The impulsive, tempestuous, and fiery Shirina Khanna is a Wednesday’s Child who’s hiding a broken heart behind her plucky attitude. The handsome, hardworking, and successful Rishi Khurana has been in love with Shirina even during their college days. But she chucks him out of her life all because he refuses to marry her on her eighteenth birthday. Eight years later, the billionaire Rishi returns to Delhi after building a rocking career as a video game developer in the USA, and it happens to be soon after Shirina finds her feet, having set up a foundation for educating slum children. The physical attraction between the two is as strong as ever. But what about mental compatibility? He wants to marry her now, but is wary of offering for her hand. Will Shirina accept him after the way he broke her teenage heart? Will she find the courage to expose her tender feelings to him once again? What if he tramples all over them one more time? Read the book to know if this grumpy lady and her sunshine lover find their happy-ever-after.
TROPES • Young-Adult Love • Drama Queen • Second Time Lucky • Grumpy x Sunshine (She’s grumpy, he’s sunshine) • Billionaire MMC • Independent FMC • Family Drama • Happy Ever After • She falls first, He falls harder • Hands off, she’s mine
Sundari Venkatraman is an Indie Author who has 76 self-published books to her credit. These books have consistently featured in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month. These days, the author is independently publishing her novels in paperback format under her banner Flaming Sun, printed and distributed by Notion Press. Even as a child, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome and she grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, Phantom comics and Mandrake comics. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy ending after the protagonists surmounted all unexpected obstacles. Once she entered her teens, Sundari switched her loyalties from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to local heroes and heroines. And of course, the joy of vanquishing the ubiquitous evil villains! Her imagination soared and she happily ensconced herself in a rosy romantic cocoon for many years. Then came the writing—a true bolt from the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back. Use hashtag #60at60 You can connect with the author here: https://linktr.ee/sundarivenkatraman
Wednesday's Child is full of Woe by Sundari Venkatraman
3/5 stars
Wednesday's Child is my first book by Sundari and I was pleasantly surprised by it. I have read more romance books by Indian authors and I was surprised by how open, honest, intimate and sexual this book is. I wasn't expecting it and I just loved how 2026 this novel felt.
This is the story of Shiri and Rishi. 8 years ago they loved each other passionately. And when Shiri proposes to Rishi he refuses and they separate. Rishi moves to the United States and they both look back differently on their separation. Shiri is slightly spoiled, stubborn, is extremely fiery and is known to have thrown a tantrum or two. All she heard was rejection and no. She didn't hear Rishi's explanation that he wanted to make a name for himself first and secure a steady income for the both of them. He wanted to get married later, after his business in making video games had taken off.
8 years pass and Rishi is a billionaire and now he wants to win over the heart of his girl again. But Shiri isn't having none of that. She is still hurt and she has closed her heart off and isn't ready to let him in yet or even at all.
And that is what this beautiful story is about. It's about two people who love each other deeply, who must overcome their differences and hurt all in order to find themselves together in the future again.
My heart broke for the way Rishi was raised. He had a very distant and cold upbringing. While Shiri was raised in pure love and utter joy. I love how her family plays a large part in this book. I love how her parents love each other, how they help and support each other, and how accepting they are of Rishi. It's just such a wholesome and beautiful story. I really enjoyed it and I loved reading how culturally different Delhi is from Europe. I learned a lot and I loved going on this journey with Rishi and Shiri.
While I truly enjoyed this one it was written a little distantly. It was hard to really connect with the main characters. I didn't feel their chemistry fly off the page. I know the intention was there, I just didn't feel nor experience it. And that is what I really missed in this book. A true and powerful connection. I felt the family connection more strongly than the love aspect of this story. I also wish the story had a more smooth flow. At times it felt choppy and very factual. So that's why I am giving this book 3 out of 5 stars.
But don't get me wrong. I truly loved and enjoyed reading this love story and I am glad I gave Sundari a chance! I might pick up another one of her books in the future and see if that one suits me a bit better.
Even if you have all the money in the world it is love that makes it worthwhile and this book proves that once again.
True love always supports and encourages and waits for their Love One.
This is a second Chance Romance by Sundari and the story is fast paced with interesting characters.
Shirni is a spoiled rich kid but it's Rishi who steals the show. A total green flag, his quite strength, determination and hard work make the 8 year wait totally worth it.
It's a fast and hot read with the characters developing over the 8 years separation period and finally finding each other.
Like all beautiful love stories they too find their happy ending but after years of heartache.
The book has introduced a lot of other family members and I am eager to find out that how Sundari will write their stories.
Two books in the series are already out and I plan to read them soon.
Wednesday’s Child is Full of Woe by Sundari Venkatraman beautifully reveals the hidden wounds within the Khanna family.
Shirina Khanna, the lively "Wednesday’s child," hides her sadness behind boldness until Rishad—quiet and steadfast—gently breaks through her defenses in a heartfelt second-chance romance.
The story thoughtfully explores healing amid trauma: family expectations often conflict with personal truth, and love slowly eases the weight of guilt.
Shirina's journey from self-destruction to honest vulnerability feels very authentic, thanks to Rishi's calm and caring nature—a rare and considerate hero in a lively, loving family.
Sundari ma'am's lively, dialogue-rich writing is filled with optimism, warmth, humor, and comfort, sending a gentle message: even the most broken hearts can heal, one honest beat at a time.
It’s a perfect read for those who enjoy deep character development over thrilling plot surprises.
Hello Sundari, one more feather in your cap! This book also was enjoyable, fast paced romance. Liked the way the scenes go back n forth without any confusion. Loved Rishi n Shiri. Ofcourse Khanna senior couple have been portrayed very well in all the stories so far. So which Khanna's story is going to be next? Can't wait
Arc Review of "Wednesday's Child is Full of Woe" by Sundari Venkatraman. Ratings ~ 5/5
"Wednesday's Child is Full of Woe" by Sundari Venkatraman is a heartfelt contemporary romance that pulls you right into the emotional whirlwind of second chances. Shirina Khanna, the fiery and impulsive heroine born on a Wednesday, carries a broken heart from her college days when Rishi Khurana turned down her impulsive marriage proposal at 18. Fast-forward eight years, and Rishi, now a billionaire video game developer back in Delhi from the USA, crosses paths with Shirina again just as she's building her foundation for educating slum kids. The chemistry crackles from the start—their physical pull is undeniable, but it's the slow rebuild of trust amid family drama and past hurts that keeps you hooked. Sundari mam weaves in real Delhi vibes, making the settings feel alive, from bustling streets to intimate family gatherings, and her characters grow in ways that feel authentic and earned.
What I love most is how Sundari Venkatraman nails the grumpy-sunshine dynamic with Shirina as the prickly one hiding vulnerability and Rishi as the steady, loving force who falls harder this time around. The story doesn't shy away from realistic bumps—like Rishi's wariness after her past drama queen moments or Shirina's fear of heartbreak—but it builds to a satisfying HEA that leaves you smiling. Sundari mam's magic lies in her vivid Indian-rooted romances that echo Mills & Boon charm with modern depth; she never disappoints, pulling fresh ideas that feel tailor-made for fans craving emotional payoff. Personally, I love her writing and the out-of-the-box concepts she introduces in her books.
"Eight years later, fate threw them together again, proving that some loves are worth the wait, the pain, and the glorious fall."
I believe Sundari has a magic box filled with beautiful ideas. Whenever she wants to write a book, she deeps her hand into it and out comes another amazing theme for yet a new best seller. Thank you for never letting your readers down.