Book Review: A SILVER DAWN by Leena Varghese

The author approached me for a review of this book. After reading the blurb, I immediately agreed and I am glad that I did.

The story opens with a teenage Clarissa who’s the only child of the super rich Milagres family in Goa. The lovely Clarissa is keen to become a ballerina while her parents aren’t for the idea. An orphan, heart-broken boy sees Clarissa dancing by herself in her garden and finds solace in the joy and peace surrounding her. He gets to meet her too. But after that, their lives take them down different paths.

The story continues ten years later. The Milagres family isn’t rich any more. Clarissa has escaped a violent marriage and runs a dance school along with Tony. Igor Chekanov is keen to buy the Milagres estate and also eyeing to bed Clarissa. And then there’s business tycoon Leon Rodriguez, who offers to marry her. Will Clarissa agree to the proposal? She believes that Leon is also after her property and doesn’t trust him at all. And then there is her aversion to marriage...

I like Leena Varghese’s style of writing as it flows freely along the pages, pulling the reader into her story. With every page, I wanted to know more. Yes, I could second guess some of the story, but that is absolutely beside the point. The language is perfect while the book is well-edited and proof-read, which goes a very long way in its favour.

The build up of the relationship between the protagonists, the conflict, the way Clarissa’s desperate attempt at rescue brings forth a solution to her, all make for a wonderful story. I liked Leon’s brooding character and the chemistry he shares with Clarissa. Then there’s Tony for the light moments. I would love to read the story if Leena Varghese writes one with Tony as the main character.

There’s a lot of heart in this tale and I could truly connect to it.

VERDICT: A must read!

The Blurb:

Talented choreographer Clarissa Milagres Silvera is beautiful, young and widowed – and intensely mistrustful of men. With a violent marriage behind her, she is now fiercely determined to be independent, both emotionally and financially.

Leon Rodriguez, hotelier tycoon with less than humble beginnings, has been drawn to her since he was a teenager. Now successful, he approaches Clary’s family for her hand in marriage. Even as he patiently woos his stoic love, Leon realizes he must protect her from the sadistic mafioso Igor Chekanov, who is eyeing Clary’s family estate.

Will Clary trust Leon enough to accept his love? Will Leon keep her safe regardless? What is Igor’s motive? Is time running out for them?

Buy your copy here:

Amazon India | Flipkart | Sapna Online

Disclaimer: I received a paperback version of the book from the author in return for my honest review. I didn’t receive any monetary compensation for the same.