Giveaway and Guest Post: Full Moon Bride Tour with Shobhan Bantwal
I invited Shobhan Bantwal to So Many Precious Books today to write about arrange Marriage. Welcome Shobhan, thanks for aggreing to be my guest.
Arranged Marriage - Connection or Collision?
By Shobhan Bantwal - author of The Full Moon Bride
My latest book, The Full Moon Bride, explores the fascinating subject of arranged marriage, as a young Indian-American woman navigates the gulf between desire and tradition.
Having been born and raised in a culture where arranged marriage is the norm, I had never given it any serious thought—as an institution that is. Most girls and boys growing up in conservative Hindu homes were programmed to accept the fact that someday, when they were old enough and mature enough to settle into marriage, their parents would pick a suitable mate for them and there would be a happily-ever-after.
Arranged marriage is a very pragmatic custom, where the families on both sides come from similar social, economic, and religious backgrounds, hence the marriage becomes a strong bond, not just between two individuals but between families, sometimes entire villages. Strangely enough, love has very little to do with it, and yet it seems to work for the two strangers who suddenly find themselves married to each other.
Caste plays a significant role in Indian arranged marriages. Inter-caste marriages used to be frowned upon some 50 years ago, and to some extent still are, mainly because even within India, there are cultural differences between castes—differences that are too subtle for the outside world to notice. However, caste barriers are slowly beginning to erode as the younger generation is moving away from the old-fashioned form of arranged marriage and choosing to meet and date for a while before tying to knot.
Naturally, conflicts are bound to occur in arranged marriages. I know of some serious disagreements between in-laws that have led to broken engagements and on rare occasions even divorce. While arranged marriage can forge some unbreakable bonds, it can also be fertile ground for vicious sparring, because of family pride, money, and clashing egos. Nonetheless that same family sentiment and preservation of culture can often lead to a reluctant but lasting truce between the warring parties, ensuring that marriages last over a lifetime.
Arranged marriage is a complicated practice, to say the least, especially when culture, caste, and class disparities are thrown into the mix. And yet, it has withstood the test of time.
Readers can find my books, events, contests, photos, recipes, and contact information on my website: www.shobhanbantwal.com/ or visit my facebook page: www.facebook.com/ShobhanBantwal.author
About Full Moon Bride
What makes a marriage—love or compatibility? Passion or pragmatism? THE FULL MOON BRIDE is a compelling story that explores the fascinating subject of arranged marriage, as young Indian-American attorney Soorya Giri navigates the gulf between desire and tradition.
In choosing between two very different men, Soorya must reconcile her burgeoning independence and conservative background. And she must decide what matters most to her—not just in a husband, but in a family, a culture, and a life.
About Shobhan Bantwal
Award-winning author Shobhan Bantwal calls her writing “Bollywood in a Book”—romantic, colorful, action-packed tales, rich with elements of Indian culture—stories that entertain and educate. Shobhan has five published novels by Kensington Publishing, with a sixth slated for 2012. Shobhan can be contacted through her website: www.shobhanbantwal.com or Facebook.
To Enter:
Leave a comment with your email address, so I can contact you if you win.
Extra Entries: (please leave a separate comment for each, for instance you you are a follower, leave 3 comments that you are a follower).
+3 Old or new follower of this blog.
+3 Old or new follower on Twitter (@teddyrose1).
+2 Tweet about this Giveaway (Up to 1 time per day)
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+3 Be my friend on Facebook (Teddy Rose).
+3 "Like" the post about this giveaway on Facebook
+3 Be my friend on Goodreads (Teddy).
+3 for Joining my Books Won Reading Challenge (be sure to follow the rules and then let me know you joined here.)
+3 for Joining my Books Won Reading Challenge (be sure to follow the rules and then let me know you joined here.)
+ 3 for following my Premier Virtual Author Book Tours
+4 for filling out the Tour Host Interest Form (please do this if you have a book blog and you are serious about wanting to be a tour host)
+2 for each comment on a book review I have done. (Be sure to tell me which ones).
+1 for clicking to give free food at The Animal Rescue Site (tell me you did it).( Up to 1 time per day)
+1 for clicking to give free books at The Literacy Site (tell me you did it). ( Up to 1 time per day)
That's 31 or more possible entries! Sorry, this giveaway is only open to U.S.
The winner's mailing address: No P.O. Boxes
Only one entry per household/IP address
Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the book.
This giveaway will end on Friday August 26th, 11:59 P.M. E.S.T. The winners will be notified by email. Winners must respond within TWO days or will be disqualified.
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I would love to read this.
gardnerad@juno.com
Anonymous said... August 12, 2011 at 9:49 AM
I have read and enjoyed a few books by Shobhan Bantwal, and would love to read this one. It sounds like she has a great perspective and vantage point on arranged marriages. Thanks for the great giveaway!
zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net
Zibilee said... August 12, 2011 at 9:58 AM
This book sounds so interesting.
I'm an old GFC follower.
mom1248(at)att(dot)net
Anonymous said... August 12, 2011 at 11:10 AM
Great topic, pity I can't enter. It is indeed the case that arranged marriages have as many proponents as opponents. I suppose all depends on the families involved. Thanks for a great post!
Anachronist said... August 12, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Thanks for the great giveaway! This book sounds so good. I'm an old GFC follower- audreyclair.
twigerina[at]hotmai[dot]com
Audrey said... August 12, 2011 at 12:25 PM
Shobhan Bantwal is one of my favorite authors. I have this book on my TBR pile.
Cathy
Cathy said... August 12, 2011 at 4:50 PM
I have never read any of her books but they sound interesting so I would like to enter to win this one
amhengst at verizon dot net
ann said... August 12, 2011 at 5:43 PM
+1 I clicked to give free books at the Literacy Site
amhengst at verizon dot net
ann said... August 12, 2011 at 5:47 PM
+1 I clicked on the free food for the Animal Rescue site
amhengst at verizon dot net
ann said... August 12, 2011 at 5:47 PM
I like and am a friend of teddy rose on FB
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
ann said... August 12, 2011 at 5:49 PM
I like and am a friend of teddy rose on FB
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
ann said... August 12, 2011 at 5:49 PM
I like and am a friend of teddy rose on FB
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
ann said... August 12, 2011 at 5:50 PM
i like the post on FB about the giveaway
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
ann said... August 12, 2011 at 5:52 PM
i like the post about the giveaway on FB and left a comment
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
ann said... August 12, 2011 at 5:53 PM
i like about the giveaway on FB and left a comment to
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
ann said... August 12, 2011 at 5:54 PM
i am a friend of teddy rose on goodreads
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
ann said... August 12, 2011 at 5:57 PM
I am a friend of teddy rose on goodreads
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
ann said... August 12, 2011 at 5:57 PM
i am a friend to teddy rose on goodreads
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
ann said... August 12, 2011 at 5:58 PM
Thanks for the giveaway. I actually grew up with a girl in NY and was from Greece. Her father arranged for her to be married right after high school. That was 15 years ago and I hear she is still married.
lizzi0915 at aol dot com
Reading said... August 12, 2011 at 9:05 PM
GFC follower #1
lizzi0915 at aol dot com
Reading said... August 12, 2011 at 9:06 PM
GFC follower #2
lizzi0915 at aol dot com
Reading said... August 12, 2011 at 9:07 PM
GFC follower #3
lizzi0915 at aol dot com
Reading said... August 12, 2011 at 9:07 PM
Thanks for this lovely and interesting giveaway. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
petite said... August 13, 2011 at 9:07 AM
I would love to read this
mkbrander at yahoo dot com
Anonymous said... August 13, 2011 at 2:46 PM
This sounds like an interesting read!
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
Patricia N said... August 13, 2011 at 7:25 PM
I follow your blog via GFC as pmnsl95
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
1
Patricia N said... August 13, 2011 at 7:26 PM
I follow your blog via GFC as pmnsl95
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
2
Patricia N said... August 13, 2011 at 7:26 PM
I follow your blog via GFC as pmnsl95
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
3
Patricia N said... August 13, 2011 at 7:26 PM
I follow you on Twitter as pmernick1
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
1
Patricia N said... August 13, 2011 at 7:26 PM
I follow you on Twitter as pmernick1
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
2
Patricia N said... August 13, 2011 at 7:27 PM
I follow you on Twitter as pmernick1
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
3
Patricia N said... August 13, 2011 at 7:27 PM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/102567133795463169
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
1
Patricia N said... August 13, 2011 at 7:28 PM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/102567133795463169
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
2
Patricia N said... August 13, 2011 at 7:28 PM
I follow Premier Virtual Author Book Tours blog via GFC as pmnsl95
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
1
Patricia N said... August 13, 2011 at 7:31 PM
I follow Premier Virtual Author Book Tours blog via GFC as pmnsl95
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
2
Patricia N said... August 13, 2011 at 7:31 PM
I follow Premier Virtual Author Book Tours blog via GFC as pmnsl95
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
3
Patricia N said... August 13, 2011 at 7:32 PM
I clicked at The Animal Rescue Site
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
Patricia N said... August 13, 2011 at 7:33 PM
I clicked at The Literacey Site
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
Patricia N said... August 13, 2011 at 7:33 PM
I'd love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 14, 2011 at 11:03 AM
follow by GFC
entry 1
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 14, 2011 at 11:03 AM
follow by GFC
entry 2
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 14, 2011 at 11:04 AM
follow by GFC
enry 3
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 14, 2011 at 11:04 AM
Facebook friend
entry 1
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 14, 2011 at 11:05 AM
Faceboo friend
entry 2
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 14, 2011 at 11:06 AM
Facebook friend
entry 3
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 14, 2011 at 11:06 AM
follow Premier Authors
entry 1
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 14, 2011 at 11:07 AM
follow Premier Authors
entry 2
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 14, 2011 at 11:07 AM
follow Premier Authors
entry 3
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 14, 2011 at 11:08 AM
click on Animal Rescue button
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 14, 2011 at 11:09 AM
I clicked at The Animal Rescue Site
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
Patricia N said... August 15, 2011 at 4:51 AM
I clicked at The Literacy Site
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
Patricia N said... August 15, 2011 at 4:52 AM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/103071150032175104
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
Patricia N said... August 15, 2011 at 4:52 AM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/103071150032175104
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
2
Patricia N said... August 15, 2011 at 5:05 AM
8/15
clicked on Animal Rescue button
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 15, 2011 at 5:46 AM
clicked on Literacy button
8/15
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 15, 2011 at 5:47 AM
Would love to read this.
tiredwkids at live dot com
Shannon said... August 15, 2011 at 9:34 PM
Old Follower.
tiredwkids at live dot com
Shannon said... August 15, 2011 at 9:35 PM
Old Follower.
tiredwkids at live dot com
Shannon said... August 15, 2011 at 9:35 PM
Old Follower.
tiredwkids at live dot com
Shannon said... August 15, 2011 at 9:35 PM
New follower on twitter.
tiredwkids at live dot com
Shannon said... August 15, 2011 at 9:35 PM
New follower on twitter.
tiredwkids at live dot com
Shannon said... August 15, 2011 at 9:35 PM
New follower on twitter.
tiredwkids at live dot com
Shannon said... August 15, 2011 at 9:36 PM
Tweeted.
http://twitter.com/#!/forever913/status/103324236449452032
tiredwkids at live dot com
Shannon said... August 15, 2011 at 9:37 PM
Tweeted.
http://twitter.com/#!/forever913/status/103324236449452032
tiredwkids at live dot com
Shannon said... August 15, 2011 at 9:37 PM
Friends on goodreads.
tiredwkids at live dot com
Shannon said... August 15, 2011 at 9:37 PM
Friends on goodreads.
tiredwkids at live dot com
Shannon said... August 15, 2011 at 9:37 PM
Friends on goodreads.
tiredwkids at live dot com
Shannon said... August 15, 2011 at 9:38 PM
8/16
clicked Animal Rescue button
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 16, 2011 at 5:43 AM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/103562829717704704
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
Patricia N said... August 16, 2011 at 1:26 PM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/103562829717704704
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
2
Patricia N said... August 16, 2011 at 1:26 PM
I clicked at The Animal Rescue site
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
Patricia N said... August 16, 2011 at 1:27 PM
I clicked at The Literacy site
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
Patricia N said... August 16, 2011 at 1:27 PM
8/17
clicked Animal Rescue button
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 17, 2011 at 5:44 AM
8/17
clicked the Literacy button
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 17, 2011 at 5:44 AM
Tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/104002014681374720
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
Patricia N said... August 17, 2011 at 6:30 PM
I clicked at The Literacy site
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
Patricia N said... August 17, 2011 at 6:31 PM
Tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/104002014681374720
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
2
Patricia N said... August 17, 2011 at 6:39 PM
8/18
clicked the Animal Rescue button
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 18, 2011 at 5:53 AM
8/18
clicked the Literacy button
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 18, 2011 at 5:54 AM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/104212646689112064
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
1
Patricia N said... August 18, 2011 at 8:29 AM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/104212646689112064
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
2
Patricia N said... August 18, 2011 at 8:29 AM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/104600368310267904
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
1
Patricia N said... August 19, 2011 at 10:09 AM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/104600368310267904
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
2
Patricia N said... August 19, 2011 at 10:10 AM
8/19
clicked Animal Rescue button
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 19, 2011 at 4:03 PM
clicked Literacy button
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 19, 2011 at 4:03 PM
clicked the Animal Rescue button
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 20, 2011 at 6:26 AM
clicked the Literacy button
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 20, 2011 at 6:26 AM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/105020142890647552
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
1
Patricia N said... August 20, 2011 at 1:56 PM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/105020142890647552
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
2
Patricia N said... August 20, 2011 at 1:56 PM
I clicked at The Animal Rescue Site
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
Patricia N said... August 20, 2011 at 1:56 PM
I clicked at The Literacy Site
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
Patricia N said... August 20, 2011 at 1:57 PM
clicked the Animal Rescue button
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 21, 2011 at 6:03 AM
clicked the Literacy button
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 21, 2011 at 6:03 AM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/105358360081203200
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
Patricia N said... August 21, 2011 at 12:20 PM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/105358360081203200
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
2
Patricia N said... August 21, 2011 at 12:20 PM
8/22
clicked the Animal Rescue button
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 22, 2011 at 5:31 AM
clicked the Literacy button
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 22, 2011 at 5:31 AM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/105752811463118848
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
1
Patricia N said... August 22, 2011 at 2:29 PM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/105752811463118848
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
2
Patricia N said... August 22, 2011 at 2:30 PM
8/23
clicked the Animal Rescue button
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 23, 2011 at 5:29 AM
8/23
clicked the Literacy button
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 23, 2011 at 5:29 AM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/106072294400598016
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
1
Patricia N said... August 23, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/106072294400598016
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
2
Patricia N said... August 23, 2011 at 11:39 AM
clicked Animal Rescue button
8/24
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 24, 2011 at 6:35 AM
clicked Literacy button
8/24
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 24, 2011 at 6:35 AM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/106445535216533504
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
1
Patricia N said... August 24, 2011 at 12:21 PM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/106445535216533504
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
2
Patricia N said... August 24, 2011 at 12:21 PM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/106808819522338817
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
1
Patricia N said... August 25, 2011 at 12:25 PM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/106808819522338817
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
2
Patricia N said... August 25, 2011 at 12:26 PM
I clicked at The Animal Rescue Site
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
Patricia N said... August 26, 2011 at 3:47 AM
I clicked at The Literacy Site
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
Patricia N said... August 26, 2011 at 3:48 AM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/107041089516617728
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
1
Patricia N said... August 26, 2011 at 3:48 AM
Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/107041089516617728
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
2
Patricia N said... August 26, 2011 at 3:49 AM
8/26
clicked Animal Rescue button
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 26, 2011 at 10:55 AM
8/26
clicked Literacy button
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Margie said... August 26, 2011 at 10:55 AM
Please count me in.
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT
Nancye said... August 26, 2011 at 8:56 PM
GFC Follower
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT
#1
Nancye said... August 26, 2011 at 8:57 PM
GFC Follower
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT
#2
Nancye said... August 26, 2011 at 8:57 PM
GFC Follower
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT
#3
Nancye said... August 26, 2011 at 8:58 PM
Twitter Follower
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT
#1
Nancye said... August 26, 2011 at 8:58 PM
Twitter Follower
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT
#2
Nancye said... August 26, 2011 at 8:58 PM
Twitter Follower
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT
#3
Nancye said... August 26, 2011 at 8:59 PM
FB Friend
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT
#1
Nancye said... August 26, 2011 at 9:00 PM
FB Friend
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT
#2
Nancye said... August 26, 2011 at 9:00 PM
FB Friend
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT
#3
Nancye said... August 26, 2011 at 9:00 PM
Goodreads Friend
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT
#1
Nancye said... August 26, 2011 at 9:02 PM
Goodreads Friend
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT
#2
Nancye said... August 26, 2011 at 9:03 PM
Goodreads Friend
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT
#3
Nancye said... August 26, 2011 at 9:04 PM
I clicked on the Animal Rescue
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT
Nancye said... August 26, 2011 at 9:05 PM
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