This was a cute short story about an Indian woman who has made pleasing her mom her life's work and what happens when her past collides with her present.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Style/Trope: "I never stopped loving you"/ cross-cultural relationship/grief

T/W: Death

Ayesha was once a wild child, but changed into a demure daughter after the death of her brother Ajay. Now she works at her mother's restaurant. But when her mother pushes her towards an arranged marriage and she sees her old love Emmitt at her best friend's wedding, can she go through with it?

Sonali Dev captures you in this short story that subverts expectations and tropes and made me smile and chuckle. She's once again proven herself to be a must-buy for me.

Why can't all romance story be this short, perfect and beautiful?!

I regret not reading any of the author's work before this one. But I am also glad I started with this perfect little story. The characters are so well developed, if I have to pinpoint the best part of the writing. The romance is just perfect. Not cringey, not clingy and not crappy.

The writing is really good. How the story started with the strained relationship with the mother because the daughter is not marrying when everyone else around her is marrying kept me hooked because it's a real issue here and everywhere else. So yes, quite realistic and to the point I say!

Well, I need a new whole book from the author now. I just cannot wait to read all the books ever written by Sonali Dev. I now know what all that hype is about!

Thank you, Amazon, for the advance reading copy.

(3.5 stars, rounded up)

Ayesha Shetty is a mess. She's given up everything she wants in life to make her mother happy after the death of her father and brother. She takes her brother's position at the family restaurant to keep it afloat, stops her studies towards an MFA, and agrees to her mother's matchmaking attempts.

When her brother Ajay was still alive, Ayesha was vibrant and in love with his best friend Emmitt. Ayesha gave up the love of her life to please her mother, who wants her to marry inside their community.

Ayesha runs into Emmitt at her best friend's wedding in the middle of a setup her mother has initiated between Ayesha and an OBGYN. When Ayesha sees this man compared with her dream guy, all the decisions she's been putting off for 7 years seem urgent. But how can she make everyone, including herself, happy?

Recommended for romance readers, especially those who love second chance romances.

Ayesha Shetty has spent the last seven years being the perfect Indian daughter but her old flame’s reappearance at her best friend’s wedding forces to face who she has become and what she really wants.

This is a beautiful and emotional story about grief and family, but also about finally choosing life and love. There’s a lot of feelings for such a short read, some of which resonated deeply. I would read a full novel about Ayesha but honestly this story was perfect as it was.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own

Thanks to Amazon Original Stories for providing an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars rounded up!

I'm honestly a little disappointed that I haven't picked up anything by Sonali Dev until this short story because I loved everything about this second-chance romance with hilarious and well-intentioned meddling best-friends, mothers and aunties. Dev's writing is humorous, heartfelt, and packed with emotion, and her characters were realistic and relatable. If this short story is a good indication of what her full-length novels are like then I've definitely been missing out and I absolutely cannot wait to read more of Dev's books asap!

The Wedding Setup is told from Ayesha's perspective and I loved her character and her journey to finding herself again in this story. After losing her brother in an accident seven years ago, grief and fear changed Ayesha from being an outspoken young woman to a docile and meek woman, who does everything to please her mother and to ensure the status quo goes undisturbed. I may not be Indian, but being Asian, but there were so many moments that I related to in this, particularly about the cultural expectations as a young woman to settle down and have kids by a certain age, the well-intentioned but nevertheless meddlesome family members, but especially the perceptions and challenges couples in intercultural relationships face and experience. Grief changes people in different ways and it was heartbreaking but also heartwarming to see how Ayesha finally accepts the loss without letting it hold her back, and how she sheds her "new" skin and finds her old self again with the help of Emmitt and Amma. This may be a short story but it packs a heckuva punch and I got all the emotions, angst, and swoontastic vibes from it that I'd expect in any full-length romance.

Ah, how I SWOONED at Emmitt's devotion to and love for Ayesha. The things that came out of that man's mouth had me feeling those heart-eyes for days! 😍 My heart soared at their coming together, broke for their history, and absolutely melted at this reunion. I'm not sure if Dev's full-length romances are closed-door but this short story was, and while I was a bit disappointed that we didn't get the steamy bits after the *delicious* build-up in tension (thanks, forced proximity), it obviously wasn't a dealbreaker—I just wanted MORE of this couple! Their chemistry was explosive even after seven years apart and it was fire! The only thing I wished for was Emmitt's perspective but that's definitely a me-thing and not the book-thing because I'm a fan of dual perspectives in romances.

Overall, this was a short story that didn't feel like a short story and those are my favourite kinds. Whether you're looking for a sweet second-chance romance with heart and depth or a quick "palette cleanser" read before moving on to your next, I would definitely recommend checking this out. I can't wait to dive into Sonali Dev's backlist now!

This is a delightful short story with a lot packed into it, all the complex emotions and relationships you’d expect from a Sonali Dev story. Here, Ayesha has put her entire life on hold for seven years after her beloved older brother’s death to help her mother run their restaurant. While we don’t know the ‘Old’ Ayesha, we still see the difference between her and the dutiful, quiet daughter she is now. Giving up her dreams and the man she loved, squashing her outgoing and fiery temper, you know ‘New’ Ayesha isn’t far from a breakdown. This could probably have been a full length novel and covered Emmett’s perspective as well as Ayesha’s, but I think there was major emotional impact in keeping it short.

Romance fans and definitely Sonali Dev fans will enjoy this delightful short story, full of love, and a roller coaster of emotions on every page

I received an Arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This short story of second chances was a sweet read. I loved the details of South Asian culture and the fiery characters - which can be hard to develop in such a short story. This book will renew your faith in love.


Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Sometimes running away is the only way to survive. It doesn't mean you can't go back when you're ready. Maybe what you're seeing as an end is a new beginning."

This is the sweetest novella. Sonali Dev is a natural at writing humorous conversation. I made endless notes and highlights on my Kindle while giggling through Ayesha's first conversation with Dr. Samrat.

This story is a heartwarming second.-chance romance novella. And for such a short story, there is so much to feel! You have Ayesha's relationship with her mother, Amma, and Amma's expectations for Ayesha and who she will marry. The sizzling connection from years prior between Ayesha and Emmitt, who was here brothers best friend.

Ayesha is struggling with feelings that her life is not her own. She wants her mother to be happy with Ayesha's life choices because they've already lost her father and brother. She doesn't want to disappoint her mother. But how long can Ayesha continue to deny what she really wants?

I just wish they had their own full novel with flashbacks to growing up together! I can't wait to read all of Sonali Dev's books.

The wedding setup by Sonali dev is a short but very enjoyable story about a girl putting her life on hold to accomodate her mother in every way after a tragedy affected their family, but thanks to a wedding she will understand the two things aren't necessarily opposites.
As I said, with some effort you can read this story in a couple of hours but even if very short it is nonetheless funny and enjoyable and the characters are well characterised. I liked the writing style very much, and now I'm looking forward to reading more from Sonali Dev.

Plot - Ayesha Shetty lost her brother 7 yes ago & her life changed drastically - dreams changed and lost her independence and love.
She along with her mother took charge of her family's restaurant. Now at her best friends big fat Indian wedding she hears a break from her mother and the restaurant only to be set up for an arranged marriage.
But at the wedding she meets her Ex Emmitt Hughes her brothers best friend!
Will Ayesha choose her family duties & responsibilities over love or can she finally see the need to get the old Ayesha back??

MY THOUGHTS
This short book was a perfect in between read...it had all the feels one gets from reading a proper rom com!
It has perfectly described intercultural relationship, lifestyle of Indians living abroad and a beautifully crafted mother daughter relationship!
Read this one if you enjoy - 2nd chance romance, bollywood reference and about overcoming grief!!
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

If you love second chance romances, I highly recommend this book. Even though this was a short story it was such a delight to read. Also being South Asian I loved the theme of familial expectations.

Ayesha Shetty (28) runs her family business along with her mom. She values nothing more than her mom's happiness after they lost her father and brother. It is at her best friend's wedding that she meets Emmit and her mom sets up her meeting with a doctor from the same community. Whether Ayesha will choose her happiness or her mom's is for you to read.
Producers shouldn't miss this book for it feels like it is written for Bollywood. Ayesha gave me the YJHD Naina feels. The male leads are sensible and pleasant. The best character in my opinion is Ayesha's mom; 100% Indian and eternally worried about her daughter. The book is quite short and ends exactly on point, without lagging. It can be picked for a quick read even if romance and family drama isn’t your genre. Or, if Bollywood is your genre. I like how it is filmy but not cheesy.
I got a copy of the book from the author and I am posting my review voluntarily.

I really enjoyed the set-up of this story. I liked how you’re not given all the information up front, but rather learn about the characters and world as the story progresses. I wish we had learned more about Emmett and Ayesha’s past relationship, because it would make me feel more desperate for them to be together. After the first couple chapters it was a bit obvious where the story was going, but it was still a fun and sweet read. I wish the steamy scene hadn’t been a fade to black after all the build-up. Amma and Ayesha’s last conversation was a bit frustrating because I felt like Amma was mad Ayesha didn’t read her mind, and Ayesha and the readers are supposed to accept this explanation of Amma’s frustration.

For a short story, this packs so much in without sacrificing the important things, like character development. As a reader, I felt like I got a true sense of Ayesha and her grief, as well as the relationship she has with herself, her mother, and her former love Emmitt. It was well written and fully fleshed out - very impactful for such a limited amount of writing. Highly recommend!

I will be completely honest that I am not in love with romantic comedies of any sort, but I couldn’t resist a sixty-five page bit of cotton candy fluff to rehydrate my brain after working late on a Wednesday night. And this perfectly fit the bill, especially the happily ever after ending that I knew I was going to get. The humor and the seriousness were perfectly balanced - any more of either would have been overkill. And all the aunties! They definitely do know best, no matter how convoluted their schemes may be.

DNF at 71%.

I hate to not finish a book, but I just didn't connect with any of the characters. I think I would have enjoyed this one more if it had been a full-length novel.

It definitely appears to be an "it's me, not you" situation as most reviews I've seen have raved about it, so don't let my experience deter you from picking this up!

"From USA Today bestselling author Sonali Dev comes a heartfelt short story about one woman’s journey of self-discovery and what it means to be happy.

Ayesha Shetty lost her brother seven years ago, the same time she lost everything else important to her: her dreams, her fierce independence, and the man she loved. Not wanting to see her mother hurt anymore, she put her wild self away and became the dutiful daughter her mother needed and took on her brother’s role in the family business.

Now her best friend’s big, fat Indian wedding is a chance to get away from her endless duties at the restaurant and maybe even have some fun (if she remembers how). But a setup arranged by her mother, with a doctor no less, is the last thing she needs. The fact that he checks all her mother’s boxes just makes everything better...and worse.

Then Emmitt Hughes shows up. Her brother’s best friend. The love she once chose over family duties and her responsibilities. The one she asked to leave, and who did. The one who knows the real Ayesha. Torn between a love from the past that could cost her the only person she has left and her sense of obligation to her mother, will Ayesha find the strength to stop thinking about what everyone else wants and finally put herself first? Or is the old Ayesha truly gone for good?"

If you haven't dove headfirst into the writing of Sonali Dev, how about take this quick little swim. I'm sure you'll be picking up the rest of her catalog in no time!

I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Man, I have truly missed Sonali Dev’s writing! Reading this short story felt like going back into a familiar comfort zone. I love the way Dev handles themes that are often considered taboo in South Asian culture such as coping with grief and intercultural romance. She has a magical way of putting things into perspective and getting the meaning across in a manner that makes your heart ache for the character. The mother-daughter relationship explored in this book is wonderful and realistic. A great read to keep me going before her next book releases!

Plot ✍
Ayesha Shetty lost her brother seven years ago, the same time she lost everything else important to her: her dreams, her fierce independence, and the man she loved. Not wanting to see her mother hurt anymore, she put her wild self away and became the dutiful daughter her mother needed and took on her brother’s role in the family business.

Now her best friend’s big, fat Indian wedding is a chance to get away from her endless duties at the restaurant and maybe even have some fun (if she remembers how). But a setup arranged by her mother, with a doctor no less, is the last thing she needs. The fact that he checks all her mother’s boxes just makes everything better…and worse.

Then Emmitt Hughes shows up. Her brother’s best friend. The love she once chose over family duties and her responsibilities. The one she asked to leave, and who did. The one who knows the real Ayesha. Torn between a love from the past that could cost her the only person she has left and her sense of obligation to her mother, will Ayesha find the strength to stop thinking about what everyone else wants and finally put herself first? Or is the old Ayesha truly gone for good?

Thoughts 💭
AHHHH. Second chance romance. You have to love a good comeback story. This is a short story so it's pretty straight to the point and fast paced. It has a great amount of backstory and emotion. Very sweet read. Highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the ARC!