A novel of painting, pretence and the strange ways in which truth makes itself known, from the author of ONE HUNDRED SHADES OF WHITE Nina's lost her job, boyfriend and faith in her guru in the space of 24 hours. Unable to tell her parents what has happened, she puts on a suit every day and pretends to go to work. What she's really doing is escaping to a studio, where she begins to paint for the first time in years. But when her work is spotted by a top gallery owner, she cannot admit she is the painter, and pretends to be the agent instead. Meanwhile at home, she's agreed to an arranged marriage to keep the peace. There are too many layers of pretence and something has to give way - but at what cost to Nina? This novel is based on the author's own experience of self-publishing her first novel. To lend it credibilty, she invented Pru, a pushy publicist. Pru went on to be shortlisted for the PPC Publicist of the Year Award, but her cover was blown - it was Preethi all along.

ACCLAIM FOR ONE HUNDRED SHADES OF WHITE: 'An absorbing novel about mothers, daughters, food and truth.' Closer 'A great read. Fast, funny and full of life' Shyama Perera, author of I Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet 'A genuinely moving novel!like the bottled spices that play such a role in the story, this has all its ingredients in just the right quantities to spirit away all negative emotions.' Daily Express 'She writes evocatively about childhood and there are passages of tight and lyrical immediacy!Moving description packs a powerful punch in this book about family, forgiveness and the power of truth.' Guardian 'A carefully woven tale that's exceedingly good' Company 'A dynamic author.' Good Housekeeping 'A sensuous and poignant novel!enchanting.' Sainsbury's magazine GYPSY MASALA 'A little gem of fiction!a mystic and beautifully lyrical book' New Woman 'A rich, evocative tale.' Company A heart-warming read about families, forgiveness, carving futures and filtering truth. Guardian 'A luscious book, made lush with spices. Kindnesses and friendships abound, but so do hardships and hard knocks' Oxford Times

Preethi Nair was born in Southern India but raised in London, where she now lives. Following a career as a management consultant, she gave it all up to self-publish her first novel, GYPSY MASALA, which received tremendous publicity. She now writes full time.