The pace of this novel is thrilling, like a Six Flags ride. I thought Laila's unique story, her magic and the book's setting had endless possibilities. The deep romance between her and Mark is a classic love story told with a very different cultural twist. I wanted to see more of their relationship in future sequels! 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! Well Done! Salimah!

Salimah Dhanani did a terrific job with the story. The MC, Laila, and her love interest, Mark, showed growth and development throughout this story. Instead of writing about perfect characters with no fears or flaws, Salimah wrote exactly that; characters with fears and flaws. The cultural difference and language only helped enhance this story into what it is now and I can only hope Salimah writes another book or two to accompany this amazing first debut. I would like to see what more there is for Laila and Mark to face together and see their relationship develop even more. I wish there was more action, but I'm sure if there's another book, the author might add that element a lot more.

(full review to come)

This novel had my interest from the beginning. A wonderful novel debut for Dr. Dhanani! I felt myself being transferred to the sights, smells, tastes and legends of Pakistan immediately. A similiar feeling I had when reading "Like Water for Chocolate" many years ago. I hope to see the story of Laila continue into future novels and cinematic adventures!

The stories of Churails that kept me up at night as a child has been retold in a mesmerizing and an intensely romantic novel. This book is a kaleidoscope of pain and endurance, love and deceit, spells and magic set in an exotic land. I am eagerly waiting for a sequel or even better - a movie! M.J.

Romance, witches and Pakistan as the setting for this book - read it in 2 days because I was so intrigued. Pakistan, the food, the culture all unknown to me until now. Don't keep us waiting too long for the next novel about Laila!!

This is a wonderfully captivating story with a great mix of romance, mystery, mystique and culture. I could barely put the book down and loved every minute of reading it! The mystical aspects to the plot were very refreshing from so many of the other romantic novels on the market. Great beach read but also really interesting to learn so much about Pakistan. My mouth watered with the descriptions of the wonderful foods throughout the novel. Very well done!

I enjoyed the book. I would have liked a type of glossary to briefly describe the food, clothing, furnishings. i.e. charpais, shalwar kameez. Thank you

A wonderfully inventive, captivating novel! Salimah's gripping, heartfelt storytelling prompted me to exclaim aloud as I read (“Lovely!” Wow!” “Oh no!”), and feel chills, clenches in the stomach, etc. And Laila and the other characters came to such vivid life that they lingered long after I'd finished reading, and I found myself missing them. In other words, I was hooked!

This romantic and exciting novel kept me guessing from start to finish. I was particularly enamored with my literary exposure to Pakistan, and the mystical history presented by the author. I could not put this down, and eagerly await a theatrical version.