Farah Heron (Accidentally Engaged; Kamila Knows Best) delivers a moving (but very entertaining) second-chance romance in Jana Goes Wild, ably depicting the struggles of a woman who has been burned once, yet still tries to give love a second chance. Five years earlier, Jana Suleiman, a straitlaced nonprofit development expert, unexpectedly fell hard for Anil Malek, a divorcé who also worked in global development--until she learned that Anil wasn't quite divorced yet. She fled, brokenhearted. Soon after their breakup, Jana discovered she was pregnant, putting an end to her free-spirited life. Ever since, she and Anil have been tense but fairly amicable co-parents to their daughter, Imani.
Because her Indian culture frowns on motherhood out of wedlock, Jana has endured some criticism and tries never to step a toe out of line. But when Jana and Imani travel to Tanzania for her best friend Kamila's wedding, Jana is shocked to discover that Anil is also part of the wedding party. Forced to participate together in elaborate wedding festivities, including safaris and spas, Jana finds herself starting to wonder if she can trust Anil again.
Heron brilliantly captures Jana's misgivings as she explores her wilder side in Tanzania. Full of luscious descriptions of wildlife and hotels--and a hilarious cast of Indian aunties and uncles in the wedding party--Jana Goes Wild is truly an escape. This is a delightfully adventurous romance, perfect for fans of Jasmine Guillory or Sara Desai. --Jessica Howard, freelance book reviewer