The Secret Keeper of Jaipur: A Novel

Last summer, everyone in Book Club LOVED Alka Joshi's THE HENNA ARTIST and we'll be reading this one (Book 2 of 3) together in the near future.However, I couldn't wait. So, because I forget the details of every book after I read it, I took a little time to read a detailed summary of THE HENNA ARTIST to refamiliarize myself with the characters and it was just what I needed before diving in. It all came right back to me.I never would have guessed that this story would take the path that it does. What drama and excitement! It will be so much fun to discuss this with the book club and we're hoping that Alka Joshi will join us virtually for that discussion.My only disappointment is that Book 3 of the Trilogy isn't available to read yet!!! I'd pick it up in a heartbeat. In fact, does that author have to stop after 3??? I'll be asking her that question. Her characters are so believable and interesting. A GREAT book!

I enjoyed reading this book, but not quite as much as the first one, THE HENNA ARTIST, her first book. This book takes place about 12 years later, but it has the same characters. Each chapter is written by a different character. Malik, is an orphan who was taken in by Lakshmi, the Henna artist. He is a graduate of Bishop Cotton School of boys and has learned to act as a member of a higher caste through his education.He falls in love with a widowed woman with two children. She makes her living selling flowers along the road. Lakshmi, the 42 year old former henna artist, has married a doctor and is now director of the Healing Garden in Shimla. She has ambitions for her ward, Malik.Not knowing much about Indian Culture, I really enjoyed reading this book about it. Not wanting to give the plot away, I can just say that I would recommend this book as well as the first, and I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the third trilogy.

I finished the book last night and woke up sad and missing Lakshmi, Malik, Samir, and the others. The book weaves love, family, devotion and betrayal into an unforgettable tale. I was particularly impressed with the emotional intelligence and growth of the characters from first meeting them in The Henna Artist to this sequel. The story captivated me, especially how the author provided insight into family dynamics showing the ability to share love and devotion while also choosing to forgive and accept each other.

This was the perfect follow up to Book 1. The characters delight and everything comes together in the end. Can’t wait to read the final Book 3.I have finally begun to catch on to the language and appreciate the amazing food. Don’t miss the recipes at the end!

It took me a few chapters to really get into this one but when the story picked up it was hard to put down!I loved how there were two storylines going that eventually tied together in a way I didn’t expect. I love the characters Alka has created and cannot wait for a third book in this trilogy series.

The Secret Keeper of Jaipur was a wonderful sequel to her first novel. I found the characters more fully developed and easier to relate to. The plot had an interesting twist which was informative as well as unique.

It is wonderful and follows the characters in the Henna Artist through their adult lives.

I read the first book the Henna artist. It was Avery good read. Keeps me wanting to read more. The sequel The Secret Keeper of Jaipur was just as good. Can’t wait for the next one.

Alka Joshi writes another beautiful story in her trilogy. Set in Shimla and Jaipur, it is redolent of life in India in the 1960s and depicts two beautiful love stories.I can’t wait for the publication of the final book in the trilogy.Thank you, Alka, for giving me, and many others, so much pleasure.

Fantastic follow up to the henna artistCouldn’t put it downLove how all the characters ‘ lives developHighly recommend

Excellent 2nd book from Alka. I wasn’t sure it would be as good as her first book (The Henna Artist) but I am delighted to say it did not disappoint. The story continues several years on and once again kept me gripped from start to finish. Can’t wait for the next one!

Another 5_star read from Alka Joshi. I read it in one sitting and can't wait for the next one. Absolutely enchanting.. Not to be missed. Gail

I greatly enjoy the beautiful descriptions of all aspects of life in India. It's absorbing getting to know all the characters and I always miss them all when the story ends.