Neer Ya’s debut novel, Vanilla Hour, delves into love, loss, and the courage to confront the past.
Between Dusk and Dawn: The Fragile Space Where Memory Meets Love
In the quiet moments of dusk, when the world pauses and reality blurs into memory, there exists a tender, liminal space. It’s a fleeting period between yesterday and today, where the ghosts of past loves and regrets linger. For Dr. Nandini Yadav, the protagonist of Vanilla Hour, this is where the heart is tested, and where forgiveness becomes a choice, not a destination.
Set against the dramatic coastal landscape of Goa, India, and spanning continents from Delhi to Tokyo, Vanilla Hour is a deeply human story of healing, redemption, and the irrevocable marks of love. Its complex layers of romantic suspense, literary thriller, and intimate family drama invite readers to confront their own memories, relationships, and the untold stories that shape them.
The Genesis of Vanilla Hour: A Journey of Rediscovery
Neer Ya, a neurodivergent introvert with a background in tech and banking, has always been a storyteller at heart. Whilst balancing high-pressure careers and the demands of motherhood, she found the courage to share her voice through Vanilla Hour. The novel, set to be published in December 2025, is a reflection of her own journey of growth, vulnerability, and emotional resilience.
Vanilla Hour is more than just a love story; it’s a journey of self-discovery and the willingness to face difficult truths. In it, Dr. Nandini Yadav is forced to return to Goa, where an unexpected reunion pulls her into the orbit of a man whose memory still haunts her—one whose shadow lives on in her daughter’s smile. As Nandini grapples with unresolved trauma, she uncovers long-buried truths and confronts emotional scars that have shaped her life.
A Tale of Love, Loss, and the Courage to Heal
Neer Ya’s writing stands out for its emotional depth, as she weaves personal experiences into her characters’ journeys. Drawing from her own multicultural upbringing and lived experiences, she creates a rich tapestry of emotion that resonates with readers. The novel’s themes of motherhood, memory, and the generational effects of love and loss echo her reflections on the complexity of being human.
“Vanilla Hour explores what happens when the ghosts of love refuse to fade,” Neer Ya shares. “It’s about choosing to stop running from the past and embracing the courage to live in the present. For Dr. Nandini, that’s where her healing begins.”
What makes Vanilla Hour unique is its combination of intimate storytelling with global settings and rich, evocative imagery. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the neon-lit calm of Tokyo, the novel reflects Neer Ya’s own global perspective. Her authenticity brings a refreshing depth to both the setting and the characters.
What Sets Vanilla Hour Apart: A Debut Novel With a Global Heart
As a debut author, Neer Ya offers a compelling voice in the literary world. The novel’s blend of romantic suspense, family drama, and psychological depth provides readers with a multi-layered experience. It’s not just a story of love lost and found, but a journey of survival, transformation, and personal choice.
Neer Ya’s background in computing and finance gives her a sharp, analytical lens through which she processes the emotional chaos of life. “Vanilla Hour is my attempt to make sense of that entropy,” she reflects.
A Novel of Courage, Healing, and Redemption
As the book’s release date approaches in December 2025, Ya continues to focus on meaningful conversations around forgiveness, trauma, and personal growth—universal themes that resonate deeply with readers.
For those interested in more insights into the novel and Neer Ya’s creative process, you can follow her on Instagram here, where she shares personal reflections and updates. Vanilla Hour is also available for pre-order on Amazon here.
