We can see Lakshmi telling about the three types of karma in life that Saasuji once mentioned to her.

Although I have never been to India, I love reading stories about its history, culture and customs. The Henna Artist, and now The Secret Keeper of Jaipur, both by Alka Joshi, truly added to any knowledge I had about this exotic country in a most delightful way!

Romantic, old-time Rajasthan leaps to life... I can hardly wait for Alka Joshi’s next masterpiece.”— Sujata Massey, internationally bestselling author of The Widows of Malabar Hill It was irritating to read a character coming from a lineage of poets and writers talking about the whole women of Jaipur in such a judgemental and condescending manner. Once again, the author’s vivid, lyrical descriptions will transport you to India, as the journey of these wonderful characters continues. I felt no pressure writing the sequel. In the 10 years it took me to complete a publishable version of “The Henna Artist,” my characters had begun to feel like part of my family; I walked with them, ate with them, dreamed of them. I love them and wish them well.

Unfortunately, I didn't find Joshi's sophomore effort up to the standard set by the first book of the series. What made The Henna Artist so appealing was the strong, long-suffering Lakshmi, able to overcome all obstacles placed in her path with grace, fortitude and cleverness. That book was character-driven with very little action, yet its gossipy nature propelled the plot forward in a way that kept me rapt. I didn't like this version of Lakshmi as much — she's more reactionary and less self-reliant — and Nimmi often comes across as shrill and unnecessarily distrustful. Joshi has attempted to create a more plot-driven novel here, but there's no mystery, no tension; the outcome is a foregone conclusion that surprises no one. And finally, the sex scenes simply don't work; one in particular is completely gratuitous, being neither necessary nor a good fit for the rest of the story. The book is still certainly entertaining — it's just not at the level of The Henna Artist.In this timeless tale of loyalty, ambition, and love, Joshi explores what it means to create and build—from architectural marvels to chosen families—in a way that not only endures but inspires.”— Nancy Jooyoun Kim, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Story of Mina Lee It’s the Spring of 1969, 12 years from where we last left off and Lakshmi, our renowned Henna Artist from book one, has married Dr. Jay Kumar and is now living in Shimla, State of Himachal Pradesh, India, with our favorite Alexandrine parakeet, Madho Singh. The two now work side by side at the Community Clinic, where she is now growing herbs in her own healing garden. Escaping from an arranged and abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone from her 1950s rural village to the vibrant pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the henna artist—and confidante—most in demand to the wealthy women of the upper class. But trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own… Her protégé, Malik, has completed his private school education, and has fallen for the young widow named Nimmi, who sells them the best flowers from her stall at the Shimla Mall. He reluctantly leaves her and her two small children behind, when Lakshmi arranges for him to intern at the Jaipur Palace, whose latest project is a state of the Art Cinema.