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Of Rice, Love and War
Amidst the turmoil of the Vietnam War, the line between loyalty and betrayal is blurred in this gripping romantic spy thriller.
Amelie, a French journalist born in colonial Indochina, navigates the treacherous landscape of espionage as a communist spy working for the North Vietnamese. Under the guidance of her handler, Tran, Amelie finds herself entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse, operating between Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.
When Amelie receives crucial evidence from a burned CIA operative in Bangkok, she becomes further embroiled in the war's chaos and her emotions are torn between two Magnus, a dashing Scottish reporter, and Tom, a charismatic American officer.
As the stakes heighten and allegiances are tested, Amelie must confront the devastating impact of violence on her life and the cost of loyalty, duty, and love. Can she survive the war, find love, and uncover the truth without losing herself in the process?
Amelie, a French journalist born in colonial Indochina, navigates the treacherous landscape of espionage as a communist spy working for the North Vietnamese. Under the guidance of her handler, Tran, Amelie finds herself entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse, operating between Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.
When Amelie receives crucial evidence from a burned CIA operative in Bangkok, she becomes further embroiled in the war's chaos and her emotions are torn between two Magnus, a dashing Scottish reporter, and Tom, a charismatic American officer.
As the stakes heighten and allegiances are tested, Amelie must confront the devastating impact of violence on her life and the cost of loyalty, duty, and love. Can she survive the war, find love, and uncover the truth without losing herself in the process?
304 pages, Paperback
Published March 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 15, 2026
Set in 1964 Saigon as tensions in Vietnam begin to intensify, Of Rice, Love and War by Elana Sabharwal blends romance, espionage and history into a fast-moving and compelling novel. The story unfolds in a city layered with political intrigue, where the remnants of French colonial influence collide with the rising conflict that will soon define the Vietnam War.
Sabharwal crafts a narrative that moves quickly but never loses its sense of place. Saigon is not simply a setting — it becomes a living, shifting backdrop where loyalties are uncertain and danger often hides in plain sight. The spy-thriller elements give the novel a strong sense of momentum, while the personal relationships at the center of the story add emotional depth.
What makes the book particularly engaging is how it balances suspense with the human realities of a country on the brink of deeper conflict. Love, loyalty and survival are all tested as characters navigate a world where politics and personal lives constantly intersect.
Of Rice, Love and War is both entertaining and atmospheric — a novel that captures the tension of a city and a moment in history when everything was about to change.
Sabharwal crafts a narrative that moves quickly but never loses its sense of place. Saigon is not simply a setting — it becomes a living, shifting backdrop where loyalties are uncertain and danger often hides in plain sight. The spy-thriller elements give the novel a strong sense of momentum, while the personal relationships at the center of the story add emotional depth.
What makes the book particularly engaging is how it balances suspense with the human realities of a country on the brink of deeper conflict. Love, loyalty and survival are all tested as characters navigate a world where politics and personal lives constantly intersect.
Of Rice, Love and War is both entertaining and atmospheric — a novel that captures the tension of a city and a moment in history when everything was about to change.
March 17, 2026
"Of Rice, Love and War" by Elana Sabharwal opens dramatically, with us travelling precariously in an open helicopter over Vietnam, under enemy fire. I was instantly awakened to the Vietnam theatre of war.
We then meander between several central characters who have their own agendas and allegences in a romantic spy thriller.
I've never read such an interesting telling of the complexities of war....almost like a game of chess, strategic moves applenty. The characters gradually show tnemselves.....Who was on which side...who was a friend and who a mortal enemy? And then the added complication of lust and love.
Initially unsure what side Amelie was on, I waited to find out her being a French reporter was a rouse and actually her landscape of espionage was as a communist spy working for the North Vietnamese. Under the guidance of her handler, Tran, Amelie finds herself entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse, operating between Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.
As in any romantic spy tale, her emotions are torn between two men: Magnus, a dashing Scottish reporter, and Tom, a charismatic American officer. They have their own loyalties as Vietnam teeters on the verge of salvation or slaughter.
"Of Rice, Love and War" was little slow in places.....the emotional journey deeper than I expected. I most enjoyed the thrilling action scenes. Recommended for lovers of espionage and romantic historical fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley, Troubador Publishing and Elana Sabharwal for my copy.
We then meander between several central characters who have their own agendas and allegences in a romantic spy thriller.
I've never read such an interesting telling of the complexities of war....almost like a game of chess, strategic moves applenty. The characters gradually show tnemselves.....Who was on which side...who was a friend and who a mortal enemy? And then the added complication of lust and love.
Initially unsure what side Amelie was on, I waited to find out her being a French reporter was a rouse and actually her landscape of espionage was as a communist spy working for the North Vietnamese. Under the guidance of her handler, Tran, Amelie finds herself entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse, operating between Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.
As in any romantic spy tale, her emotions are torn between two men: Magnus, a dashing Scottish reporter, and Tom, a charismatic American officer. They have their own loyalties as Vietnam teeters on the verge of salvation or slaughter.
"Of Rice, Love and War" was little slow in places.....the emotional journey deeper than I expected. I most enjoyed the thrilling action scenes. Recommended for lovers of espionage and romantic historical fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley, Troubador Publishing and Elana Sabharwal for my copy.
May 11, 2026
I love a good historical fiction, and Of Rice, Love, and War absolutely delivered. It’s a gripping tale of espionage and love that kept me invested from start to finish. The novel follows Amilie, a French journalist born in Indochina, who becomes a spy for the communist party.
The story flows seamlessly between two timelines—Amilie’s life during the Vietnam War and her earlier years in French colonial society—adding depth and richness to her character.
What stood out most was how the book explores the darker, often overlooked sides of war, shedding light on complexities we aren’t always taught in depth. It’s both eye-opening and emotionally engaging.
I particularly found this story fascinating because I grew up in a state where Hmong refugees were resettled and was privileged to be immersed in parts of their culture.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for the earc!
The story flows seamlessly between two timelines—Amilie’s life during the Vietnam War and her earlier years in French colonial society—adding depth and richness to her character.
What stood out most was how the book explores the darker, often overlooked sides of war, shedding light on complexities we aren’t always taught in depth. It’s both eye-opening and emotionally engaging.
I particularly found this story fascinating because I grew up in a state where Hmong refugees were resettled and was privileged to be immersed in parts of their culture.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for the earc!
March 16, 2026
Incredible historical fiction novel seamlessly blending elements of romance and thriller. You can tell when reading just how much research and attention to detail went into this novel.
This novel is set during the Vietnam war and the author doesn't shy away from the gritty and occasionally gross details of the horrors of war. Yet, there are also plenty of moments of peace and even humor to keep it balanced out and captivate the interest of readers.
I eagerly look forward to what the author does next!
Thank you to Netgalley, Troubador Publishing, and the author for the ARC!
This novel is set during the Vietnam war and the author doesn't shy away from the gritty and occasionally gross details of the horrors of war. Yet, there are also plenty of moments of peace and even humor to keep it balanced out and captivate the interest of readers.
I eagerly look forward to what the author does next!
Thank you to Netgalley, Troubador Publishing, and the author for the ARC!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews