I’m not generally a fan of cozy novels, things that are touching and that explore family dynamics…except if there is some murder or mayhem involved. For some reason, I found myself with Disha Bose’s new book I Will Blossom Anyways (thanks to Random House-Ballantine and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review).

The story revolves around a young woman named Durga, originally from India. She has left her family behind, and moved to Ireland to be out on her own. Along the way, the story explores family, friends, interracial relationships, grief – it’s a LOT! IMO it might have been better for me if there had been just a touch LESS going on. Not sure if this is an issue with editing? In any case, it is well-written and I will definitely look for more by Ms. Bose. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I Will Blossom Anyway is a wonderful coming of age novel by Disha Bose.

Durga reminded me a little of myself—I was the only one in my close-knit family to move far away, which is what Durga does when she leaves India to work for a tech company in Ireland. Hence, I identified with trying to find oneself and dismissing the trappings of one’s upbringing.

The author does an excellent job of establishing Dugra’s connections to her Indian family. Durga makes several stumbles as she settles into her new home. I found her relationship with Jacob less intriguing. I also found that there was a lot going on in this novel, so it was hard to stay focused. I had to put it down and restart it a couple of times.

Overall, if you hang on, the resolution will be worth it. I just wanted to see more growth on Durga’s part with such a premise.

Three and a half out of five stars.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a chance to read this novel.

This book explores themes of self identity as Durga navigates life in a foreign country, away from the traditions (and family) she was raised with. While I love the overall theme of the book - finding one’s self - it felt as if there was a lot going on simultaneously. So it was hard to keep my attention.

I really enjoyed this romance and the what will she do plot. (No spoilers). Thank you so much for the early opportunity to read this one early. I am grateful!

I loved this book. It was cute and cozy, comforting and touching! I did like how the themes of growth, family, love, and relationships are covered in this book. I do enjoy this authors writing style, I will be keeping an eye out for more!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

I Will Blossom Anyways is a promising book by author Disha Bose. It centers around Durga, a young woman living in Cork after leaving her family in India to live life on her own terms. The story has so much potential exploring interracial relationships, complex family dynamics, grief, and friendship. My biggest knock, and the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5, is that it almost felt like there was too much going on at once. I understand the thought process, but I think with a little bit of editing, the execution could be awesome! Overall, great read!

My positive feeling towards this book started with the lovely green cover. The author quickly draws the reader into Durga's life in Ireland. She shows you what a a close family can be, even when they live miles apart. She shows you what true friendship can be, even when it is severely tested. She shows you what love can be, even when both come from very different cultures, backgrounds and experiences. The author did a wonderful job making the reader understand Durga's life, in two very diverse countries, India and Ireland, often through the food of both nations.

The title was fitting...and to be honest, titles are not always fitting to the book (IMHO).

I would highly recommend this book to my friends, book club members and in the GoodReads community. Thank you NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. 4.25!!

#IWillBlossomAnyway #NetGalley

Beautiful cover drew me into this read which sounded interesting. A heroine caught between two different countries, India and Ireland.

The title and premise seemed to suggest a growth in Durga. It happened, I think but not to the point the reader will appreciate her journey.

Found scenes set in India as she interacts with her immediate family and potential much more intriguing than her relationship with the Irish siblings, Joy and Jacob. Not a fan of her treatment of Luke.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Random House Publishing Group Ballantine via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I adored this book - it is totally different from Disha Bose’s previous novel, which I also enjoyed, and I was impressed at her range. I found Durga’s growth inspiring and the ultimate message of self-love quite moving.

This book is a beautiful and heartfelt coming-of-age story that completely stole my heart. What I loved most about this book was how Durga evolves. Her transformation isn’t just about finding love, it’s about finding herself. The writing is so rich, and the emotional depth of this story really hit me. It’s a perfect balance of lighthearted moments and deeply reflective ones, making Durga’s journey of navigating different worlds feel both personal and universal. This is a story that reminds you of the power of choice, self-love, and the beauty in the mess of life. I absolutely loved reading it, and would highly be recommending it too.

Thank you Random House Publishing for the ARC.

I loved this book. Admittedly, I started it based off the title and cover only. I had no other context. However, the flow of the story and the character developments were great. It's fiction but has enough realistic elements that tap into certain emotions. I really enjoyed Durga's navigation of life after heartbreak. This was the type of read that I needed at this point in my life. I can't wait to read more from this author and to gift this book to some friends.

I enjoyed Bose's novel about what it means to be a woman anywhere in the world today. Her characters were well crafted, and the story was quick to get lost in. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

The story flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****

This uses the romance element that I was hoping for and enjoyed the overall feel of this type of book. The characters were everything that I was looking for and enjoyed the feel of them in this world. I enjoyed the way Disha Bose wrote this and am excited for more.