To begin with, I absolutely loved the vibrant cover of For the Love of Apricots. It instantly evokes nostalgia: summer holidays, jars of homemade jam, and the tangy aroma of pickles.
Coming to the story, be prepared to lose yourself in the misty orchards of Mukteshwar, the warmth of its people, and a gentle, heartwarming romance. The book introduces us to Nandini, who runs the Mukteshwar Women’s Co-operative, a woman grounded, efficient, and fiercely independent. She is 40 and single, defying the “normal” societal norms and living a purposeful life by empowering the women of Mukteshwar. She lives with her father, who is an avid birdwatcher. Then there is Vikas, a city-bred man who has inherited an orchard and is learning to find his roots in the hills.
Their paths cross in unexpected ways, and though the trope of two very different people falling in love is familiar, what caught me by surprise was how tenderly and patiently their relationship unfolded. Their story is shaped by the emotional setbacks they have both endured. There are no grand declarations here; their bond deepens through everyday moments, reciprocative banter, oops-moments, mishaps, shared work, and lighthearted humour.
The descriptions of Mukteshwar’s lush forests and rolling hills are dreamy, and the narrative carries both emotional clarity and a thoughtful meditation on second chances. There are so many moments in the story that make you smile or chuckle, but the three most subtle, heart-stealing ones for me are:
-Towards the end, the villagers come together to make something beautiful happen—their kindness and camaraderie completely melted my heart.
-The mouth-watering portrayal of apricot jam is so rich and luscious that you’ll find yourself craving a jar. By now, store-bought ones just won’t cut it!
-The inspiring portrayal of Nandini: capable, resilient, and unafraid to live life on her own terms. What a life she has built for herself and for the women of Mukteshwar! Nandini, with her knowledge, kindness, and even her vulnerabilities, deeply moved me.
What truly stayed with me at the end was the warmth of the villagers and their spirit of togetherness. (No spoilers—I’ll let you discover the joy of that for yourself!)
For the Love of Apricots is a charming read, brimming with the sights and scents of the Kumaoni hills, its orchards, gardens, and people, all wrapped around a love story that is sincere, mature, and quietly captivating.
PS: This post is part of #ReadingWith Muffy challenge hosted by Shalini.
PS: This book was picked up as part of the #BlogchatterBookList 2025
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Bohemian Bibliophile.
Cerebration 
Love can happen anywhere and at any time in the most unusual of circumstances and when you least expect it. Your review is as heartwarming as the story.
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Thank you so much! It truly means a lot.
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This book has been brought and delegated to the now bottom of my book shelf with the addition of fresh buys.I am still torn whether I should at least read it to get value for my money.It is a good book but I have read many mature romances , have been to the hills and have met gentle people too.Everything seems been there done that. Maybe one fine day I will pick it up.
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Then the story might just resonate. It’s a quick read that is soothing. Give it a try someday!
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What a thoughtful discussion of The Love of Apricots, your reflections brought out layers I hadn’t considered, like the way nostalgia blends with loss, and how fruit (apricots!) becomes a language of memory and longing. Thanks for sharing your insights so deeply, they’ve made me want to re-read the book with new eyes.
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Thank you!
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Sounds like a sweet book. I like Liddle’s descriptive language, so Mukteshwar and its beauty must be captivating. I would like to read it for the father, the birdwatcher, as well.
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The cover is gorgeous indeed and the story sounds refreshing as well. Thanks for a wonderful review!
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Thank you, Mayuri. I am glad you liked the review.
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I was attracted to the cover illustration when I came across the book. But somehow I chose to read a thriller book instead. Would love to read it.
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This review is very appealing. I am a sucker for romance, and this seems to be a really good one. The apricot jam sure sounds yummy. Thank you for sharing this review, as I am tempted to get the book.
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Just read your discussion on For the Love of Apricots…beautiful work. You brought out how Madhulika Liddle marries history and emotion so effortlessly, and your interpretations of the characters’ quiet choices seemed deft. Great post, I feel like I should read this as well!
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Thank you for your kind words! Yes go for it 👍
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Thanks, Pinki. This is the first review of ofthis book; I was wanting to hear from readers and then decide whether to get the book or not.
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i agree with you the book cover is so beautiful. I will check this out loved your review
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You really brought out how the setting, characters, and quiet moments make it more than a romance. Now I’m craving apricot jam and a trip to the hills
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Your review is beautifully written—so vivid, heartfelt, and immersive! You capture the essence of the story, the setting, and the characters with such warmth. I could almost taste the apricot jam and feel the charm of Mukteshwar through your words.
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This seems the perfect feel-good book to unwind with and has all the right elements of a good story; love, food and genuine togetherness. Will check this out and maybe keep it for company during my travel soon.
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Sounds like a lovely, warm read!
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