surface, and that’s okay.
It was interesting to read about the orphanage, the Nuns who cared and educated them. We catch a glimpse of another side of Singapore that we rarely see.
If you’ve ever felt torn between who you are and who you think you should be, this book is for you. 📚💖
Thank you @mansishahwrites for the e-arc. 💕💕
July 1, 2025
This book covers a lot of issues, self acceptance, feminism, racism, discrimination, societal roles and classism, skin issues and problems, but above all the need to fake who you are in order to succeed in life and business.
Does money gets you happiness or are you the most happy when you're surrounding yourself with the people you love and who love you for who you are? That is one of the main questions posed in the book.
This book is a very complexed one, one that you don't fully get at first glance, but the more you immersed yourself in its pages you fully grasped how deep it goes into the full gamut of human feelings and emotions.
I loved the characters and the richness of the described details of places and situations, and at the same time the historical details explained in the book.
This was my first book by Ms. Shah but it would definitely won't be my last.
Does money gets you happiness or are you the most happy when you're surrounding yourself with the people you love and who love you for who you are? That is one of the main questions posed in the book.
This book is a very complexed one, one that you don't fully get at first glance, but the more you immersed yourself in its pages you fully grasped how deep it goes into the full gamut of human feelings and emotions.
I loved the characters and the richness of the described details of places and situations, and at the same time the historical details explained in the book.
This was my first book by Ms. Shah but it would definitely won't be my last.
Read
May 7, 2025This is definitely not what I expected--neither as funny nor as thrilling--but that doesn't mean it wasn't a good read. It was. I have a little thing for books set in Singapore, and many of them are the sort of salacious, Crazy Rich Asians types, which are tons of fun, but this was a more sobering look at how a society like the one in that series is only possible because of a parallel society more like the one in this book. I don't feel like it was sufficiently critical of American capitalism, but it was still a really interesting look at things from a perspective I haven't seen before!
September 2, 2025
A woman who built her entire life on a stolen identity is finally forced to confront her past when a journalist starts asking questions. To protect everything she’s built, she has to return to the one place she swore she’d never go back to—home.
ALC REVIEW:
In terms of the story, I absolutely loved the themes that this book covers. The premise immediately drew me in especially because we know that Monica is not really Ami right away. I love books about con artists they are always so interesting. Monica interacting with everyone else who has no idea she’s kept this facade for so long while it’s eating her away was fun to read, it definitely added to the tension.
The pacing as a little off, there were moments I was absolutely gripped and then I was pulled out of the story. Also if that hadn’t been an early copy, I would’ve switched to physically reading it.
Thank you to Harlequin for this early copy!
ALC REVIEW:
In terms of the story, I absolutely loved the themes that this book covers. The premise immediately drew me in especially because we know that Monica is not really Ami right away. I love books about con artists they are always so interesting. Monica interacting with everyone else who has no idea she’s kept this facade for so long while it’s eating her away was fun to read, it definitely added to the tension.
The pacing as a little off, there were moments I was absolutely gripped and then I was pulled out of the story. Also if that hadn’t been an early copy, I would’ve switched to physically reading it.
Thank you to Harlequin for this early copy!
July 12, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Let me start by saying I truly admire authors who don’t stick to a formula and who are brave enough to explore new themes and passion projects. It’s easy to keep repeating what works — it’s much harder (and more courageous!) to take risks and offer readers something fresh.
I was drawn in by the premise of Saving Face, a story that traverses two worlds — Singapore and Los Angeles — and explores how race, class, and privilege shape opportunity. The novel touches on historical practices in Singapore, the rigid expectations of high society, and follows Monica (aka Ami Shah), who proves that you don’t need to be born into wealth or attend Ivy League schools to build success. With sheer determination, she transforms her life.
Monica’s journey is fascinating: abandoned as an infant and raised by nuns, she eventually works as a maid for a wealthy family, then boldly assumes a new identity, attends business school in London, and builds a thriving company in LA. Her story weaves together themes of self-discovery, ambition, societal expectations, and corporate greed.
But while I loved the concept and appreciated the ambition of this book, the pacing didn’t quite work for me. The first half moved slowly, and by the midpoint — when Monica is on the verge of receiving a major award and starts receiving anonymous texts threatening to expose her past — I felt the story needed more tension and twists to keep me fully engaged.
📖 Saving Face is a thought-provoking novel with meaningful themes but a slower pace than I’d hoped for.
Let me start by saying I truly admire authors who don’t stick to a formula and who are brave enough to explore new themes and passion projects. It’s easy to keep repeating what works — it’s much harder (and more courageous!) to take risks and offer readers something fresh.
I was drawn in by the premise of Saving Face, a story that traverses two worlds — Singapore and Los Angeles — and explores how race, class, and privilege shape opportunity. The novel touches on historical practices in Singapore, the rigid expectations of high society, and follows Monica (aka Ami Shah), who proves that you don’t need to be born into wealth or attend Ivy League schools to build success. With sheer determination, she transforms her life.
Monica’s journey is fascinating: abandoned as an infant and raised by nuns, she eventually works as a maid for a wealthy family, then boldly assumes a new identity, attends business school in London, and builds a thriving company in LA. Her story weaves together themes of self-discovery, ambition, societal expectations, and corporate greed.
But while I loved the concept and appreciated the ambition of this book, the pacing didn’t quite work for me. The first half moved slowly, and by the midpoint — when Monica is on the verge of receiving a major award and starts receiving anonymous texts threatening to expose her past — I felt the story needed more tension and twists to keep me fully engaged.
📖 Saving Face is a thought-provoking novel with meaningful themes but a slower pace than I’d hoped for.
July 2, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the advanced reader copy.
3.5 stars
Ami Shah has reached the pinnacle of her career: she is the CEO of her own skincare company for women of color. When she's nominated for a Changemaker award--the first woman of color to be considered--she should be ecstatic but instead she's terrified. Because Ami isn't who she's pretended to be; she stole the identity of a wealthy high school classmate in order to pull herself out of poverty in Singapore and has been living a lie ever since. Shortly after the Changemaker nomination goes public she starts receiving text messages threatening to out her if she doesn't come clean on her own. Simultaneously, she's trying to navigate a merger for her company and needing to do an interview for the Changemaker award. With so many plates spinning in the air, can she come out unscathed?
The premise of this book--especially the fact that we know up front that Ami/Monica isn't who everyone thinks she is--worked for me. It was an interesting dilemma to set up for a character. The very thing she was looking for, success and acceptance of the elite, will be the very thing that could collapse her world. Ami/Monica comes across as a bit one dimensional but the greater questions about secrets, class and race help account for some of this.
*SPOILER AHEAD* When the secret about Monica stealing Ami's identity comes out because of a Singapore connection, the conversations and interiority that Monica has about never getting the opportunities she had without pretending to be someone else felt very heavy-handed and I started skimming through the last quarter of the book. Even though the message felt important, it also felt like the author didn't trust the reader to get it on their own.
Saving Face is out August 12, 2025
3.5 stars
Ami Shah has reached the pinnacle of her career: she is the CEO of her own skincare company for women of color. When she's nominated for a Changemaker award--the first woman of color to be considered--she should be ecstatic but instead she's terrified. Because Ami isn't who she's pretended to be; she stole the identity of a wealthy high school classmate in order to pull herself out of poverty in Singapore and has been living a lie ever since. Shortly after the Changemaker nomination goes public she starts receiving text messages threatening to out her if she doesn't come clean on her own. Simultaneously, she's trying to navigate a merger for her company and needing to do an interview for the Changemaker award. With so many plates spinning in the air, can she come out unscathed?
The premise of this book--especially the fact that we know up front that Ami/Monica isn't who everyone thinks she is--worked for me. It was an interesting dilemma to set up for a character. The very thing she was looking for, success and acceptance of the elite, will be the very thing that could collapse her world. Ami/Monica comes across as a bit one dimensional but the greater questions about secrets, class and race help account for some of this.
*SPOILER AHEAD* When the secret about Monica stealing Ami's identity comes out because of a Singapore connection, the conversations and interiority that Monica has about never getting the opportunities she had without pretending to be someone else felt very heavy-handed and I started skimming through the last quarter of the book. Even though the message felt important, it also felt like the author didn't trust the reader to get it on their own.
Saving Face is out August 12, 2025
August 21, 2025
SAVING FACE by Mansi Shah is the first novel that I’ve read from the author, but most certainly will not be my last. It took absolutely no time at all for me to sink my teeth into this one. With a synopsis like this, how could I not?
“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘳-𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵—𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦.”
Talk about a juicy read—and mysterious! The female protagonist is nervous, scared, and desperate to figure out who is trying to blow her cover and spill her secrets. My heart was pounding, I was sweating bullets, and biting my fingernails right along with her. What she felt, I felt. The author does a phenomenal job in pulling you into her world. Oh, and the best part? I was never able to peg down the snitch.
Not only is this novel entertaining and addictive, it also has SO many deep layers and intriguing complexities to navigate. The author includes themes like race, class, and identity and expertly blends them with reflections on abandonment and adoption, then ambition and drive. It’s a very well-rounded novel.
READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:
- Rags-to-riches plot
- Mystery and suspense
- Secrets and lies
- Adoption stories
- Female entrepreneurs
- Skin & beauty industry
- Los Angeles & Singapore settings
- Character-driven novels
Overall, this is a super addictive and entertaining read that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish! SAVING FACE is out now! Highly recommend! 4/5 solid stars!
“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘳-𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵—𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦.”
Talk about a juicy read—and mysterious! The female protagonist is nervous, scared, and desperate to figure out who is trying to blow her cover and spill her secrets. My heart was pounding, I was sweating bullets, and biting my fingernails right along with her. What she felt, I felt. The author does a phenomenal job in pulling you into her world. Oh, and the best part? I was never able to peg down the snitch.
Not only is this novel entertaining and addictive, it also has SO many deep layers and intriguing complexities to navigate. The author includes themes like race, class, and identity and expertly blends them with reflections on abandonment and adoption, then ambition and drive. It’s a very well-rounded novel.
READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:
- Rags-to-riches plot
- Mystery and suspense
- Secrets and lies
- Adoption stories
- Female entrepreneurs
- Skin & beauty industry
- Los Angeles & Singapore settings
- Character-driven novels
Overall, this is a super addictive and entertaining read that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish! SAVING FACE is out now! Highly recommend! 4/5 solid stars!
August 5, 2025
Monica is orphaned in Singapore and ends up working as a maid for a wealthy family. When the daughter of the family rejects a great opportunity. Monica decides to take advantage of it and changes her name and moves to the other side of the world to pursue the dreams she could never be allowed is she were to remain herself or in her status in Singapore.
She goes on to build a successful cosmetic business which focuses on making products for women of color and with skin issues that most other cosmetic companies tend to ignore. Soon she starts to receive anonymous texts that threaten to unravel her past and blow up her business, especially when she is nominated for a Changemaker award Although technically Monica did something that would be considered "wrong". I fully understand why she did it and I felt for her as things started to crash around her.
Monica is such a deep and strongly developed character and the people she is surrounded with, in particular the women she has surrounded herself with, show the power of found family and that they can mean more than anything money can buy.
Thanks to Park Row and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
She goes on to build a successful cosmetic business which focuses on making products for women of color and with skin issues that most other cosmetic companies tend to ignore. Soon she starts to receive anonymous texts that threaten to unravel her past and blow up her business, especially when she is nominated for a Changemaker award Although technically Monica did something that would be considered "wrong". I fully understand why she did it and I felt for her as things started to crash around her.
Monica is such a deep and strongly developed character and the people she is surrounded with, in particular the women she has surrounded herself with, show the power of found family and that they can mean more than anything money can buy.
Thanks to Park Row and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
August 23, 2025
Saving Face is a gripping, emotionally textured novel that lingers long after the final page. Mansi Shah weaves a tale of ambition, identity, and the heavy price one pays when building a life on deception—yet so vividly human it becomes impossible not to root for her protagonist. Monica/Ami is a complex protagonist you’ll criticize and cheer for—sometimes in the same sentence. If you’re drawn to stories that explore reinvention, morality, and found family with cultural depth, this novel should be on your radar.
September 2, 2025
Monica Joseph stole her wealthy classmate, Ami Shah's identity and went on to build a global skincare empire. This is a women's fiction story about class differences, privilege, found family, being a woman in a male-dominated world and figuring out where you belong.
The story has some suspense as Monica starts getting threatening texts from an unknown number who claims to know who she really is and so Monica heads back to Singapore, her birthplace to find out who could be behind this. She meets her friends and those who raised her again.
Monica has never truly been able to enjoy her life since she adopted her identity as Ami. Her focus has been solely on money, as is understandable for anyone with a background like hers and who struggled so much to get where she is now. But in the end, you also need to enjoy life instead of just trying to survive it.
Throughout the story, Monica was in survival mode, one thing kept popping up after the other which also triggered her eczema as it was linked to her stress. Sometimes you need to take a pause rather than impacting your health and mental peace.
What Monica did was morally wrong but to be in her shoes, who wouldn't be frustrated? To get opportunities just because of your family name even without trying for it? As someone who is currently job hunting, I can relate to that part hard. To see others get jobs because of their family connections while you're out there applying like a maniac and trying everything but not seeing results.
We really need more stories with older protagonists like this (women in their 40s) and women of colour trying to fight against the system while trying to make it at the same time. I am glad that towards the end, Monica was able to figure out what she wanted with her life and that she got the closure she wanted. Also loved the friendship bond between her and her friends.
The story has some suspense as Monica starts getting threatening texts from an unknown number who claims to know who she really is and so Monica heads back to Singapore, her birthplace to find out who could be behind this. She meets her friends and those who raised her again.
Monica has never truly been able to enjoy her life since she adopted her identity as Ami. Her focus has been solely on money, as is understandable for anyone with a background like hers and who struggled so much to get where she is now. But in the end, you also need to enjoy life instead of just trying to survive it.
Throughout the story, Monica was in survival mode, one thing kept popping up after the other which also triggered her eczema as it was linked to her stress. Sometimes you need to take a pause rather than impacting your health and mental peace.
What Monica did was morally wrong but to be in her shoes, who wouldn't be frustrated? To get opportunities just because of your family name even without trying for it? As someone who is currently job hunting, I can relate to that part hard. To see others get jobs because of their family connections while you're out there applying like a maniac and trying everything but not seeing results.
We really need more stories with older protagonists like this (women in their 40s) and women of colour trying to fight against the system while trying to make it at the same time. I am glad that towards the end, Monica was able to figure out what she wanted with her life and that she got the closure she wanted. Also loved the friendship bond between her and her friends.
May 3, 2025
From the summary:
Twenty years ago in Singapore, abandoned orphan Monica Joseph made a decision to steal her wealthy classmate's identity and move halfway around the world to build her life on someone else's name. For twenty years, she's managed to hide in plain sight…until an ambitious fledgling journalist sets out to write the inaugural full-length profile on her. With her carefully constructed persona and life's work now in jeopardy, Monica is left with no other choice: she must return to the scene of the crime—and the one place she vowed never to revisit
Commentary:
This book was based on the idea of a young woman reinventing herself literally from the ground up. Monica went from being an orphan housemaid in Singapore to a wealthy businesswoman in America. Monica began her life as a sickly newborn, dropped on the steps of an orphanage, and was raised by nuns. Although she grew up in an orphanage and did not have a great deal of wealth, she was raised with love and given an education. After she aged out of her typical school years, she took it upon herself to change her name to that of another, much more wealthy, young woman that she worked for as a maid. This gave her the opportunity of a lifetime, which was to go to university. Most people of her social standing were unable to get an education in a university due to the cost. Monica, on the other hand, had done both the essays and application handling for her much wealthier bosses daughter and, as such, had direct access to all of them. When her bosses daughter asked her to handle all of the paperwork and send back the acceptance and all the other declines of acceptance, and that is when Monica saw an opportunity. After all, she was the one who loved school and excelled in her classes. Why shouldn't she have this opportunity? The sisters at the orphanage had taught her morals and honesty, and yet she could find no way to better herself and obtain this opportunity, so she decided to put her plan into action. Monica, who became known as Ami when she changed her name, proceeded to attend university and continue on to establish her own company for skin care, to help with people who suffered from the same skin issues as she did. Everything was going perfectly until she realized that someone knew her secret and that they would be willing to destroy her and everything she worked so hard for.
I had never heard of the area or even the history of Singapore where orphans were dropped off to be raised by the nuns. The thought of having to do this to your own child is so incredibly painful to think about, and the child not knowing where they came from, and what made a parent make the decision to abandon them in the first place is truly heartbreaking to me.
While reading this story, all I could think about was if I could do the same thing that Monica did. I know what she did was right in the sense that she wouldn't have been able to go to university, and also she wouldn't have been accepted as much as she was in business if she didn't have her "wealth" behind her. It's unfortunate, but it truly is a white man's world, for the most part. Would I have been able to pull it off??? Probably not! That being said, if you are looking for a book that is an easy read and a bit of an adventure through life, this one's for you!
Twenty years ago in Singapore, abandoned orphan Monica Joseph made a decision to steal her wealthy classmate's identity and move halfway around the world to build her life on someone else's name. For twenty years, she's managed to hide in plain sight…until an ambitious fledgling journalist sets out to write the inaugural full-length profile on her. With her carefully constructed persona and life's work now in jeopardy, Monica is left with no other choice: she must return to the scene of the crime—and the one place she vowed never to revisit
Commentary:
This book was based on the idea of a young woman reinventing herself literally from the ground up. Monica went from being an orphan housemaid in Singapore to a wealthy businesswoman in America. Monica began her life as a sickly newborn, dropped on the steps of an orphanage, and was raised by nuns. Although she grew up in an orphanage and did not have a great deal of wealth, she was raised with love and given an education. After she aged out of her typical school years, she took it upon herself to change her name to that of another, much more wealthy, young woman that she worked for as a maid. This gave her the opportunity of a lifetime, which was to go to university. Most people of her social standing were unable to get an education in a university due to the cost. Monica, on the other hand, had done both the essays and application handling for her much wealthier bosses daughter and, as such, had direct access to all of them. When her bosses daughter asked her to handle all of the paperwork and send back the acceptance and all the other declines of acceptance, and that is when Monica saw an opportunity. After all, she was the one who loved school and excelled in her classes. Why shouldn't she have this opportunity? The sisters at the orphanage had taught her morals and honesty, and yet she could find no way to better herself and obtain this opportunity, so she decided to put her plan into action. Monica, who became known as Ami when she changed her name, proceeded to attend university and continue on to establish her own company for skin care, to help with people who suffered from the same skin issues as she did. Everything was going perfectly until she realized that someone knew her secret and that they would be willing to destroy her and everything she worked so hard for.
I had never heard of the area or even the history of Singapore where orphans were dropped off to be raised by the nuns. The thought of having to do this to your own child is so incredibly painful to think about, and the child not knowing where they came from, and what made a parent make the decision to abandon them in the first place is truly heartbreaking to me.
While reading this story, all I could think about was if I could do the same thing that Monica did. I know what she did was right in the sense that she wouldn't have been able to go to university, and also she wouldn't have been accepted as much as she was in business if she didn't have her "wealth" behind her. It's unfortunate, but it truly is a white man's world, for the most part. Would I have been able to pull it off??? Probably not! That being said, if you are looking for a book that is an easy read and a bit of an adventure through life, this one's for you!
October 10, 2025
How far are you willing to go to change your life? To change the world, you were born into. To be able to go to college and succeed at anything you set your mind to? Would you steal someone's identity and go to college? Flinging off the old and becoming someone that you always dreamed of becoming. Someone you were more than capable of becoming. But they were held back due to circumstances beyond your control. This book points out the differences of what it is like trying to climb the corporate ladder, if you are not a white man, and someone not from means. A person who has different colored skin comes from a different part of the world, and should be welcomed no matter what.
Twenty years ago, Ami Shah, made the decision to take on the identity of one of her schoolmates, which she also was a maid for. The real Ami never had to worry about anything in her life. It was all laid out before her on a golden path. While Monica was always behind her scrubbing and helping her fill out business school applications. When Ami made her decision and asked Monica to throw away the other acceptance letters, she decided to take control of her life and to go to business school as Ami. Changing her life forever. Ami is the owner of a cosmetics line that she is selling to a fortune 500 company. All her dreams have come true but is she happy. She is alone, does not trust anyone, and is haunted by what she did to take control of her life. When an unknown number begins sending threatening texts that they will reveal the truth. Ami is made to go back to Singapore and confront her past. Will she lose her company and everything for which she has worked for?
I felt like Ami was constantly playing Whack A Mole. She would get one situation managed and another would pop up. The constant unknown made me tense, and a pit sat in my stomach. Hoping that Ami finally finds what she is looking for. That by rising above her class she has shown others that it does not matter where you come from. Drive and ambition are what people should be focused on. Another key thread throughout the book is family. A family is constantly being redefined. You form your own family as you grow older. It could be made up of friends, people who raised you, your genetic parents, it does not matter if you have love. Thank you to Mensi Shah for reaching out to me. I loved your new book!
Twenty years ago, Ami Shah, made the decision to take on the identity of one of her schoolmates, which she also was a maid for. The real Ami never had to worry about anything in her life. It was all laid out before her on a golden path. While Monica was always behind her scrubbing and helping her fill out business school applications. When Ami made her decision and asked Monica to throw away the other acceptance letters, she decided to take control of her life and to go to business school as Ami. Changing her life forever. Ami is the owner of a cosmetics line that she is selling to a fortune 500 company. All her dreams have come true but is she happy. She is alone, does not trust anyone, and is haunted by what she did to take control of her life. When an unknown number begins sending threatening texts that they will reveal the truth. Ami is made to go back to Singapore and confront her past. Will she lose her company and everything for which she has worked for?
I felt like Ami was constantly playing Whack A Mole. She would get one situation managed and another would pop up. The constant unknown made me tense, and a pit sat in my stomach. Hoping that Ami finally finds what she is looking for. That by rising above her class she has shown others that it does not matter where you come from. Drive and ambition are what people should be focused on. Another key thread throughout the book is family. A family is constantly being redefined. You form your own family as you grow older. It could be made up of friends, people who raised you, your genetic parents, it does not matter if you have love. Thank you to Mensi Shah for reaching out to me. I loved your new book!
May 12, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley, Park Row Books, and the author for my e-ARC.
Belonging to one of the wealthiest families in Singapore, the REAL Ami Shah had choices and opportunities Monica Joseph, her family’s maid, could only dream of. It wasn’t fair. Especially since, unlike Ami, Monica was an outstanding student and serious about her education. She owed it to herself to pursue her ambition. To avail of her competency and talent — by any means necessary. She deserved it.
That is how she justified stealing Ami’s identity. But her face is her own. And, as the CEO of Amala, a prominent skin-care company, there is only so long she can save it from media exposure.
The thing about secrets and lies, though, is the possibility that they will come to light. But how, when, and by whom kept me guessing. Monica lives in constant fear and paranoia. She would love to confide and confess. But who to trust? And what would they think of her?
I enjoyed this book. Although there were multiple themes, they were seamlessly interspersed and didn’t feel overwhelming. The glimpse into the skincare industry was informative and meticulously researched. The vivid descriptions and fleshed-out, true-to-life flawed characters enhanced the story. And the end was satisfying — plausible.
The bonus author notes at the end were enlightening and fascinating. I was not aware that the settings of the book were based on real-life locations. That the author made a trip to Singapore as part of her research added to the authenticity.
Belonging to one of the wealthiest families in Singapore, the REAL Ami Shah had choices and opportunities Monica Joseph, her family’s maid, could only dream of. It wasn’t fair. Especially since, unlike Ami, Monica was an outstanding student and serious about her education. She owed it to herself to pursue her ambition. To avail of her competency and talent — by any means necessary. She deserved it.
That is how she justified stealing Ami’s identity. But her face is her own. And, as the CEO of Amala, a prominent skin-care company, there is only so long she can save it from media exposure.
The thing about secrets and lies, though, is the possibility that they will come to light. But how, when, and by whom kept me guessing. Monica lives in constant fear and paranoia. She would love to confide and confess. But who to trust? And what would they think of her?
I enjoyed this book. Although there were multiple themes, they were seamlessly interspersed and didn’t feel overwhelming. The glimpse into the skincare industry was informative and meticulously researched. The vivid descriptions and fleshed-out, true-to-life flawed characters enhanced the story. And the end was satisfying — plausible.
The bonus author notes at the end were enlightening and fascinating. I was not aware that the settings of the book were based on real-life locations. That the author made a trip to Singapore as part of her research added to the authenticity.
June 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I recently finished reading my "advance reader copy" of Saving Face by the incredibly talented (and Canadian) author Mansi Shah and it really was a slam dunk (excuse my basketball reference - Toronto Raptors/NBA fan here!)
From the first few pages, I was hooked. Any book that highlights a school or university I’ve actually attended has my full attention, but honestly, this book held its own and then some.
Saving Face follows the story of Monica Joseph, who was abandoned as a baby at the Gate of Hope in Singapore, seemingly solely because she was a girl. Fast forward to grown-up Monica, who is now working for a former classmate, Ami Shah, until she makes a life-altering decision to steal Ami’s identity, move to London, and pursue an MBA.
“New Ami” builds am extremely successful skincare brand that earns her a nomination for a global award. That nomination threatens to unravel Monica's long kept secret, and forces her to confront the past she's carefully tried to outrun.
Through Monica’s journey, Mansi Shah explores relevant themes including gender bias, identity, ambition, privilege, and what it truly means to belong, especially in societies that still struggle with the idea that a daughter should be just as valued as a son.
One of the things I love most about Mansi's writing (and I noticed this in her previous book too) is how her characters feel so real. As a Gujarati (South Asian) reader, I loved and identified with the cultural nuances that were highlighted. I also gained a deeper understanding of Singapore, its culture, social history, and especially the significance of the Gate of Hope, something I hadn't appreciated despite having visited the country twice before.
Mansi’s Author’s Notes added thoughtful context into her writing process, that made the story’s foundation even more powerful.
Side note, Mansi's other book that I've read, A Good Indian Girl, was set in Tuscany, so we gained insights into real places (e.g. restaurants) there too.
Saving Face is an absolute page-turner and I highly recommend it.
Mansi's book is published on August 12, 2025!
I recently finished reading my "advance reader copy" of Saving Face by the incredibly talented (and Canadian) author Mansi Shah and it really was a slam dunk (excuse my basketball reference - Toronto Raptors/NBA fan here!)
From the first few pages, I was hooked. Any book that highlights a school or university I’ve actually attended has my full attention, but honestly, this book held its own and then some.
Saving Face follows the story of Monica Joseph, who was abandoned as a baby at the Gate of Hope in Singapore, seemingly solely because she was a girl. Fast forward to grown-up Monica, who is now working for a former classmate, Ami Shah, until she makes a life-altering decision to steal Ami’s identity, move to London, and pursue an MBA.
“New Ami” builds am extremely successful skincare brand that earns her a nomination for a global award. That nomination threatens to unravel Monica's long kept secret, and forces her to confront the past she's carefully tried to outrun.
Through Monica’s journey, Mansi Shah explores relevant themes including gender bias, identity, ambition, privilege, and what it truly means to belong, especially in societies that still struggle with the idea that a daughter should be just as valued as a son.
One of the things I love most about Mansi's writing (and I noticed this in her previous book too) is how her characters feel so real. As a Gujarati (South Asian) reader, I loved and identified with the cultural nuances that were highlighted. I also gained a deeper understanding of Singapore, its culture, social history, and especially the significance of the Gate of Hope, something I hadn't appreciated despite having visited the country twice before.
Mansi’s Author’s Notes added thoughtful context into her writing process, that made the story’s foundation even more powerful.
Side note, Mansi's other book that I've read, A Good Indian Girl, was set in Tuscany, so we gained insights into real places (e.g. restaurants) there too.
Saving Face is an absolute page-turner and I highly recommend it.
Mansi's book is published on August 12, 2025!
August 9, 2025
With a dream acquisition and a nomination for the Change Maker Award-something that has only been bestowed upon white men, the spotlight is on Ami Shah. While most entrepreneurs would rejoice at this turn of events and bask in the business world’s spotlight, Ami Shah is doing everything she can to ensure that not even a speck of light shines on her. Her reason? She is not who she claims she is.
Ami Shah, aka Monica, is an orphan from Singapore who stole the identity of her rich classmate. If this truth comes to light, it would completely unravel her life. When she starts receiving threatening messages, she returns home one last time, refusing to let everything she had worked hard for years to build crumble down in an instant.
This is a story about ambition, sisterhood, classism, found family, about how the past always has a way to rear its head and will never stay hidden forever. The book is very interesting to read. You cannot help but feel for Monica, who has lived so many lives-as an abandoned Hindu baby, as Monica, an orphan and as Ami Shah, the entrepreneur. I was feeling so anxious for Monica, and it was so frustrating to see everything she worked so hard for slip from her hands.
I loved the book from the first chapter itself. The chapters are short and easy to read. I loved the South Asian representation. There was a sense of belonging while reading this book. It felt like reading a story about one of us without trying too hard. There are so many lines that south asian women can relate to, especially the lines ‘it's our own families that need to see there is more to life than doctor, lawyer, engineer, and marriage and kids.’ I enjoyed Ami’s banter with Oli and the sisterhood she had with her childhood friends.
This is my first book by Mansi Shah and definitely not the last. Her writing has me hooked and I am looking forward to reading her books, both new and old.
For those who love found family and enjoy South Asian representation this book is definitely one that should be on your radar.
Ami Shah, aka Monica, is an orphan from Singapore who stole the identity of her rich classmate. If this truth comes to light, it would completely unravel her life. When she starts receiving threatening messages, she returns home one last time, refusing to let everything she had worked hard for years to build crumble down in an instant.
This is a story about ambition, sisterhood, classism, found family, about how the past always has a way to rear its head and will never stay hidden forever. The book is very interesting to read. You cannot help but feel for Monica, who has lived so many lives-as an abandoned Hindu baby, as Monica, an orphan and as Ami Shah, the entrepreneur. I was feeling so anxious for Monica, and it was so frustrating to see everything she worked so hard for slip from her hands.
I loved the book from the first chapter itself. The chapters are short and easy to read. I loved the South Asian representation. There was a sense of belonging while reading this book. It felt like reading a story about one of us without trying too hard. There are so many lines that south asian women can relate to, especially the lines ‘it's our own families that need to see there is more to life than doctor, lawyer, engineer, and marriage and kids.’ I enjoyed Ami’s banter with Oli and the sisterhood she had with her childhood friends.
This is my first book by Mansi Shah and definitely not the last. Her writing has me hooked and I am looking forward to reading her books, both new and old.
For those who love found family and enjoy South Asian representation this book is definitely one that should be on your radar.
September 2, 2025
The CEO of a global skincare company, Ami Shah is a role model. Raised in Singapore, she had to break down a lot of barriers to get to where she is, and convince many that despite her gender and the color of her skin, she’s a businesswoman to be reckoned with. Her company, Amala, is about to merge with a Fortune 500 company.
Her nomination for the Global Changemakers Award is unprecedented. This prestigious award has only gone to white men; she is the first woman of color to be nominated. If she wins the award, it will increase the value of Amala and cement her legacy.
While she should be beside herself about this honor, Ami would prefer to withdraw her nomination. All of the publicity makes her nervous—not because she’s shy, but because she’s not who she says she is. Ami (whose real name is Monica) was an orphan raised in a convent in Singapore. But since orphans in her country never had a chance to amount to much, she decided to steal a former classmate’s identity and move to London, which is where her new story began.
But as the merger details are finalized and the award ceremony draws closer, Ami starts getting threatening text messages promising to expose her lies if she didn’t confess. She knows if the truth comes out, everything she built will fall apart. To figure out who is blackmailing her, she must go back to where she vowed she’d never return: Singapore.
“She wanted to prove that just because a girl had been abandoned, it didn’t mean she had to carry that weight with her forever. She could find purpose, and through that, she could find herself.”
This was such a thought-provoking, emotional book. Mansi Shah created a story that seemed so plausible, and even though it’s a bit of a slow burn, it was tremendously compelling.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
Her nomination for the Global Changemakers Award is unprecedented. This prestigious award has only gone to white men; she is the first woman of color to be nominated. If she wins the award, it will increase the value of Amala and cement her legacy.
While she should be beside herself about this honor, Ami would prefer to withdraw her nomination. All of the publicity makes her nervous—not because she’s shy, but because she’s not who she says she is. Ami (whose real name is Monica) was an orphan raised in a convent in Singapore. But since orphans in her country never had a chance to amount to much, she decided to steal a former classmate’s identity and move to London, which is where her new story began.
But as the merger details are finalized and the award ceremony draws closer, Ami starts getting threatening text messages promising to expose her lies if she didn’t confess. She knows if the truth comes out, everything she built will fall apart. To figure out who is blackmailing her, she must go back to where she vowed she’d never return: Singapore.
“She wanted to prove that just because a girl had been abandoned, it didn’t mean she had to carry that weight with her forever. She could find purpose, and through that, she could find herself.”
This was such a thought-provoking, emotional book. Mansi Shah created a story that seemed so plausible, and even though it’s a bit of a slow burn, it was tremendously compelling.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
July 3, 2025
Saving Face, Mansi Shah's latest novel, is about a case of mistaken identity...or more accurately, "stolen" identity. When Monica Joseph grew up, she knew that as an orphan, the most she could aspire to be was the maid in her classmate Ami Shah's house, so when Ami flippantly makes decisions about her future, Monica cannot fathom the lack of care with which Ami's privilege has allowed her to live. With one small tweak, she signs up to take Ami's place at business school and we fast forward 17 years to see how Monica's doing now.
Most of the novel takes place as Monica is working through her own identity and trying to stay hidden while her major skincare company is going through a merger, allowing her to help many more people who look like her. It all seems like it's going well until she starts getting threatening messages from someone who is willing to reveal her identity and cost Monica her whole life.
Throughout reading this novel, I wasn't sure if I liked Monica, who seemed to always have an "end justifies the means" approach to the decisions she was making, but what was clear was that I UNDERSTOOD Monica. The way Mansi wrote this character, I was able to go alongside the journey with Monica as she struggled to keep her true identity hidden and the many decisions she made along the way, as well as the reasons behind the systemic classism in Singapore.
Reading the author's note on this book also helped bring Monica to life for me, allowing me to read a little more about the research that went into these characters as well as the real life history behind the places that Mansi introduced to us in this novel. It definitely made me want to read up more on the history of Singapore.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, and easy read with an important message and I gave it 4.25/5 stars. Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Parker Row, the author, and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Most of the novel takes place as Monica is working through her own identity and trying to stay hidden while her major skincare company is going through a merger, allowing her to help many more people who look like her. It all seems like it's going well until she starts getting threatening messages from someone who is willing to reveal her identity and cost Monica her whole life.
Throughout reading this novel, I wasn't sure if I liked Monica, who seemed to always have an "end justifies the means" approach to the decisions she was making, but what was clear was that I UNDERSTOOD Monica. The way Mansi wrote this character, I was able to go alongside the journey with Monica as she struggled to keep her true identity hidden and the many decisions she made along the way, as well as the reasons behind the systemic classism in Singapore.
Reading the author's note on this book also helped bring Monica to life for me, allowing me to read a little more about the research that went into these characters as well as the real life history behind the places that Mansi introduced to us in this novel. It definitely made me want to read up more on the history of Singapore.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, and easy read with an important message and I gave it 4.25/5 stars. Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Parker Row, the author, and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
August 7, 2025
Since a long time ago that I haven’t share a full review and also participate in a book tour but I’m really honored Mansi Shah reached to me for helping to present her new baby book to you all.
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Also, I was in a big book slump but Saving Face made it fade completely. 🥹 and that was amazing! 💙😭
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In Saving Face’s story, we find Ami Shah, an Indian girl, that after she escape from Singapore to the Western continent and studied hard, she fulfilled her dreams and created a huge skin care company, Amala.
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She also had some complications in her path, but she could manage them, until she was announced as a finalist of the Global Changemakers Award. That it’s a prize that was mainly given to white men, and Ami’s nomination as a brunette Indian woman has been a huge revolution.
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Unfortunately Ami has a huge but that make her holding back for wanting to pursue that prize and it’s because, she hides the truth of her real life’s story to everyone.
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With the stress of feeling a huge fraud, she will have to face the possible complications of the situation and going back to her origins, to Singapore where her real story had started.
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The book itself was very fresh for me because it was an argument totally different that I’m used to read, but I did enjoy the change because as a girl that is pursuing my dreams and recently I have started a tiny enterprise, it’s inspiring to read about not white women having their own huge business and being successful.
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Also it made me living the difficult circumstances Ami had to face in the novel I’m glad to read it because it teaches you that any path in life is easy, that even you could fulfill your dreams and being successful you will find difficult situations, the objective in life is not giving up and facing them up even the truth was hard.
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For me it was a 5⭐️ read 🥹
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Thanks for the e-ARC to @mansishahwrites 💙🥰
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Also, I was in a big book slump but Saving Face made it fade completely. 🥹 and that was amazing! 💙😭
.
In Saving Face’s story, we find Ami Shah, an Indian girl, that after she escape from Singapore to the Western continent and studied hard, she fulfilled her dreams and created a huge skin care company, Amala.
.
She also had some complications in her path, but she could manage them, until she was announced as a finalist of the Global Changemakers Award. That it’s a prize that was mainly given to white men, and Ami’s nomination as a brunette Indian woman has been a huge revolution.
.
Unfortunately Ami has a huge but that make her holding back for wanting to pursue that prize and it’s because, she hides the truth of her real life’s story to everyone.
.
With the stress of feeling a huge fraud, she will have to face the possible complications of the situation and going back to her origins, to Singapore where her real story had started.
.
The book itself was very fresh for me because it was an argument totally different that I’m used to read, but I did enjoy the change because as a girl that is pursuing my dreams and recently I have started a tiny enterprise, it’s inspiring to read about not white women having their own huge business and being successful.
.
Also it made me living the difficult circumstances Ami had to face in the novel I’m glad to read it because it teaches you that any path in life is easy, that even you could fulfill your dreams and being successful you will find difficult situations, the objective in life is not giving up and facing them up even the truth was hard.
.
For me it was a 5⭐️ read 🥹
.
.
Thanks for the e-ARC to @mansishahwrites 💙🥰
.
August 3, 2025
Saving Face by Mansi Shah is a timely and deeply thought-provoking story of transformation, identity, and inequity. It centers on Monica Joseph, abandoned in a Singaporean orphanage, who assumes the identity of her affluent classmate, Ami Shah. Under this borrowed name, she gains admission to London Business School and builds a thriving skincare brand, only for her past to catch up with her years later
Monica’s journey is filled with many emotional complexities. I found myself first feeling fierce anger at the systemic inequities that pushed her into erasure, as well as sadness at the resources denied to so many. I was enraged that she felt compelled to fabricate an identity to prove her worth, and heartbroken that keeping her secret meant she couldn't foster intimate relationships. Monica never fully belonged to the life she created, nor the life she erased.
Mansi Shah’s novels consistently shine a light on women navigating patriarchal, classist, and capitalist systems that seek to define them. Saving Face, much like the Shah's previous 3 novels, is not just fiction with a strong female main character. It’s a mirror to the gender bias, class stratification, and identity politics women face, especially in diasporic contexts
What makes Saving Face particularly compelling is how the layered storytelling invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths while rooting for the protagonist. Mansi Shah blends rags‑to‑riches ambition with a meditation on belonging—not just in one’s given family or the society into which you’re born, but also in the family you choose.
Monica’s journey is filled with many emotional complexities. I found myself first feeling fierce anger at the systemic inequities that pushed her into erasure, as well as sadness at the resources denied to so many. I was enraged that she felt compelled to fabricate an identity to prove her worth, and heartbroken that keeping her secret meant she couldn't foster intimate relationships. Monica never fully belonged to the life she created, nor the life she erased.
Mansi Shah’s novels consistently shine a light on women navigating patriarchal, classist, and capitalist systems that seek to define them. Saving Face, much like the Shah's previous 3 novels, is not just fiction with a strong female main character. It’s a mirror to the gender bias, class stratification, and identity politics women face, especially in diasporic contexts
What makes Saving Face particularly compelling is how the layered storytelling invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths while rooting for the protagonist. Mansi Shah blends rags‑to‑riches ambition with a meditation on belonging—not just in one’s given family or the society into which you’re born, but also in the family you choose.
August 27, 2025
Thank you to the publisher & Ripaldi Communications for the #gifted book and Harlequin Audio for the gifted ALC via NetGalley narrated by the amazing Soneela Nankani 🎧
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𝑺𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑭𝒂𝒄𝒆 is a bold and deep dive into several stigmas faced by a contemporary Indian woman, Ami Shah, when she’s on the threshold of attaining entrepreneurial fame through a much sought-out award and a major Fortune 500 acquisition in L.A.
The problem is, Ami is not her real name and her past is built on fraud, which she committed not out of malice, but for the purpose of carving her path from rags to riches as a minority.
Ami built her skincare empire from scratch while suffering from eczema herself. However, right when she’s about to attain the ultimate American dream, she receives anonymous text messages threatening to expose her past, which will not only derail her status as CEO but will also revoke her ability to stay in the United States. Ami is now confronted with a very tough decision that leads her to making a nostalgic trip back to Singapore, where she was raised, in the hopes of seeking answers.
Mansi Shah did an absolutely fantastic job of portraying racism, classicism, inequality and capitalist exploitations. This story is a compelling portrait of how society shapes minority women, based on the family they’re born into, regardless of decades of hard work and achievements.
This book also offers an interesting historical context of orphans being raised by missionary nuns in Singapore and the author’s notes show her tremendous research and dedication in preserving their voices.
Special props to Mansi for also including Ayurveda in her novel. More books need to highlight this holistic medicine system. 🙏
I’m going to be thinking about this book for a very long time.
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𝑺𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑭𝒂𝒄𝒆 is a bold and deep dive into several stigmas faced by a contemporary Indian woman, Ami Shah, when she’s on the threshold of attaining entrepreneurial fame through a much sought-out award and a major Fortune 500 acquisition in L.A.
The problem is, Ami is not her real name and her past is built on fraud, which she committed not out of malice, but for the purpose of carving her path from rags to riches as a minority.
Ami built her skincare empire from scratch while suffering from eczema herself. However, right when she’s about to attain the ultimate American dream, she receives anonymous text messages threatening to expose her past, which will not only derail her status as CEO but will also revoke her ability to stay in the United States. Ami is now confronted with a very tough decision that leads her to making a nostalgic trip back to Singapore, where she was raised, in the hopes of seeking answers.
Mansi Shah did an absolutely fantastic job of portraying racism, classicism, inequality and capitalist exploitations. This story is a compelling portrait of how society shapes minority women, based on the family they’re born into, regardless of decades of hard work and achievements.
This book also offers an interesting historical context of orphans being raised by missionary nuns in Singapore and the author’s notes show her tremendous research and dedication in preserving their voices.
Special props to Mansi for also including Ayurveda in her novel. More books need to highlight this holistic medicine system. 🙏
I’m going to be thinking about this book for a very long time.
July 28, 2025
I'm such a fan of Mansi Shah's work, I was so excited to get an advanced copy of this novel!
Ami Shah is on the verge of everything she’s ever wanted: her skincare brand is about to be acquired by a major company, and she’s up for the prestigious ChangeMaker Award. However, the only problem is that Ami Shah doesn’t really exist. Twenty years ago, orphan Monica Joseph stole the identity of a wealthy classmate and built a new life under a false name. Now, with a nosy journalist digging into her past, Monica’s carefully crafted empire is at risk. To protect the truth, she’ll have to return to the place and the secrets she’s spent two decades trying to outrun.
This book had me on edge from the start. The author masterfully builds a tense atmosphere, capturing the emotional weight of living a lie and the isolation that comes with it. The main character’s growing distrust of everyone around her was heartbreaking, but it made perfect sense in a world where secrets rule and truth feels dangerous. No one in this story walks away blameless, which only deepens its exploration of humanity which is flawed, complex, and real. The novel tackles classism, racism, and bias with nuance and honesty, and still delivers a gripping, satisfying ending. It’s both a compelling story and an important one that I definitely recommend!
Thank you to the author, Harlequin Audio, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Park Row for the ARC/ALC of this book.
Ami Shah is on the verge of everything she’s ever wanted: her skincare brand is about to be acquired by a major company, and she’s up for the prestigious ChangeMaker Award. However, the only problem is that Ami Shah doesn’t really exist. Twenty years ago, orphan Monica Joseph stole the identity of a wealthy classmate and built a new life under a false name. Now, with a nosy journalist digging into her past, Monica’s carefully crafted empire is at risk. To protect the truth, she’ll have to return to the place and the secrets she’s spent two decades trying to outrun.
This book had me on edge from the start. The author masterfully builds a tense atmosphere, capturing the emotional weight of living a lie and the isolation that comes with it. The main character’s growing distrust of everyone around her was heartbreaking, but it made perfect sense in a world where secrets rule and truth feels dangerous. No one in this story walks away blameless, which only deepens its exploration of humanity which is flawed, complex, and real. The novel tackles classism, racism, and bias with nuance and honesty, and still delivers a gripping, satisfying ending. It’s both a compelling story and an important one that I definitely recommend!
Thank you to the author, Harlequin Audio, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Park Row for the ARC/ALC of this book.
August 16, 2025
I had no idea what to expect when I started reading SAVING FACE by Mansi Shah, but I was immediately intrigued when I read, “People love a rags-to-riches story, but hate a woman who lied to get ahead,” on the inside cover.
Yes, SAVING FACE is a rags-to-riches story, but it’s a complex and deeply layered one about a complex and deeply layered woman—and the lengths she’d go to pull herself out of a life she believed was destined for poverty.
Ami Shah, AKA Monica Joseph, is intelligent, resourceful and filled with so much ambition—and you can’t help but wonder what her life would have been like had she been born into the life of privilege that she so desired. Could she and would she have achieved everything that she does without all of the lies and deception?
This book is a thought-provoking exploration of identity that pulls at your heartstrings. You want Monica to get everything that she longs for, despite all of the questionable and deceitful decisions that she makes. I love how the book has added elements of mystery and how masterfully the tension behind those elements is both crafted and revealed to readers.
If you enjoy thought-provoking books with complex and layered characters, you will enjoy reading Monica’s journey.
Thank you to @mansishahwrites, @parkrowbooks, @harpercollinsca, @librofm & @netgalley for the gifted copies to read and review.
Yes, SAVING FACE is a rags-to-riches story, but it’s a complex and deeply layered one about a complex and deeply layered woman—and the lengths she’d go to pull herself out of a life she believed was destined for poverty.
Ami Shah, AKA Monica Joseph, is intelligent, resourceful and filled with so much ambition—and you can’t help but wonder what her life would have been like had she been born into the life of privilege that she so desired. Could she and would she have achieved everything that she does without all of the lies and deception?
This book is a thought-provoking exploration of identity that pulls at your heartstrings. You want Monica to get everything that she longs for, despite all of the questionable and deceitful decisions that she makes. I love how the book has added elements of mystery and how masterfully the tension behind those elements is both crafted and revealed to readers.
If you enjoy thought-provoking books with complex and layered characters, you will enjoy reading Monica’s journey.
Thank you to @mansishahwrites, @parkrowbooks, @harpercollinsca, @librofm & @netgalley for the gifted copies to read and review.
July 22, 2025
Saving Face is the first book I’ve read by Mansi Shah. I had mixed feelings about this book and had a difficult time trying to rate it. Monica is such a complicated character. The way she handled the spam calls seemed strange to me. Naria, the journalist, was incredibly messy character to the point where I couldn’t stand her. There’s a part in the book where I didn’t understand why Monica let her get away with such scummy behavior without consequences. The culprit behind the spam calls didn’t surprise me at all. I found that Divya was the only honest Indian woman and the only true girls’ girl in the story. What bothered me the most was the portrayal of Indian women. It cast them in a negative light which is especially frustrating in today’s political climate. Climbing the corporate ladder is already difficult and this type of representation doesn’t help. Back to the storyline, the pacing was off. The beginning moved slowly and I struggled to get into the story. However, I really enjoyed learning more about Monica’s past and her present-day trip to Singapore. Once Monica’s secret came out, the ending took a strange turn. I didn’t love how things escalated so quickly or how abruptly the story ended. The last 30% could have been much more developed. With all of that said, I applaud the author for researching complex topics and pushing her writing capabilities. Though I had mixed feelings about this book, I’ll definitely check out her earlier books.
Thank you Park Row & the author for the free copy.
Thank you Park Row & the author for the free copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2025
This was such a powerful story!
So much good commentary on stereotypes and classism and shared cultural heritage and more. There is something to be said about understanding why some people lie or Westernize themselves or make other choices that assimilate rather than stand out.
This book had some similar tones to Yellowface and Julie Chan is Dead with the stolen identity theme. The suspense and thriller aspects in Saving Face are a bit more reserved than those books and balanced more with Monica being real and honest. This is one of those rare books where I wouldn't say the main character was likeable or unlikeable. I definitely respected her and appreciated her commentary.
The drama held my attention and was very entertaining. The rich, Singaporean lifestyle felt a little like a Kevin Kwan book. I loved how much the story brings the reader into the plot. And even during the chaos of everything, there is still analysis on equality. People dont want to see and believe in folks who don't look like them, they want assurances that they're the norm and we're the other.
Saving Fave explores caste a lot while still having an engaging story about Monica. I thought this was a well-done book filled with both intrigue and commentary.
Thank you to HTP and The Hive for the ALC!
So much good commentary on stereotypes and classism and shared cultural heritage and more. There is something to be said about understanding why some people lie or Westernize themselves or make other choices that assimilate rather than stand out.
This book had some similar tones to Yellowface and Julie Chan is Dead with the stolen identity theme. The suspense and thriller aspects in Saving Face are a bit more reserved than those books and balanced more with Monica being real and honest. This is one of those rare books where I wouldn't say the main character was likeable or unlikeable. I definitely respected her and appreciated her commentary.
The drama held my attention and was very entertaining. The rich, Singaporean lifestyle felt a little like a Kevin Kwan book. I loved how much the story brings the reader into the plot. And even during the chaos of everything, there is still analysis on equality. People dont want to see and believe in folks who don't look like them, they want assurances that they're the norm and we're the other.
Saving Fave explores caste a lot while still having an engaging story about Monica. I thought this was a well-done book filled with both intrigue and commentary.
Thank you to HTP and The Hive for the ALC!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews