Love From Mecca to Medina follows Zayneb and Adam as they travel to Mecca and Medina to do Umrah over their Thanksgiving break. Although they've already had their nikah (gotten married), they've still been doing long-distance, with Zayneb at law school in Chicago while Adam continues to live with his family in Doha. Each is currently going through challenges that they, for whatever reason, have chosen not to tell the other about. They had been supposed to go on a romantic getaway to a cottage in England for the break, but when Adam's father offers to pay for them to go on a trip that's doing Umrah over the break instead, Adam unilaterally decides he wants to do that instead, leaving Zayneb to either go with him or not see him over the break.

This is only the first of many bad moves on Adam's part; the only other girl who he had ever had serious feelings for, Sarina, is also on the trip. She is an absolutely infuriating character. Simultaneously condescending and over-controlling while also acting morally above everybody else, she has recently gotten divorced and spends the entire trip acting extremely possessive of Adam, controlling all of his time and manipulating circumstances so that he and Zayneb barely see each other. Adam simply allows this, and never seems to care that Zayneb is constantly being excluded from everything.

These two literally went from being the absolute cutest couple in Love From A to Z and The Eid Gift to one of them (Adam) being completely horrible for most of the book. Sure, he didn't realize how Zayneb was affected by his actions until the end, but that is no excuse for how he behaved over the course of the entire book.

There are still a couple of good things about this book. Zayneb continues to be an icon; I adore her, and she deserved so much better than she was treated in this book. S.K. Ali continues to feature unapologetically Muslim representation, and, while I can't speak as to how good the rep is in this book (I'd recommend checking out some Muslim reviewers' takes on it), I do know that that representation is something that isn't often seen in YA (or any) literature.

Overall, despite wanting to love this book, I can't give it any more than 2.5 stars. If the miscommunication trope doesn't bother you that much, or you really just want to see how Adam and Zayneb's story turns out, then I'd recommend trying it, but I wish that I had just stopped reading the series with The Eid Gift.

Send to Kindle isn't an option so I will not be reading this. I'm sure its great and I look foward to reading it once published.

When I first started this book, I thought it was about the sister. The point of view confused me a bit, but after the first chapter I understood. I loved the representation of this book. I also loved the story in general. It had great plot and even better romance.

I'm in love with S.K. Ali's books and will read/review anything she writes. I'm doing an interview with S.K. Ali for ISNA Horizons and that will go up later this year. I love that Bertha Fatima - the beloved feline is also in this. Adam and Zeyneb hold a special place in my heart. This book is hard to put down and is one of my favorites.

I ADORED this book. I adored reading it for myself and for my teen self. This is the book I wanted and needed when I was younger. A beautiful muslim love story with some drama cause ooohhh the drama is good. I just want to say that Zayneb has my whole entire heart. I loved her in Love From A to Z but I loved her even more in Love from Mecca to Medina. The way she felt, the beetle reference, the struggles she faced both in school and during Umrah just had me wanting to give her the biggest hug and say "hey, I see you, I understand you, you are amazing, and so so strong, and I love you." I think I read this book in like two days and that's with a baby :D The pacing, the writing, the drama, the relatability, everything was just perfect. I've never had the privilege going on Hajj or Umrah and Inshallah I will get the chance to one day, but reading Love From Mecca to Medina had me yearning for it even more and the beautiful way S. K. Ali wrote her descriptions had me feeling like I was there. Thank you S. K. Ali for writing such a wonderful book that I will cherish forever and give to my daughter to read when she is older.

Thank you to S. K. Ali (NYT bestselling and award-winning author), NetGalley, and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for allowing me to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

You cannot believe how excited I am to have received the E-ARC of my most anticipated novel this year!

PLOT

Sequel to “Love From A to Z”, this novel follows newly nikahfied Adam and Zayneb as they learn to navigate life, separately and together, both as growing young individuals and as a new couple living across the ocean from each other. Due to living circumstances, Adam and Zayneb can only be physically together a couple times a year during holidays and breaks, so their planned vacation to a cottage is all what both Adam and Zayneb are looking forward to since their last trip—especially considering Adam’s financial troubles and the allegations against Zayneb that could put her externship in jeopardy. However, a surprise Umrah trip, aka “a trip of a lifetime”, finally unites Adam and Zayneb again. And puts new strains on their relationship. So, with their troubles following them to the holy site of Mecca, and with the appearance of Adam’s former love interest (who is acting weird around Adam…) and the pressures of a new life together, can Zayneb and Adam find their way back to each other? That is the question.

The primary conflict within the plot is miscommunication between our two main characters. And, man, do these characters not properly communicate with each other. But, as it is, the miscommunication is not just for the sake of conflict. To put it vaguely, Zayneb and Adam both try to protect each other from their personal problems, and, as they learn at the end of the novel, they need to communicate their wants and needs and face conflict and struggle together now that they are not single. This may frustrate some readers, but it is—to some extent—a realistic portrayal of married life, especially to Muslims who have never been in a relationship before.

But moving on. I love how Islam is masterfully woven into the plot without compromising the storytelling and without compromising Islam for the sake of storytelling. As a reviewer on Goodreads said, this book does feel like a sadaqa jariya on behalf of S.K. Ali.


THEMES

The themes of “Love From Mecca to Medina” include: with hardship comes ease; reliance on Allah; to keep striving and moving and seeking out even if these actions may seem pointless at first; to pause and reflect within ourselves on our actions and intentions toward ourselves, others, our goals, and life in general. But I think this quote by one of the characters perfectly encapsulates the overarching theme of the novel:

“A clear landscape within, where you can see and reflect on your motivations and inclinations and intentions, is a gift… It can lead us to refine ourselves. And to a state of surrender to God’s will, trusting He will take us where we need to be if we rely on Him only—which is a state that comprises the greatest happiness in the world… Being at utter peace within our own souls because is connected to the Sustainer of all souls.”

I love that the themes of the novel tie with Zayneb and Adam’s character arcs, and with Islam. This book does not simply have characters with Islamic/Arabic names, or mention characters that practice religion or wear hijab in passing. It is spiritual in every way possible, and I love how realistic it is to a lot of us Muslims. It really is immersed in Islam (to the point where I briefly debated putting it on my Islamic nonfiction bookshelf, as well, because of its accuracy and depth of Islamic knowledge, and the ways Islam is practiced in general). The themes are also beautifully illustrated throughout the novel, so I believe anyone going through similar circumstances as Zayneb and Adam’s will find some sort of comfort within the pages of the book.

There are many great lessons throughout the novel, so I’ll quote some of them here because, honestly, they were that great and comforting:

“…we should get in the habit of checking ourselves regularly using our mundane everyday behavior as a guide to the state of our inner landscapes.” (Seriously, how great is this reminder?!)

“That we’re not tasked with the outcome of anything. A lot of my anxiety in life came from thinking that it was all in my hands.” She paused. “But only the effort is in our hands, Adam. We can’t force or focus on what the end looks like; that’s in Allah’s hands. I don’t know how that feels to you, but for me it’s been freeing.”

“Just do something; move; get things going.”


SETTING

“…all the pictures I’d seen of Masjid al-Haram, whether the many artistic renderings that hung in people’s homes, including my parents’ home, or real photos, didn’t do the place justice.”

The setting, especially Mecca, was completely immersive. The nostalgia and longing I got from just reading the richly described details is unexplainable. I envisioned everything—the sights, the sounds, how the cold marble feels on my feet… The small, passing details—like Masjid Aisha, Albaik, and Safa and Marwa—bring Masjid Al-Haraam to life. Seriously, guys, it is as if I visited Mecca myself!

Although I do agree with some Muslim reviewers: that sometimes the Umrah’s rituals and Mecca’s history is so overexplained, it felt like it is primarily written for a non-Muslim audience, especially considering a lot of us Muslims know (if only briefly) the history of Mecca and Islam, and the rituals of Umrah. However, I did not mind reading the passages since they just brought more life to the details around Mecca and brought Masjid Al-Haraam closer to home. Moreover, I think it is a great reminder for us Muslims.


CHARACTERS

Adam: “Sometimes Adam told me the most boring news that he thought was unbelievably exciting.” Adam is just as adorable here as he was in the first novel. A Muslim girl’s dream guy, seriously. His financial struggles, especially as a freelance artist, and his worries about not meeting Zayneb’s parents’ expectations (especially career-wise) are very realistic. He is as observant, kind, and understanding as he was in the first book. However, I think the most frustrating thing about him in this novel is his obliviousness to Zayneb’s emotions. I mean, Zayneb was clearly struggling emotionally, but he either does not communicate with her or he just explains her emotions away to himself. But he does grow throughout the novel, and by the end, you could see why Zayneb and Adam are perfect for each other.

Zayneb: “Basically, after public humiliation, I needed to hit the ground running with my head scarf fluttering proudly in the wind behind me. “Still I Rise,” like Maya Angelou poetically proclaimed.” I loved Zayneb in the first book. Determined, ambitious, goal-oriented, a fighter for justice. She is still all of those things in this book (especially a fighter for justice), but, personally, she still feels kind of off here. The main conflict comes from the fact that she is unwilling to speak to Adam about her actions/emotions toward him, or even have a conversation about her struggles back home so he can be there for her. But nope. She is secretive, avoidant, jealous, and leaps to conclusions very quickly, especially in regard to Adam and Sarina, the aforementioned former love interest. But, as with Adam, Zayneb transforms at the end, as well, and really reflects on herself, her relationship, her purpose, and her umrah. And I really love her transformation!

I love that both Adam and Zayneb grew individually as characters and together as a married couple, and are still figuring life out together and separately. I also love the diversity of the characters, like Mila (Balkan Muslim), Sarina (Lebanese Muslim), Suhaib and his dad (Palestinian Muslims), and Fatima and Sahaan (Black and Moroccan Muslims, respectively).


OVERALL

This book made me so happy, and I had a big smile on my face at the end. I love Janna so much! And I loved seeing the characters from the previous books!! This is a reread for me for sure! (Maybe a S.K. Ali reading marathon soon?) Overall, I think “Love From Mecca to Medina” is S.K. Ali’s best work yet, and I am very excited to see what she will publish next! (Seriously, I am so thankful that S.K. Ali decided to become a writer.)

this book was incredible

but let's get this out the way folks, *thank you to the publisher and netgalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest review*

love from Mecca to Medina follows S.K Ali's first book and if you ever wanted to follow zayneb and adam's journey this is the perfect book to read

this book is special in that it documents our two favorite RELATABLE characters throughout their jounrey of love and rediscovering their religion in a deeper view. this depicts the religion of islam through two young adults navigating their sort-of-new relationship in accordance with them reflecting and finding themselves through their religious journey and PHYSICAL journey from Mecca to Medina.

i LOVED this book. it helped me personally as a current college student and it could help anyone honestly now that i'm thinking about it with zayneb's introspective thoughts and reflective statements about learning about yourself and acknowledging your faults and trying to see where your stressful and negative thoughts may come from and how to better yourself

adam is also learning how to figure himself out as well

thank you for this beautiful book, i will be going back to some quotes whenever i need to re-navigate my thoughts when i am stressed or worried about something that isn't that big to be worrying about or if there are things i can look at from a different view

4/5 stars

oh also the drama was good and i loved how zayneb and adam utilize efficient communication

I loved Ali's book one "Love From A to Z" but this one fell a little flat for me. I was a little extra preachy with seemingly less focus on Adam and Zayneb's story and more on the religious aspect of the pilgrimage. I get that that was the setting of the story but I felt it could have been dialed back slightly. Most of the story focused around a series of miscommunications that could have easily been cleared up if the couple had simply taken the time to talk to one another. Sequels are sometimes hard to write and this one is one of those that just doesn't match up to the awesomeness of book one.

A sweet romance set in Mecca on a religious journey. This book reminds me of the reason I like books, it enables me to be transported to settings I would have never been to, or thought about, or experiences. I hope someday to be able to travel to Mecca to Medina and experience such a journey, but for now I can travel through the pages of this beautiful book

Thank you to Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this digital arc

5/5 Stars - I was not surprised that I enjoyed reading the second novel of Love from A to Z by S. K. Ali, I always enjoy their novels. Thank you netgalley for the early copy!

Seeing yourself in a character is something so unbelievably nice. And as a girl who never thought it could happen zaynab was the perfect example. this book was so incredibly beautiful I wish I could forget it just to read it all over again

THAT WAS SOOO INTENSE. I came for Zaydam's cutesy to boost my serotonin but instead this book gave me constant angst throughout??? How did we get here😭

So the story started where Zaydam had to do long distance marriage--Adam in Doha for his art projects and Zayneb in Chicago for her law school. That makes them always looking forward to actual face-to-face meeting, even planned it for months.

For Thanksgiving that year they already planned to have a little getaway, quality time just for them two in London. But, after sudden change of plans, they went for Umrah instead.

And something on that trip made them barreled away from each other.

Unlike Love from A to Z, this book didn't persistently make me giddy giggling and blushing because the problems were complex and the tense was sooo taut & serious. Proof that marriage at young age isn't all fun and games all the time. I liked it even though it tortured me to see them like that, because it makes the story felt realistic. And when it's getting too unbearably intense, SK Ali decided to threw some light jokes to the narrative.

The journey in Mecca and Medina were captured perfectly, I could almost feel the breeze on my face and sniff Masjidil Haram's special scent on my nose. This book awakened my memories of when I went for Umrah 8 years ago and I wasn't sure if it made up for my longing to go there again or made me miss it even more. But this book not inclusive to Muslims only, anyone can read it to get to know more about Islamic culture and pilgrimage to Mecca. I assure you, there's a LOT we can learn from this book.

SK Ali writing was as fun and unique as ever. I love how each chapter title looks like we're walking on a museum corridor that held Zaydam's journey. And most of them are even highlight-able. Chapter titles!!! Highlight-able!!! That's just how full-of-meaning this book is.

And I'd like to confirm that it's not a mandatory to read Saints & Misfits and Misfit in Love before reading this book because the plots didn't exactly connected. BUT, there's a lot of S&M/MiL characters appeared or mentioned in this book, and you'd understand the context better and could feel less overwhelmed if you've familiar with them before. And IF you decide to read S&M/MiL after reading LfMtM, you'll get spoiled so the reading experience might not feel as full. Anyway I absolutely adored Sausun in this book. She shows that a niqabi woman can be strong and impactful and be a GIRLBOSS. I beg SK Ali to give a place for her in all of her future books🙏🏼

I also felt that the story could be expanded. I'd like to see where Zayneb's school problem's going. I'd like to see Zaydam live their daily life, as separate persons and as a couple. I'd like to attend to their wedding and see them raise their kids. In short I'D LIKE TO HAVE ANOTHER ZAYDAM BOOK(S).

Overall this book is so meaningful, angst but also heartwarming. 100% recommended for those who loved Love from A to Z.

i really enjoyed love from a to z, and as such i also enjoyed its sequel. the romance between adam and zayneb is equal parts sweet and compelling, and i loved revisiting them and the way that they evolved from love from a to z while still being the same characters i knew and grew so attached to. this being a romance set in college was also very appealing to me; as a college student, i sometimes feel like there aren't many books in the market depicting love stories in college (and ones that handle long-distance relationships without making it seem so "binary") so it was nice to see that tackled in a realistic but still profound and poignant way. i really felt for these characters and their struggles, and found myself really rooting for them, too.

the only criticism that i have of this book, as with love from a to z, is that it did tend to drag in some parts, particularly the first act and some of the second act, overall, though, it's a really beautiful, solid novel and love story!!

Love From A to Z was one of my favorite YA Romances of the year, so I had no doubt this would be an easy 5 star read! Adam and Zayneb's love story is so remarkably tender, and Ali has captured them so beautifully that Love from Mecca to Medina feels like hanging out with old friends again. I also absolutely loved that this was a YA with post-college aged MCs - something that feels severely lacking in publishing as a whole. I could find myself relating to both Adam and Zayneb's post-uni struggles, and watching them come together again across this beautiful journey was like a warm cup of tea. A delight through and through!