Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fast paced, multi timeline, complex and enjoyable read. I always enjoy reading and learning about new cultures and experiences.

"Lies and Other Love Languages" by Sonali Dev is an emotional and captivating story of three women navigating the complexities of motherhood, friendship, and life. The novel delves into the themes of honesty, grief, and self-discovery through the perspectives of Vandy Guru, Mallika Guru, and Rani Parekh.

The characters are well-crafted, complex, and deeply relatable, making it easy for readers to become invested in their stories. Vandy, an advice columnist who built her career on teaching others how to live courageously, is struggling to cope with the loss of her husband and the sudden disappearance of her daughter. Mallika, her daughter, is tired of failing and searching for answers to her genetic differences. Rani, Vandy's estranged childhood friend, is struggling to confront her troubled past and hold onto the life she has built.

Sonali Dev's writing is lyrical, poignant, and evocative, capturing the emotional depth and complexities of the characters' journeys. The narrative moves seamlessly between Los Angeles and Mumbai, adding an element of cultural richness and authenticity to the story.

The plot is engaging, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader hooked until the very end. Dev skillfully weaves together the characters' individual stories, bringing them together in a satisfying and heartwarming conclusion.

Overall, "Lies and Other Love Languages" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that explores the power of love, honesty, and self-discovery. It is a must-read for fans of women's fiction and anyone who enjoys a captivating and thought-provoking story.

How far would you go to help your BEST friend?

This is an emotional and boundary-pushing story of Vandy and her best friend Rani. How decisions made when they were younger now affects Vandy's daughter Mallika and thoroughly shakes her to the core.

Set in the US and India, it's rich on Indian culture, expectations and norms - all skilfully crafted into a compelling and hard-to-put-down story. It's like peeling an onion layer by layer, as we step by step get more and more information about what happened almost 30 years ago.

I loved the life lessons shared in the voice of Vardy, the strong independence shown by Mallika and the sacrifices made by Rani. Sonalu Dev has created a beautiful story, led by three strong women, and with supporting acts from the many aunts, uncles, and other family members preparing for two large Indian weddings.

Slow start - the first half of the book was a little frustrating with the introduced mystery and I found the time jumps a little hard to track. However it picked up in the middle and I still wondered to the end the answer to the big question (or at least the details of it), so I felt like that was well done.

I wish Mallika and Rex were more fleshed out both as characters. It was hard not to read her as far younger/immature with the way she was written and for such a ridiculous embarrassment to set her down the wrong path for so many years. I also wish Vandy had a little more personality than just a drive to be a mother.

Some acts in the book were SO concerning I have no idea why they were made for the reader to feel like they were actually an act of passion/love or an opportunity to show love. I couldn’t like Vir at all because of what he did at the diner - that’s an insane red flag that they glossed over way too easily. There had to be some way of introducing conflict with him that wasn’t so abhorrent . Rex also raised a flag for apparently having no concern for ethics, informed consent or agreements or anything. Can we have less problematic love interests please? Wouldn’t be hard to review some of those smaller scenes to make them more palatable.

3.5⭐️ So enjoyed the story.
Appealing characters brimming with complicated emotions.
Entertaining but thought-provoking and relatable.

With thanks to NetGalley & Lake Union Publishing for this e-ARC!

Lies and Other Love Languages was wonderful in its description of female friendship. I was truly invested in Rani and Vandy as characters and as friends. This had everything to do with Dev's storytelling and character development.

I want to praise Dev's rich portrait of Indian culture, particularly of Indian family life and community. Dev never adds translations or explanations of Indian traditions or foods; this may be annoying to non Indian readers, but I think it's important as we decenter the white, English-speaking audience that has been the target of popular fiction for too long.

I think Mallika's character could have been more developed. I don't think we got the best sense of who she is outside of this sudden identity crisis.

A very compelling novel about women and their friendship and loves. Three women deals with some uglry truths and lies... Lots of twists and surprises in this book. All the characters are terrific... all extremely complicated and real... Really enjoyed it.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.