Love From Mecca to Medina is a soul-stirring examination of faith and spirituality that shines with S.K. Ali's heartfelt, nuanced, and unapologetically Muslim writing. It's an emotional story of a young couple on a journey to make their relationship stronger, to grow as individuals, and connect more deeply with their faith. This exceptional novel deserves a space on everyone's bookshelf.

I'm sorry, but this book was TERRIBLE. I really liked Love from A to Z so I was excited to see what Adam and Zayneb were up to. And what were they up to? Going on a trip that neither of them were thrilled about, lying to each other about what they're feeling, and avoiding talking to each other so the rift between them only got bigger and bigger. No. Absolutely not. I don't believe for a second these characters would behave this way, especially Zayneb. She was presented as a strong female character in the original book so to see her collapse into this insecure, avoidant partner with Adam seemed so out of place for her. I hated it.

The only reason I didn't DNF this book was I enjoyed learning more about the Umrah, a pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina. That part was interesting as it was something I knew very little about. The rest of the book, unfortunately, could not make up for this new knowledge.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book, as this book has already been published, I will not share my review on Netgalley at this time.

I read Love From A to Z a few years ago, so I was delighted to see the next chapter in Adam and Zayneb’s story. Ali does such a wonderful job of making unfamiliar settings feel familiar and cultural experiences outside your own feel like your best friend.

This was such a disappointing sequel. What happened to my beloved Zayneb and Adam? They both behaved badly. The miscommunication in this book is horrifying for a newly married couple. They should not even be in a relationship if they can’t communicate better than this.

I didn't realize this was a sequel to a book. Unfortunately, I couldn't finish the first book, so I won't be reading this one. They just didn't work for me.

Love from Mecca to Medina is one of the best Muslim contemporary books I’ve ever read, and also my first fictional book completely based on Muslim characters.

Adam and Zayneb, two lovers are the two MCs who are living apart from each other. During Thanksgiving, they get a chance to meet each other, but things don’t go as planned, I mean not in a bad way but something very astonishing.

This book gives a wholesome experience, it made me laugh, cry and anxious at the same time.

Pick this book if you like:
⭐️Halal love story
⭐️Miscommunication trope ( in a way that made sense)
⭐️Cat lover and with Cat’s POV
⭐️Chronic illness representation
⭐️Real relationship struggles

I enjoyed every bit of this book. It was so beautiful and heartwarming to read about Umrah and see the sacred cities from Adam's and Zayneb's eyes, I actually felt like I was a part of their journey. Go read this book and experience their journey.

I read Love from A to Z few years ago but it is easily a favorite of mine & I was eagerly waiting for the sequel!

Love from Mecca to Medina is everything you want a sequel to be. The romance between Adam and Zayneb was deepened and matured, which made the read feel even more appealing to me as someone entering my late 20s. I loved how S.K Ali was able to bring us into these characters lives seamlessly and transport us to Mecca and Medina directly!

One aspect of the book I really appreciated was the conversations on faith from Zayneb’s perspective. I really resonated with her admitting to struggling with her faith. It was deeply comforting to see myself within the pages of Love from Mecca and Medina in Zayneb because I know that she loves her faith immensely. I also appreciated that the novel shared the less common aspects of Islam such as the pillar of pilgrimage. It’s such an important aspect of the faith that is not typically explored in fiction or mainstream media even. It was refreshing to see it play a central role in this story. S.K Ali showcases the process of pilgrimage in a way that will resonate with practicing Muslims and almost serve as a kind and embracing reminder of the faith as well as be educational for those who may not really know about it.

Love from Mecca to Medina shines as an own voices story because the authenticity is neatly embedded within every word and sentence. It sheds light on topics that are not always explored in Muslim narratives such as marriage, divorce, struggling with spirituality/faith, disability, financial troubles, etc. S.K Ali does an incredible job at making this novel relatable with its story, dynamic characters, and humor (yes, I’m talking about the chapters from Bertha Fatima’s POV). I absolutely loved every bit of this novel and believe that the duo, Love from A to Z and Love from Mecca to Medina will stand the test of time to be amazing examples of Muslim narratives that deserve to exist in mainstream spaces!

.K. Ali has always been an author I have admired in that she has a way of creating truly authentic characters and showcasing their experiences.

In Love From Mecca to Medina we follow Adam's struggles as his income runs dry trying to find new art gigs, while simultaneously grieving his mother's death and coming to terms with his chronic illness.

On the other hand, we follow Zayneb, who faces uncertainty about her living situation and future as a lawyer when rumors from past scandals regarding the Muslim Student Association leadership get brought up.

While each of these two is facing their own individual stressors, their relationship is put to the test as plans for a romantic getaway transform into an Umrah, a pilgrimage from Mecca to Medina.

I loved the way in which Ali formats her books, immersing me as a reader into the history and background of Islam and what religion means to each of our two MCs through the use of artifacts. The way in which faith was interwoven through the novel highlights what it means to examine one's true self-identity in regard to relationships, culture, and religion.

I LOVE SK ALI! she is a great storyteller, and this is such a beautiful addition to the story of Adam and Zainab. It had great Islamic representation and I feel like she embodies all that we wish for in a young adult novelist.

This beautifully written novel is a stunning exploration of love, faith, and identity that will capture your heart and stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

S.K. Ali's writing is both lyrical and honest, drawing readers in with its vivid descriptions of the places and people that Adam and Zayneb encounter on their journey, while also exploring important themes related to faith, culture, and identity. The novel is a testament to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit, and it will leave you with a deep appreciation for the richness and complexity of the Muslim experience.

I did not finish this book. I tried so hard, and especially because I am also Muslim and want to support other minority authors but I just could not do it.

The two love birds who are engaged are having a hard enough problem as it is finding time to spend with each other what with a long-distance relationship and having to deal with their own things, such as the guy having MS and wanting to perform a Muslim ritual that is strenuous on his body. The girl is dealing with some bullying in law school, as well as roommates who have no cultural awareness and don't care to, and yet she remains in a bad situation because she doesn't want to burden her struggling parents with financial issues.

She decides to surprise her boo by showing up to Saudi and joining him on his trip.

The reason I couldn't connect is two-fold. On the one hand I felt like the there wasn't enough emotional build up to connect me with the characters. It started off negative right away, which I understand, because they were both going through challenging things, but I just didn't like the characters for find myself rooting for them in any way. The other part is I felt like there was a lot of religious knowledge that was trying to be crammed in there. And while I certainly don't think that's a bad thing, as more people need to learn about Islam, I think the execution could have been nicer.

My issue was ultimately not connecting with the characters.

The book is a portrayal of love story and long distance relationship and also the spiritual journey and upliftment. This book is the sequel of the author's previous book " Love from A to Z" where the couple met for the first time. Though I have not read the previous book yet, it will not hinder the enjoyment of reading this one. In this part, the couple is facing hardship in their respective lives ( Adam with his illness and unemployment and Zayneb with her life and career) but still giving time to each other every day for at least one call. They are matured enough here and even though they are very far from each other, they are mentally supporting each other.
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Each chapter in this story starts with an artefact(possession) and what does it represent before going deeper in the story. The book is mainly based on the Islamic History and Culture and the author has beautifully described and explained each and every representation. For anyone who doesn't belong in this community will not have any problems understanding and will thoroughly enjoy the book.
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The author has very realistically described the couple's life and the experiences they had gained on Umrah and the realistic emotions they were having. This is not just any love story where it is portrayed that everything is fine, but a spiritual journey as well for a couple who wants to be together.
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The author also showcases the difficulties of a person suffering from MS( Multiple Sclerosis). The characterization is really amazing and the narration is very enjoyable. The addition of the feline character is surely a cherry on top though the name is quite mouthful.
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I thoroughly enjoyed the book and definitely wish to read the other works by the same author.
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Highly recommended

I enjoyed the first book, so when I saw a surprise sequel was coming out; I got super excited. This had a lot of things I enjoyed from the first book, it touched on deeper topics such as: religion, POC stereotyping and racism. There was also a lot of angst between Adam and Zayneb as they struggled with their long distance relationship and keeping secrets from one another. Overall, I enjoyed this book and felt it was a pretty good sequel to the first book.

10/10, I really loved the first book and I loved this one too. I even received a physical ARC which was so sweet??? Another successful Adam and Zayneb story on SK Ali's part.

Disclaimer: I received this E-ARC via the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and this blog tour post.

Trigger Warning(s): Islamophobia and cyberbullying.

Rep: Zayneb is West Indian, Caribbean-American. Adam is Chinese Canadian-Finnish. There are several new characters introduced, all coming from different backgrounds.

My Thoughts Before Reading: I was so excited to read this book! I absolutely loved Love from A to Z!

I am happy to say that I really liked this instalment!

What I Liked: I loved reading about the setting! I was at peace while reading about Umrah. As a Muslim there was something so special about this book. Umrah plays a big part in Islam. Even Muslim’s who have never experienced Umrah will feel at peace and love the rep.

Love from Mecca to Medina stayed true to the first instalment. In terms of plot and characterization.

I loved the writing style! The writing style is different compared to the first book. There aren’t any journal entries but lets just say Bertha Fatima plays a very big role.

Zayneb’s storyline in this instalment was heartbreaking to read about. She had some struggles with school and her peers. You do see her break, stress, and heal through her connection to Islam while performing Umrah.

Adam’s job situation is one many people will relate to. His insecurities in regards to his relationship with Zayneb stems from his struggles from finding work. Through performing Umrah he feels at peace and manages to work through his insecurities.

Adam and Zayneb are drifting apart in this instalment due to their own issues. They struggle to understand each other and communicate throughout the novel. It was painful to read about. As a reader you always want the fictional couple to be happy forever. I will say that when they do make up it was magical! They come back to each other stronger and happier.

My Criticism(s): There was a particular storyline that dragged out and I did not enjoy reading about. That being said I understood why it was written.

Conclusion: Overall I thoroughly enjoyed Love from Mecca to Medina! I highly recommend this series.

Wow.

Wow. Wow. Wow.

This was… wow.

I absolutely ADORED this book. As a muslim myself, seeing us being represented accurately makes me so so happy. Plus that, this is a love story??? Sign me up.

I haven’t actually read the first book, so on my way to that!

A big thanks to Netgalley, publisher, and author for the ARC!

Love from Mecca to Medina is a story about love, loss, and possibility. In some ways, this sequel has similar themes to Love from A to Z. This world is full of curiousities and miracles, but can lightning strike twice? Can we find our way back to each other when things get hard? Because love is rarely easy and it's one of those things that requires communication, honesty, and work. We have to confront pieces of ourselves we don't want to. To have conversations that scare us.

And I deeply appreciated seeing that perspective in Love from Mecca to Medina. There can be lies, things we keep to ourselves, and conversations we don't know where to start. My heart broke for both Adam and Zayneb. For how long distance can bring us closer together and pull us apart. The immense stress Zayneb is in which she doesn't even know how to articulate for fear of breaking down. Or for Adam who has his own struggles and feelings of being adrift.

This book!!! Oh my goodness, I was so intrigued! I loved learning more about Adam and Zayneb and their story, but what I was really interested in was Mecca and Medina.
I didn’t know that Mecca was a city that could only be visited by Muslims. I had no idea the Masjid Al-Haram could hold more than 2 million people!
What I loved about @skalibooks story Love From Mecca To Medina is that it is not just a great story, but it will allow so many young people to see themselves in a book while exposing so many others to a faith system they may know nothing about otherwise.
Read it when it comes out!!!

WHERE DO I START 😭😭😭😭???

This book was so real, so good. S. K. Ali really made me do some self-reflection while reading about Adam and Zayneb's own self-reflection.

It was so beautiful, the imagery of Makkah and Medina. The Hadeeth, the Surah's and the stories mentioned in relation to everyone's struggles and experiences. Zayneb's outfits (I need her wardrobe, "Scarfy" and an Adam *wink wink*)

It was better than I expected, and honestly it was realistic. Adam and Zayneb, although perfect to so many of us, are shown as imperfect. As gloriously human.

I love that Sajidah showed us that Muslims struggle and that's okay and it's normal. It makes my heart so full just thinking about the lessons I learnt reading it and the hope I have for my own journey.

I always find that there are different ways to rediscover Islam and grow to love and appreciate it, even as a Muslim.
Love From Mecca to Medina does exactly that.

This book could help so many young, lost Muslims, which is great Sawāb (reward) for Sajidah and readers who recommend this book. And I'm forever grateful that authors like Sajidah exist, Alhamdulillah.

I'm so glad I got to read the eARC of this book after being a bajillion years late to discovering the first book, Love from A-Z (thanks to LonelyPagesBookTours and Netgalley for the opportunity).