Reviews

Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things by Maya Prasad

warlocksarecool21's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Overall, I thought it was a cute story. It’s about 4 sisters whose family owns a little inn on an island in the PNW and it takes place over 4 different seasons. Each section is dedicated to a different season and sister and how one of them fell in love in that season. I really like the family moments with the sisters and their dad, I think the sibling dynamics are really well done and I think it’s cool that their culture and traditions from India are embraced in their own way. I like the writing style and how each sister has a unique personality as well.

The only thing I wish was different is that the nature of the story only allows for each relationship to develop so far, we only really get to see the beginning of the relationship which isn’t bad but by the end of each section I’m invested in the relationship and then you have to move on. I just prefer romances to be more in-depth and drawn out but I still think it’s worth a read.

unclefurb's review against another edition

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

missprint_'s review against another edition

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5.0

Four sisters, four seasons, four romances as Nidhi, Avani, Rani, and Sirisha Singh find love at their family home, The Songbird Inn, which just happens to be the Most Romantic Inn in America.

As the oldest, Nidhi is always the sister with a plan. That is until autumn crashes onto Orcas Island with a sudden storm that brings a tree crashing through Nidhi's bedroom wall. Once Nidhi starts thinking about what could have happened, she can't stop wondering if her perfect plan to study baking in France before starting college is perfectly wrong. Getting to know Grayson--one of the construction crew fixing the storm damage--brings even more doubts as Nidhi starts to imagine a future where she lets herself live in the moment and maybe even discover India for herself instead of only hearing stories about it in family stories.

Avani knows that she can seem scattered and flighty--especially to perfect Nidhi--but the truth is if she stops moving she thinks the grief over Pop's sudden death last year might overwhelm her. Pop was more than their dad's husband, he was part of what made the inn and their family so special. So when it's time for the first winter without him, Avani knows she has to throw the perfect Winter Ball in his honor. Except planning a giant party requires a lot of attention to detail. And a lot of help. Which is how Avani ends up working with Fernando Gutiérrez, the boy she accidentally stood up and has been avoiding ever since.

Painfully shy, Sirisha has always been more comfortable hiding behind a camera and letting her older sisters fill in the silence. But when a cute actress named Brie shows up at the Songbird with a seasonal theater troupe in the spring, Sirisha thinks it might be a sign to make some changes and finally speak up for herself. If only everyone would give her time to find the right words.

Rani loves all things love. Which is why it has been so frustrating watching all of her sisters--even her twin Avani!--find love while she languishes alone. Helping her father plan his next wedding is the perfect preparation for Rani's own shot at love. But what happens when summer comes to the Pacific Northwest bringing not one but three potential suitors? After acting as the official love guru to all of her sisters, Rani will have to follow her heart if she wants to find her own Bollywood-worthy ending in Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things (2022) by Maya Prasad.

Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things is Prasad's debut novel. Set over the course of the year, the story is broken up by season--complete with a wealth of seasonal touches and locales--with a close third person narration following each sister on her own personal and romantic journey.

The Singh family is North Indian with love interests who are from a diverse variety of backgrounds including Mexican American Fernando, Black Brie, and more. I especially appreciate the care Prasad takes with the girls' father--a man who immigrated with his wife (their mother) from India, met Pop--a white man--while opening the Songbird, and has his own journey both in love with Pakistani Amir and with his family including relatives who were slow to accept his second marriage to a man.

Through the different relationships this book explores first love, second chances, missed connections, and what it means when feelings change and grow. With lots of humor and a coterie of popular tropes Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things has a romance for everyone while highlighting the empowerment the genre offers despite the ways that it is often dismissed by mainstream media as “fluffy” or “silly.” Emotional arcs including grief over Pop's sudden death and reconciliation with estranged relatives contrast well with humorous meet-cutes and other shenanigans the Singhs encounter throughout the year.

Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things is a joyful story about family, romance, and finding yourself--whoever that may be. Highly recommended.

Possible Pairings: Bookishly Ever After by Isabel Bandeira, Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley, We Are Inevitable by Gayle Forman, What I Like About You by Marisa Kanter, Seoulmates by Susan Lee, Of Curses and Kisses by Sandhya Menon, Save the Date by Morgan Matson, Don't Date Rosa Santos by Nina Moreno, The Perfect Escape by Suzanne Park, It All Comes Back to You by Farah Naz Rishi, Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

graceocat12's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This book was adorable and fluffy :) the ending was so cozy and warm. that being said, some of the characters’ tones and mannerisms were kinda grating and the “teen slang” felt forced. Overall, I thought this was an enjoyable and sweet read! 

maerose's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

I absolutely LOVED this book! I love how each sister got their own moment but when their story was over we still got to see a peak into their lives. I love the dad and the way they talk about grief and how everyone moves at a different pace. I cannot wait to see more of them in the second one. 

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scifijunkie21's review against another edition

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inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

This is a sweet high school romance centering on an Indian-American family of 4 daughters living in the PNW. Kind of a modern YA version of Jane Austen!  I loved how it was divided up into 4 seasons, one for each girl. It felt like a sweet yet realistic portrayal of teenage love. The girls all had very distinct and lovable personalities; I think Sirisha was my favorite. 

lgbtrepinbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

Trigger Warnings: Past death of a parent (twice), break-up, alcohol, underage drinking, grief, past car accident, past stroke

Representation: Indian, Bisexual, Twins, Queer, Pakistaní

Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things is a queer contemporary that follows four sisters over the course of a year. The Singh sisters live with their father at the Songbird Inn, which was recently named most romantic inn in America. During the fall, Nidhi struggles with her perfect plans after a tree falls into her life. Come winter, Avani has to be constantly moving to avoid addressing her grief. In the spring, Sirisha begins to bloom when she learns to talk to the new girl. And finally, the summer is one of romance, especially for Rani who has attention from more boys than she ever imagined.

This ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Aww what a sweet book! I loved having each season be from the perspective of a different sister. I liked learning more about their culture and I thought each sister could be found relatable, despite them being so different. I thought they each had a fun storyline and I loved all of the romance. My only critique would be the style of Rani’s section. It was so different than the rest, it felt out of place. Honestly the entire ending was also a little off because of the pacing.

I enjoyed the audiobook very much and thought the narrator did a great job. Overall, the book is very warm and sweet. It makes you feel like you’re part of the family! I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a great romance!

carolynlovesbooks's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

books_and_bryn's review against another edition

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4.0

a very cute read!! low stakes romance, fluffy feelings and family above all else. Featuring 4 Desi sisters, and many moments of queer joy.

Don't go into this book expecting edge-of-your-seat, heart-pounding romance. Remember that this is about kids, and for a younger audience.

That being said, the pacing of the story leaves something to be desired. each sister has a section of the book that solely focuses on them. in my opinion, we don't get to spend long enough with each romance to really feel the depth of emotion each sister deserves.

otherwise, this book is perfectly enjoyable and fit for a rainy day.

valvallie's review against another edition

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lighthearted
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

this did not need to be as long as it was. I didn't care for any of the romances, but I loved when the focus was on them as a family. every mention of Pop hit me right in the feels. I especially loved Avani's pov for that reason.