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[Following is a volunteer review of "Kalayla" by Jeannie Nicholas.]

There is not a single person on earth who has not retrospected and wondered how life would have been different if s/he took bold decisions at the right time. In this story, the protagonist regrets not leaving her abusive marriage when her kids were still young.

Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas is an easy read fictional Novel with an emotional touch to the story. The author has portrayed the characters in a way that readers can instantly find a connection with them. They appear to be people living next door. The story revolves around the lives of three female characters who are struggling with different issues. Lena, the old lady, who lives alone and manages her real estate business, feels guilty of not keeping her family together. Maureen, the single mother, feels overwhelmed with the responsibility of raising her daughter without much family support. She is struggling to maintain her sanity, working two jobs after the death of her husband. Kalayla is a witty, outspoken, and strong-willed eleven-year-old girl who has learned to be independent, as her mother, Maureen, is at work most of the day.

Lena finds a purpose in her life to parent again when she sees how the little girl, Kalayla, is wasting her time on the streets, and her mother herself needs motherly care. Would Lena fulfill her aspiration to bring balance to Maureen's family? Would Kalayla be turned into productive activities? Would Lena ever be united with her sons? Readers have to find out answers to these questions upon reading the book.

The author brings many social issues to the limelight, like interracial marriages, finding love in old age, breaking an abusive relationship, daughters stepping up to inherit a business, gay couples, animal welfare, etc. Full marks to the author for acknowledging the existence of these issues in our society. The author has weaved the story around these issues meticulously.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars, the pros being the captivating flow of the story, vivid descriptions of various cuisines, addressing social stigmas, and relatability of the characters. The con was- too much emphasis on parenting, for example, how Lena parented her sons, Kalayla not getting enough parenting, or Maureen's father over-parenting his grandson by forcing him to join certain activities. There were some instances of sexual abuse as per the requirement of the story.

I recommend this book to adult readers who enjoy light fictional books and do not mind a few instances of violence. This book will make you yearn for your best friend whom you can turn to for any problem in the world and who can comfort your soul.

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Kalayla
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I enjoyed the book very much, and I loved your analysis. Indeed, running to your best friend for comfort is a cure for any problem in the world. Thank you for this lovely review!

Raluca_Mihaila wrote: ↑12 Jul 2021, 03:28 I enjoyed the book very much, and I loved your analysis. Indeed, running to your best friend for comfort is a cure for any problem in the world. Thank you for this lovely review!

Thanks for your encouraging words!!! my takeaway from the book is that everybody needs a best friend.

Thank you for the great review. Most people have recommended this book, but I honestly do not read much contemporary. I like the points you mentioned and appreciated that you mentioned that there was too much parenting. I liked your take on that.

RayRuff wrote: ↑14 Jul 2021, 09:34 Thank you for the great review. Most people have recommended this book, but I honestly do not read much contemporary. I like the points you mentioned and appreciated that you mentioned that there was too much parenting. I liked your take on that.

thanks for your supportive words

I hadn’t noticed the many social issues the author brought to the limelight. She really did pack a lot into this delightful read! Thank you for your thoughtful review. I enjoyed your analysis.

MsH2k wrote: ↑19 Jul 2021, 01:33 I hadn’t noticed the many social issues the author brought to the limelight. She really did pack a lot into this delightful read! Thank you for your thoughtful review. I enjoyed your analysis.

Actually, I too got this idea towards the end of the book. Thanks for dropping by

I like the book and the storyline. But I personally feels the author did not thoroughly address the issue of racism like I'd expected. Thank you for your lovely review.

It seems there are a lot of issues being tackled in this book. It is very hard for a single parent, and I'm glad that Lena is stepping up to help out. Thanks for your wonderful review!

Thanks for your interesting review. This book is quite good and educational. It's nice to have some strangers care for your unconditionally.

Omega_01 wrote: ↑02 Aug 2021, 03:41 I like the book and the storyline. But I personally feels the author did not thoroughly address the issue of racism like I'd expected. Thank you for your lovely review.

you are right, the author has acknowledged many issues but not addressed them in detail. thanks for dropping by

Prisallen wrote: ↑02 Aug 2021, 08:26 It seems there are a lot of issues being tackled in this book. It is very hard for a single parent, and I'm glad that Lena is stepping up to help out. Thanks for your wonderful review!

Lena has truly played an appreciable role in the life of Kalayla. thanks for your encouraging post

Sou Hi wrote: ↑04 Aug 2021, 03:45 Thanks for your interesting review. This book is quite good and educational. It's nice to have some strangers care for your unconditionally.

I am glad that you liked my review!!

The author’s idea to tell the story through the characters of women from three different generations is fantastic. Thanks for the objective review.

I read and reviewed this book and loved it. I totally agree with your analyses and observations.