Love, Zola

Zola Series #3

by Zibu Sithole

Love, Zola is the captivating continuation of Zola’s vibrant, heart-stirring story. From career pressures to unexpected confessions, Zola and Mbali’s journey tests their understanding of commitment and what a happy ending truly looks like.

Okuhle’s return to Joburg brings unfinished business — not just with her relationship but also with Zola, whose successes only serve as painful reminders of what she’s lost. Meanwhile, Zozo’s happily-ever-after in Durban is shaken as old feelings resurface.

Filled with tension, passion, and poignant revelations, Love, Zola is a story of self-discovery, second chances, and the challenges of modern relationships. Can love survive when the past refuses to let go?

Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2025

Reviews

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic launch of Love, Zola we had on the 16th August. This last book in the Zola series. Zola's community of women get their chance under the sun.

Okuhle, shame skepsel, tries her damnest to be eternally annoying. Belittling and gaslighting Zola, but Zola le yena is infuriating. So undecided. So unsure. But she did say YES to the ring at the end of book two. Maybe, just maybe she was saving Mbali from the embarrassment of a very public NO.

Read it. It left me with more questions than answers.

And that ending, Zibu, that ending... I delayed the last 40 pages and only returned to the story three days post launching.

But, I love Zola💕💞

[Ntsiki Ntsibande · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing about Zibu Sithole, she will keep her readers hooked!!!

Love, Zola is the last book of “The Thing with Zola” series - a story of a young woman going through career changes, family affairs, losing and finding love.

Her journey to finding love has been an interesting one.

She fell in love with an ex-boyfriend of her new boss. This is one ex that made sure to bring conflicts in Zola and Mbali’s relationship.

This was supposed to be Zola’s joyful days as she plans her dream wedding with the love of her life. But family conflicts continued to mess things up for them and Mbali’s problematic ex in the mix.

This was not be the happy ending I had in mind especially when I saw the cover. But I am glad that the writer gave them a chance to love again after all the things they went through.

This was a beautiful written story of the ups and downs of relationships. I truly enjoyed this series. From seeing Zola coming back home in South Africa after spending years in Europe.

She found love and herself.

[Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, Zola by Zibu Sithole is the third and final installment in Sithole’s much-loved romance trilogy, and what a heartfelt, relatable conclusion it is. This book wraps up Zola’s journey of self-discovery and the wild ride of navigating modern relationships in South Africa with warmth, wit, and a whole lot of honesty.

One of the things that stands out most is how real the relationships feel. Sithole doesn’t sugarcoat the ups and downs—she dives right into the messiness of love, from family drama and in-law issues to the tricky business of giving second chances. The story goes beyond the initial “butterflies” of romance, focusing instead on what it means to build something lasting, with all the conflict, compromise, and growth that comes with it.

Zola’s character arc is a major highlight. Watching her evolve from a self-centered, sometimes chaotic protagonist into someone who truly understands herself—and the value of self-love and family—feels both authentic and inspiring. It’s a journey that so many of us can relate to, and Sithole captures it with a deft, compassionate touch.

Sithole gives us Black women who are finding joy, peace, and success on their own terms. The writing is sharp, witty, and full of heart, with characters who feel like people you know (or want to know).

The ending strikes just the right note—both expected and unexpected, it delivers closure and hope, prioritising peace and self-acceptance over the usual fairy tale. It’s a reminder that sometimes, choosing yourself is the happiest ending of all. I still need to fight Sithole about this🤣

As a rom-com or “chick lit” read, Love, Zola is pure delight: easy, enjoyable, and emotionally engaging without being overly “spicy.” Sithole’s series has been an engaging ride from start to finish, and this finale ties up loose ends while leaving you with powerful messages about self-worth and defining your own happy ending. Highly recommended for anyone who loves stories about love, growth, and the beautiful messiness of life.

[Keitumetse Taunyane · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars
I enjoyed this book more than the previous 2.
A lot of twists and turns....I suppose such is life.
Oh wow Okuhle became a villain in my eyes! But then again, hasn't she been since book 2 the bachelorette. Well I hated her more here and her constant need to be centre of attention.
I love the titles of the last few chapters....relating to the books.
After all that 🥲 the ending!
my heart was racing as the door was being opened and the baby's parents being confirmed!
Was this a cliffhanger for the next series???

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

The anger this book brought out of me was unbelievable. How could Zola allow Okuhle to be part of the wedding preparations!! I'm glad things worked out for the characters involved, it's a good thing I read the epilogue otherwise I would've cried myself to sleep with heartache.
In the beginning the book felt dragged out and not as fast paced as the other two books but it was relatively good with a good ending.

[Lindiwe Nkabane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another easy read. I loved it. Was hooked on it.

[Nqobile Mthembu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful read. Zibu Sithole never misses 🔥. Looking at the cover, one would expect a happily ever after, tying the knot end but nah. Ku busy emhlabeni ka Zola 😹.

Loved that we got to experience more of Zozo. What a beautiful read, struggled to put the book down♥️