The Full Moon Bride

Soorya Giri, the only child of a well-known plastic surgeon, is a moderately successful attorney in New York City and should be quite a catch for any matchmaking mama and her son. Yet she is a failure in the marriage department, having been rejected by countless suitors over seven years. When her mother sets her up with Rajesh "Roger" Vadepalli, Soorya is drawn to his "bedroom eyes" but disconcerted when he informs her that all he wants is a rich wife to bankroll his theatrical productions. Roger and the Giri family are lovely, but self-centered Soorya never becomes less whiny or more appealing. Bantwal (The Unexpected Son) skips serious social issues to focus on the immigrant experience and family ties while describing the modern version of arranged marriages. By cherry-picking the cultural details that fit stereotypes, she makes it far too easy for non-Indian readers to nod along. (Aug.)