The story in The Stars Light the Way began to take root during years of reflection and life coaching
As a certified life and career coach, Sucheta Raj Khanna uses her storytelling skills to help individuals navigate both personal and professional crossroads. Based in Singapore, with a master’s degree in English literature, she has contributed thought-provoking articles and short stories to publications across Southeast Asia, captivating readers with her insightful narratives.
But for Sucheta, the world of fiction offered a new canvas. Her debut novel, The Stars Light the Way, released in April 2025 by Penguin Random House India, is a story that blurs the lines between ambition and belonging, the present and the past, the living and those who guide us from beyond.
Shazma, the novel’s protagonist, finds her world upended when she is offered a prestigious role in the Indian Parliament. The decision threatens to unravel the life she has built with her husband, Nikhil, in Singapore. As she grapples with this life-altering choice, mysterious signs from her late father, SR, pull her back to her childhood, revealing truths and prompting deep self-reflection. The narrative intertwines their journeys-Shazma reconnecting with her authentic self, and SR advancing in his spiritual path, offering wisdom from the beyond.
In the world of publishing, they say, “Write what you know,” and Sucheta seems to have followed that advice, drawing from her own experiences as a life coach and her passion for capturing the intricate nuances of life. “Through my work, I’ve seen how people are shaped by their choices, their families, and the unseen forces that guide them,” Sucheta shares. “I wanted to explore what happens when we’re forced to confront our deepest fears and desires, and how the wisdom of those we’ve lost can light our way forward.”
The Stars Light the Way is more than a novel-it’s a celebration of storytelling, desires, and spiritual journeys. The book’s launch was described as a moment of connection, where readers and the author came together to reflect on the paths we choose and the ones that choose us.
Sucheta’s journey as a writer and coach has always been about illuminating the moments and truths that often go unnoticed, inviting readers to see the world with deeper awareness and connection. “When I focus on one person’s story-their personal stakes, their highs and lows, their triumphs and tribulations-that’s when readers truly connect,” she says. “It’s then that we build empathy and see ourselves in someone else’s journey.”
With The Stars Light the Way, Sucheta Raj Khanna invites readers to reflect, reconnect, and find light on their own journeys, just as Shazma does, guided by the stars and the wisdom of those who came before her.
We can’t wait to see what’s next- follow The Sunflower Seeds Co for more stories that touch the heart and illuminate the path ahead.
