‘A compelling, passionate and captivating must read!…I thoroughly enjoyed reading this beautiful book’ Dash Fan Book ReviewsWould you tell the truth, if it meant losing your one true love?Soma is a shy young woman adrift in a strange new country. After moving from Sri Lanka to Yorkshire to become a nanny to baby Louis, Soma tries to settle into life in the U.K., even if every day presents her … the U.K., even if every day presents her with a new challenge, from trying new food or getting to grips with the language.
But the one thing Soma never counted on was falling in love. When she meets Sahan, a Sri Lankan student at the local university, the two feel an instant attraction. Meeting in secret so that Sahan can teach Soma English, their friendship quickly blooms into something more. But their differing backgrounds – Soma is from poverty, while Sahan is the son of a wealthy family and cousin to Soma’s employer – means they have to hide their love from the world.
While they bare their souls to each other, Sahan has no idea that Soma is hiding a huge secret from him – but as her lies come crashing down, Soma is faced with an impossible choice. Should she tell the truth – even if means losing Sahan?
A moving, unique and utterly engrossing love story about how well we really know the person we fall in love with – fans of Amanda Prowse, Jojo Moyes and Diane Chamberlain will be captivated.
Readers are loving This Stolen Life:
‘This Stolen Life is a journey that is not to be missed…this story moved me beyond measure…I just know it will be one book that will stay with me in the coming months.’ Stacy is Reading
‘I loved this book… Jeevani Charika has created such soulful characters that they make reading this book an absolute pleasure… This is a heart-warming 5 star read.’ (5 stars) Jan’s Book Buzz
‘truly engaging characters that are believable and a story that is applicable the world over. I found myself not wanting to put the book down.’ Jen Med’s Book Reviews
‘filled with emotional turmoil and love, this is a story that took me completely by surprise. A gorgeous and memorable gem of a book with well written and likeable characters who will stay with me for some time to come.’ Cal Turner Reviews
‘The story is gripping, emotional and really unique… I loved it and I heartily recommend it.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘From the very first few pages I was hooked… This was just beautiful in many ways. Perfect for a holiday read.’ (5 stars) Goodreads reviewer
‘It was a simple story with plenty of twists to keep a reader hooked, and the added dash of culture that may be unfamiliar to some, but gives it the spice to make you savour it.’ (5 stars) Goodreads reviewer
I really enjoyed reading about these two women, Soma and Yamuna…The opening was tense and exciting, and there was a definite pageturner aspect to the story as I waited for Soma’s past to catch up with her.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘What a captivating story…it pulled me instantly with its heart wrenching emotion’ Goodreads reviewer
‘The story was not complex, it was not simple, it was just perfect. The characters were relatable and real.’ A Soccer Mom’s Book Blog
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This Stolen Life is the first book I have read by Jeevani Charika. I found it to be very well written with a bit of suspense. The characters were well developed as the book goes on and brings to light cultural differences from my own. They are very well explained so you know why some things are forbidden. I was fascinated by the plot development and the emotions found in the story. It is a wonderful, insightful read that I truly enjoyed.
This Stolen Life is so different than what I usually read. There is a deep look into the culture of Sri Lanka, a look into the college life of students from foreign lands, and a look at the way society sees people of different races. I opened the book and opened my eyes also to a world that I didn’t know much about.
The story kept me entertained but it also helped me to understand some of the trials that people, young and old, can go through with their families, their education, and with society. The story was not complex, it was not simple, it was just perfect. The characters were relatable and real. I could relate to both the college students and their families. Very quickly I became invested in the characters finding a way to respect their families, tell their truths, but still be free to love each other.
The secrets that Soma kept were heart wrenching. My heart broke for her so many times but I loved how strong she became as she learned about a country that was new to her. She became more sure of herself, more comfortable in a foreign world, and more open to learning how to succeed in life.
A bit cheeky recommending my own book, but if you like my other books, you might like this one too. It’s women’s fiction (not romance), a bit darker than my usual jokey style. Two storylines – one about a young woman who is hiding a secret, and the young student who falls for her; the other about a couple in an arranged marriage who realise that they don’t really know each other at all and try to figure out whether they actually like being married to each other.
It’s a special book for me as it’s the first time I’ve written about post natal depression (which I had twice!). I hope you enjoy it.
A desperate girl chooses deception to win a better life; Yasmuna, do you care?
May 8, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
London and Louie welcome Soma into their fold; Mom Yasmuna’s not so won over
I really enjoyed reading about these two women, Soma and Yasmuna, whose lives started out so differently but ended bringing them together thanks to a lovely baby named Louie. The author drew from her cultural background and, according to the author notes, her experiences with post partum depression to make the story realistic. This was a really good mix of tragedy and optimistic new beginnings for Soma, a poor and abused girl desperate for a better, safe life. The opening was tense and exciting, and there was a definite pageturner aspect to the story as I waited for Soma’s past to catch up with her. I thought the use of changing perspective was key in bringing the worries and hopes of principal characters Soma, Sahan, and Yasmuna to the reader and creating an admirable depth of character.
The writing is well-paced and easy to follow, the characters complex and interesting, and the plot a bit suspenseful, but the best part was the satisfying ending for Soma and Sahan’s sweet romance.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book provided by Netgalley; this is my voluntary and honest review.