✨📷 Twinkle Is Bound To Brighten Your Day📷✨

Title: From Twinkle, With Love

Author: Sandhya Menon

Page Count: 336 Pgs.

Release Date: May 22, 2018

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Genre: Romance, Coming Of Age

Trigger Warnings: Profanity, Neglect, Verbal bullying.

*Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for the ebook. This does not affect my honest opinion*

Hiii Unicorns, it’s Lori! I’m baaaakkkkk and it’s May ah! I’ve read like crazy in April, but hardly posted and I apologize. I just finished reading ‘From Twinkle, With Love’ by Sandhya Menon and WOW. This novel really is my personal favorite now. Check out my thoughts!

Since it’s written in journal format, it offers the audience a more personal feeling that’s heartfelt, honest, pure, and empathetic in nature. This novel highlights realistic issues we face daily, for instance, Self discovery, Friendships, Career aspirations, Family issues, and Romantic relationships. This novel is SO much more than a Romance and you NEED to read this.

Sandhya delivers a descriptive world and lighthearted journey of a sixteen year old girl who aspires to become a filmmaker with romantic elements that are bound to make you smile.

Synopsis

Aspiring filmmaker and wallflower Twinkle Mehra has stories she wants to tell and universes she wants to explore, if only the world would listen. So when fellow film geek Sahil Roy approaches her to direct a movie for the upcoming Summer Festival, Twinkle is all over it. The chance to publicly showcase her voice as a director? Dream come true. The fact that it gets her closer to her longtime crush, Neil Roy—a.k.a. Sahil’s twin brother? Dream come true x 2.

When mystery man “N” begins emailing her, Twinkle is sure it’s Neil, finally ready to begin their happily-ever-after. The only slightly inconvenient problem is that, in the course of movie-making, she’s fallen madly in love with the irresistibly adorkable Sahil.

My Thoughts

Twinkle literally shines (get it? Punsss) from the pages. Her personality is incredibly lovable from the very start. Did I mention that Twinkle is 100% a Feminist? Yeah she is and it never failed to make me smile & cheer her on with spreading female empowerment. You go Twinkle!

There is also SO MUCH DIVERSITY IN THIS BOOK—I LOVE IT! Not only is there Indian Rep, but also Asian, Black, Christian/Catholic & Bisexual Rep too! Even though the Bisexual and Black character made a small cameo it made me happy to see more diverse characters.

Twinkle is often portrayed to be overlooked by everyone around her: Friends, Family, Peers. But not everyone overlooks her….wink wink. This is a Sandhya novel, guys you KNOW there will be romance in here. She’s a geeky wallflower who has MAJOR character development and you’ll come along her journey.

There is a reoccurring element of her wanting to become a filmmaker, but afraid of taking risks to pursue it because of her introverted personality. By this, she’s aware that if she takes the risk, her films can be displayed to the world (which is also scary because her films are apart of who she is). She does overcome her fear and it opens doors to many opportunities for her wildest dreams.

What I found interesting is that Twinkle dedicates each of her journal entries to Real Life female filmmakers she aspires to be, instead of plainly writing “Dear Diary or reader.” Her journal entries are full of life, honesty and vibrance that will entice you. Not only does this book show you Twinkle’s journal entries, but also Sahil’s blog posts indirectly talking about his crush on Twinkle, the progress of their relationship and emails from Twinkle’s secret admirer.

I became very fond of the idea of this novel being written in journal format. Which reminds me a bit of Perks Of Being A Wallflower, but ‘From Twinkle, With Love’ has a different dynamic. Twinkle will pull the reader into her mind, emotions and the world her then directly discussing certain things to you.

Twinkle embraces you and pulls you into her life to experience her internal and external conflicts. I fell in love with Twinkle because I can personally relate to her, and learn from her as well. Plus she mentioned a scene in the show Supernatural (which I love) so that made my heart REALLY happy.

Sahil

Sahil is an awkward, kind, geeky film kid who is also a Feminist (swoon) and has a crush on Twinkle. Twinkle had moments of doubt when directing a movie for the first time and Sahil always encouraged her. He also undergoes a major character development from: Geeky, awkward to confident and charming. All these characteristics aren’t bad, but to see Sahil flourish is amazing to see.

Mother

Her parents aren’t shown as much, especially since her mother is dealing with her own internal issues which do affect Twinkle. Twinkle’s mother deals with regret and pain of leaving India because she wasn’t able to attend her Twinkle’s grandmother’s funeral. It just hurt me to see her mother shutting herself out and not seeming to care for anyone around her. Sandhya properly describes and delivers grief and loss well. Later, her mom does discuss her grief & regret she feels which causes the Mother-Daughter relationship to grow.

Father

Twinkle’s father had only a few cameo’s in this novel, but is always busy with his students since he works at a youth center. He does show that he cares for Twinkle’s well being, but hasn’t been in her life as much. Overall, both of Twinkle’s parents are a bit unsupportive of her dream to be a filmmaker, but do care for her.

Dadi

Dadi is basically portrayed as a caring mother figure to Twinkle who supports her dreams of being a filmmaker and there when Twinkle needs someone. Dadi is one of my favorite supporting characters besides Sahil. She’s so kind, wise, spiritual and supportive, it really makes my heart melt.

Maddie

Twinkle and Maddie had a close friendship and have grown apart. It hurts Twinkle to see her friend leave her for a more popular crowd, but she’s so hopeful and has so much faith in their friendship. I’ve personally experienced what Twinkle’s going through as in, seeing your closest friend become “popular” then ignore you like your friendship didn’t exist.

It makes me want to say “Screw her, Twinkle, let us be friends!” But Twinkle does learn to become more outspoken and stand up for herself. YASS TWINKLE *raises supportive flag*

In the end, Maddie and Twinkle’s friendship does overcome obstacles and is later restored which warms my heart.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel SO much just like I loved When Dimple Met Rishi. This statement says so much because I cannot stand Romance novels, but I absolutely adore Sandhya’s!

Side Note: To answer a question, no From Twinkle, With Love is nothing like When Dimple Met Rishi. Of course, there is certain aspects that can be compared, but this novel is a standalone and not a sequel to When Dimple Met Rishi.

My Rating: 4.8/5 Stars ★★★★★

I also post reviews on Goodreads!

Pre-order The Book

 Amazon | B&N

Pre-order Campaign

Here is what you get when you submit proof of Pre-order:

• Art card with custom art featuring either Twinkle, Sahil, Rishi, or Dimple, including a quote from each character!

• Signed bookplate with custom art featuring either Twinkle or Sahil!

• Bookmark with custom art featuring either Twinkle or Sahil, including a quote!

• Sticker with custom art featuring either Twinkle, Sahil, Rishi, or Dimple!

Submit here

About The Author

My name is Sandhya Menon, and I’m a New York Times and national indie bestselling author. I write books for teens (and those who still feel like teens inside!). I live by the mountains in Colorado, where I’m on a mission to (gently) coerce my husband, son, and daughter to watch all 3,221 Bollywood movies I claim as my favorite. Also, I love my pets a little too much, as you can probably tell.

Follow Sandhya On Social Media

Twitter | Instagram | Website

Lori’s QOTD: If there was a movie based on your life, who would you want casted to portray you?

For me, I would say Bailee Madison!

Comment below!👇