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Chandigarh Chai
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Expected 18 Aug 26168 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advanced Review Copy received from Author
Book Review : Chandigarh Chai ☕
Author : Tanima Kazi
I went into "Chandigarh Chai" expecting a cozy story but I didn't expect to get this emotionally attached to the characters.
What I loved most about this book was the "family". Their reunion, all the old emotions between them, the little misunderstandings & the love that still exists underneath everything...it just felt sooo real. There was something really comforting reading about people who have been apart but still somehow belong to each other.
Avni was such an easy character to connect with ❤️ I think a lot of girls who are confused about their careers or feel like they haven't figured out what they're doing with their lives will understand her. She tries to be strong & tough but she's actually such a soft & warm person underneath. I really liked seeing her slowly find her way back to her roots and realise that sometimes the place you were trying to leave behind is actually the place that helps you find yourself again.
And then there's "Radha"😭🤌
I genuinely loved her character. She is so fierce & strong on the outside but there is so much sadness underneath that exterior. Deep down, she is just a woman who wanted to be loved by the person she loved. Her character broke my heart in a way I wasn't expecting. For me, she was honestly the life of this book.
I also liked Phiroza. There was something soo admirable about her character & the way she carries herself. I loved the different personalities of the women in this family & how each of them had their own stories & struggles.
I do wish we had gotten more of Avni & Rafi moments because I definitely found myself wanting more of them! The slow-burn romance, the quite understanding is just the cherry on the top 😍
Also can we talk about the little food booklet at the end?? One of my favourite things ! I wasn't expecting it & it was such a cute way to end the book. It made the whole "food and family" feeling of the story even better.
Overall this was such a warm, emotional and comforting read. I laughed, I got emotional & there were definitely moments where I just wanted to hug these characters.
It really did feel like a warm cup of chai on a rainy day ☕💚
Thank you Tanima Kazi and Aurelia Ink PR for this ARC 💖
Book Review : Chandigarh Chai ☕
Author : Tanima Kazi
I went into "Chandigarh Chai" expecting a cozy story but I didn't expect to get this emotionally attached to the characters.
What I loved most about this book was the "family". Their reunion, all the old emotions between them, the little misunderstandings & the love that still exists underneath everything...it just felt sooo real. There was something really comforting reading about people who have been apart but still somehow belong to each other.
Avni was such an easy character to connect with ❤️ I think a lot of girls who are confused about their careers or feel like they haven't figured out what they're doing with their lives will understand her. She tries to be strong & tough but she's actually such a soft & warm person underneath. I really liked seeing her slowly find her way back to her roots and realise that sometimes the place you were trying to leave behind is actually the place that helps you find yourself again.
And then there's "Radha"😭🤌
I genuinely loved her character. She is so fierce & strong on the outside but there is so much sadness underneath that exterior. Deep down, she is just a woman who wanted to be loved by the person she loved. Her character broke my heart in a way I wasn't expecting. For me, she was honestly the life of this book.
I also liked Phiroza. There was something soo admirable about her character & the way she carries herself. I loved the different personalities of the women in this family & how each of them had their own stories & struggles.
I do wish we had gotten more of Avni & Rafi moments because I definitely found myself wanting more of them! The slow-burn romance, the quite understanding is just the cherry on the top 😍
Also can we talk about the little food booklet at the end?? One of my favourite things ! I wasn't expecting it & it was such a cute way to end the book. It made the whole "food and family" feeling of the story even better.
Overall this was such a warm, emotional and comforting read. I laughed, I got emotional & there were definitely moments where I just wanted to hug these characters.
It really did feel like a warm cup of chai on a rainy day ☕💚
Thank you Tanima Kazi and Aurelia Ink PR for this ARC 💖
Review of advance copy received from Author
Some books are comforting because of their setting, some because of their characters, and some because of the emotions they leave you with. Chandigarh Chai somehow manages to bring all three together.
What I really enjoyed about this book was how layered it felt. Beneath the warmth of chai, food, family and Chandigarh, there are complicated relationships, old wounds, secrets and people trying to make sense of the choices that brought them here. I especially loved how none of the female characters felt one-dimensional. Each woman has her own history, personality and perspective, and honestly, some of them have enough depth that I could imagine an entire story with them as the lead. Yet, it never felt like the book was trying too hard to prove a point, their stories simply existed alongside one another and made the world feel richer.
I also loved the way the book explores belonging and the idea of home. For Avni, this isn't simply about returning to a place she knows; it's about discovering a part of her own story that she never knew existed. That made her journey feel all the more meaningful to me.
There is something very warm about the way Tanima Kazi brings together food, family, memories and everyday moments, while still leaving room for the messier emotions underneath. It made me want to slow down and spend a little more time with these characters rather than simply rush towards the next chapter.
Chandigarh Chai is a story of family, unexpected discoveries, complicated women, changing dreams and finding pieces of yourself in places you never expected to look.
A warm, thoughtful and beautifully layered read, best enjoyed with, obviously, a cup of chai ☕🤎
What I really enjoyed about this book was how layered it felt. Beneath the warmth of chai, food, family and Chandigarh, there are complicated relationships, old wounds, secrets and people trying to make sense of the choices that brought them here. I especially loved how none of the female characters felt one-dimensional. Each woman has her own history, personality and perspective, and honestly, some of them have enough depth that I could imagine an entire story with them as the lead. Yet, it never felt like the book was trying too hard to prove a point, their stories simply existed alongside one another and made the world feel richer.
I also loved the way the book explores belonging and the idea of home. For Avni, this isn't simply about returning to a place she knows; it's about discovering a part of her own story that she never knew existed. That made her journey feel all the more meaningful to me.
There is something very warm about the way Tanima Kazi brings together food, family, memories and everyday moments, while still leaving room for the messier emotions underneath. It made me want to slow down and spend a little more time with these characters rather than simply rush towards the next chapter.
Chandigarh Chai is a story of family, unexpected discoveries, complicated women, changing dreams and finding pieces of yourself in places you never expected to look.
A warm, thoughtful and beautifully layered read, best enjoyed with, obviously, a cup of chai ☕🤎
Review of advance copy received from Author
Chandigarh Chai was such a short, cozy, and heartwarming read! After Avni is rejected from Le Cordon Bleu, she discovers a letter from her Nani revealing that her family’s chai shop in Chandigarh is closing. Determined to save it, Avni packs her bags and heads to Chandigarh but quickly realizes that saving the shop might be more complicated than she expected.
I really loved Avni as a character. She’s strong, independent, and determined, but she’s also trying to figure out what she wants for herself and where she belongs. I especially loved the family dynamics. Seeing Avni reconnect with her family and how they welcomed her with open arms, even when they didn’t completely understand why keeping the chai shop meant so much to her, was really sweet.
The romance between Avni and Rafi was also adorable! Their relationship added just the right amount of romance without taking away from the story’s focus on family and legacy.
Learning why Avni’s mother had never told her about her family was heartbreaking, and Radha’s story was equally bittersweet. I really appreciated how the story explored the idea that sometimes letting go of something doesn’t mean giving up, it can mean making room for something new.
And I absolutely loved that the author, Tanima Kazi, included recipes at the end of the book! I can’t wait to try some of them. It feels like a little way to experience Avni’s chai shop for yourself.
Thank you to the Aurelia Ink and Tanima Kazi for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I really loved Avni as a character. She’s strong, independent, and determined, but she’s also trying to figure out what she wants for herself and where she belongs. I especially loved the family dynamics. Seeing Avni reconnect with her family and how they welcomed her with open arms, even when they didn’t completely understand why keeping the chai shop meant so much to her, was really sweet.
The romance between Avni and Rafi was also adorable! Their relationship added just the right amount of romance without taking away from the story’s focus on family and legacy.
Learning why Avni’s mother had never told her about her family was heartbreaking, and Radha’s story was equally bittersweet. I really appreciated how the story explored the idea that sometimes letting go of something doesn’t mean giving up, it can mean making room for something new.
And I absolutely loved that the author, Tanima Kazi, included recipes at the end of the book! I can’t wait to try some of them. It feels like a little way to experience Avni’s chai shop for yourself.
Thank you to the Aurelia Ink and Tanima Kazi for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is your sign to pick up the book you weren't expecting to love...because WOW. 🤍☕📖
Some books grab you from the very first page.
Others quietly work their way into your heart until you realise you never want them to end.
Chandigarh Chai was the latter.
I picked this up because the tropes completely drew me in, and I am so glad it did.
This was one of those stories that transported me somewhere else entirely. The writing is beautiful. I genuinely felt like I was wandering through Punjab alongside the characters. Every setting, every meal, every emotion felt so vivid.
I laughed. I cried. I gasped at the plot twists. And those letters...those letters. 😭🤍 SO BEAUTIFUL.
Can we also take a moment to appreciate the food in this book? Such exquisite foods mentioned throughout and I love the recipes at the end, wonderful touch.
As a South Asian reader, so many moments felt comforting and familiar. It was relatable in ways I wasn't expecting, which made the story all the more special.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A short read with a huge heart. If you're looking for a romance wrapped in family, culture, longing, and beautiful storytelling, this absolutely deserves a place on your TBR.
Thank you for trusting me with this ARC. It completely exceeded my expectations, and I already know I'll be thinking about these characters for a long time. I hope there's a second book as I need to know how these characters develop.
Some books grab you from the very first page.
Others quietly work their way into your heart until you realise you never want them to end.
Chandigarh Chai was the latter.
I picked this up because the tropes completely drew me in, and I am so glad it did.
This was one of those stories that transported me somewhere else entirely. The writing is beautiful. I genuinely felt like I was wandering through Punjab alongside the characters. Every setting, every meal, every emotion felt so vivid.
I laughed. I cried. I gasped at the plot twists. And those letters...those letters. 😭🤍 SO BEAUTIFUL.
Can we also take a moment to appreciate the food in this book? Such exquisite foods mentioned throughout and I love the recipes at the end, wonderful touch.
As a South Asian reader, so many moments felt comforting and familiar. It was relatable in ways I wasn't expecting, which made the story all the more special.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A short read with a huge heart. If you're looking for a romance wrapped in family, culture, longing, and beautiful storytelling, this absolutely deserves a place on your TBR.
Thank you for trusting me with this ARC. It completely exceeded my expectations, and I already know I'll be thinking about these characters for a long time. I hope there's a second book as I need to know how these characters develop.
Review of advance copy
📖 BOOK REVIEW
Chandigarh Chai by Tanima Kazi ☕🤍
This book is the definition of perfectttt!! I started it without knowing how much I would end up loving it, and now I can confidently say it’s one of my favourite books EVER. 🥹🤍
Chandigarh Chai has everything- family, self-growth, love, complications, failures, wins, and all the messy, beautiful moments that make life feel real.
I absolutely loved Avni’s character development. She’s brave and confident, yet quietly vulnerable, which made her feel so incredibly real🤍
And the family dynamics? EVERYTHINGGGG😭 Their chaos, humour, love, and support made me adore them. They were imperfect in the most beautiful way, and I genuinely wished I could jump into the book and become a part of their family(seriously).
The slow-burn romance between Avni and Rafi had me smiling throughout. Their love felt soft, natural, genuine, and beautifully unhurried🫶🏻
And Radha, Avni’s grandmother, will always have a special place in my heart. Her strength, sacrifices, and ESPECIALLY her love story completely moved me🤍
Honestly, Chandigarh Chai felt less like a book and more like being welcomed into a family for a little while and I really didn’t want to leave🥹☕🤍
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Thank you to Author Tanima Kazi and Aurelia Ink PR for sending me an ARC of Chandigarh Chai.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Chandigarh Chai by Tanima Kazi ☕🤍
This book is the definition of perfectttt!! I started it without knowing how much I would end up loving it, and now I can confidently say it’s one of my favourite books EVER. 🥹🤍
Chandigarh Chai has everything- family, self-growth, love, complications, failures, wins, and all the messy, beautiful moments that make life feel real.
I absolutely loved Avni’s character development. She’s brave and confident, yet quietly vulnerable, which made her feel so incredibly real🤍
And the family dynamics? EVERYTHINGGGG😭 Their chaos, humour, love, and support made me adore them. They were imperfect in the most beautiful way, and I genuinely wished I could jump into the book and become a part of their family(seriously).
The slow-burn romance between Avni and Rafi had me smiling throughout. Their love felt soft, natural, genuine, and beautifully unhurried🫶🏻
And Radha, Avni’s grandmother, will always have a special place in my heart. Her strength, sacrifices, and ESPECIALLY her love story completely moved me🤍
Honestly, Chandigarh Chai felt less like a book and more like being welcomed into a family for a little while and I really didn’t want to leave🥹☕🤍
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Thank you to Author Tanima Kazi and Aurelia Ink PR for sending me an ARC of Chandigarh Chai.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is phenomenal!!
Chandigarh Chai by Tanima kazi is a beautiful and empowering book. Reading this book healed something inside me. The plot, characters and setting were portrayed in an amazing manner. The detailed description of culture and food was mesmerizing. The detailed description of food can make one hungry while reading.
Avni as the main lead was brave and had lot of courage. Her struggle and the complex situations she dealt with were emotional to read. The way she revived the chai shop and the enthusiasm with which she tried recipies was heartwarming to read. I enjoyed reading her whole journey and at the end It made me smile. The relationship growth with her grandmother was intriguing and I enjoyed their conversations.
The story portrayed three generations of women and each one had their own journey and struggle. There was lot of depth and it can stay with you for a long time after one has finished reading it. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions while reading it. Each and every character brought different flavours in the story like the food.
At the end I would say one can enjoy this book a lot with a cup of chai ☕. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about strong women and lots of food. The food recipes in the book were interesting and I would definitely try it one day!!
Thank you for the ARC!!
Chandigarh Chai by Tanima kazi is a beautiful and empowering book. Reading this book healed something inside me. The plot, characters and setting were portrayed in an amazing manner. The detailed description of culture and food was mesmerizing. The detailed description of food can make one hungry while reading.
Avni as the main lead was brave and had lot of courage. Her struggle and the complex situations she dealt with were emotional to read. The way she revived the chai shop and the enthusiasm with which she tried recipies was heartwarming to read. I enjoyed reading her whole journey and at the end It made me smile. The relationship growth with her grandmother was intriguing and I enjoyed their conversations.
The story portrayed three generations of women and each one had their own journey and struggle. There was lot of depth and it can stay with you for a long time after one has finished reading it. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions while reading it. Each and every character brought different flavours in the story like the food.
At the end I would say one can enjoy this book a lot with a cup of chai ☕. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about strong women and lots of food. The food recipes in the book were interesting and I would definitely try it one day!!
Thank you for the ARC!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I know I'm a little biased because I had the privilege of contributing the exclusive mini recipe booklet to Chandigarh Chai, but I genuinely fell in love with this story long before my name made it onto the cover.
And even if I wasn't a part of it, this is a story I would've recommended with my whole heart.
This book feels like a gentle warm bear hug. The story is about a family wanting to save their legacy, a home that welcomes you with all the flaws and strengths, the story heals parts of you, that you didn't know were broken, and it helps you find yourself when life tries to kick you down. It sounds like a self help book or something I know... But trust me it did make me feel all these things.
Avni's character was so easy to relate to. She wasn't perfect, she makes mistakes, she overthinks, she stumbles... and that's exactly why I loved her. Her journey felt real. The family dynamics, the chai shop, the letters, the little moments of love and laughter... everything felt so comforting and was in a perfect blend.
This book felt so comforting that I felt as if I was reliving my childhood days at my Nani's house.
Also, I feel that Tanima has such a beautiful way of writing about her female characters. She lets the characters grow and discover their own paths and that's what makes me connect to her stories and root for her characters.🩷🩷🤎🤎
And even if I wasn't a part of it, this is a story I would've recommended with my whole heart.
This book feels like a gentle warm bear hug. The story is about a family wanting to save their legacy, a home that welcomes you with all the flaws and strengths, the story heals parts of you, that you didn't know were broken, and it helps you find yourself when life tries to kick you down. It sounds like a self help book or something I know... But trust me it did make me feel all these things.
Avni's character was so easy to relate to. She wasn't perfect, she makes mistakes, she overthinks, she stumbles... and that's exactly why I loved her. Her journey felt real. The family dynamics, the chai shop, the letters, the little moments of love and laughter... everything felt so comforting and was in a perfect blend.
This book felt so comforting that I felt as if I was reliving my childhood days at my Nani's house.
Also, I feel that Tanima has such a beautiful way of writing about her female characters. She lets the characters grow and discover their own paths and that's what makes me connect to her stories and root for her characters.🩷🩷🤎🤎
Review of advance copy received from Author
Avni hears that the family chai shop is in trouble and decides given the circumstances that she is currently going through saving the shop is what she needs to do. This story takes us through Avni and her family’s past and current situations. I love this story because the women are real. They make mistakes but find a way to get through life. You can see how characters have or are growing. It also has hints of romance sprinkled in which makes it so much more real in the heartbreaks and victories of a person’s life. The end of the book has recipes and would be a great way to have a more interactive experience with this book. Ultimately it feels like a cozy story that you can cuddle up with on a rainy day and feel happy. It feels like a story someone can experience in real life which makes it have a special place in my heart. The pacing of this book is excellent. It gives you everything you need without it being long or drawn out. You could easily read it in a day because it's under 200 pages. It made my heart so happy to read this book.
Review of advance copy
Chandigarh Chai is such a warm and comforting read. I really loved the family atmosphere, the Chandigarh setting, and how chai, food and family memories were woven into the story.
Avni comes to Chandigarh with her own plans, but slowly gets pulled into her family’s past, the chai shop, and relationships she never really understood before. I loved her strong character and the way she tries to save the chai shop while finding her own place in the family.
The romance between Avni and Rafi was soft, sweet, and had a cute slow-burn feel. But what stood out to me even more was Radha’s story. Her past, memories, and secrets added a deeper emotional layer to the book.
Overall, this book felt like a warm cup of chai ❤️ cozy, emotional, and filled with family, love, food, and beautiful memories. If you love heartwarming family stories with a touch of romance, this one is definitely worth reading❤️
Avni comes to Chandigarh with her own plans, but slowly gets pulled into her family’s past, the chai shop, and relationships she never really understood before. I loved her strong character and the way she tries to save the chai shop while finding her own place in the family.
The romance between Avni and Rafi was soft, sweet, and had a cute slow-burn feel. But what stood out to me even more was Radha’s story. Her past, memories, and secrets added a deeper emotional layer to the book.
Overall, this book felt like a warm cup of chai ❤️ cozy, emotional, and filled with family, love, food, and beautiful memories. If you love heartwarming family stories with a touch of romance, this one is definitely worth reading❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a wonderful story of motherhood, daughterhood and the things we do and hope to change.
This book transported me back to India visiting my nani in a small town. While, we did not have a chai shop, we had a fertilizer shop on the first floor, and all of our family lived above.
Why I tell this story is that, for families like mine. It is one that is relatable, about these small towns in India, where everybody knew everyone's business and we made decisions based on what others thought. And those decisions harmed families. And we can all be different and do better.
But, it's also a story for those that don't know this world to be transported somewhere, to learn about culture deeply and fully, and experience it through food and recipe. Avni has some bright ideas, would love to see these foods at the café someday.
This book transported me back to India visiting my nani in a small town. While, we did not have a chai shop, we had a fertilizer shop on the first floor, and all of our family lived above.
Why I tell this story is that, for families like mine. It is one that is relatable, about these small towns in India, where everybody knew everyone's business and we made decisions based on what others thought. And those decisions harmed families. And we can all be different and do better.
But, it's also a story for those that don't know this world to be transported somewhere, to learn about culture deeply and fully, and experience it through food and recipe. Avni has some bright ideas, would love to see these foods at the café someday.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I haven't thought this book would be so touching. The family aura is on another level so lovely and beautiful. And the food this book has it so mouth watering 🤤
Avni, I loved her alot for her love and strong character. And the way she tries to save the chai shop is most wonderful part. And the way of finding a path which she haven't known alot and staying there was so emotional.
And the soft and sweet chemistry between Rafi and Avni was so cute and I enjoyed their slow burn romance so much. And Radha's part in the book was strong and I loved it.
And the last few pages with ingredients for the food is 😋. Defenitely gonna try those. If you love family, sweet amd cute memories, food then thos will be definitely for you to read and feel those.
Avni, I loved her alot for her love and strong character. And the way she tries to save the chai shop is most wonderful part. And the way of finding a path which she haven't known alot and staying there was so emotional.
And the soft and sweet chemistry between Rafi and Avni was so cute and I enjoyed their slow burn romance so much. And Radha's part in the book was strong and I loved it.
And the last few pages with ingredients for the food is 😋. Defenitely gonna try those. If you love family, sweet amd cute memories, food then thos will be definitely for you to read and feel those.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got the ARC for this beautiful book a few days back.....It is a warm, nostalgic story about love, family, memory, and the courage to choose your own life. I especially loved Radha’s emotional journey and the old-world romance between her and Asif. The food, Chandigarh setting, and family dynamics add a lovely sense of warmth.
A tender read that stays with you even after the last page. 🌸☕️
A tender read that stays with you even after the last page. 🌸☕️
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews