In Uzma Jalaluddin's retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion (with a Canadian Muslim twist) Nada is stuck in the rut of family life and work. Her big idea app was a flop because her business partner stole her idea, Nada retreated into her shell and hasn't come out since. Her best friend Haleema drags her to a giant Muslim conference to meet Haleema's fiancé Zayn and hopes to set Nada up with Zayn's brother Baz. The only problem is that Baz and Nada have a history that Haleema doesn't know about. As the past is resurrected, Nada knows she has to decide: say goodbye to past dreams of love or take a chance and confront her fears?

Persuasion is one of my favorite Jane Austen books, and it is a tough one for a retelling- even more so than most second-chance romances. Bringing it into the modern world is even tougher. Uzma Jalaluddin did a really good job transferring this classic love story to modern-day Toronto, with the tension between generations in Toronto's South Asian Muslim immigrant community standing in for Austen's Regency rules.

I loved how Jalaluddin made all of her characters, not just Nada, complex. There was a lot going on for each of them, and she did a good job of taking characters that at first seemed basic, then you get an insight part way through that changes how you look at all of their interactions. Nada gets to really go through a lot in this book and I felt like I watched her grow as a person as she fought through her sense of loss and betrayal over her app and losing Baz at the same time- and still feeling that years later but now seeing a second chance and being ready to fight for it.

I liked the flashbacks to Nada and Baz in college, seeing them fall in love and getting some sense of why they kept it a secret, though I felt like they fell into the classic rut of not communicating or listening to each other. Both of them made mistakes, but it seemed like Nada was the only one willing to work to maybe change the present. While it would have ruined the book to get both viewpoints along the way, there were times I wished I knew what Baz was thinking, or knowing that he was working to change himself as well. Surprisingly, Baz was one of the characters that came off as flat for me.

Overall I enjoyed this book, though the pacing dragged occasionally. I love how Jalaluddin brings the reader into the South Asian Muslim community of her characters without feeling like she has to overexplain the community for her non-Muslim readers. We absorb and are absorbed by the community and Jalaluddin's beautiful writing.

Despite the many times I've referenced Jane Austen and Persuasion here, you don't have to have read it to enjoy this retelling.



I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

Sorry not sorry for the long review below… I just ADORED this book!!!!

𝙁𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
This book is a beautiful second chance love story about two people chasing their individual dreams and goals, immersed in vivid descriptions of South Asian and Islamic culture. The writing is exquisite, and there were so many beautifully written quotes that I could not stop highlighting and saving. I love the deep look at traditional Muslim culture within modern day immigrant families, and the complicated situations that can arise with dating, marriage, divorce, children, and parent relationships.

The past and present timeline slowly built a relationship between Baz and Nada, beginning in their childhood and growing into their adult years. Their story is filled with mistakes, regret, passion, and sweet, innocent romance. Nada is fierce and unforgiving (sometimes to a fault), and Baz is such a tender and sweet MMC and I just wanted to give him a hug! Baz had some of the swooniest lines and I love his artistic/musical side ❤️

I also love the important role that female friendships play throughout the story, whether it is young friends like Haleema and Bisma or older aunties like Sister Rusul. It was interesting to see traditional female roles and expectations begin to be reimagined to fit a younger generation and more modern society.

Overall, I just could not put this book down and think it is a perfect love story with beautiful cultural influences and perspectives. This book comes out June 13, so add it to your TBR now!

Delightful- and deeper than you might think during the first pages. Nada's BFF Haleema is getting married to Zayn who is running the annual Muslim Conference and is also the hot lead singer of his band. And he's the brother of Baz, the man Nada has had a tortured relationship with since they were kids. Now, she's struggling in the wake of the failure of her really cool app thanks to her mentor's son and despite her mother's urging, she's not dating. Coming face to face with Baz at the conference brings up all sorts of feelings, the origin of which won't be fully revealed until....no spoilers from me! This moves back and forth in time to tell their story (the back and forth is a little distracting). You'll probably see what's coming for Haleema, even if she doesn't but hold on. I liked this for the characters (including Nada's little brother- he's a hoot) and the atmospherics. It's got good representation. And all the descriptions of food- wow. This is very well done fan fiction that hopefully will also send its readers back to pick up Austen, but it also stands on its own- Jaluddin has put her heart into it. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Great read.

When Baz said to Nada "I don't need a notebook. I doubt I’ll ever forget being here with you,” I’ve never highlighted a line faster in my life.

The beginning of this was a little slow for me, especially because so much background was introduced in the first 30 pages. I wish the setting had switched up a little bit more other than just flashbacks because it made the action feel static. But!

Once we learned the background, that's when the drama started drama-ing. I was rooting for Nada to whole way through and once we reached The Big Twist, I was speed reading to figure out what the HECK happened. There were so many characters that deserved their comeuppance and without any spoilers... Let's just say the ending was... Very satisfying.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Nada is almost thirty and still living at home. With her mother constantly on her back about finding her soulmate and getting married, she finds herself agreeing to attend a big Muslim convention with her friend Haleema, in the hope that she will meet someone. Haleema, in turn, is excited to finally introduce her best friend to Zayn, her fiance. And she hopes that maybe Nada will hit it off with Zayn's brother, Baz. But no one knows that Baz and Nada already know each other. 

I will read anything that Uzma Jalaluddin writes. I have loved both her previous books and was super pumped to read Much Ado about Nada - this book did not disappoint at all! In fact, it was 5 star swoon worthy! I loved getting to know our main characters and was shocked to find out how Baz and Nada had connected previously. The dual timelines really added to the story, with the little interactions between our main characters in the past making me gasp in either shock or delight or both! 

With fantastic Muslim representation, this book was refreshing as well as entertaining. If you enjoy your romcoms and haven't read this author yet, I highly recommend picking up one of her books.

Uzma Jalaluddin's writing is like fine wine - as it ages, it just gets better. The pining. The regret. The long lost love. Just phenomenal. A perfectly executed retelling of Persuasion!

I do want to say that it really through me for a loop when there was a moment I thought this book wasn't a halal romance (like her previous books) but I just wanna say, it very much so is halal & please don't get turned off by that chunk of the book! The halal-ification of the story makes for an amazing plot twist!

Persuasion is my absolute favorite of Austen's novels, and it's always hard to find a good retelling. Uzma Jalaluddin nails it! The second chance romance is fantastic and makes you crave more - and the side characters are really well done. Her books are always so great!

Loved! It is always so hard to find a good Jane Austen retelling but Uzma Jalaluddin nails it again. Enjoyable and satisfying.

This was a really fun read! I wasn’t sure how much the plot of Persuasion was going to figure in, but it turned out to be more prominent in the second half — and it worked surprisingly well in the context of the contemporary Muslim community in Toronto.

A lovely, inventive retelling of Austen's Persuasion. I've really enjoyed Jalaluddin's books, the two Austen retellings the most. I re-read Persuasion fairly recently, and it was fun to see where she followed the original and where she adapted it to fit the modern Muslim community where all her novels so far have been set.
Most of the characters are devout Muslims, so the romance is quite tame (couples are discouraged from touching or being alone together before they're married). Even so, I sure swooned a few times (fair enough--Persuasion was also quite tame, and I swooned at that one too). I am definitely adding Baz to my book boyfriend list.
It was great to catch a glimpse of Ayesha, Hafsa, and Masood from Ayesha at Last. It makes me want to re-read that book.
Austen and Jalaluddin fans won't be disappointed.

After years of disappointment and hiding the truth Nada needs to make a decision, is she willing to give up everything she wants and loves and continue to do what she thinks her parents expect? In order to avoid talk about the family Nada has lived as her traditional parents want her to. When she sees Baz again everything she has given up on comes rushing back. Is she willing to live her life without what she truly wants or can she find a way to live the life she wants and be the daughter her parents expect? A story of family and expectations and creating a life that makes you happy.

Much Ado About Nada by Uzma Jalaluddin is a captivating & unique second chance romance involving Nada Syed as she struggles with her feelings of being stuck. She’s at the cusp of 30, single, living with her family & had her brilliant business idea of an app stolen from right beneath her. Her best friend, Haleema, & her engagement to her fiancé, Zayn, causes a domino effect on Nada’s life with the placement of Zayn’s brother, Baz back into her life. This book beautifully intertwines history with the present as their story slowly unfolds. Their story is unlike anything I’ve ever read before in such a lovely way. I found out this story was inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion.

As a self-proclaimed romance book connoisseur, this was a delightfully refreshing read. This is a story that spans all the way from childhood to adulthood with many interesting moments of paths crossing through the years. The chemistry between these two leads was palpable. I liked that there was a lot of character growth & I really enjoyed how everything came together.

I always really appreciate reading increased representation in books. This one covers being second generation to immigrant parents, being Muslim, dealing with familial, societal & cultural expectations, the beauty of community & so much more.

I think the author has an incredible voice & is bringing a breath of fresh air to this genre. I hope I get to read more by this author.

Massive thanks to NetGalley & Berkley Publishing for the free arc, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

I will post this on social media & Amazon around release date & add links once I do!

Similar to the author's "Ayesha at Last" which I enjoyed a couple of years ago, this title "Much Ado about Nada" is a contempory Austen retelling, but this time of "Persuasion", and is set in Canada with a diverse Muslim cast. But instead of Anne & Cap. Wentworth, we have Nada & Baz, and their "second chance" romance trope is very well done here! Really enjoyed it and recommend. My sincere thanks to Net Galley & the publisher for the complimentary DRC, it was a fun one to read & review!

Relationships are complicated, and Nada and Baz's is no exception. Uzma Jalaluddin continues her Jane Austen retellings, though the title is a bit deceptive. Between a tech start-up, the premiere Muslim conference, and a hot boy band, there's a lot going on. Add in the alternating timelines and all of the family drama, and it definitely takes a keen eye to keep everything straight. I loved the references to her previous books in the Golden Crescent, as well as all of the business ideas that Nada spawns. This felt decidedly less romantic than the previous books, but it's certainly a great contemporary novel.

*Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

BLOG TOUR

I read a lot of contemporary romances, but they are usually mainstream. While I have a few Muslim acquaintances, I met them through my husband’s business or my son’s school friends. So, I am not too familiar with the dating culture, except for knowing that most marriages are arranged. Nevertheless, this multicultural book was enlightening and informative, and I am glad I had the opportunity to read and review it. As an added surprise, the book is a modern-day interpretation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion.

Nada Syed’s best friend drags her to a Muslim conference. Since she is nearly thirty and still lives at home, her mother and her friend would like Nada to meet someone, get married, and settle down. As luck would have it, her friend’s fiancée’s brother, who is also single, will be at the conference. But, of course, no one knows that Nada has met “the brother” before, and this is where the antics begin.

I liked the premise of the book, as well as the characters. However, I didn’t feel there was a steady pace throughout the book. It would move slowly, pick up quickly, then slow down again. This seemed to happen over the following 250+ pages.

As I said before, I appreciated getting out of my comfort zone with this book and learning more about the customs and culture. Thank you to the book tour host and publishers for a gifted advanced copy and for inviting me on to the blog tour. Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

**Review will be posted to Instagram on 6/12/23 at @read.rest.recharge**

As someone who's never read Persuasion, this book made me really want to read the original! This was such a nuanced story, with complex and richly drawn characters, taking place in Toronto, which is always nice to see. While Nada's life and relationship is the center of attention, I loved how much the secondary characters got to shine and develop in their own ways throughout the story and how their changes spark a change in Nada as well.

When we meet her, Nada is stuck. Her father fears change and never wants his children to move out, her older brother Waqas is divorced and depressed, her younger brother feels restricted by his home life due to his ataxia and parents' coddling, her best friend is about to get married, and Nada sits in the shambles of a dream that failed, alone.

This book is told in a THEN and NOW sort of format, outlining Nada's past in parallel to her present. At first, I had no clue where the story was going, but as more is revealed I found myself in awe of the author's absolute mastery. Uzma Jalaluddin weaves together a complex tale, merging past memories with present moments to show growth and love, as well as shine a spotlight on old and new fears.

While I loved Nada, I really enjoyed seeing the people around her experience growth and change too - Waqas coming out of his shell, Jamal fighting for his independence, and her friend building the life she wants with the man she loves. It was fantastic seeing Nada reflect on those changes as they happen, allowing people's words and actions to impact her view of things. The strong character development and the absolute love Nada has for the people in her life made this book all the better.

The last thing I wanted to highlight was my adoration for seeing many types of Muslims through this story, and learning more about prayer practices, their tight community, and some of their traditions and religious views. The food and tea culture was also amazing to read about and it left me rifling through my kitchen for snacks.

I absolutely loved this book and I now desperately want to read all her other books (which have been sitting on my shelf since their publication, glaring at me). Much Ado About Nada is a nuanced and complex romance that's woven together masterfully!

TW: misogynistic views (countered), bullying; mentions divorce, pregnancy, hate crimes, racism

Rep: Muslim cast, secondary character with ataxia

Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 4.5/5
Overall: 5/5

eARC gifted via NetGalley by Berkley via Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

Solid 4-4.5 stars.

I'm honestly shocked that before Uzma Jalaluddin, I've never before heard of a Muslim retelling of any of Austen's novels. They work so well!

I read Ayesha At Last a couple weeks ago in order to read this novel, then realized they weren't at all connected other than both being Austen adaptations. Ayesha At Last was good, but Much Ado About Nada was great. I am a total sucker for a second-chance romance, and this Persuasion retelling was no exception.

There were a few things I found cringe (all minor), and I do wish that the main characters' past relationship was fleshed out a bit more, but I overall really enjoyed this book and would recommend!

Jane Austen's Persuasion written from within the world of a Muslim convention? I devoured Much Ado About Nada in one afternoon of ignoring my children while they swam. Give me more.

The premise of this book is what appealed to me but I hadn't read anything by the author before. Whilst I enjoyed it I didn't find myself wanting to pick up the book to find out what would happen next. It was missing that oomph for me.

I enjoy these books so much. Jalaluddin writes a culture that is so different from my personal one that I sink into it and learn so much through her writing. She is a prime example of who books and reading (regardless of genre) are an excellent gateway into someone else's experiences.

This is a second chance romance set in a Muslim community in Toronto. Baz and Nada fell in love young, separated and come back together through a conference and a wedding. It's filled with angst, longing and a lot of growth for both of them.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I wished for a little bit more of them together, but when I realized that it's a Persuasion retelling, that helped. However, I do with the title had been different. Much Ado About Nada gives the impression of an entirely different retelling and it was hard for me to wrap my brain around it being Anne and Wentworth vs Beatrice and Benedict.