
I've chosen to review a short story by Meredith Bond. "Under the Mango Tree" is a story in the anthology Love Least Expected. In addition to the review of "Under the Mango Tree," I'll be featuring a giveaway of Love Least Expected. In order to be entered into the drawing, leave a comment below with the title of your favorite romance or love story. The giveaway will run until Feb. 21, and then I'll draw for the winner!
"Under the Mango Tree" tells the story of Lakshmi, a young Indian woman who runs into Lord Huntley, a young Englishman who befriend's Lakshmi's brother. Lakshmi is immediately taken by this Lord Huntley, whose eyes are an intriguing cross between green and blue. She tries to stay away, but she can't resist him.
In addition to being a compelling story, "Under the Mango Tree" is an interesting look at the dichotomy between English and indian marriages. Lakshmi is completely thrown when Lord Huntley talks about his sister's "presentation" into society, about how she'll find a husband by meeting several eligible bachelors and deciding for herself who to marry. In Lakshmi's culture, her parents find a suitable young man and make the arrangements. Lord Huntley's sister and her future husband will live on their own, in a house with the children they will one day raise. Lakshmi will move into her husband's family home and continue the homemaking traditions her mother-in-law has established.
"Under the Mango Tree" is a prequel to An Exotic Heir, Bond's novel about Lakshmi and Huntley's son, Julian, that is available wherever you buy your favorite books.
So there you have it! Be sure to check out Meredith Bond at her website (meredithbond.com) and Facebook (facebook.com/MeredithBondWriter), and Twitter (@merrybond). Also check out An Exotic Heir (linked to Powell's Books) and enter the giveaway for Love Least Expected. Remember to leave a comment with your favorite romance or love story by Feb. 21 to be entered in the drawing.