About The Sari Shop Widow
[Pungent curry, sweet fried onions, incense, colorful beads, and lush fabrics - THE SARI SHOP WIDOW is a novel set on the streets of Edison, New Jersey's Little India, where a young businesswoman rediscovers the magic of love and family. When Anjali Kapadia's posh sari boutique in New Jersey is on the verge of financial ruin, her wealthy uncle from India comes to her rescue. But the wily, dictatorial uncle arrives with some unpleasant surprises--a young Indo-British partner named Rishi Shah for one--and a startling secret that disturbs Anjali.
Falling in love with the mysterious Shah only adds to Anjali's burgeoning list of complications. Torn between her loyalty to her family and her business on the one hand and her growing attraction for a man who could never fit into her life on the other, Anjali turns to her family and cultural roots to make a life-altering decision.]
My Thoughts: I really loved the character Anjali, a Hindu widow from a conservative family. Widowed at twenty-seven, when her husband died unexpectedly, she sold their condo, moved in with her parents and sunk her money into her parent's shop which was on the brink of bankruptcy. She poured her heart and soul into making the sari shop: Silk & Sapphires, beautiful......."it was the place she buried her grief and more or less resurrected herself".
The writing was very descriptive. I was able to visualize the gorgeous, colorful silk garments which hung in the shop---each so unique, the jewelry, beautiful crystal chandeliers, and rich plush carpeting etc. I love reading books about Indian women, and I enjoyed the Americanized Anjali very much -- although her parents are very conservative, she has a secret boyfriend who is some 9 years older. He is described as an "American Don Juan". Her feelings for him are based on "lust and genuine affection", and there is more romance to be found as the story progresses.
Honestly, it was the lovely cover, and Indian-American widow theme that attracted me to this book. I typically do not read romance novels, but this book held my interest. A story that deals with the agony of loving someone and losing them, and then allowing oneself to be vulnerable to love once again. A quick easy read and, in my opinion, a book that should appeal to a variety of readers, and one that I am happy to have had the opportunity to read and review. Recommended.
About Shobhan Banwal Shobhan Bantwal calls her writing “Bollywood in a Book,” romantic, colorful, action-packed tales, rich with elements of her own Indian culture -- stories that entertain and educate. She is an award-winning women's fiction author of three published novels and has contributed to an anthology of short stories. Shobhan writes for a variety of publications including The Writer magazine, India Abroad, Little India, U.S. 1, Desi Journal, India Currents, Overseas Indian, and New Woman India. Her short stories have won honors/awards in contests sponsored by Writer's Digest, New York Stories and New Woman magazines.
For a preview of the book, visit - http://www.youtube.com/watch?
For more information on Shobhan Bantwal's new and other books and to enter a drawing to win a number of prizes, please go to her website's “Contests” page and sign up between Sept 1 and Sept 30, 2009 at www.shobhanbantwal.com
Diane, this sounds like a book I'd enjoy reading. I'll visit Shobhan Bantwal's website to find out more about her work, as well as her giveaways.
ReplyDeleteSounds beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, what an amazing cover!
ReplyDeleteI adore books that have beautiful descriptions. I'm a "visual" person and stories mean so much more to me when I can visualize the settings.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your review completely. I'm not typically one that reads romance novels, but this book really held my attention.
ReplyDeleteThis is already on my tbr list.But great review!
ReplyDeleteIthink Iam going to love this book,thanks for introducing it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diane, for such a lovely review and for hosting me on your popular and interesting blog during my virtual tour.
ReplyDeleteAlso, my sincere appreciation to all the ladies who posted such enthusiastic comments.
Shobhan Bantwal
Author of THE SARI SHOP WIDOW
www.shobhanbantwal.com
Hi!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book by your review. I'll have to check this one out. Thanks for stopping by my place. Have a great eveing!
Sherrie
Thank you for this, Diane. I'm going to see if my library has it.
ReplyDeleteI also am so happy you left a comment on my blog so I can come find you. I adore your header!! I'm adding you to my blogroll. And I love the quote you have on the header too, that is becoming my philosophy as I get older. I would be an almost empty-nester if I hadn't started a second family later in life! Sp there is time for good books, the best books, and the well-told stories, only, now!
This sounds like a good book--a beautifully written. It's not my normal type of read, but you've got me wanting to give it a try. :-)
ReplyDeleteI remember reading about this book on another blog because the cover is so memorable!! Sounds like a pleasant read.
ReplyDeleteAnd I wanted to thank you for the heads up on "SuperFreakonomics" in your comment the other day on my book blog. I didn't know it was coming out but it is on my radar now! THANKS!
Your thoughts about this book captured my attention right away. I can't wait to experience this one!!
ReplyDeleteThis was a book already on my TBR list and I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it. I can't wait to read it. I too love reading about Indian culture and the characters in this book sound especially interesting.
ReplyDeleteI remember this book because of the cover! It sounds like a good, entertaining read. Definitely on my radar.
ReplyDeleteWow! That book sounds great. The cover and the Indian-American theme appeal to me too.
ReplyDeleteJust FYI -- this post is really messed up when I read it in a Reader. Just wanted to let you know!!
ReplyDeleteI am really excited about this book, and have been hearing great things about it for quite awhile now. I am glad you enjoyed it so much. Great review!
ReplyDelete