In a literary landscape filled with tales of romance, wealth, and culture clashes, few authors captivate readers quite like Kevin Kwan. Known for his lavish descriptions, razor-sharp wit, and keen insights into the intricacies of family dynamics, Kwan has carved out a niche with his bestselling novels. But for readers hungry for more stories that offer a peek into the lives of the rich and (in)famous, there exists a treasure trove of books waiting to be discovered. From romantic comedies to poignant family dramas, this curated selection offers something for every fan of Kevin Kwan!
The Last Chinese Chef by Nicole Mones
When Maggie McElroy, an American food writer, hears of a paternity claim against her late husband’s estate in China, she rushes to Beijing. Despite her request for time off, her editor insists she profiles rising culinary star, Sam Liang. In Beijing, Maggie unravels her husband’s past and discovers unexpected truths about herself. Guided by Sam, she delves into a world of food steeped in centuries of history. The cuisine, Sam’s loving yet quarrelsome family of cooks, alongwith Sam’s presence in her life, begin to transform her. The Last Chinese Chef is a riveting tale of self-discovery in an unexpected setting.
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Those Pricey Thakur Girls by Anuja Chauhan
In a lavish mansion on Hailey Road in New Delhi, Justice Laxmi Narayan Thakur and his wife Mamta fret over their five alphabetically named daughters. Anjini is a flirt despite being married. Binodini is forever anxious about her children’s inheritance. Chandrakanta eloped with a foreigner right before her wedding. Eshwari is a little too popular at her school. Debjani, the Judge’s favorite, is known for championing the rights of stray animals and clashing with journalist Dylan Singh Shekhawat. Anuja Chauhan’s Those Pricey Thakur Girls is a witty romantic comedy, brimming with humor and charm, capturing the essence of family dynamics and the complexities of love in the bustling city of New Delhi.
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A Bollywood Affair by Sonali Dev
Mili Rathod, wedded at four without seeing her husband for two decades, finds an unusual freedom in marriage uncommon in her village. Encouraged by her grandmother, she ventures to America for education, yearning to be the ideal modern wife if her husband would only appear. Samir Rathod, a renowned Bollywood director, arrives in Michigan seeking his brother’s divorce. Thinking Mili would be easily persuaded to give her husband a divorce, Samir was surprised to uncover her depth and genuineness. As Samir becomes entwined in Mili’s life—cooking, attending weddings—he grapples with conflicting emotions. Sonali Dev’s book intricately explores modern India and love’s complexities with heartfelt honesty and humor.
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The Wangs Vs. The World by Jade Chang
In this uproarious debut novel, a once-prosperous Chinese immigrant family faces the aftermath of financial ruin in America. Charles Wang, a bold and endearing businessman who once flourished in the cosmetics industry, finds himself devastated by the economic downturn. Determined to reclaim his family’s dignity and ancestral lands in China, he embarks on a cross-country journey with his children, Andrew and Grace, and his wife, Barbra. Along the way, they encounter unexpected obstacles and revelations, testing their bonds and resilience. With humor and heart, The Wangs Vs. the World offers a fresh perspective on the meaning of belonging and the strength found in adversity.
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The Jetsetters by Amanda Eyre Ward
When seventy-year-old Charlotte Perkins enters a contest with a daring essay, her goal is simple: to mend fences with her estranged children— Lee, Cord, and Regan. Winning a cruise, the family sets sail, carrying their baggage, both physical and emotional. Secrets emerge, and as they navigate the Mediterranean, they confront past choices. Can these lost souls find solace and reconnect amidst the allure of the sea? Ward delivers a raw tale of self-discovery, family dynamics, and the search for happiness.
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American Panda by Gloria Chao
Seventeen-year-old Mei’s life seems scripted by her parents: skip grades, excel at MIT, marry a Taiwanese Ivy Leaguer, and start a family. But Mei harbors secrets: she despises germs, struggles in biology, and crushes on Darren, who isn’t Taiwanese. Keeping up appearances becomes unbearable, especially after reconnecting with her estranged brother, Xing. As Mei grapples with her identity, she questions the cost of conformity. Can she embrace her true self before her facade crumbles? This compelling tale explores the tension between familial expectations and individual authenticity, challenging Mei to rewrite her future on her own terms.
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The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
In a chilly New York City afternoon, Melody, Beatrice, and Jack Plumb gather to confront their reckless older brother, Leo, fresh from rehab. Leo’s recent car crash, jeopardizes their joint trust fund. As they anticipate a financial windfall, old wounds resurface, testing family bonds. Can Leo fix this mess as he always has, or will the siblings face life without the promised money? Amidst family tensions, Sweeney introduces a colorful cast of characters who add layers to this novel. The Nest delves into the complexities of money, ambition, and family dynamics.
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The High Season by Judy Blundell
In a quiet Long Island village, Ruthie Beamish’s home is her lifeline. Shared with her ex-husband and daughter, it’s their safe space. But to afford it, they rent it out every summer. This year, the wealthy Adeline Clay arrives, seemingly intent on taking over Ruthie’s life. With the town thrown into chaos by a mix of characters, including an eccentric billionaire and Ruthie’s old flame, Ruthie finds herself on the brink of losing everything. However, amidst job uncertainty and family tensions, she discovers a newfound resilience. By summer’s end, nothing will be the same in this gripping tale of upheaval.
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The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
Alexa Monroe agrees to attend a wedding with Drew Nichols, a man she meets in an elevator. It’s out of character for her, but there’s something about Drew she can’t resist. With his ex’s wedding approaching, Drew needs a date. A power outage brings him and Alexa together, sparking the idea of a fake romance. After they have more fun with each other than they could have envisioned, Drew heads back to Los Angeles for his job as a pediatric surgeon, while Alexa returns to her role as the mayor’s chief of staff in Berkeley. Despite the distance, they can’t shake thoughts of each other. Their professional lives collide with their personal desires, leading to a long-distance dating dilemma—or a realization of what they truly want.
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The Unlikely Adventures Of The Shergill Sisters by Balli Kaur Jaswal
The British-born Punjabi Shergill sisters—Rajni, Jezmeen, and Shirina—were never close and barely got along growing up, and now as adults, have grown even further apart. Rajni, a strict school principal, values order above all else. Jezmeen, a struggling thirty-year-old actress, fears her dreams may never come true. Shirina, the peacemaker, enjoys a seemingly perfect life married into wealth. Their mother’s dying wish is for her daughters to make a pilgrimage to the Golden Temple in Amritsar together. Despite their reluctance, they agree, each facing their own personal challenges. In India, they discover unexpected truths about themselves, their mother, and their past.
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