What reviewers are saying about
THE DOWRY BRIDE
“Bantwal tells an engaging story about Indian culture…. The mother-in-law character is particularly well-drawn.”
—Romantic Times
“The Dowry Bride is Shobhan Bantwal’s first novel, and it’s an incredible beginning…. Both the brighter and darker sides of India leap off the pages of this excellent, beautifully composed story. For a very exciting, enlightening, and entertaining way to start your autumn reading, do not miss The Dowry Bride. It’s a real page turner!”
—RomanceReviewsToday.com
“The Dowry Bride is an insightful look at India’s culture…. The story line is incredible…a powerful discerning look at relationships…a fabulous look at the importance of a dowry in India in spite of laws protecting the rights (and apparently the life) of a bride.”
—Harriet Klausner (Amazon’s #1 Reviewer)
“It’s a beautifully written book…. The Dowry Bride will make you cry, laugh, frown and most of all think…. Bantwal takes a brave look at an old topic and delivers a piece of work that may just make an impact. Wonderful, Vivid, and Worth Reading.”
—BookIdeas.com
“The Dowry Bride is an amazing story of modern India…kept me up late, hoping for the best for Megha and the friend who hides her…. I nominate The Dowry Bride as a Book Sense Pick.”
—The Kaleidoscope—Our Focus is You Bookstore
“The Dowry Bride is an eye opener to the challenges many Indian women face in a culture few foreigners comprehend.”
—ArmchairInterviews.com
“Shobhan Bantwal has written a passionate, suspense-filled story of one woman and her fight to survive another’s evil greed and jealousy. The Dowry Bride is a fascinating look into an exotic culture and a story that I recommended to everyone.”
—RomanceJunkies.com
“This is one story that is a great read for any time of the year and one that should be read and shared. I hope Ms. Bantwal’s work brings hope to women everywhere.”
—CoffeeTimeRomance.com
Also by Shobhan Bantwal
THE DOWRY BRIDE
Published by Kensington Publishing Corporation
The Forbidden Daughter
SHOBHAN BANTWAL
KENSINGTON BOOKS
http://www.kensingtonbooks.com
This one is dedicated to my little granddaughter,
Karina Uma—my fountain of joy and inspiration.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Author’s Note
A Reading Group Guide
Discussion Questions
Acknowledgments
As always, I offer my initial prayer of thanks to Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles.
My heartfelt appreciation goes to my generous, warm and supportive editor, Audrey LaFehr, who has placed her faith in me once more. You are the best! The friendly and efficient editorial, production, public relations, and marketing folks at Kensington Publishing richly deserve my gratitude and praise for a job well done. I look forward to working with you on my future projects.
To my agents, Stephanie Lehmann and Elaine Koster, a huge thank-you for your invaluable help and guidance.
I am greatly indebted to my critique partners, Teri Bozowski and Carol Aloisi. They are gentle in their criticism but right on target. They cheer me on at every step.
The Writers’ Exchange at Barnes & Noble in Princeton, New Jersey, and the Writers’ Group at the Plainsboro Public Library deserve my thanks for their insightful comments and suggestions. I offer a grateful hug to my many other friends, who are my cheerleading group.
To my daughter, Maya, and son-in-law, Sameet, I owe more than I can ever repay. I also want to thank my talented sister and fellow writer, Nirmala, an infinite source of support and encouragement. She inspired me to step into the exciting world of creative writing.
And last but not least, to the love of my life, my partner,
