Laila and the Witches of Kalazar has been chosen as the New Adult Book of the Month for July!!! YAY! Thank you to all those who voted for Laila.

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Laila is a young Pakistani woman who is a Churail, a powerful sorceress from a long line of witches. Laila’s mother ran away from her powerful family to have a normal life with the man she loves and raise her daughter without the dark influence of her family. When Laila’s mother dies her beloved father raises and cares for her.
When her father is attacked at his shop a handsome American trauma surgeon, Mark, saves his life and steal Laila’s heart. When her sinister family seeks to use Laila and enact revenge on Mark for the actions of one of his ancestors, Laila, with the help of the light magic witches of her extended family hatches a plot to stop her evil great uncle and the dark magic practicing Churails.
The story line is unique and gives the reader a glimpse into an exotic land rich in history culture with a tingly paranormal vibe. It is easy to become enthralled in Laila and Mark’s adventure and romance. The characters are likable and real, all in all a very entertaining read.
Five Stars for Laila and the Witches of Kalazar by Salimah Dhanani

The secret is revealed

http://amzn.to/1rCvHvV Amazon
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/433683 Smashwords

Thank you Kat!

Is he the sweet and selfless “Peeta” from the Hunger Games, or could he be the daring and sexy “Four” from Divergent? Of course there’s always Edward or Jacob in the Twilight series. Mikael Blomkvist from “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” is streetwise and smart . Heroes have a lot of pressure. They have to be bold, yet caring. Rugged, but gentle. And  good looks never hurt anyone. Who’s your favorite? Please comment below.  Anyone who comments and shares this page with their friends will be entered into a giveaway for a signed paperback of, “Laila and the Witches of Kalazar.”  Dates of entry are: June 10th through July 10th. Good luck!!

This book is on my summer reading list! If anyone has read it, or something else by Howard, share your experience in the comments below.

To save her people, Mikayla S’Apul has only two options: Become a prize in the upcoming battle or take control of her fate. When a worn journal falls into her hands revealing the secrets of a legendary group of warriors, Mikayla realizes it holds the answer to her dilemma. A marriage of convenience is the only way to protect the Raasa people. Continue reading Author Spotlight: Michelle Howard →

I am absolutely ecstatic to announce that the paperback for, “Laila and the Witches of Kalazar”, is now available on Amazon!!! For all my friends who prefer the good old book-in-hand feeling when they read, click here!

I’m delighted! Laila and the Witches of Kalazar, is featured today on the following blog in it’s author spotlight! Please click on the link below to view. Also, feel free to share! http://www.michellehowardwrites.com/

“The main character Laila is at once intriguing and accessible-you’ll find yourself rooting for her from page one-and the world she inhabits is a believable and compelling blend of the modern and the mystical….The love story that anchors it all, meanwhile, is every bit as exciting, romantic, and fraught with challenges as you want it to be-and there are enough unexpected twists and turns to keep you guessing right up until the end. Fantasy and romance lovers alike won’t be able to put this book down!”

“There were no dull moments in the book. The plot moves very fast and fluidly. The dark antagonist is the perfect villain we can all hate. And the end is satisfying and at one point gut-wrenching…hope there’s more books to come and this becomes a series!”

“A wonderfully inventive, captivating novel. Dhanani’s gripping, heartfelt storytelling prompted me to exclaim aloud as I read (“Lovely!” “Wow!” “Oh no!”), and feel chills, clenches in the stomach… I was hooked!”

“I really enjoyed this book. I read it in two days and would have read it in one if I hadn’t had other things to do. I would recommend it for teenagers to adults. I am looking forward to the second installment.”

Many of you have asked me to post the first Chapter of my novel. Here it is!

(You can also download the first 4 chapters for free on Amazon)

1. Churail

It’s seventy degrees and the skies are clear tonight in Karachi. The traffic on Stadium Road is congested. I roll my window down to let in the humid salty air. Just before I enter the gates of Aga Khan Medical College, where my father’s bookshop is, I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the rearview mirror. My face isn’t as full as it used to be. Cheekbones have emerged. My eyes and cheeks are bright, but my lips turn down at the corners into a worried pout. Continue reading The First Chapter →

I am thrilled to announce the ebook was released today for Kindle on Amazon in 12 countries. Here are the links to the Amazon pages in USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and India.

I wanted to portray a churail (a Pakistani term for witch) as a girl with a strong and noble character. Someone who can fall in love. Someone who is vulnerable and real. So I wrote a love story about a churail and a doctor. My protagonist, Laila, is young, brave and virtuous.  But she is born with powers that are dark and dangerous. She has to fight hard with a malicious and powerful churail king to save her family and protect the man she loves. Can she embrace her seemingly sinister qualities yet still be righteous? Will she win a man’s heart, not because of her innate ability to seduce him, but because he truly loves her?  To find out read, Laila and the Witches of Kalazar! Please share and  comment.