Manassas Barnes&Noble Book Reading and Signing on June 15th went well. I fielded a few more Q&A questions. A participant asked me how Alaysia differed from C.S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I told him Alaysia was not a biblical allegory. It is a fun fantasy story.

--Alaysia is an epic adventure. I really liked that this book was written with multiple different perspectives. Kriya and Liam were both particularly interesting characters to follow on this journey. I was stunned constantly during the beginning of this book, as all of my expectations were blown away (Courtesy of USA Book Reviewers)

---I like that Alaysia feels both like urban fantasy in that half the cast is from earth living normal earth lives until the start of the story, but Alaysia itself reminds me more of an epic fantasy adventure, my favorite thing to read. This book starts off with intrigue and mystery, and it only builds. It is a super fun and exciting adventure that was a blast to read. (Courtesy of USA Book Reviewers).

--Alaysia is a quick and enjoyable read. It follows the story of Kriya as she learns of new worlds and her destiny among them. Alaysia is an enchanting world full of unheard animals and creatures. Alaysia is a fun beach read and a great YA novel. I was hooked after Chapter 1 and couldn't wait to find out how the story finally ended. I am hoping Patel will consider continuing Kriya's adventure in a follow-up novel!--Sabrina Jaffe, attorney in NYC

Forbidden (poetry) Reviews:

I do not have formal reviews at this time, however many of my closest friends and colleagues loved it.

--Frank Samolis an attorney in DC, has stated that "I loved the poems! Shraddha is a very sensitive soul."

--Mangla Patel, "I really liked Shraddha's poems, but I couldn't put down Alaysia until I got to the end of it."

My mother and I are with Lake Worth High School's Mr. Cantley, who also made the keynote at this event. One of my best friends' from high school, Lynda's mother Mrs. Dirk, a Physics professor is also in this photo. She has bought both Forbidden and Alaysia.

A Sample poem called "Eclipse" from my book Forbidden:

We did not look up but looked down...

Even trees' leaves were half-moons

Like the sun on the paper.

As time began to shadow all that was said and done,

So too slowly the future began to run,

And the leaves' shadows were crescents,

Reminding us that everything was almost won,

As the moon now blocked in totality the sun.

Until the storm and rain pulled over

That which was now already said and begun.