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Maybe This Is Love
“Why are you following me?”
“I’m not, I’m just walking in the same direction as you. You’re so fierce.”
He called me fierce! The nerve!
*
Sufiah longs to be in a loving relationship, and she has always believed that a good Muslim woman is meant for a good Muslim man. But when her idea of a "perfect destiny" marries someone else, her heart shatters beyond repair.
Then comes Reza—laid-back, impulsive, and not exactly religious. He’s from a world completely different from Sufiah’s and nothing like the imam figure she once dreamed of.
Still, the more time they spend together, the more she can’t deny the attraction. Sufiah finds herself confused and conflicted.
Why is she drawn to someone who seems to take his faith so lightly? Is this a test of her own? When a deeper side of Reza is revealed, Sufiah begins to question everything she thought she knew about love, faith, and what makes someone truly right for her.
Can two imperfect hearts come together to find their own kind of happiness?
“I’m not, I’m just walking in the same direction as you. You’re so fierce.”
He called me fierce! The nerve!
*
Sufiah longs to be in a loving relationship, and she has always believed that a good Muslim woman is meant for a good Muslim man. But when her idea of a "perfect destiny" marries someone else, her heart shatters beyond repair.
Then comes Reza—laid-back, impulsive, and not exactly religious. He’s from a world completely different from Sufiah’s and nothing like the imam figure she once dreamed of.
Still, the more time they spend together, the more she can’t deny the attraction. Sufiah finds herself confused and conflicted.
Why is she drawn to someone who seems to take his faith so lightly? Is this a test of her own? When a deeper side of Reza is revealed, Sufiah begins to question everything she thought she knew about love, faith, and what makes someone truly right for her.
Can two imperfect hearts come together to find their own kind of happiness?
332 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2025
12 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 3, 2025
Okay, selepas hampir 3 bulan tak membaca, akhirnya berjaya habis satu buku. Kali ni kita cuba baca novel bahasa Inggeris pulak sebab muqadimah. Buku ni dibeli masa PBAKL dan terus baca sebaik selepas beli.
Mengisahkan tentang Sufiah yang sedang konfius dengan hala tuju masa depan dia. Tak tahu nak sambung belajar kat mana. Sama ada kat Mesir atau Singapura atau Malaysia. By the way settings place most of the time kat Singapore. Sebab Sufiah ni orang Singapore. Ada suatu hari Sufiah ni ada terserempak dengan seorang lelaki baya-baya dia kat Haji Lane, Reza namanya. Sufiah ni dari awal dia tunjuk dia tak suka dengan Reza. Nak-nak Reza ni nampak macam liar. Dia pulak 'Muslimah'.
Fast forward, tetiba girlfriend non-Muslim Reza ternampak Reza sedang bercakap dengan Sufiah. Terus dituduhnya diorang berdua ada affair. Pastu demi menafikan hal tu, Reza tercakap sesuatu yang mengguris hati Sufiah. Sufiah pun apa lagi? Laju blah dari situ.
Empat tahun kemudian, diorang berjumpa semula. Reza dah 'lain'. Tapi Sufiah ni masih ada stigma pada Reza. Dia masih rasa Reza ni tak layak nak berkawan dengan dia sebab dia rasa dia lebih bertakwa@beriman dari Reza. Memang judging habis dia dengan Reza.
Dalam masa yang sama, wujud karakter Khairil. Dah jadi cinta tiga segi pulak. 😌
Pada akhirnya, siapakah yang jadi pilihan Sufiah? Reza? Atau Khairil?
Mengisahkan tentang Sufiah yang sedang konfius dengan hala tuju masa depan dia. Tak tahu nak sambung belajar kat mana. Sama ada kat Mesir atau Singapura atau Malaysia. By the way settings place most of the time kat Singapore. Sebab Sufiah ni orang Singapore. Ada suatu hari Sufiah ni ada terserempak dengan seorang lelaki baya-baya dia kat Haji Lane, Reza namanya. Sufiah ni dari awal dia tunjuk dia tak suka dengan Reza. Nak-nak Reza ni nampak macam liar. Dia pulak 'Muslimah'.
Fast forward, tetiba girlfriend non-Muslim Reza ternampak Reza sedang bercakap dengan Sufiah. Terus dituduhnya diorang berdua ada affair. Pastu demi menafikan hal tu, Reza tercakap sesuatu yang mengguris hati Sufiah. Sufiah pun apa lagi? Laju blah dari situ.
Empat tahun kemudian, diorang berjumpa semula. Reza dah 'lain'. Tapi Sufiah ni masih ada stigma pada Reza. Dia masih rasa Reza ni tak layak nak berkawan dengan dia sebab dia rasa dia lebih bertakwa@beriman dari Reza. Memang judging habis dia dengan Reza.
Dalam masa yang sama, wujud karakter Khairil. Dah jadi cinta tiga segi pulak. 😌
Pada akhirnya, siapakah yang jadi pilihan Sufiah? Reza? Atau Khairil?
June 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Cinta islamik. Bermanfaat. Bacaan yang ringan.
Macam ala² Hlovate tapi english keseluruhannya.
Mungkin kalau remaja akan lebih menikmati cerita ini.
Cinta islamik. Bermanfaat. Bacaan yang ringan.
Macam ala² Hlovate tapi english keseluruhannya.
Mungkin kalau remaja akan lebih menikmati cerita ini.
July 14, 2025
"Faith is about believing in Allah's plan and His perfect timing. When you are a seeker of His love and mercy, you are also the finder of His love and mercy. " -my fav quote from the book-
4/5 ⭐: The most suitable word to describe my reading process of reading this book would clearly be cozy. For me, it is a very cozy reads. I did not felt super curious or super hard to finish it, so I really take my time and only picked up the book when I feel like it, which is really not me because normally I would always read too fast or just really slow 😪.
As someone yang who never really fully understands the idea of love, I think personally this book have helped me to finally at least somehow understands it. The author have highlighted a lot of things, especially in Islamic way by quoting and explaining some verses from the Al-Quran and also in casual way by the story line of a young women which is the main character, Sufiah.
Now, about reviewing the book, I think all of the characters in this book is very human and that makes me felt so close to the character, especially Sufiah, whenever she's in dilemma, I felt that too, from the first plot of her choosing a place for her study and to the next one that you need to find it yourself in this book 😅. Also, the character of Aunt Noor, she is so similar to one of my aunt, the way she talks, behaves and kepoh is so like my aunt. hehe.
Next, about the romance part of the book I think all part of it is so so so cute. Ngl I kinda swoon away over the words of Reza. So memang blushing all the way 😙. Also, bila moments diaorang tgt, that is just so damn cute even though they did not being lovey pun and I still love it so so much.
Other than that, I like that the author made the chapters of the book very short, so it is easier for me to stop when I want to take a little time off.
Despite benda ii best in this book, I think honestly for me the first few parts in this book is a bit slow but still okay je because it's not to the point jadi malas nak baca. And there are some parts i noticed ada some typos but still okay.
All in all, I would really recommend this book to all young adults out there that are so confuse of love and are trying to understand the meaning of it. This book will help you seriously.
p/s: I've met the author, Maria Mahat at pbakl 25 and she is so kind and comel hehe. Hope I'll get to meet her again. So that I can get her sign my book because sadly haritu I forgot to bring the book during her sign event 😭.
4/5 ⭐: The most suitable word to describe my reading process of reading this book would clearly be cozy. For me, it is a very cozy reads. I did not felt super curious or super hard to finish it, so I really take my time and only picked up the book when I feel like it, which is really not me because normally I would always read too fast or just really slow 😪.
As someone yang who never really fully understands the idea of love, I think personally this book have helped me to finally at least somehow understands it. The author have highlighted a lot of things, especially in Islamic way by quoting and explaining some verses from the Al-Quran and also in casual way by the story line of a young women which is the main character, Sufiah.
Now, about reviewing the book, I think all of the characters in this book is very human and that makes me felt so close to the character, especially Sufiah, whenever she's in dilemma, I felt that too, from the first plot of her choosing a place for her study and to the next one that you need to find it yourself in this book 😅. Also, the character of Aunt Noor, she is so similar to one of my aunt, the way she talks, behaves and kepoh is so like my aunt. hehe.
Next, about the romance part of the book I think all part of it is so so so cute. Ngl I kinda swoon away over the words of Reza. So memang blushing all the way 😙. Also, bila moments diaorang tgt, that is just so damn cute even though they did not being lovey pun and I still love it so so much.
Other than that, I like that the author made the chapters of the book very short, so it is easier for me to stop when I want to take a little time off.
Despite benda ii best in this book, I think honestly for me the first few parts in this book is a bit slow but still okay je because it's not to the point jadi malas nak baca. And there are some parts i noticed ada some typos but still okay.
All in all, I would really recommend this book to all young adults out there that are so confuse of love and are trying to understand the meaning of it. This book will help you seriously.
p/s: I've met the author, Maria Mahat at pbakl 25 and she is so kind and comel hehe. Hope I'll get to meet her again. So that I can get her sign my book because sadly haritu I forgot to bring the book during her sign event 😭.
July 25, 2025
This book taught me that no one is perfect in this world, whether in the eyes of people or in the eyes of Allah. But Allah will always guide the right person to you, someone truly worthy of your love. No matter how long it takes, there's always a reason behind it.
Hope to read more novel from Maria Mahat, love her writing!
Hope to read more novel from Maria Mahat, love her writing!
June 6, 2025
A beautiful journey of seeking god and seeking for love.
The right definition of ‘if you seek for Allah’s love, then He will take care of everything for you’.
Juggling between future and islamic beliefs, Sufiah is the right example of a faithful believer, who always stands firm with Islamic principles.
The journey of Reza finding his ‘kiblat’ is truly inspiring!
We all deserve the second chance, to repent and to be a faithful servant.
In conclusion, this book is not only about finding the love of your life. But seeking the truth and turns to Allah for his mercy and love even if we’ve sinned repeatedly.
Straightforward and beautiful story 💞
The right definition of ‘if you seek for Allah’s love, then He will take care of everything for you’.
Juggling between future and islamic beliefs, Sufiah is the right example of a faithful believer, who always stands firm with Islamic principles.
The journey of Reza finding his ‘kiblat’ is truly inspiring!
We all deserve the second chance, to repent and to be a faithful servant.
In conclusion, this book is not only about finding the love of your life. But seeking the truth and turns to Allah for his mercy and love even if we’ve sinned repeatedly.
Straightforward and beautiful story 💞
June 2, 2025
Overall books are okay.
Straight forward plot.
Introduction is a bit lengthy but if reader who are not familiar with the place, it gives perspective.
Trope : second chance
Straight forward plot.
Introduction is a bit lengthy but if reader who are not familiar with the place, it gives perspective.
Trope : second chance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2025
"Faith is about believing in Allah's plans and His perfect timing. When you are a seeker of His love and mercy, you are also a finder of His love and mercy." - Maybe This Is Love by Maria Mahat
As a Muslim Singaporean who frequents Arab Street and of course, Haji Lane, there is a sense of familiarity and homeliness in this story that felt like a balm to my soul. There is also the fact that it is a love story of two young souls who seek their place in this world, and it touches largely on faith and religion.
Sufiah is a driven dreamer with great ambitions for a career, and great hopes for the ideal husband. Reza is more free-spirited and far from spiritual, a trait that convinces Sufiah that he is not her ideal life partner. As their paths continue to cross time and again, over the years and distance, Sufiah finds herself moved by Reza and the depth of his growth. As Sufiah questions all she knows about love and faith, she slowly comes to realise that there is more to Reza than meets the eye.
I was instantly lifted by the constant references to our religion, the reminders and quotes by Rumi and most importantly, the beautiful verses of the Holy Quran. I appreciated how the author weaves in faith into the story of true love. However, the love story felt somewhat rushed, and I would have loved to learn more about Reza's growing feelings towards Sufiah. The story does come across as sweet and wholesome, but there were instances where I wished we had known more about Sufiah's personality and interests, as well as Reza's experiences that changed him. In all, this is a story that I believe many might enjoy, and you can always learn a thing or two about faith and love from this.
As a Muslim Singaporean who frequents Arab Street and of course, Haji Lane, there is a sense of familiarity and homeliness in this story that felt like a balm to my soul. There is also the fact that it is a love story of two young souls who seek their place in this world, and it touches largely on faith and religion.
Sufiah is a driven dreamer with great ambitions for a career, and great hopes for the ideal husband. Reza is more free-spirited and far from spiritual, a trait that convinces Sufiah that he is not her ideal life partner. As their paths continue to cross time and again, over the years and distance, Sufiah finds herself moved by Reza and the depth of his growth. As Sufiah questions all she knows about love and faith, she slowly comes to realise that there is more to Reza than meets the eye.
I was instantly lifted by the constant references to our religion, the reminders and quotes by Rumi and most importantly, the beautiful verses of the Holy Quran. I appreciated how the author weaves in faith into the story of true love. However, the love story felt somewhat rushed, and I would have loved to learn more about Reza's growing feelings towards Sufiah. The story does come across as sweet and wholesome, but there were instances where I wished we had known more about Sufiah's personality and interests, as well as Reza's experiences that changed him. In all, this is a story that I believe many might enjoy, and you can always learn a thing or two about faith and love from this.
July 7, 2025
Personal Rating: 3.7 stars
This was adorable in its own way. A very direct yet calm Islamic Romance story. I loved the idea, the story progression was nicely built, the character development was there. I liked the term "taqwa-metre" haha comel! True, we can't judge someone's iman from the outside. Only God can be the judge of that. I liked that, the way we judge people on their first impression, the way we speculate things (things we shouldn't) but at the end of the day, we're only human. Humans make mistakes and it's up to us if we want to change for the better - to chase Allah in whatever.
I loved and admired Sufiah, I loved her energy. I liked Reza too. If I were to be honest, I was rooting for him since the beginning. It's just my thing to root for the first guy I see in someone's story. The journey they had, the light conflicts, the ups and downs were written nicely.
However some improvements can be made such as dialogues between the characters. I wasn't that keen on reading the same dialogues, the same inner thoughts when they saw each other the second time. It didn't felt right? They could've talked about something else as dialogue fillers even if the idea was to make them feel awkward with each other.
Overall, I loved the Islamic insights in the book. It definitely touched my soul. Also... the amount of quotes/sayings that I highlighted in the book? Along with my remarks, comments and reactions were a lot! I like books that has me interacting with them.
"Faith is about believing in Allah's plans and His perfect timing."
Congratulation Kak Maria! This was a good book! Keep on writing!
This was adorable in its own way. A very direct yet calm Islamic Romance story. I loved the idea, the story progression was nicely built, the character development was there. I liked the term "taqwa-metre" haha comel! True, we can't judge someone's iman from the outside. Only God can be the judge of that. I liked that, the way we judge people on their first impression, the way we speculate things (things we shouldn't) but at the end of the day, we're only human. Humans make mistakes and it's up to us if we want to change for the better - to chase Allah in whatever.
I loved and admired Sufiah, I loved her energy. I liked Reza too. If I were to be honest, I was rooting for him since the beginning. It's just my thing to root for the first guy I see in someone's story. The journey they had, the light conflicts, the ups and downs were written nicely.
However some improvements can be made such as dialogues between the characters. I wasn't that keen on reading the same dialogues, the same inner thoughts when they saw each other the second time. It didn't felt right? They could've talked about something else as dialogue fillers even if the idea was to make them feel awkward with each other.
Overall, I loved the Islamic insights in the book. It definitely touched my soul. Also... the amount of quotes/sayings that I highlighted in the book? Along with my remarks, comments and reactions were a lot! I like books that has me interacting with them.
"Faith is about believing in Allah's plans and His perfect timing."
Congratulation Kak Maria! This was a good book! Keep on writing!
September 8, 2025
📖 Maybe This is Love by @maria_mahat
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!!
Bismillah, first of all, I would like to say thank you to the dearest author for this amazing novel. Tbh, I thought I wouldn't enjoy this book because I kinda had a hard time trying to turn the page during the early chapters. Dear author, it's not your fault. It's mine. I had a book slump for the whole year. And guess what? This one novel broke the slump. So, once again, thank you.
People might see this and think, what's up with the (so) many stars? Because I can relate to the characters. Especially with Reza. Growing up in a family that's not really religious (?) is somehow hard in certain cases... The details? Let's just leave it to the unknown. What I can say is, I can see myself in Reza's place. I cried okay! Some sentences really 'menyentuh hati'. I feel like this book is my version of 'The Truth Seekers'.
Not only that, this novel is also the definition of reality. I do feel like I actually lived in it. Like I'm one of them. Also, the character development! For both Sufiah and Reza. Really love it and it is in fact 'real'. We always wanted to be the best version of ourselves, right? Therefore, sometimes letting go of the current 'normal' might lead us to a far better future that soon might be the new 'normal'.
I'm not sure whether the author will read this, but I still want to say thank you so much!
#readwithleya #MaybeThisIsLove #rumaabooks
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!!
Bismillah, first of all, I would like to say thank you to the dearest author for this amazing novel. Tbh, I thought I wouldn't enjoy this book because I kinda had a hard time trying to turn the page during the early chapters. Dear author, it's not your fault. It's mine. I had a book slump for the whole year. And guess what? This one novel broke the slump. So, once again, thank you.
People might see this and think, what's up with the (so) many stars? Because I can relate to the characters. Especially with Reza. Growing up in a family that's not really religious (?) is somehow hard in certain cases... The details? Let's just leave it to the unknown. What I can say is, I can see myself in Reza's place. I cried okay! Some sentences really 'menyentuh hati'. I feel like this book is my version of 'The Truth Seekers'.
Not only that, this novel is also the definition of reality. I do feel like I actually lived in it. Like I'm one of them. Also, the character development! For both Sufiah and Reza. Really love it and it is in fact 'real'. We always wanted to be the best version of ourselves, right? Therefore, sometimes letting go of the current 'normal' might lead us to a far better future that soon might be the new 'normal'.
I'm not sure whether the author will read this, but I still want to say thank you so much!
#readwithleya #MaybeThisIsLove #rumaabooks
September 8, 2025
Surprisingly, I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s simple and easy to follow, but what makes it intriguing is the natural flow of the story. It weaves seamlessly and gives you a sense of ease while reading. If you’re in a slump, I think this might just help you get out of it.
Usually, Islamic love tropes don’t excite me enough to continue, but this one doesn’t feel forced, which makes me want to know more about the characters. May we all find the right one for ourselves, just as Sufiah found Reza—in the way that Allah decides what’s best for us. Thank you to the writer for sharing this story 🤍
Usually, Islamic love tropes don’t excite me enough to continue, but this one doesn’t feel forced, which makes me want to know more about the characters. May we all find the right one for ourselves, just as Sufiah found Reza—in the way that Allah decides what’s best for us. Thank you to the writer for sharing this story 🤍
June 1, 2025
an easy and light read. the writing is okay, i think certain sentences were a bit stilted. some info dump here and there but overall i enjoyed the book.
i’ll be honest, i didn’t think i was ever going to accept reza after what he said about sufiah. it’s not that i think she should be put on a pedestal for being a practicing muslim, it’s just that callous remark was too hurtful.
however, after a while, just like suffiah, i slowly began to “forgive” him. whatever reza. you better take care of our girl well!
i’ll be honest, i didn’t think i was ever going to accept reza after what he said about sufiah. it’s not that i think she should be put on a pedestal for being a practicing muslim, it’s just that callous remark was too hurtful.
however, after a while, just like suffiah, i slowly began to “forgive” him. whatever reza. you better take care of our girl well!
December 22, 2025
Hmmm, it is a well written book but unfortunately, I found the dialogues stiff, awkward and stilted. It felt too prim and proper - like a textbook for students.
It is a lovely and simple Islamic love story but it was hard for me to get invested because it lacked the typical Singapore accent and flavour when they’re talking.
I would recommend this to middle grade students and for those who would like to know more about the culture and traditions of Muslim and Islam.
It is a lovely and simple Islamic love story but it was hard for me to get invested because it lacked the typical Singapore accent and flavour when they’re talking.
I would recommend this to middle grade students and for those who would like to know more about the culture and traditions of Muslim and Islam.
December 20, 2025
a lot of different layers — islamic takeaways, singapore's heritage, the beauty of the characters' journey as muslims, both individually and together packed in this book. this book sets as a reminder on how one wants to shape themselves as a young muslim. simply and beautifully written story overall, especially towards the ending (:
June 10, 2025
i admire people who have always been steady in their journey as a muslim. but what i admire the most are the people who strayed away from islam and came back to their religion to be better. inshaallah ill stay true to my religion amiin
August 20, 2025
Aaa i really love thisss. This novel is a gripping and emotional journey that kept me hooked until the very last chapter. The characters are well-developed and relatable, while the writing is beautifully descriptive without feeling heavy. Lurvee reza🫶
September 7, 2025
A beautifully written piece by the author. It captures a lot of faith, trust, and effort. I love how she shows that changing is not easy but it is possible. Reading Reza's struggle kinda hits home. This book touches my heart in so many ways. It really exceeded my expectations.
September 17, 2025
Singapore - intl student - uia — it reminded me of my singaporean friend who studied in IIUM too, such a cute relationship between this two, you know if this person is meant for you so he/she will be yours, you cannot run away la from that fact, Allah’s plans are much much better than our planned ♡
September 24, 2025
A very light read. More of a teenager story with character growth and little plot twist. But it definitely drew me in and kept me hooked the whole time. It wasn’t boring at all, and I enjoyed how easy it was to get through the book
December 20, 2025
Yes, I liked the story. Penggunaan bahasa yang santai and easy to understand.
Sangat berharap ada sambungan tentang kisah Reza dan Sufiah selepas berkahwin. Menyesal tak baca dari awal. Tapi keseluruhannya, saya suka <3
Sangat berharap ada sambungan tentang kisah Reza dan Sufiah selepas berkahwin. Menyesal tak baca dari awal. Tapi keseluruhannya, saya suka <3
June 11, 2025
Ini boleh jadi english version untuk novel hlovate
June 25, 2025
I highly reccommend this book to Norhafsah Hamid’s fans, it’s a calm and easy read.
July 21, 2025
sweet simple and inspirational
didnt love the time skips but it helped make it make sense so its okay. still love it!! :)
didnt love the time skips but it helped make it make sense so its okay. still love it!! :)
August 2, 2025
Book for kids. Cringe. When I read the author’s portfolio, she wrote children’s books. No wonder. Not a best read for this old lady 😂
September 1, 2025
Buku ni jadi "light reading" bagi saya. Konsepnya yang Islamik Love pun buatkan buku ni menarik untuk dibaca. Saya suka jalan cerita yang simple & tidak berat. Kudos to Maria Mahat.
September 14, 2025
slow burn romance & the direct storyline is good for me as a english beginner😻😍. I recommend it to anyone who wants to read this book with a direct storyline, this is for you🔥
September 19, 2025
This book reminds me that we should always try our best in improving our faith to the One and Only. It also makes me want to read `The Truth Seekers’ book as well.
December 27, 2025
love the storyy, it is realistic, apa yang watak tu rasa sama dengan apa yang pernah lalui
October 25, 2025
i rated this 3.9-4/5 🌟!!
this book is such an inspiring and cozy Islamic read. I believe it's well-suited for anyone looking for something light yet meaningful, with a gentle Islamic touch that aligns beautifully with its overall concept.
That said, I personally wished there was more depth to Reza’s journey in rediscovering his faith I would have loved to see that explored further. Initially, I also found it a bit difficult to relate to the story, as I questioned why a 19-year-old character was already deeply contemplating marriage. However, she did acknowledge her own youth and naivety at the time, which made her perspective feel more understandable.
I really appreciated the character development of both Reza and Sufiah, they are absolutely adorable together 🥹💗. I also love how the people around them were so supportive, always having each other’s backs. That strong sense of community was heartwarming.
The book is quite fast-paced, so if you're looking for a light, easy read, this might be the perfect choice for you. It also gives off similar vibes to Hafsah Hamid’s works which not overly focused on romance, but instead highlighting the deeper meaning behind events from an Islamic perspective.
To be honest, I regret not picking it up earlier. I was hesitant at first, unsure whether to get it or not, but I’m glad I eventually used my siswa voucher to buy this book, no regrets at all!💗🌷
this book is such an inspiring and cozy Islamic read. I believe it's well-suited for anyone looking for something light yet meaningful, with a gentle Islamic touch that aligns beautifully with its overall concept.
That said, I personally wished there was more depth to Reza’s journey in rediscovering his faith I would have loved to see that explored further. Initially, I also found it a bit difficult to relate to the story, as I questioned why a 19-year-old character was already deeply contemplating marriage. However, she did acknowledge her own youth and naivety at the time, which made her perspective feel more understandable.
I really appreciated the character development of both Reza and Sufiah, they are absolutely adorable together 🥹💗. I also love how the people around them were so supportive, always having each other’s backs. That strong sense of community was heartwarming.
The book is quite fast-paced, so if you're looking for a light, easy read, this might be the perfect choice for you. It also gives off similar vibes to Hafsah Hamid’s works which not overly focused on romance, but instead highlighting the deeper meaning behind events from an Islamic perspective.
To be honest, I regret not picking it up earlier. I was hesitant at first, unsure whether to get it or not, but I’m glad I eventually used my siswa voucher to buy this book, no regrets at all!💗🌷
June 21, 2025
An enjoyable read for me. After months of reading slump, some very light reads, I decide to pick some new books from PBAKL and surprisingly, reading this book kind of get me out of my reading slump and I can get back on track again.
A straightforward and simple writing, a pretty straightforward plot, and a light reading. Ada beberapa ruang yang boleh improve. The story starts a little bit slow sebab it kinds of an introduction to the place, Haji Lane and also to our female main character Sufiah. Awalnya sets in Singapura so for those yang tak familiar, the starts of the story might help readers untuk imagining it although like I said, it does feel a little slow. Some parts also feel macam text book dump sebab rasa macam a bit obvious yang that certain parts cuba untuk elaborate fakta. Maybe it helps some people yang baca and have a little to no clue about the context, cuma I wish penulisan untuk part macam tu lebih santai and bukan macam baca wikipedia.
The characters are good and so human. Sebab for our main characters, for me lah, I don't always like them throughout the book. Like Sufiah, dia memang judgemental to Reza, even after he has changed. She is a nice girl, alim but also judgemental. Sometimes buat I rasa macam 'eh kau ni..' ha. As for Reza, obviously he has his own flaws. Itu je dah buat I feel like yeah, typical men. Then ada satu part yang dia rushingly made a decision yang make feel 'kau dah kenapa kalut sangat'. Kadang geram pun ada baca as to why dia jadi the way he was before he changed. Even second male lead pun hujung-hujung tu buat I rasa irk dengan dia despite him being described as a nice person. tapi itulah kita, manusia. We are complex. Ada sisi baik, dan ada sisi yang tak berapa baik, cuma Tuhan sorokkan je dari orang lain. And I think it reflects in these characters.
Ngl, masa mula-mula baca blurb I thought Reza will change because of Sufiah or at least slowly learning something from her tapi bila baca, although Sufiah is a part of his determination to change, it didn't go the way I thought it will be. But then, berbalik kepada, kalau kita nak berubah, berubahlah sebab Allah, bukan sebab manusia, bukan sebab nakkan sesuatu. Sama macam ibadah lain, buat ikhlas sebab Allah and bukan sebab nak kaya, dapat duit banyak. Sufiah went away to continue her study, and Reza find his own way to change, and he changes CHANGES. Sufiah tak perlu ada depan mata dia pun untuk dia berubah jadi baik, and dia ikhlas. I can feel it sebab tak habis-habis amused bila I baca how different the second half book Reza compared to the first half. And when you take care of your hubungan dengan Allah, He will take care your business for you and IT SHOWS. Masa baca buku ni, ada part yang buat I muhasabah diri jugak which is good.
Romance dia... simple tapi buat I curling my toes. Reza came back as a changed man and terus nak swept Sufiah off her feet. Ayat dia masa propose tu... entahlah, rasa macam maybe I'm single for too long kot so I pula yang extra swoon over it. Tiber. Dia tak banyak sangat grand gesture. Tapi all the little things, stolen glances, the way they feel butterflies in their stomach bila interact with each other tu boleh buat kita senyum sorang-sorang. Maybe because I'm a sucker for little things and subtle gesture rather than screaming to the world that they love each other.
All the other side characters pun entertaining. They are not there just because. Lepas tu, the constant mention of teh tarik makes me happy. I love teh tarik. I live for teh tarik 😂
Overall, this is an enjoyable and a good read. I can see myself rereading it in the future. Yang nak berjinak-jinak baca buku Inggeris, this book can be on of it. Simple, mudah nak faham. Tak ada prose yang too flowery and meleret-leret. I'll end this super long review dengan, sila baca! 😁
A straightforward and simple writing, a pretty straightforward plot, and a light reading. Ada beberapa ruang yang boleh improve. The story starts a little bit slow sebab it kinds of an introduction to the place, Haji Lane and also to our female main character Sufiah. Awalnya sets in Singapura so for those yang tak familiar, the starts of the story might help readers untuk imagining it although like I said, it does feel a little slow. Some parts also feel macam text book dump sebab rasa macam a bit obvious yang that certain parts cuba untuk elaborate fakta. Maybe it helps some people yang baca and have a little to no clue about the context, cuma I wish penulisan untuk part macam tu lebih santai and bukan macam baca wikipedia.
The characters are good and so human. Sebab for our main characters, for me lah, I don't always like them throughout the book. Like Sufiah, dia memang judgemental to Reza, even after he has changed. She is a nice girl, alim but also judgemental. Sometimes buat I rasa macam 'eh kau ni..' ha. As for Reza, obviously he has his own flaws. Itu je dah buat I feel like yeah, typical men. Then ada satu part yang dia rushingly made a decision yang make feel 'kau dah kenapa kalut sangat'. Kadang geram pun ada baca as to why dia jadi the way he was before he changed. Even second male lead pun hujung-hujung tu buat I rasa irk dengan dia despite him being described as a nice person. tapi itulah kita, manusia. We are complex. Ada sisi baik, dan ada sisi yang tak berapa baik, cuma Tuhan sorokkan je dari orang lain. And I think it reflects in these characters.
Ngl, masa mula-mula baca blurb I thought Reza will change because of Sufiah or at least slowly learning something from her tapi bila baca, although Sufiah is a part of his determination to change, it didn't go the way I thought it will be. But then, berbalik kepada, kalau kita nak berubah, berubahlah sebab Allah, bukan sebab manusia, bukan sebab nakkan sesuatu. Sama macam ibadah lain, buat ikhlas sebab Allah and bukan sebab nak kaya, dapat duit banyak. Sufiah went away to continue her study, and Reza find his own way to change, and he changes CHANGES. Sufiah tak perlu ada depan mata dia pun untuk dia berubah jadi baik, and dia ikhlas. I can feel it sebab tak habis-habis amused bila I baca how different the second half book Reza compared to the first half. And when you take care of your hubungan dengan Allah, He will take care your business for you and IT SHOWS. Masa baca buku ni, ada part yang buat I muhasabah diri jugak which is good.
Romance dia... simple tapi buat I curling my toes. Reza came back as a changed man and terus nak swept Sufiah off her feet. Ayat dia masa propose tu... entahlah, rasa macam maybe I'm single for too long kot so I pula yang extra swoon over it. Tiber. Dia tak banyak sangat grand gesture. Tapi all the little things, stolen glances, the way they feel butterflies in their stomach bila interact with each other tu boleh buat kita senyum sorang-sorang. Maybe because I'm a sucker for little things and subtle gesture rather than screaming to the world that they love each other.
All the other side characters pun entertaining. They are not there just because. Lepas tu, the constant mention of teh tarik makes me happy. I love teh tarik. I live for teh tarik 😂
Overall, this is an enjoyable and a good read. I can see myself rereading it in the future. Yang nak berjinak-jinak baca buku Inggeris, this book can be on of it. Simple, mudah nak faham. Tak ada prose yang too flowery and meleret-leret. I'll end this super long review dengan, sila baca! 😁
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