In The Sari Shop Widow, Shobhan Bantwal tells the story of Anjali Kapadia, a determined 37-year-old widow who has dedicated her life to her family’s sari shop. For years, she has poured her heart and soul into turning the store into a chic boutique. But despite all her hard work, the shop is now on the verge of bankruptcy. It’s a crushing blow, as the store has been Anjali’s world—her only world—since her husband’s death. It seems as though everything she’s worked for might slip away unless something unexpected happens. And it does.

Enter Jeevan Kapadia, Anjali’s wealthy and strict uncle, who brings with him a business partner, the mysterious Rishi Shah. Half-Indian and half-British, Rishi is a man of secrets, his cool, grey eyes holding more than just business acumen. Though Anjali and her mother immediately distrust him, there’s an undeniable pull between her and Rishi, an attraction that shakes her to her core. The kind of feeling Anjali hasn’t experienced in years.

As Anjali and Rishi navigate their growing connection, their worlds—once so familiar—start to shift. But just as things seem to be falling into place, a shocking secret from Rishi’s past threatens to unravel everything they’ve started to build. Love, it seems, is never as simple as it appears.

The Sari Shop Widow is a story about love, trust, and second chances. As Anjali faces the heartbreaking possibility of losing everything, she also finds herself at a crossroads when it comes to her heart. Will she be able to open up to love again? Can she rediscover the joy and magic of it? Bantwal’s novel brings together passion, family, and the challenges of life with an emotional depth that will resonate with readers who believe in the power of love and new beginnings.

About the Author

Shobhan Bantwal is the author of six novels and two anthologies. Her books combine contemporary women’s issues with romantic elements. Her articles have appeared in The Writer, Romantic Times, India Abroad, Little India, New Woman, and India Currents. Her short fiction has won honors and awards in contests sponsored by Writer’s Digest, New York Stories, and New Woman magazines. Her debut book, The Dowry Bride, won the 2008 Golden Leaf Award. The Unexpected Son won the 2012 National Indie Excellence Award. Shobhan lives in Arizona, USA.