A review by happyeverabigail
Sunshine and Spice by Aurora Palit

emotional hopeful medium-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

5.0

I went into this expecting fake dating but really it's so much deeper. This is about your sense of identity, community, and freedom of choice. Both main characters are Indian but relate very differently to that aspect of themselves, the MMC is in a very traditional and religiously observant household (with patriarchal leanings) and the FMC was raised in the complete opposite direction and these traditions are completely new to her. At the start neither feel their own experience was really favorable for them and they start to learn from each other with some forced proximity/workplace plot. 

This background of theirs makes things higher stakes, how would his mother ever accept her and vice versa. It all culminated into such deep introspection and angst it had me crying in public. I just really really loved this book.

Thank you to Berkley for the free book!