Sunshine and Spice tells the story of Naomi Kelly, a brand consultant who takes on a project to rebrand a Bengali family’s bazaar. She encounters Dev Mukherjee, who is under pressure from his mother’s matchmaking plans. Their “fake dating” arrangement leads both of them to explore their identities, cultures, and what it means to belong.

Our book club had the honor of hosting Aurora Palit, and the session turned out to be lively and heartfelt. Members were drawn to how the novel weaves romance with questions of heritage, family expectations, and cultural belonging. Many said they rooted for both Naomi and Dev as they struggled to reconcile their internal conflicts with external pressures.

Reviewers have praised Palit’s debut for its readability, emotional resonance, and cultural insight. One NetGalley reviewer called it “a heartwarming and thought-provoking exploration of identity, belonging, and love.” Another noted that while they wished for deeper background on Dev, they were “still hooked” by the story and enamored with the romance and character arcs.

If you haven’t yet, grab a copy of Sunshine and Spice in paperback, ebook, or audiobook, and join us for our next discussion.Should you need help obtaining a copy, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to help coordinate lending, borrowing, or sourcing the book.

This novel is a delightful balance of romance + reflection, and we’d be thrilled to have Sunshine and Spice as one of those books that stay with you well after the last page. Keep an eye on our Book Club announcements!

Happy reading!
— The Banga NextGen Book Club Team