The Secret Diary of a Bengali Bridezilla
The Secret Diary of a Bengali Bridezilla

Author: Halima Khatun

Publisher: Hayat House

Published: 2023-11-01

Total Pages: 334

ISBN-13:

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And I Thought Finding a Husband Was Hard… Prepare for a laughter-filled journey through the chaos of wedding planning in The Secret Diary of a Bengali Bridezilla, a hilarious diverse romcom that will make you laugh and cry! Join our acerbic protagonist as she dives headfirst into the whirlwind of her big fat Bangladeshi wedding. With just three months to go, a guest list of 600 (including strangers she's never met), and a barrage of unsolicited opinions, she realises that finding a husband was the easy part! As she tackles her wedding to-do list, which includes finding the perfect makeup artist, creating meaningful favors, and outshining her cousin's impending nuptials, she can't help but wonder if she's on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Will her dream man and the perfect wedding day align, or is chaos about to take center stage? Imagine Fleabag and Bridget Jones teaming up over tea and samosas—this uproarious tale is the delightful brainchild of former journalist Halima Khatun. In this hilarious follow-up to The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage, Khatun brings her signature British wit to the forefront. Prepare for an adventure that blends cultural traditions, wedding mishaps, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour. With every page, you'll find yourself laughing out loud and nodding along as you witness the ups, downs, and unexpected moments of this unforgettable journey. The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage is a must-read for anyone seeking a multicultural romcom that transcends boundaries and captures the essence of British wit. About the author Halima Khatun is a former journalist (having worked for ITV and the BBC), writer and PR consultant.Since she was a child, she knew that words would be her thing. With a lifelong passion for writing, Halima wrote her first novel - a coming-of-age children's story - at the age of 12. It was politely turned down by all the major publishing houses. However, proving that writing was indeed her forte, Halima went on to study English and Journalism and was one of just four people in the UK to be granted a BBC scholarship during her postgraduate studies.She has since written for a number of publications including the HuffPost and Yahoo! Style, and has been featured in the Express, Metro and other national publications. Halima also blogs on lifestyle, food and travel and parenthood on HalimaBobs. This is where she also shares updates on her novels.

The Secret Diary of a Bengali Newlywed
The Secret Diary of a Bengali Newlywed

Author: Halima Khatun

Publisher: Hayat House

Published: 2023-11-01

Total Pages: 353

ISBN-13:

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I found me a man, now I just need to figure out how to live with him… Step into the world of The Secret Diary of a Bengali Newlywed – An Unputdownable Tale of Love, Identity, and the Journey of Starting a New Life! Our acerbic protagonist is about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. With a new husband by her side, a new city to explore, and a set of in-laws with their own set of expectations, she's ready to embrace the next chapter of her life as a Bengali bride. They say that when you marry someone, you marry their entire family. And as she navigates her way through this new phase, she quickly learns the truth behind that statement. After the whirlwind of finding a man and surviving the chaotic planning of her big fat Bangladeshi wedding, she assumes that the newlywed phase will be a walk in the park. But as reality sets in, she realizes that there's much more to this journey than meets the eye. Will she find her place in this new dynamic, or will she face unexpected challenges along the way? In this latest installment of The Secret series, award-winning author Halima Khatun weaves a captivating narrative that delves deep into themes of race, identity, belonging, and the intricacies of family dynamics. With her signature blend of self-deprecation and acerbic humor, Khatun invites readers to join her glass half-full heroine as she navigates the twists and turns of her biggest life changes yet. The Secret Diary of a Bengali Newlywed is a heartfelt exploration of love, self-discovery, and the complexities of cultural expectations. Through the eyes of our relatable protagonist, Khatun takes us on a poignant journey that will resonate with readers from all walks of life. Immerse yourself in this page turner that showcases Halima Khatun's unrivaled ability to capture the essence of human emotions and the triumphs and tribulations of life.

The Secret Diary of a Bengali Bridezilla
The Secret Diary of a Bengali Bridezilla

Author: Halima Khatun

Publisher:

Published: 2021-02-03

Total Pages: 396

ISBN-13: 9781916318335

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The follow up to award-winning The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage, by former journalist Halima Khatun. Acerbic British with with a multicultural twist at its best.

The Secret Diary Series: Books 1-3 :
The Secret Diary Series: Books 1-3 :

Author: Halima Khatun

Publisher: Hayat House

Published: 2023-06-05

Total Pages: 777

ISBN-13:

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The first three books in The Secret Diary series, starring the brown Bridget Jones, our acerbic heroine, will have you laughing, crying and desperate for one more chapter. From book 1, The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage: A British-Bengali girl looking for Mr Right. A motley crew of men. A mum on a mission to match make and an age-old tradition with a twist. Welcome to the world of the arranged marriage. While I’m young, free and single, time is - by Bengali standards - marching on. I must meet my dream man, or someone I can grow to like, and get married. The trouble is, I don’t really know what - or who – I’m looking for. Luckily (or not) for me, arranged marriages are still a thing. So alongside my own dating efforts, it’s everyone’s business to find me a match. I’m pretty sure I’ll land a husband, but will he be ‘The One’? From book 2, The Secret Diary of a Bengali Bridezilla: And I thought finding a husband was hard... One couple. Three months. 600 guests (most of whom I’ve never met) and LOTS of opinions. Welcome to my big fat Bangladeshi wedding. To do: Find top makeup artist Create meaningful favours Outdo my cousins impending nuptials Have nervous breakdown? I’ve found my dream man but will my wedding day be a nightmare? From book 3, The Secret Diary of a Bengali Newlywed: New husband. New city. New in-laws and new expectations. Welcome to my life as a Bengali newlywed. They say you don’t just marry the guy, you marry the whole family. They also say you don’t really know someone until you live with them. But, surely, after the challenge of finding a man, and the nightmare of planning my big fat Bangladeshi wedding, this newlywed phase is the easy bit, right? Right?! About the author Halima Khatun is a former journalist (having worked for ITV and the BBC), writer and PR consultant. With a lifelong passion for writing, Halima wrote her first novel - a coming-of-age children's story - at the age of 12. It was politely turned down by all the major publishing houses. Halima went on to study English and Journalism and was one of just four people in the UK to be granted a BBC scholarship during her postgraduate studies. She has since written for a number of publications including the HuffPost and Yahoo! Style, and has been featured in the Express, Metro and other national publications. Halima also blogs on lifestyle, food and travel and parenthood on HalimaBobs. Keywords: diverse romcom, diverse books, diverse reads, romantic comedy, muslim comedy, british bengali, women's fiction, clean and wholesome romance.

The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage
The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage

Author: Halima Khatun

Publisher: Hayat House

Published: 2023-11-01

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13:

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Winner of the 2021 Bookbrunch Selfie Award for Best Adult Fiction. Meet the brown Bridget Jones... I know I'll land a husband… but will he be the one? The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage – A hilarious romcom that will redefine your Your views on love and matchmaking! Meet our British-Bengali protagonist, a spirited, acerbic woman on a quest for Mr Right. But in a world where tradition and modernity collide, her journey to find love takes a delightfully unexpected turn. Young, free and single, our heroine finds herself caught between two worlds, never fully fitting in with her English friends or her Asian community. As time ticks away, she embarks on a dual mission—her own dating adventures and the rollercoaster ride of an arranged marriage hunt orchestrated by her larger-than-life family. From her adorable yet overbearing mum to the army of pretend aunties and profiteering opportunists, everyone becomes invested in finding her the perfect match. With humour and wit, she embraces the chaos of this unconventional approach to love, never quite sure if her ideal partner lies within the boundaries of tradition or if she'll discover something entirely unexpected. The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage is a fresh and captivating debut novel by former journalist Halima Khatun. She explores the complexities of family dynamics, identity, and the eternal search for belonging. This is not your average arranged marriage romance—it's a romcom that breaks barriers and challenges preconceptions. Prepare to be swept away on a laugh-out-loud journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. Get ready to redefine your view of matchmaking and immerse yourself in a story that will leave you smiling long after you've turned the final page. The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage is a romcom like no other, defying stereotypes and offering a fresh perspective on the joys and pitfalls of finding love, or a boy you can at least grow to like. Don't miss this heartwarming and hilarious tale. Reader reviews: "This is a great book to read on transport or going on holidays. I finished mine in no time and laughed lots!" "I loved reading this book! Such an enjoyable read which was hilarious at some points but also really highlighted how arranged marriages are viewed from different perspectives, especially in western society. It's hard to find a book that isn't too 'heavy' but also covers important issues and makes you really empathise with the main character. Highly recommend if you're looking for a fun read but something a bit different from the usual chick-lit." About the author Halima Khatun is a former journalist (having worked for ITV and the BBC), writer and PR consultant. With a lifelong passion for writing, Halima wrote her first novel - a coming-of-age children's story - at the age of 12. It was politely turned down by all the major publishing houses. Halima went on to study English and Journalism and was one of just four people in the UK to be granted a BBC scholarship during her postgraduate studies. She has since written for a number of publications including the HuffPost and Yahoo! Style, and has been featured in the Express, Metro and other national publications. Halima also blogs on lifestyle, food and travel and parenthood on HalimaBobs.

The Secret Diary of Chumleigh the Cat
The Secret Diary of Chumleigh the Cat

Author: Paul Lawrence

Publisher: tfm Publishing Limited

Published: 2024-09-01

Total Pages: 136

ISBN-13: 1913755290

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Behind a thin veneer of respectability, life in a small English village is not all it may seem. Through the eyes of Chumleigh the cat, the rural goings on are recorded in this funny and poignant diary, with an element of adult humour. From a cat’s perspective, Chumleigh tells all about life in his house and the antics of his neighbours. From domestic disharmony to a cannabis farm in next door’s garden shed, he sees it all and shares it all in his diary. This is a cat who enjoys the finer elements of feline existence like tuna, sleeping in the warm and cat treats. But life doesn’t always pan out the way he would like. Supported by a rich cast of locals, as odd and individualistic as still found in many small villages, Chumleigh charts a year in his life. Traumatic visits to the vet, turf wars with the local ginger tom and a desire to eliminate a neighbour’s yappy dog are all set down with great humour and insight. If you’ve ever lived in a village or owned a cat, this will make you laugh. If you’ve never lived in a village and never owned a cat, this will be a wonderful insight into what you have been missing. The Secret Diary of Chumleigh the Cat is a year in the life of a cat who never ceases to be amazed at just what goes on around him!

The Secret Diary of a Pregnant Bengali
The Secret Diary of a Pregnant Bengali

Author: Halima Khatun

Publisher: Hayat House

Published: 2023-12-02

Total Pages: 276

ISBN-13:

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One couple. Nine months. Lots of decisions and even more opinions… Welcome to my life as a pregnant Bengali lady. I went through the arranged marriage process. I met a boy, married him, then learned how to live with him in a whole new city. Life has been an adventure so far, and this might be the biggest yet. I’m going to be a mum! But with a baby on the horizon and an unexpected curve ball, can my glass half empty nature survive the craziest nine months of my life? The Secret Diary of a Pregnant Bengali sees our heroine face her greatest challenge yet, negotiating raging hormones, NCT classes, and a whole host of Bengali old wives’ tales. Exploring race, identity and belonging, former journalist Halima Khatun’s acerbic protagonist will have you laughing and crying. Halima Khatun is a former journalist (having worked for ITV and the BBC), writer and PR consultant. Since she was a child, she knew that words would be her thing. With a lifelong passion for writing, Halima wrote her first novel - a coming-of-age children’s story - at the age of 12. It was politely turned down by all the major publishing houses. However, proving that writing was indeed her forte, Halima went on to study English and Journalism and was one of just four people in the UK to be granted a BBC scholarship during her postgraduate studies. She has since written for a number of publications including the HuffPost and Yahoo! Style, and has been featured in the Express, Metro and other national publications. Halima also blogs on lifestyle, food and travel and parenthood on halimabobs.com. This is where she also shares updates on her novels.

Priceless Publicity
Priceless Publicity

Author: H Khatun

Publisher: Hayat House

Published: 2022-12-01

Total Pages: 166

ISBN-13:

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Getting good media coverage for your business isn't cheap... The cost of a full-page advert in a national newspaper, i.e. Daily Mail: £30,000+ / $36,000+ USD The average cost of hiring a PR agency: approx. £3,000 / $3790 USD per month Hiring an in-house PR manager - £2,500+ / $3,158 USD per month Doesn't it make more sense to do it yourself? If so, then this book is for you. Perfect for small businesses, authors, consultants and start-ups, in this in-depth book, Priceless Publicity, I tell you what other PR agencies won't - how to secure free, credible and invaluable media coverage for your brand. With over 30 easily digestible chapters, you will learn everything you need to know to be able to become your business' own PR guru. You can learn in your own time - at your own pace - whilst still running your business. This book covers teaches you how to get money-can't-buy media coverage wherever you are in the world, and whatever line of business you are in. There's no classroom theory here, it's all practical and packed full of real examples of media coverage I've secured. So no more: - trying and failing to interest journalists in your business' stories - wasted hours spent Googling how to write a press release - seeing your competitors get coverage you deserve - guesswork Instead, try an alternative solution that really works - empowering yourself to do your own PR, build your brand, and grow your business through the power of priceless publicity. This book is perfect for you if you're a: Start-up Author Small business owner Consultant Entrepreneur Freelancer Why I created this book... I created this book to help businesses like yours reap the benefits of media publicity, without having to spend a fortune on an agency. As a small business owner myself, I understand that being lean is key, but at the same time, you need to invest to grow and market your brand. So this book is the perfect solution - rather than investing money and outsourcing your PR, you're investing in yourself by doing your own. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give your business the greatest chance of success with this book. It will be the best investment you've made. Keywords: Small business marketing, PR, public relations, start-ups, startups, media coverage, how to grow your business, how to build your brand, free publicity, marketing books, PR books, business books, tips for small businesses.

No One Ever Asks Mum
No One Ever Asks Mum

Author: Halima Khatun

Publisher: Hayat House

Published: 2021-07-16

Total Pages: 32

ISBN-13:

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An 'own voice' women's fiction short story - the diverse read you need. A mum on a mission to matchmake. A daughter with ideas of her own. A suitor that threatens to tear them apart... When it comes to arranged marriages, you never hear the perspective of the mother of the 'bride'. So now it's time. This short story offers a unique insight into the struggles of someone desperately trying to blend traditional expectations with modern reality, whilst hoping to do the best for her children. Because no one ever asks mum, it's time we heard her side of the story. From the author of the Bookbrunch Best Adult Fiction 2021 award-winner The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage and The Secret Diary of a Bengali Bridezilla, comes this unique journey from Bangladesh to Britain. Taking you from rural life to suburban displacement, from hardships and heartache, all through the eyes of the woman who saw it all. It's not like any of the other Muslim girl books or British chick-lit you've read- it'll make you laugh and cry. About the author Halima Khatun is a former journalist (having worked for ITV and the BBC), writer and PR consultant. Since she was a child, she knew that words would be her thing. With a lifelong passion for writing, Halima wrote her first novel - a coming-of-age children's story - at the age of 12. It was politely turned down by all the major publishing houses. However, proving that writing was indeed her forte, Halima went on to study English and Journalism and was one of just four people in the UK to be granted a BBC scholarship during her postgraduate studies. She has since written for a number of publications including the HuffPost and Yahoo! Style, and has been featured in the Express, Metro and other national publications. Halima also blogs on lifestyle, food and travel and parenthood on HalimaBobs. This is where she also shares updates on her novels. Halima is a regular guest on the BBC Asian Network and frequently contributes to the HuffPost. Read the whole The Secret series! #1 The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage #2 The Secret Diary of a Bengali Bridezilla Free related short story from the mother of the bride’s perspective: No One Ever Asks Mum. Keywords: bengali, free fiction, free ebook, free reads, short story, multicultural fiction, Bangladeshi fiction, bridezilla book, funny reads, heartwarming stories, arranged marriage, books by woc, women of colour, women of color, strong Muslim female, Muslim girl books, British chick lit, British-Bengali, British Muslim, British Asian, diverse reads, funny chick-lit, women’s fiction by women of colour, women’s fiction, sweet romance, cultural insight.

All the Words Unspoken
All the Words Unspoken

Author: Serena Kaur

Publisher: eBook Partnership

Published: 2020-04-16

Total Pages: 250

ISBN-13: 1913062465

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Things are not going well for Maansi Cavale. Her depression is worsening, she barely passes her university exams and she winds up stuck at home, full of regret and unable to find a job. She'd do anything for a way out. Though Maansi previously considered arranged marriage an outdated tradition (only to be agreed to if you're in your mid-forties and unable to bag anybody yourself), a chance meeting at an Indian wedding party changes everything. Desperate to escape the shackles of monotony and unemployment, she agrees to marry the handsome and wealthy Aryan Alekar. She convinces herself a new lifestyle and wealth will lift her out of the pit. She secures the marriage, but not before serving up a few lies about herself... As they settle into married life, Aryan remains a mystery to Maansi: some days warm and loving, others cold and distant. Maansi can't help but wonder...who is Aryan Alekar really? And why did he choose to marry so young? While living with Aryan, Maansi realises she could never be satisfied playing housewife. After all, she once had goals and dreams. While searching for the ambition she has buried, Maansi starts to realise that the man she has married is even further from what he seems... Can she salvage their union or will they set each other free? . All the Words Unspoken is a fresh, new voice from debut British-Asian author, Serena Kaur. It is a love story that challenges our preconceptions of relationships and shows us that the choices we make have implications and ramifications far beyond the horizon we can see.