Hi. I have recently mentored by Ms Sandhya. I would say It was very useful and helped to get the concepts clear with theory along with practical knowledge to prepare for the certificate exam. It gives clear picture of all the concepts required for the role. Thanks Sandhya ma’am.

There is a big Pipal tree in front of our house-just facing my study window. It seems so near –it seems that if I take out my hand out of the window, I can touch the branches. It’s winter time now in India and every winter it sheds all its leaves. In the middle of December, if you look at the tree, it will look like a skeleton of a tree, with not a single leaf. As if the tree is dead. Then comes the spring and new lease of life is sprinkled to the tree. New leaves emerging, yellow giving way to a wonderful combination of red and green –as if it is a festival of life.
Sometimes when I am alone in the study, I think that the human life is like the tree. When winter comes-the life goes inside the cocoon. Then comes the spring again-and it is a new song of life. Human life always fights against all odds, against all fragility-towards a new ray of hope. The story of life is always this prayer of hope. Sometimes there are ups; sometimes there are downs, sometimes human life faces a crushing defeat-but it is that hope that keeps human alive. Literature that speak of this hope are one of my favorite readings. That’s why ‘ A second spring-brings new hope’ by Sandhya Jane touches my heart.

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Second Spring Reviews: The title and the cover design of the book “Second Spring” work by Sandhya Jane is eye catching. The cover design is soothing but you can’t make out what it conveys about till you indulge in reading. The two strong protagonist of the story are Avantika and Rohan and the story revolves around these two main characters and the way it has been portrayed by the author Sandhya is enchanting. It is a romantic number and quite a common story for the fiction but the way she has blended the characters is intriguing and the language is crisp and composed. The author’s writing is matured and confident and has picked up the characters very well and the narration of the story is beyond measures. The story stands indifferent from a romantic fiction because it has been written from different points of view of both the lead protagonists, it’s not an easy task but the author has justified her writing skill.
I fell in love with the character of Avantika, a smart, intelligent and matured banker in her late thirties, who enjoys a top notch position in bank and she is admired by all. She manages her professional & personal life meticulously, managing her only son Aarav as a single mother. Life has not been rewarding at personal level but she has managed her emotions and moved well in life nurturing her love, Aarav wonderfully. The character of Aarav as a young boy has been handled well and it reflects the matured seasoning of the kid by his great mother Avantika. She is pulling well in life meeting the demands of a job and a single mother, till she meets Rohan, a man in his thirties. Rohan’s smart demeanour attracts the attention of Avantika and she finds him caring and they gel well. Avantika finds her longing for Rohan unusual since she has worked long with male fraternity and never ever got distracted. They share good chemistry and their friendship blossoms. Life gives her a second chance to pursue her love-life, the only perspective in her life which is incomplete and she finds solace and is cheerful in the company of Rohan. There is a connection of hearts from both ends but they conceal their feelings.
Rohan undermines the yearnings of Avantika but he is dreaded with the idea of Avantika been accepted by her conservative family. He refrains meetings from Avantika but it does not go a long way.
In one of the weak moments, they confess their love for each other but at the same time he receives a call from his family about his marriage fix up. He can’t dare to go against the wishes of his family and breaches the trust of Avantika.
Avantika is heartbroken with the attitude of Rohan and she moves out of India giving a blow to her triumphant career. She treads cautiously in life and moves towards spirituality to suppress her crush for Rohan and to spend life peacefully with her son, Aarav who needs more attention of Avantika. The daring Avantika moves with time though her crush for Rohan never diminishes but sinks in.
Life gives them a chance to meet and this time Rohan is ready to surrender but Avantika does not give him a chance to prove. She don’t want to risk her life again though her son Aarav too wants Rohan to join in. Aarav has seen his mother suffering in absence of Rohan.
Avantika becomes judgmental and weighs pros & cons in choosing Rohan and immaculately takes the decision to part ways with him.
She does gives her life a second chance but not with Rohan.
The author has done justice to her writing, to know more who is the lucky one to get Avantika, do grab a copy for yourself and read it for yourself.
The story concludes with happy ending.
Pros: A simple romantic story pruned well with a backdrop of modern society and the strong characteristic of Avantika mesmerizes the reader.
Cons: I could not conclude any as the pros outweighs the cons.
If you wish to go for a refreshing read and how the woman of determination fares through the adversities and finally succeeds in her take.
My Ratings: 4/5
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Reviewed by Ila Varma
This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers.