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Lyrics of My Heart
A contemporary-yet-nostalgic tribute to the rom-coms of the 90s and early 00s. With all the quintessential quirks of life as a modern British Pakistani, this novel is the ‘cup of tea and a biscuit’ read that will make you feel lovely-jubbly inside.
Leena Ahmed hides a secret, a guilty shadow that follows her everywhere she goes, but in her small world that consists of her grandmother – Dadi – and her best friend – Avah – there is little time to dwell on anything other than her future dreams.
After a horrifically awful insta-story going viral and Dadi forcing her to meet marriage suitors, life could not be going more downhill. And then she meets Zubaid. A ghost from a past she would rather forget… not only because he teased her.
But then, like any classic Bollywood tale, a mutual wedding forces Leena and Zubaid together, and Leena finds there may be more to Zubaid than she initially thought. Amidst the crazy dholki traditions, sneaking around after dark, and mehndi dance practices, Leena finds her calling.
A voice for the voiceless.
Leena Ahmed hides a secret, a guilty shadow that follows her everywhere she goes, but in her small world that consists of her grandmother – Dadi – and her best friend – Avah – there is little time to dwell on anything other than her future dreams.
After a horrifically awful insta-story going viral and Dadi forcing her to meet marriage suitors, life could not be going more downhill. And then she meets Zubaid. A ghost from a past she would rather forget… not only because he teased her.
But then, like any classic Bollywood tale, a mutual wedding forces Leena and Zubaid together, and Leena finds there may be more to Zubaid than she initially thought. Amidst the crazy dholki traditions, sneaking around after dark, and mehndi dance practices, Leena finds her calling.
A voice for the voiceless.
Unknown Binding
Published November 1, 2024
About the author
Maya Mirza
6 books1 followerMaya Mirza has always loved storytelling and writing; having given up a career in medicine, she pursued a degree in English Literature, and began writing her own novels.
So far, she has written and self-published a delightfully funny and Bollywood-like coming of age novel, Lyrics of my Heart, the heart-gripping romance book, Before I Blink, and the captivating sci-fi trilogy: Struck, Lost, and Fate.
Since growing up in the countryside of Oxfordshire, Maya has travelled and lived in many different cities. Now nestled in heart of Berkshire, Maya lives with her husband, three boys, and their fluffy cat, Tedi.
So far, she has written and self-published a delightfully funny and Bollywood-like coming of age novel, Lyrics of my Heart, the heart-gripping romance book, Before I Blink, and the captivating sci-fi trilogy: Struck, Lost, and Fate.
Since growing up in the countryside of Oxfordshire, Maya has travelled and lived in many different cities. Now nestled in heart of Berkshire, Maya lives with her husband, three boys, and their fluffy cat, Tedi.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 7, 2026
I would like to thank the author, Maya, for sending me this book to read and review.
I always find myself enjoying books that showcase cultures different than mine, as I love to see the differences and similarities between us. In this case it was seeing the Pakistani culture in the langauge, the mannerism, the food, the celebrations, and more. It was interesting seeing different versions of families, like Leena and her Dadi, Avah and her parents, Zubaid and Eesa, they all have very different dynamics but all of them share the similarity of the importance of family, the one you have and the one you grow.
The book also brings to light topics that are sometimes considers taboo by many communities, and I won't go into details as to not spoil the story, but I will say that I enjoyed reading about people overcoming certain fears, and seeing Leena especially use everything she is passionate about to face her own fears and help others face theirs.
As for Leena and Zubaid, I found their story incredibly sweet (sometimes too sweet that I found myself putting down the book). Seeing all the things they go through separately and trying to help each other realize they are not burdens was really nice. Of course it's quite a long book which I think made their story better because you truly wait for it, but of course the wait is worth it.
I also especially loved seeing the side characters and their own stories in the background and how much Leena is involved and slowly allows herself to care for all these new people.
Overall I think it's a sweet read, and one I definitely recommend if you're looking for a romance that's a little unrealistic but also a story with other topics that are.
I always find myself enjoying books that showcase cultures different than mine, as I love to see the differences and similarities between us. In this case it was seeing the Pakistani culture in the langauge, the mannerism, the food, the celebrations, and more. It was interesting seeing different versions of families, like Leena and her Dadi, Avah and her parents, Zubaid and Eesa, they all have very different dynamics but all of them share the similarity of the importance of family, the one you have and the one you grow.
The book also brings to light topics that are sometimes considers taboo by many communities, and I won't go into details as to not spoil the story, but I will say that I enjoyed reading about people overcoming certain fears, and seeing Leena especially use everything she is passionate about to face her own fears and help others face theirs.
As for Leena and Zubaid, I found their story incredibly sweet (sometimes too sweet that I found myself putting down the book). Seeing all the things they go through separately and trying to help each other realize they are not burdens was really nice. Of course it's quite a long book which I think made their story better because you truly wait for it, but of course the wait is worth it.
I also especially loved seeing the side characters and their own stories in the background and how much Leena is involved and slowly allows herself to care for all these new people.
Overall I think it's a sweet read, and one I definitely recommend if you're looking for a romance that's a little unrealistic but also a story with other topics that are.
April 21, 2025
A sweet and gentle romance between two lost teenagers - both broken in their own ways finding happiness again together. This book is a tender look into the world of dholki wedding traditions, halal romance and coming of age as a British Pakistani teenager. It’s easy to get lost in the nostalgia and romance, but at its heart this book is also a poignant look at grief and an eye opening exploration of prejudices against neurodiverse individuals. Definitely recommend!
January 10, 2025
Such a tender but deeply impactful story! Leena and Zubaid were the dream, but all the characters were so intricate - Avah and Dadi especially! A great representation of life as a south Asian and also an important conversation around neurodivergence and the misconceptions in the desi community! Fab read
January 18, 2025
A beautiful story.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews