Beneath an Indian Sky

An unforgettable and heart-wrenching story of love, betrayal and family secrets. In colonial India a young woman finds herself faced with an impossible choice, the consequences of which will echo through the generations…

1928. In British-ruled India, headstrong Sita longs to choose her own path, but her only destiny is a good marriage. After a chance meeting with a Crown Prince leads to a match, her family’s status seems secured and she moves into the palace, where peacocks fill the gardens and tapestries adorn the walls. But royal life is far from simple, and her failure to provide an heir makes her position fragile. Soon Sita is on the brink of losing everything, and the only way to save herself could mean betraying her oldest friend…

2000. When Priya’s marriage ends in heartbreak, she flees home to India and the palace where her grandmother, Sita, once reigned as Queen. But as grandmother and granddaughter grow closer, Priya has questions. Why is Sita so reluctant to accept that her royal status ended with Independence? And who is the mysterious woman who waits patiently at the palace gates day after day? Soon Priya uncovers a secret Sita has kept for years – and which will change the shape of her life forever…

A breathtaking journey through India from British rule to Independence and beyond; a world of green hills, cardamom-scented air, and gold thread glinting in the sun, brought to life by Renita D’Silva’s exquisite writing. If you love Kathryn Hughes, Dinah Jefferies or Kristin Hannah, this is the novel for you.

What readers are saying about Beneath an Indian Sky:

‘OMG… The story takes on an unexpected, shocking twist… I honestly think this is the author’s best book ever!! It’s just amazing, a rollercoaster of emotions, a kaleidoscope of colours… I actually ended up with tears running down my cheeks… That ending (WOW!) will remain imprinted on my mind for many years… I really enjoyed this book… Simply fantastic!!… Highly recommended!!’ Relax and Read Reviews, 5 stars

‘Beyond anything I could have wished for… What a truly incredible, sometimes shocking, and often emotional journey!… That ending!!!… It is also my favourite book read this year so far… I cannot recommend this book highly enough… If you’ve enjoyed Renita’s books before, you’re going to LOVE this one. If you’ve never read any books by Renita, please, please, please read one of her books. I want more of you to experience her beautiful stories for yourselves.’ Little Miss No Sleep, 5 stars

‘Wow… I am lost for words… What a wonderful, beautifully written book… If I could give this book 100 stars I would.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

‘Loved it! An enchanting read… Kept me gripped all the way to the end.’ Joanna Courtney, author of The Chosen Queen

‘Breathtaking, positively breathtaking. As ever it was gorgeous, magical, touching, emotional… I was entranced by the stories of Mary and Sita and barely looked up… Kept me rooted to the page. And the ending!!… A sheer triumph of a novel and one that I didn’t want to end.’ Angela Marsons, bestselling author of the Kim Stone series

‘This was a book I didn’t and couldn’t put down… This is my absolute favourite by Renita so far and I would HUGELY recommend this book to anybody that loves a book that will engage you from page one.’ Best Crime Books and More

‘I couldn’t put down this emotional and heartfelt novel!… One of the best stories that I’ve read this year!’ Loreal’s Books, 5 stars

‘An absolutely fabulous, heart-rending, tear-jerking journey… Highly recommended epic read!’ Relax and Read Reviews