Will You Love Me?

by Norhafsah Hamid

“Hardship may dishearten at first, but every hardship passes away. All despair is followed by hope; all darkness is followed by sunshine.” Rumi.

***

Struggling to fit in all her life, Nieza, a cardiologist, decided that it was time for her to move back home to Malaysia. With one of her best friends leaving and the other busy with oncologist training, she felt that there was nothing left for her in Liverpool.

Then, a man from her past unexpectedly appeared and stirred up new, unfamiliar emotions within her. He awakened a feeling she never knew existed. As fate threw them in each other's path, they found out that they share similar struggles – isolation and loneliness. However, they soon realised that while a life designed by God is beautiful, it is not without obstacles.

Just as Nieza began to feel like she belonged, her faith was put to the test. Will she be able to weather the storm and open herself up to love again?

***

In this book, award-winning author Norhafsah Hamid takes the reader on a heartwarming journey of struggles, loneliness, and heartbreak before finding hope and love amidst it all.

Genres: Romance, Fiction

323 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2023

About the author

Norhafsah Hamid was born in 1973 and received primary and secondary education in Malaysia. She then proceeded to pursue her studies in United Kingdom until she graduated with a law degree from Reading University, United Kingdom. She completer her Bar in Malaysia and went back to United Kingdom to work for a year. She then came back to Malaysia to commence her practice as an Advocate and Solicitor, specializing in civil litigation matters. She completed her Diploma in Syariah & Legal Practise and has been handling various Syariah matters.

Currently she has taken a break from civil practise and co-founded an NGO called 'Nadi Anissa Muslim Women Organisation. she now dedicates her time to her family and Islam.

Reviews

[Aisyah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book after will you stay and what I can say is I'm flatly disappointed. I was very excited for this book as the main plot is about nieza and Harris. But they never got action until more than half of the books. And the plot is so all over the place. Ending feels rushed and cliche and I think will you stay is so so much better than this book. And with the typos in this book... Only the last two chapters is good enough. But if you new in reading English books, you can try to enjoy this book and all the Islamic lessons in this book good for for someone who is trying to learn more about Islam.

[Fatini Zulkifli · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh dear. The book almost lulled me to sleep on numerous occasions. Baca buku teks Sejarah sekolah menengah lagi best daripada baca novel ini. My primary gripe lies in the writing style, which tends to favor 'telling' over 'showing,' making the narrative less dynamic.

As for the plot, it struck me as rather flat and clichéd, lacking the elements of action that could have injected some excitement. Additionally, the dialogues came across as somewhat childish, a mismatch with the supposed occupations of the characters. Berdasarkan dialog, saya bayangkan Hassan macam lelaki lembut tau (macam pondan la senang cerita) walaupun dia doktor.

Even though author tried to make me feel a roller-coaster of emotions through the death of Harris, I did not feel 'the emotion'. Mungkin cara penulisan dan kegopohan untuk menghabiskan cerita itu membuatkan baca buku ini ibarat membaca penulisan murid Tingkatan 3.

[Nur Diyanah · Rating 1 out of 5]

i really tried, i get that the author was trying to talk about islam in a different way, I find the idea good but the writing style and plot could be more developed, i find it hard to continue because of how cliché the story line is.

Im guessing that the characters are adults since they are working in a hospital or undergoing some kind of attachment, yet the arguments that occurs between the characters were super childish

there were alot of grammatical and typos in the book as well 😭 i really couldnt finish it

[Sharina Razali · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish this book as it was riddled with grammatical and factual errors. I wish the editor, copy editor, and proofreader did a better job with this book. The characters were flat, plot didn’t quite develop into anything much, and the conversations were more suited to a movie/tv series.

I give it 2 stars as the author added a glossary endnotes which are useful for those not familiar with the terms/words used.

Sad to say, I won’t be reading any more of this author’s books.

[Fey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝙊𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙂𝙤𝙙 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩, 𝙉𝙞𝙚𝙯𝙖. 𝙒𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣'𝙩 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙪𝙥 𝙤𝙧 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙛. 𝙒𝙚 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙙𝙪𝙖, 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙪𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙣. 𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙨."

First and foremost, I feel so grateful and happy that I managed to snag a copy of the latest book by Norhafsah Hamid which is 'Will You Love Me?' on the release day.

To be honest, there are no words I can put in this review since 'Will You Love Me?' left me sobbing and wailing over the book. Reading this book was like reading a love letter from a dear one. It's very heart-warming yet a heart-wrenching one too, and that's the one thing that I always love and adore when it comes to Norhafsah Hamid's writing style. I've been in tears for hours, and my bestie Yasmin is living proof of it. Thus, she never fails to amaze me and make me swoon over the storyline and the characters she created.

Furthermore, let's not forget the knowledge and the reminders shared in every book she wrote–that Allah is the best planner and come back to Allah even in your worst state. It always got me in tears and makes me reflect on it. Hence, that's the second thing that I love about her writing.

I've been chatting with Yasmin while reading this one together and yes, we've agreed that 'Will You Love Me?' is the best book Norhafsah Hamid has ever written. It's my second favourite book besides Letters to God.

Head empty, no thoughts. Just this book in my mind.

Thank you for this lovely Nieza and Harris love story journey.

Rate: 4.8🌟
–Feyssa.

[N · Rating 2 out of 5]

Her writing style is soooo boring it’s not for me 😭 also zero character development and plot is a mess

[Hazì · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried really hard to find any best plot from the novel, the storyline was too slow. Maybe it just not for me.

[NA · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must say that this book taught me a lot of things regarding Islam❤️I love it so much. Tbh, my feelings reading it so flat and dried like a Sahara. Yes, I did find the main characters were relatable, but somehow it didn't change the fact that the plot was so predictable, anti-climatic, and messed-up(in my opinion). Just you know, this was my second time reading from this author. Maybe in the future, I will buy from her if the book is non-fiction. This is the last time I read her fiction books.

[Syahidah Amin · Rating 1 out of 5]

an okay book I guess
didn't really like the pacing, writing and plot
which is a cliche one~
but I do understand the messages that the book wants to convey
I would say new Muslims/readers can opt to read this as it is quite straightforward and the correct representation of Islam and its teachings.
#One of the few things I enjoyed was the titbits of Rumi's quotes

[Qayiem Razali · Rating 4 out of 5]

18-2023

Will You Love Me? - Norhafsah Hamid

Antara ketiga tiga karya trilogi ini saya lebih menyukai cerita Nieza. Memberi kesan yang agak mendalam. Kehilangan itu sangat sukar. Pun dah lama baca, tapi terlupa sudah jalan cerita.

[Am. Han · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

"Some people are meant to stay in her life and some people are only meant to pass through"

Mula-mula kita senyum sebab Dr Superman aka Dr Harris tu terimagine pulak muka Teme 🤣 tapi tak pernah pun nampak muka Teme aaaaaaa screaming
And the plot twist makes me cry 😭

- grammatical errors banyak tapi Ignore it because I am not a proofreader.

[Saidaaaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5.0

I had some mixed feeling about this book. It was good but not that good.

I tried to really get into the plot but honestly, I think the plot was all over the place. Not like will you stay, this one is a bit disappointing.

I keep on flipping back to understand where is this story coming from.

Some unnecessary stories and the childish behaviour of the 3 doctors just didn’t click.

[sarena · Rating 4 out of 5]

….

[libraryofaisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

EXCUSEEE MEE ?? THE ENDING ??
- Fuh, finally I've finished this book. I just want to say that I'm completeeely shocked with what I just read. Terkejut dengan siapa Nieza end up with. Dia macam I was too stunned to speak. After I've finished the book baru rasa everything happens too fast. I have a mixed feelings actually for this book. Been thinking whether I should give 4 or 3 stars for the whole story.
- The main reason why I have mixed feelings is because the plot, the characters. It's just....it feels like i'm reading the same story over and over again. You see, Nieza's story are almost the same as Amy and Sarah. Dia macam hmm takde kelainan ke ? Then i pelik kenapa ada kisah Amy pulak ni ?? Aren't this book about Nieza ? The quotes in this book are alwayss da best !

'It was fate that took their loved ones and it was also fate that brought them together'

Btw I'm a Jaws' fan 🤭

[sraeads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, it's not bad. But I think it's a bit 'flat'. And fast, the plot. It is full of Islamic quotes, and there is no rigid romantic interaction between the characters. Just light reading and no heavy conflict. At the end, I could see the movement of the plot. If you want to read this, but don't know English properly, you can read it. They use basic English, so you can understand them properly without any problem.

[Pika Pikachu · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I love about this book is how the author presented Quran snippets that are related to some of the situations faced by the characters. As I read the novel, I also learn something from Quran and the lifestyle of a Muslim. Also, how I love the relationships between Amy, Nieza, and Hassan. It shows that they are always there for each other. This novel is a light reads novel for those who are trying to start reading English books.

However, I think the author is trying hard to show the humor between those three best friends, which sometimes makes me cringe. Moreover, for me, the storytelling in this novel is fast-paced. The novel lack in development of character and the backstory as well. On top of that, I would love to read the conversation between Nieza's father and Nieza herself in making Harris fall in love to become a Muslim. That would be nice for me.

Overall, this novel is a good novel to read and I would be honored if there are any pre-sequel or post-sequel from this story.

[Hambals · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a nice, easy read with some important messages. While some readers expected more romance between Nieza and Harris, I found that the book’s real focus is on the friendship between Nieza, Amy, and Hassan. Their friendship is the best part of the story, showing what it means to have true friends who understand and support each other.

The theme of the book is loneliness, but it also shows how friendship can help us feel less alone. Instead of just focusing on romance, the story highlights how powerful a good friendship can be. Nieza, Amy, and Hassan’s bond feels real and pure, and it’s a reminder that friends can be just as important as romantic partners.

In the end, it is about finding people who accept you for who you are. It’s a heartwarming story for anyone who values friendship and wants a reminder of how good it feels to have friends who care.

[magne · Rating 3 out of 5]

i dont like the writing, the plot, the characters

[Nor Kamariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best novel by Norhafsah. Although I always considered myself as slow reader, I could read this book much faster as I have already known all the characters in this storyline. 'Meeting' them again in this book was like meeting old friends that I have known over the years and adding more values to the 'relationship' that has been built through the previous novels in this series.

Thank you Kak Hafsah for letting us readers to have such good friends with beautiful souls through our reading.

[Aina D. (pagesofaina) · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is my 2nd book from the author (first being Time to Heal), the first one was just an ok read for me—the writing style doesn’t capture my attention, so i gave this book a chance to prove me wrong.

i love the unique trait of Nieza being able to see the unseen, it’s not something normally done in books i have read before.

even though norhafsah’s writing style is not really my preference, the simplistic writing style makes it easy for beginners to read the book.

nonetheless, i think what could be improved is that sometimes the scenes felt forced because of the random du’a/islamic knowledge inserted. i understand that the author’s trying to include beneficial information for the readers, but too much of it might make readers feel like they’re reading a non-fiction book instead.

so this book works for people who went in for the islamic knowledge i guess. i’m more of a plot-driven person, hence it didn’t work out that well for me since i think this book is more like a “no plot, just vibe” kind of book (it did have a plot, but not a major one imo).

i also think that very few to none of the characters get their proper character development throughout the book. firstly, it didn’t sit well with me when the “bad” characters are painted to be purely “bad”—spreading rumours, bullying, believing in the shirks, etc. [sally, amy’s mum] and the “nice” characters are painted as VERY nice like saints [nieza, amy, hassan, harris]. i do see some flaws in these “nice” characters but the flaws are very minimal to the point that i think this concept is quite harmful for some readers, because it’s making the difference between sinners and saints really obvious. it’s like giving “aku baik, kau jahat” kind of vibe, when in reality it’s so important to remind readers that people who do good deeds, do sins too; people who do sins, do good deeds too.

so back to my point just now, i might brush this whole “nice” and “bad” characters off if there was a proper character development for them. sadly, the “bad” characters remain “bad” and they were not given any redemption at the end of the book.

to sum up, i can say that norhafsah hamid’s writing style is maybe not for me. but i know friends that enjoy her books, so that’s good. and i love the author’s effort to tackle a topic that’s not talked about frequently— having a “sixth sense”.

thank you IMAN publication for sending a copy over to me. 🌻

[thebooknerdnextdoor 📚 · Rating 3 out of 5]

SO much was happening in 1 book. I thought this book was about Nieza but why is Amy sometimes the spotlight? She already had her book. I just felt that the author wanted to end everyone’s story in this book. It was fast paced and not very deep.

After reading the whole book, I can safely say that the writing style is like high school level? I feel so mean for saying this but I think I’m just used to reading American/British author’s writings. Sorry if I come off as snobby, its just my honest opinion. The trio in this book were adults and based on the timeline of Sarah to Amy, they’re already in their 30s. So why are their conversations very childish and very much like they’re high schoolers?

As I said in Amy’s book, I just keep coming back to Norhafsah’s books for the Islamic elements of it. And yes I did feel like my dark soul is slowly purified reading on that part. But I just felt like the story could be so much more developed.

Honestly a bit disappointed in this one. I’m inclined to give it 2 stars but I’m giving it a 3 for some of the Islamic wisdom in this.

[ir · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT ‼️⚠️



pls tell me i’m not the only one who’s not over harris’s death? i mean of course i’m happy that nieza got her happy ending but harris death was too much 😭😭😭😭 he was such a sweetheart 🥹🥹 the way he expresses his love for nieza was just indescribable. he was a really gentle and shy guy and rlly respected nieza’s conditions n boundary ( dating etc )

other than thatttt ( ik im in denial don’t talk abt it😀😀 ) the book was a rlly fun read but it’s also heartbreaking at the same time 😭

anw this might be my fav book out of the three books but i’m still not over amy’s story ( ik im not over everything ) her struggle was real 😭😭😭

[Liessa Daliz · Rating 1 out of 5]

The plot is all over the place. The ending was so rushed and there is no character development at all. Like how did Nieza end up with Jaws?

I only appreciate the effort the author put in to correlate the story to Islam. Gzz.

[Yan Khairul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently dove into the pages of WILL YOU LOVE ME?, and I must say, it has become a companion in my moments of comfort, making it difficult for me to put down. The story woven by the author is anything but boring, and what sets it apart is the infusion of rich Islamic content, particularly in matters of relationships and family.

One such moment that deeply resonated with me was the fate of Haris. I found myself in tears, emotionally connected to the twists and turns that unfolded in his journey.

What truly stood out for me was how the authors seamlessly integrated themes of reliance on Allah's plans. The reminders scattered throughout the book served as a beacon, emphasizing the belief that Allah's planning is the best, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. This powerful message left a lasting impact on me, urging me to reflect on my own life and the challenges I may face.

The author's skillful storytelling not only captivates but also serves as a source of inspiration. It beautifully weaves together elements of faith, resilience, and the acknowledgment that, no matter what, turning to Allah is our anchor. This reflection on the divine guidance mirrored in the characters' lives has left me with a renewed sense of connection to my faith.

In essence, I appreciate the author's ability to convey profound messages through engaging storytelling. Will You Love Me, is not just a book; it's a journey that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you with a sense of gratitude for the wisdom embedded in its pages. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a captivating read that goes beyond mere entertainment, providing a valuable perspective on life, faith, and the beauty of trusting in Allah's plans.

[Thes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note to self, read the blurb first before reading the story that way you can prepare for yourself. The final instalment of the three musketeers is finally here! This book tells the story of Nieza, the unique one.

It took less than a day for me to finish the whole book as the story is easy to follow and quite simple. Nothing complicated as the other book in the series. I really anticipated Nieza's story after reading Amy's and Hassan. Though, this book mainly centered around Nieza, there were also updates on Amy's and Hassan's life. I guess it is the final book so the author wanted to give closures (somewhat) to all main characters from the previous books.

I enjoyed the little backstory of Nieza. Her experience during school days. And I'm really glad it was made clear as to how Sally even found out about Nieza's ability and taunted her. Also, Harris's story and struggle were similar to hers and that brought them closer. I also appreciate knowing his POV from when he knew about Nieza's existence. It was really cute

I must say, I was a bit disappointed when Dr. Superman was not mentioned enough in the first half of the book, because he is one of the characters, is he not? And then. And then I found out why. To be honest, I felt betrayed haha. I keep questioning why and why after finishing the book. It felt really unfair.

The ending, to be honest, was a bit sudden and rushed. As if the epilogue was just written to end the book. The messages that the author trying to convey however were well received (but that doesn't mean I have accepted it immediately). As usual, the Islamic references and message in the story are well written and I absolutely enjoyed every little quote before every chapter.

[Nisa Mohd · Rating 3 out of 5]

📌“...I sincerely believe that knowledge can also be shared through stories.” - Norhafsah Hamid.
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■ This book explores various aspects and themes. Family, friendships & the unseen! The main theme should be keeping our faith and reliance only on Allah SWT. The author includes many duas, supplications, tazkirahs & other useful facts.

This is a great novel for adolescents and young adults! Packed with lessons.
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■ I highly appreciate the author's idea to highlight the issues of Malay superstitions in our society and how to deal with them. A much-needed awareness campaign, praise-worthy! The surprise elements in this book are good, too.
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■ However, the storytelling is not as smooth in English as I would prefer. Sometimes, it feels as if the sentences were translated from other languages or forced to fit the paragraph.

Also, I find the dialogue to be childish. Didn’t reflect them as working adults. Their conversations give “The Lizzie McGuire” vibes. I mean if one, or two characters are naive, it is okay, but almost all the characters are like that, even the “villains”, who sound like school bullies in children's books, mean yet still naive.
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■ In an attempt to be romantic, Harris’s character can be a bit stalker-ish.
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■ Overall, this book is attractive to teenagers—simple, well-wrapped plots, mostly predictable. Not many emotions felt as I was anticipating. I did not shed any tears. Could it be because I am older now and have experience? To compare, Novel Ayat-Ayat Cinta is way heavier. The emotions changed as my perspectives changed from when I first read that book to the time I re-read the book a few years later.

[Seraphina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, I don’t know why people accuse this book, probably because the way she’s writing, a lots of false vocabulary, if you guys don’t like this book because of the silple words, than don’t just read. This story is beautiful. A lots of advice we could take here than western English novels that focusing on lust love and red flag behaviour ML. I woul prefer read this one. The ML is green like forest. The FL is strong inside and outside even a lots of hardship she is facing. She will keep living for Allah. Until she met her love life that could accept her for her weakness.

The plot is unexpected. One time I feel like I was flying to sky, and butterfly in my stomache, I am so happy with Nieza finally someone confess to her at chapter 17. Then the next chapter I feel sad, I cried continuously like a baby. That’s how rapid up and down my emotion is, I could feel Nieza emotions even it just in words. And the ending is so beautiful. Thank you author for this beautiful story, I borrow this book from library, the cover is cute so I give it a try, not knowing this story is cute and wholesome. Consider as happy ending for all the characters here.

I have questions, what would happened to Rohana (Amy’s mother) ? Because she insisted to give Amy a pendant right? I think the story is not complete for Amy side, either way, it’s magnificent and beautiful. I really like it.

[Mohamad Nasrul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nieza, a cardiologist in Liverpool Hospital, moved back to Malaysia after spending some years working there. She had the ability to see or feel ghost and the like of it. She met Harris in Liverpool Hospital. From Nieza, he knew that Dr Ahmad is a general practitioner who combines medicine and Islamic healing.

Back in Malaysia, she continued her life and career as usual. In the meantime, Harris came to Malaysia to meet Dr Ahmad, Nieza's father to cure his 'illness'. Jaws also met and talk with Nieza in a few occasions.

Friendship of Nieza, Amy and Hassan continued to blossom throughout the novel. Challenges they faced and tragedy that happened toward the end of the story really shattered Nieza's heart.

Will she be able to find love and get back up again?

This novel is straightforward and easy to understand. Islamic values instilled in this novel are beneficial and so heartwarming. I like Rumi's quotes attached at the beginning of each chapter. It somehow makes me reflect upon myself and Nieza's story in that chapter. The conversations of Nieza, Amy and Hassan always make me grinned.

However, some scenes seem too sudden toward their conclusion.

Overall, this story is so comforting and worth reading.

[Anati Jasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Will You Love Me?' is a compelling and insightful book that stands out for its simplicity and depth. The author masterfully crafts a narrative that is not only easy to read but also rich with valuable lessons that resonate deeply with readers.

The simplicity of the language makes it accessible to a wide audience, allowing the reader to easily grasp the meaning behind each sentence. The storyline is straightforward, without unnecessary complexity, which makes the book enjoyable and engaging.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is the way the author weaves profound spiritual teachings into the narrative. The author has a unique way of conveying messages of faith, making the reader reflect on the divine wisdom and love of Allah. The central theme of the book is the understanding that everything that happens in life is a manifestation of Allah's love for us, a reminder that He plans our lives with love and care.

In conclusion, 'Will You Love Me?' is a book that not only entertains but also enlightens. It leaves the reader with a renewed sense of faith and a deeper understanding of the divine love that governs our lives. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking both spiritual growth and a good read.

[Amira · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first time reading this author's book. I have such high expectations as she's everywhere and her books always top the chart.

After reading this book, i'm disappointed. The plot is flat and nothing complicated happened to the main characters, apart from one thing or two. The ending is cliché. While i'm fully aware that this author usually instills Islamic teaching in her novels, however in some parts of this book it became too preachy, which makes the dialogues sound unnatural.

For example when Nieza told Harris the meaning of Insya-Allah and Harris responded, then Nieza suddenly said something like "here's another one, Kun Fayakun". I found it to be a bit weird if we were to talk like that with non-Muslims in real world. The dialogues when Nieza was talking to her friends also sound unnatural.

Also found grammatical error; 'peoples' (don't remember which page). Not expecting such error from such a famous publishing house, hope this will improve.

The good part is the last two chapters. Love the lessons.