Jeevani Charika is a British-Sri Lankan author who writes women's fiction and contemporary romances infused with British cynicism. She also publishes romantic comedies under the pen name Rhoda Baxter, a distinction she maintains to separate works featuring predominantly white protagonists from those centered on British-Sri Lankan characters. Her dual identity reflects both personal and industry considerations, including the challenge of finding publishers for stories with diverse leads early in her career.
A former scientist, Charika brings a sharp, analytical perspective to her writing, balancing humor with nuanced character studies. Her work has earned praise from notable authors such as Katie Fforde, who described one of her books as "huge fun, with a slightly different slant," and Sue Moorcroft, who commended her "sure touch." Beyond writing, Charika embraces her identity as a self-proclaimed "embarrassing mum," Lego enthusiast, and unabashed geek. Her storytelling often reflects these multifaceted interests, blending warmth with wit.
While her early works under Rhoda Baxter gained quicker publishing traction, Charika continues to champion diverse representation, recently releasing a novel with a Sri Lankan heroine under her own name. Her persistence highlights her commitment to authentic storytelling across genres.