The fact and fiction about love stories inevitably merge at some point, and one becomes the other. Premier Amour – First Love brings out this truth vividly. Every soul that has loved will encounter many déjà vu moments – a medley of “been there, felt it all” feelings that the novel oozes from start to finish.
Intense or hilarious at times, and heart-wrenching or ecstatic at others, the emotions are very real and relatable. “Sharp, soulful romance” is how one beta reader put it succinctly. The unique backdrop of the desolate and divine Zanskar valley adds to the richness of the narrative. Its imagery grows on the readers as they read on. “It’s almost like one’s calling” is how another beta reader described the experience.
Through the many twists and turns of the plot, the lead characters Bhanu and Bhushan have varied feel-it-yourself experiences to share, the most important one being, “love rightly, live rightly.” And if it is first love, it’s all the more for keeps! Nothing else is comes even close.
Sonal Dabral, Ad Guru, sums it up well, “Don’t just read this novel. Savour it.”
Some lines from the novel to walk the talk:
A woman’s heart in love is like a peacock in the rains. It has to give in to much singing and dancing, flutter its rainbow feathers and spread them in an oversized arch, then strut all over the place wearing that colourful cloak, announcing to the world that it is the season of love.
First love is a rare lucky charm. Always wear it close to your heart.
To love and to lose in love, is worse than not to love.
“I am still recovering from a fractured heart, and it is unfair to give someone something that is broken.”
Some women prefer to win their man, not steal him.
Hailing from the advertising industry, Abhay is educated as a visual designer and practised art direction for many years before picking up the pen fulltime. Today, he writes for digital marketing and various digital transformation causes, brand communication and thought leadership communication. His work spans the North American, Asian, Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) markets.
Meanwhile, his pursuit of creative writing continues unabated.
When asked about himself, Abhay simply says that he is ‘a storyteller with bandwidth’.
Abhay was closely associated with the drafting, editing and compiling of two books, The Enlightened Entrepreneur (2013) and She & Me (2014), written by the late Dr Bhavarlal H. Jain, a Padma Shri awardee and founder and former chairman of Jain Irrigation Systems Limited. Both these works are Rupa Publications’ titles.
Abhay is an avid photographer and his subjects include, travel, street, culture, heritage and people. You can find Abhay on Facebook at AforAbhay and on Twitter @agoghari. Premier Amour: First Love is Abhay’s debut novel.
“You remember your first love because they show you, prove to you, that you can love and be loved, that nothing in this world is deserved except for love, that love is both how you become a person and why.”
~John Green, ‘Turtles All The Way Down.’
Premier Amour by Abhay is all about first love. First love always hold a special place in everyone's heart. The main characters of this book are Bhanu and Bhushan. Their antithetical character does not hinder their love.
I'm glad that got to read this book last month. It's been quite a while since I read a story only about love. The story takes us through many places and we could witness family, love, relationship, sorrow, warmth and so on.
The narration was interesting and I enjoyed reading the book. The plot was predictable at certain points but it wasn't too obvious. The bond between Bhanu and Bhushan even when they are apart is depicted beautifully.
We could relate to the story as it has resemblance to real life situations, certain part of the story also consists of fictional elements. In short the book is a perfect blend of fictional and life.
First love is a rare lucky charm. Always wear it close to your heart.
A beautiful quote from a wonderful story of first love titled Premier Amour: First Love by Author Abhay.
Indeed, absolutely relatable and resonating, especially with me since I have always believed in the mystique as well as the captivating power of first love. First love is something so pure, so unadulterated that I sincerely feel that it is the most wonderful feeling in the world, unmatched by anything and absolutely unparalleled. It is that whiff of fresh air in our lives which might otherwise be marked by the monotony of simply leading on…
A love story, set against the backdrop of the Zanskar valley, exploring the intricate, delicate threads of first love and its progress through heartbreak, grief and overcoming the same to find it back, this title is absolute freshness itself. As far as the story goes, the protagonists, Bhanu and Bhushan, their life depictions, their foray onto the path of love, their ups and downs have been portrayed keeping not only the mushiness of first love in mind but also exploiting the complete real-life connections and relationships involved in these two individuals’ lives.
As the story proceeds with its roots from the Zanskar right up to Cannes, France it presents a wonderful kaleidoscope of all those emotions that are splayed upon the lives of Bhanu and Bhushan who, against all odds life hurls at them, emerge alongside each other, successful in love, truly worthy of each other casting the perfect example of fulfilling the ordinaries and shortcomings of life making it special and worth living. The complete camaraderie splayed, the fine balance of emotions, the highs and lows are what make it not only an indulgent but an absolutely immersive read. It is always enjoyable to read love stories, more so those which are full of the ups and downs which make life what it is touted to be, a complete rigmarole yet an enjoyable and challenging roller coaster too.
Abhay’s writing has put across the complete essence of love, its heartwarming as well as heart-wrenching facets, fusing them seamlessly together making us realize how first love which is one of the most beautiful experiences of one’s life can also be one of the biggest challenges, thanks to several macro aspects like the familial backgrounds and concerns, lack of trust and so on. The quotes put in here by Abhay are superb and so is the complete manner in which he has put forward the characters as well as the execution of the story. There is an innate beauty, refreshing and innocent, in any relationship and that is what should be always considered pivotal and celebrated, which is exactly what Abhay has done through his writing. Love, the blossoming, the fading out and the re-emergence, all of it has been portrayed very beautifully through this story. The best part about the story was the fact that not only the highs but also the lows of the relationship, the ergonomics of the interpersonal equations were splayed in a manner that was relatable, realistic and at the same time gave a very vivacious, zingy kind of feel to the narrative.
Premier Amour: First love Written by Abhay Rated - 4 ⭐
I found the title of this book to be quite different and unusual. As I glanced through the contents, I felt intrigued to see the parts divided into - falling in love, failing in love and rising in love.
Our protagonists, Bhanu and Bhushan, both from rich families with humble beginnings meet on a Trip to Zanskar, a valley in remote Himalayas of India. Love cooks between them but there's betrayal in store as well. How does the life unfold for them next? If they fail at it, would there be a second chance? Read the book to know.
This love story of first love grows across Zanskar, different cities of India to finally Cannes, France. Making it a good read in travel fiction category as well. A delight for readers who believe in serious abilities of first love Earlier I thought this book might be a just another romance book after reading the character description of both protagonists, Bhanu and Bhushan. But no, this book has much more to it than just first love. It's very much related to real life, the concern and connection of parents for their children, serious emotions of finding strength, witnessing loss and grief. Overcoming almost anything life throws at you.
At one point I felt does author have a cctv camera over the lives of 20 something year olds? Because the feelings of falling in first love and everything in the world looking beautiful, pain of a heartbreak, the feelings when we say, 'I don't want to love again ever!' are just 100% true! Even the most strong-headed and outspoken girls could feel terribly weak and unsure to trust again in the face of break-up and all of this, the book truly potrays it well.
The pace of this book was just perfect, the narration was too fast in the places information wasn't needed. It was slow, smooth and had a poetic exchange of sentences wherever it suited. Making sure it doesn't bore and yet keeps the reader hooked. There's usage of beautiful lines and quotes throughout. Also, I must appreciate the beautiful cover.
I would recommend it to anyone who likes realistic love stories set in an Indian setting.
"Everything is perfect like the poets have painstakingly narrated over the ages. And since the law of gravity or other such mundane rules don't tie down lovers to reality, their dreams take wings and soar high. The earth below becomes an insignificant maze." . 'First Love is always Stubborn'. It may be love or may not be, but at that moment you are feeling loved and we need no more arguments. It can never be forgotten and remains forever somewhere in the folds of our memory. Premier Amour is one such story of falling & failing in love. . This is one such journey of an evolving love story which takes the the value of any relationship, family, pride and adventurous travels alongwith it. Bhanu and Bhushan are poles apart character, but the only thing that binds to each other is this mutual emotion of love. Even being separated from each other aided by longing, hatred and betrayal the destiny allowed them to intersect with each other at some point of their life. . Although the plot was predictable, I was enjoying the narrative style of the author. The quick witted conversations between Bhanu and her mom, and also with Bhushan was something to be accepted as a delightful read. And not to forget the adventurous travel destination added in the book. I made few mental notes on those trekking plans for future reference. Most of the incidents here gave us glimpses of our own real world, some of them felt superficial. Like, I can't stay calm or any of my members if I happen to loose someone close. All I can do is try to keep my mind sane but that would eventually fail. But being on each other's side through thick and thin can make it a little less painful. Bhanu's courage and audacity will forever remain in my heart. As her saying goes 'Some women prefer to win their man, not steal him', she set an exemplary approach towards misery and heartbreak.
In Premier Amour – First Love, we see the revival of committed relationships as an antidote to the contemporary issues faced by millennial lovers. This novel is not only a well-written love story, but also a guide on how to reset love lives, or as the lead characters put it, “DIY approach to love.” Amidst the prevailing trend where breakups are mutually chosen and accepted as an easy option to enduring the rigors of steadfast relationships, this story brings the focus back on commitment and loyalty. Against the choice of convenient splits, it roots the trying but ultimately rewarding option of hanging on to true love at all cost. To some, this may sound a bit retro, but even they will agree that there is a certain enduring charm to going long on love. Who amongst us would not have loved at some point in life? With a hand on their hearts, those who stuck to their chosen ones will vouch that the choice was gratifying in absolute terms. I root for this goodness in this love story. Among the other elements of the narrative, I loved the refreshingly imagined passages where the author’s pen breathes life into the sweeping imageries of the Zanskar valley and the French Riviera – Those literary landscapes are so rugged and romantic! The characters are very well developed, human bonds of family, friendship, and the mother-daughter relationship are spot-on, and oh, the intense emoting! Whether ecstatic or tearful, it gives Goosebumps. Dashes of sharp humor, spontaneous teasing, and easy expressiveness of the lovebirds complete my wish list. All in all, a love story that should click with lovers of fifty shades, and more!
I rarely pick up romance genre book but the cover I couldn’t resist. I love all the books and movies that has travel mentions in it. I will briefly summarise the blurb here. The book is divided into three parts. The protagonists of the story are Bhushan and Bhanu. Bhushan Bhanu Pratap Singh is the rich, pampered and only child of a North Indian couple, living in Delhi. When Bhanu is a fair lady and only child of Mrs&Dr Gajendra Prasad Bhutia from Gangtok but they have been living in Mumbai. They met during Chadar tal trek. Initial introductory conversation started on flight. They fell for each other but end of part one was traumatic for me when Brinda entered in the story. It was an unpredictable twist. The part two is failing in love. I liked how author described emotions too perfectly. I could even feel those emotions while reading it. Author’s narration style is captivating. Read the book to unfold complete plot. Will they find way towards each other after failing? That was the page turner question for me. I liked the narration style of the author as I said earlier. Especially travel and trek description. I could imagine everything in front of my eyes. I liked the plot. It’s different and full of unpredictable twists and turns. I liked the language and narration used by the author. Quite an interesting read. Recommended from my side.
Premier Amour: first love by @agoghari, @rupa_publications
There are some people you can never let go of in life. You may learn to live without them, but life would be indefinitely more fulfilling with them. True love is a rarity these days. If It's coming your way don't let it pass.
The best things in life arrive a bit late.
Some women prefer to win they are men, not steal him.
Each time we read a love story. We realise that love is something very subjective, and the more we read the more we understand the diverse emotional spaces. This book is much more than a love story, it explains the dynamism of love and emotions. This is a fusion of romance with mountain culture, wisdom and virtue. Also, one more interesting thing about the writing is that the author has explained the minute details of Zanskar valley. The Zanskar valley is a stark high-altitude desert where the surreal beauty of the land just takes your breath away, and trust me you can get a visual sense of this place while reading this story.
It's truly a romantic tale of two very interesting and true to life people. It's a bit slow but very astonishing. It a very positive, and constructive. It does hold truth.
"First love is a rare lucky charm. Always wear it close to your heart"❤
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���All about love-to-hate-to-love romantic story.
A celebration of love and togetherness after falling in and falling out of love, again falling in love.
Witness the first love of Bhushan and Bhanu in the beautiful setting of Zanskar lofty mountain ranges. It is a story of love, betrayal, pain, family, friendship. The protagonists of the story find their love fling get flared up in the freezing cold adventure trek journey of Zanskar. So much in love, Bhanu was not expecting a heart break. Unfortunately, Bhushan and Bhanu part ways sorely. Well, they bump into each other again in Cannes, France. Love made it compulsive for them and they fall for each other again very strongly.
💭My Thoughts: Like how a perfume spread its fragrance all around and make a blissful surrounding. The essence of the book is refreshingly sprayed all over. The magic of true love is portrayed elegantly by the author. The writing is really refreshing. It was pleasant. It was fun. It was lovable. It was healing and it was everything.
✔Highly recommend if you are a contemporary romance reader.
Premier Amour: First Love By Abhay Publisher: Rupa Publications The book, as the title suggests, talks about first love. Bhanu and Bhushan, our protagonists, come from rich families with humble beginnings. They meet on a Trip to Zanskar, a valley in remote Himalayas of India. They eventually fall in love. What lies in store for them? The book is like a breath of fresh air, especially for people like me who enjoy reading love stories. The story gradually takes the readers from Zanskar to Cannes, France. Bhanu and Bhushan come out strong after fighting all the odds that life has in store for them. They eventually prove their love for each other, but how, is what the book is all about. The book is full of emotions, and it is a complete immersive and fun read. Abhay’s writing is a complete treat. It is different, unusual, charming and refreshing. “First Love is always Stubborn” & I couldn’t agree more! I loved the book and would definitely recommend it. Thank you @rupa for this copy! .
Book review The romance fiction genre gets off to a flying start in 2022!
Thoroughly enjoyed this novel with all its nuances of storytelling and excellent build-up of the narrative.
Apart from the well-caricatured lead Characters, other relations too are very painstakingly nurtured, especially the mother-daughter bond.
I loved the honesty and authenticity with which first love as a maiden sentiment is expressed. And of course, the novel is brimming with hilarious episodes of fun-poking and tongue-in-cheek humour, as well as emotions that give Goosebumps.
All in all, an excellent debut novel that digs deeply into the hopes and aspirations, the trials and tribulations, and the anxiety and ecstasy of first love – “It is a maiden voyage… but for those who embark on it, the journey is worth its price.”
Congratulations, Abhay, you have earned my “fanship.”
This woolly, tender love story is full of memorable passages that we can weave into our love-lives and transform into more sorted couples. The main characters Bhanu and Bhushan are from very different backgrounds but they had a principled upbringing, and this firm grounding helps them overcome the many challenges that their first love poses. In today’s turbulent times when love becomes an easy casualty of circumstances, this novel makes a strong case of holding on to love, no matter what. Because once the storm withers, the beauty of blissful togetherness unfolds. Besides the messages, the storyline, the humour, the sentiments built around different human relations, and above all the beautiful narrations of the Zanskar landscapes make Premier Amour – First Love a heart-warming read. It feels so relatable.
❤️ This was a contemporary love story of Bhanu and Bhushan , This was a romantic novel with all the elements which a love story to be . First love is very romantic , lucky , emotional at the same time the things and feelings one do in their first love is so so precious & memorable .
❤️ I can say that this book was chef kiss , In my words A cup of favourite icecream in a hot summer . If you're in love you will surely related and love to read till end , each love story is different and every love couples will go through all ups and downs but keeping the promise is worth loving .
❤️ Author presented a beautiful story , Well developed characters , A beautiful love story , I just loved this book after so many months .
Absolutely recommended . 100% worthy reading . If you love YA Contemporary romantic Novels ... You'll surely love this one .
I loved this novel because it commands respect for the wisdom of the mountain cultures who have their unique, profound views of life. In particular, the way these people perceive love with an indelible mark of permanency, is so enticing for a generation susceptible to breakups. But it is possible to avoid them, if one takes a leaf from these wise people. The simple yet deep words of Jigmet, the native Zanskari lady character are etched on my mind, “Love is not water stored in a pot, which you can turn on or off with a tap. Love is water flowing in a river. It cannot rest even for a moment, neither can it go back in its journey…” How true! And this line nails it beautifully, “Once in love, forever in love, and with the same person.”
This is an outstanding romance fiction in which love, romance, fun, virtue, intimacy, separation, and the heart-warming playfulness of lovebirds are narrated with all richness. And while at it, the author keeps reminding us that true love is the foundation of all happiness. “To love truly, and to raise a family with the one you love, is pure bliss” is so very aptly written. As a book reviewer, I have not come across such a well-purposed romance in many years. Beneath the joys and the sorrows and humor and adventure and naughty intimacy and intense emotions and varied human relationships, the novel unmistakably evokes a value-based agenda. On many pages, I related the narrative with the Eastern thought on the family as the foundational institution of any social order, a family being a microcosm of society, the root of all cultures, and those strong families can raise strong children, and they, in turn, can build strong nations. I enjoyed reading Premier Amour – First Love, and it’s a pleasure reviewing it. I recommend it to all in-love couples, and never mind the age. This novel will find readership with anyone who has loved or is in love. Good luck to the author for more power-packed writings.
Premier Amour – First Love can be very aptly termed as the call of the rugged outdoors romance. A novel emerging from the Zanskar valley is adrenalin for die-hard hikers and adventure lovers. It beautifully mixes hardy, righteous romance with the elements of unspoilt nature in all its glory. Being a compulsive hiker myself, I am sure this book will be packed into many backpacks and rucksacks in 2022 and beyond! And, when the book comes out and the pages start turning beside a campfire, it will make that experience as memorable as those glorious outdoor evenings. Happy reading!
Premier Amour – First Love is a heady cocktail of upright romance, unruly intimacy, and berserk emotions of first-time lovers. It is all so impulsive and spontaneous, Premier Amour may well have been called Premier Impulse! Very well written, with a lot of heart in it. Abhay, you write so soulfully! I am glad I read it on the Promise Day. For sure, it holds a lot of promise for the lovebirds of the world
This love story melts hearts with its lyrical lines. It has the perfect combination of the milan ras, the shringar ras, and the virah ras. Some lines I will never forget - “A woman’s heart in love is like a peacock in the rains. It has to give in to much singing and dancing, flutter its rainbow feathers and spread them in an oversized arch, then strut all over the place wearing that colorful cloak, announcing to the world that it is the season of love.”
Love meets love, love fails to love, and love rises again with love. This is a vivid love story with the feeling of belonging that a reader develops as she reads on. Barring the location and situation, I felt one with quite a few twists and turns in this story. Abhay has written with sensibility and sensitivity. Especially, I fell for the lines “Love is not water stored in a pot, love is water flowing in a river…” So beautifully real! We want more of such soulful romance!
When a debut novel is read from cover to cover in one night, it has to have substance in it. There never was a dull moment in the approximately 5 hours that it took me to finish reading. It has many shades of love, and a rich serving of varied emotions. The chapter titles sum it up beautifully – falling in love, failing in love, rising in love. Here’s to many more uprisings from Abhay!
Loved this snappy line from the novel! And loved even more the reply, “It’s been that way ever since man and woman loved for the first time. Don’t question first love. Just love.” This novel is full of quotable quotes, each one a gem to treasure. Abhay is a natural storyteller,and I am sure he will only get better from here on. Good luck! 📚❤
RATING : 5/5🌟 🌺🌺 Appealing across age-groups ***** The author’s craftsmanship with words makes this novel appealing to the millennials and married couples alike. Its messaging is subtle yet its pull is gravitational, difficult to resist. You just have to give in to its charisma. Lovable, enjoyable novel 🌺🌺
RATING : 5/5🌟 🌺🌺 Appealing across age-groups ***** The author’s craftsmanship with words makes this novel appealing to the millennials and married couples alike. Its messaging is subtle yet its pull is gravitational, difficult to resist. You just have to give in to its charisma. Lovable, enjoyable novel 🌺🌺
This novel will teach the reader about how to loving rightly.
Now-a-days, breakups have become so common, but the emotional cost it too high. It leaves one broken from inside, and healing takes a long time even if we move on. Then why not stick to true love without letting it go easily? As Bhanu and Bhushan did!
This book reflected Idyllic romance rooted in lifelong commitment . Premier Amour – First Love rekindles the light of idyllic romance. It is filled with loads of commitment and loyalty, even when the lovers are separated! Loved reading the novel.