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A Mourning Love Story
A widow fights her in-laws for the business empire she built with her late husband, only to find the real danger has been sitting at her own inner circle.
214 pages, Paperback
Expected publication November 4, 2026
About the author
Eniola Ositelu
3 books2 followersẸniọlá Ọṣìtẹ̀lú is a marketing strategist, consultant, and storyteller. His debut novel, The Agency, a sharp, character-driven contemporary fiction set in the heart of Lagos, announces a bold new voice in African literary storytelling.
Beyond fiction, Eniola leads a marketing consultancy serving retail brands and shopping malls across Nigeria, with a focus on customer-centric growth. He holds an Executive Education certificate from Harvard Business School Online, and degrees from the University of Lagos and the University of Surrey.
A believer in the power of African stories to entertain, challenge, and endure, he is working on his next novel.
The Agency is available on Amazon Kindle and as a physical copy via Paystack.
Beyond fiction, Eniola leads a marketing consultancy serving retail brands and shopping malls across Nigeria, with a focus on customer-centric growth. He holds an Executive Education certificate from Harvard Business School Online, and degrees from the University of Lagos and the University of Surrey.
A believer in the power of African stories to entertain, challenge, and endure, he is working on his next novel.
The Agency is available on Amazon Kindle and as a physical copy via Paystack.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 7, 2026
A Mourning Love Story was such an emotional and dramatic read. It explores grief, family, love, betrayal, inheritance, motherhood, and what happens when the life you built with someone suddenly becomes something you have to fight to keep.
I really enjoyed learning about Ireti and Ajayi story. They met when they were young, built a life together, started their business, and raised a family. So when Ajayi died suddenly, it wasn’t just the loss of a husband for Ireti; she also had to deal with everything that came after his death.
And the father’s side of the family? Whatever they were accused of doing, they DID IT. There was no defending these people because the family drama was honestly something else. They were determined to make an already difficult situation even worse for Ireti.
I really admired Ireti’s strength throughout the story. She was grieving while simultaneously having to fight for what she and her husband had built. There were so many moments where I just wanted her to catch a break because, girl, you have been through ENOUGH.
I also enjoyed the introduction of Oyebanji . I liked that his relationship with Ireti didn’t feel like something that simply erased her previous love story. Ireti had already lived a whole life with Ajayi, and watching her navigate the possibility of loving again while dealing with everything else happening around her was interesting.
One storyline that really shocked me was the one involving Ireti’s daughter, Ejiro. I genuinely did not see that coming. The resentment, anger, and unresolved feelings behind her actions added another emotional layer to the story and made me understand just how much pain the family had been carrying.
The book also does a good job of showing how grief affects different people differently. Some people try to move forward, some hold on to anger, and others make decisions based on years of hurt and resentment.
Overall, I enjoyed A Mourning Love Story. It was filled with family drama, emotional moments, unexpected revelations, and a woman determined to protect everything she had built.
It definitely had me asking, “Ireti, when exactly are these people going to let you REST?”
A good read if you enjoy Nigerian romance with family drama, grief, inheritance battles, strong female characters, and a little bit of mystery and suspense.
I really enjoyed learning about Ireti and Ajayi story. They met when they were young, built a life together, started their business, and raised a family. So when Ajayi died suddenly, it wasn’t just the loss of a husband for Ireti; she also had to deal with everything that came after his death.
And the father’s side of the family? Whatever they were accused of doing, they DID IT. There was no defending these people because the family drama was honestly something else. They were determined to make an already difficult situation even worse for Ireti.
I really admired Ireti’s strength throughout the story. She was grieving while simultaneously having to fight for what she and her husband had built. There were so many moments where I just wanted her to catch a break because, girl, you have been through ENOUGH.
I also enjoyed the introduction of Oyebanji . I liked that his relationship with Ireti didn’t feel like something that simply erased her previous love story. Ireti had already lived a whole life with Ajayi, and watching her navigate the possibility of loving again while dealing with everything else happening around her was interesting.
One storyline that really shocked me was the one involving Ireti’s daughter, Ejiro. I genuinely did not see that coming. The resentment, anger, and unresolved feelings behind her actions added another emotional layer to the story and made me understand just how much pain the family had been carrying.
The book also does a good job of showing how grief affects different people differently. Some people try to move forward, some hold on to anger, and others make decisions based on years of hurt and resentment.
Overall, I enjoyed A Mourning Love Story. It was filled with family drama, emotional moments, unexpected revelations, and a woman determined to protect everything she had built.
It definitely had me asking, “Ireti, when exactly are these people going to let you REST?”
A good read if you enjoy Nigerian romance with family drama, grief, inheritance battles, strong female characters, and a little bit of mystery and suspense.
September 23, 2026
If there's one thing A Mourning Love Story came to do, it was bring the drama. 😭😂
This book has quite a number of characters, and one thing I really appreciated was how distinct they all felt. They were complex, layered, and interesting enough that I could probably write an entire character analysis on most of them. Did I actually like all of them? Absolutely not. 😂 But I definitely enjoyed reading about them.
My biggest issue was the timeline. The story moves between different periods, and while I eventually found my footing, the constant jumps were confusing, especially at the beginning.
And then there was the reverse age gap romance. 🌚 I'm going to be honest: it's just not my thing. That's a personal bias, though, so I won't hold it against the book.
One storyline I particularly appreciated was the exploration of domestic abuse from a male perspective. The book showed how abuse can be verbal, physical and emotional, and I found it interesting to see how guilt, past mistakes and complicated relationships can affect someone's response to abuse. I genuinely felt for this character.
I also really enjoyed the legal aspects of the story. I've been enjoying books that give me little glimpses into how the legal system works, and this one definitely had me paying attention.
As for the twists? 👀 They didn't really get me. I wasn't particularly shocked by most of them, but that didn't stop me from wanting to see how everything would unfold. Because honestly, the drama was doing its job. 😂
And my favourite character ended up being a dead man 😂 Ajayi.I really loved the presence he had throughout the story. Even without being at the centre of the present-day events, he left such a strong impression on me. I found his determination and refusal to become bitter despite everything he'd experienced particularly memorable.
Overall, A Mourning Love Story is packed with complicated characters, messy relationships, family drama, secrets, legal battles and enough drama to keep things moving.
It wasn't perfect for me, and there were definitely things that didn't work, but I enjoyed the story and had a LOT to say about these characters. 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2026
Firstly, I love the cover of this book, it’s really beautiful but I love the story even more. Another thing I loved about this book was, there was no boring moments. Every chapter was good. The characters too were very well written, you would feel like entering into the book to grab someone.
This is something we see happen a lot in Nigeria, where the deceased family members feel his widow is not entitled to his properties. They’re always worried about the fact that the woman might end remarrying and then the new man would benefit from the properties or wealth. Wealth you didn’t work for, the wealth you didn’t even know how it was made. I love how it ended for them, good riddance. I also felt sorry for Ejiro too, that’s why communication is very important so you don’t end up harboring resentment towards the people who love you. This was a very solid story and I really enjoyed it. I also like how different things were addressed in this book, I learnt few things about the law system and how it works in marriages and properties. Set your house in order ooo, keep your documents carefully because nobody knows what could happen.
This is something we see happen a lot in Nigeria, where the deceased family members feel his widow is not entitled to his properties. They’re always worried about the fact that the woman might end remarrying and then the new man would benefit from the properties or wealth. Wealth you didn’t work for, the wealth you didn’t even know how it was made. I love how it ended for them, good riddance. I also felt sorry for Ejiro too, that’s why communication is very important so you don’t end up harboring resentment towards the people who love you. This was a very solid story and I really enjoyed it. I also like how different things were addressed in this book, I learnt few things about the law system and how it works in marriages and properties. Set your house in order ooo, keep your documents carefully because nobody knows what could happen.
October 1, 2026
This book gave me chaos, drama, love, grief, family drama, and everything 😩I had so many feelings while reading, and honestly, I could keep talking about this book forever!!!
Ireti🤎
First of all, I love this woman, Ireti is an elegant, strong mother of three. After losing her husband, she has to deal with so much from his family when she should have been given the space to grieve. I felt her pain and grief so deeply. I love she fight for herself and most importantly for her children, she went through alot but she kept going.
I love their relationship with Ajayi (her late husband) and the life they built together all the struggle felt so realll.
Oyebanji 🤭 I am just blushing while reading ahhh he’s such a gentleman, loved how he stood by Ireti when she was at her lowest and loved her through everything. His presence in her life was just aww 🥹
And the uncles 😩 why do all these uncles love being wicked?? They didn't even let this woman mourn her husband in peace!!! The family drama had me stressed, I felt really sorry for Ejiro 😔
My rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Definitely one of my best reads of the year.
Ireti🤎
First of all, I love this woman, Ireti is an elegant, strong mother of three. After losing her husband, she has to deal with so much from his family when she should have been given the space to grieve. I felt her pain and grief so deeply. I love she fight for herself and most importantly for her children, she went through alot but she kept going.
I love their relationship with Ajayi (her late husband) and the life they built together all the struggle felt so realll.
Oyebanji 🤭 I am just blushing while reading ahhh he’s such a gentleman, loved how he stood by Ireti when she was at her lowest and loved her through everything. His presence in her life was just aww 🥹
And the uncles 😩 why do all these uncles love being wicked?? They didn't even let this woman mourn her husband in peace!!! The family drama had me stressed, I felt really sorry for Ejiro 😔
My rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Definitely one of my best reads of the year.
September 22, 2026
A Mourning Love Story is a story of family rivalry, bullying, greed, insatiability and love.
The fact that some family members would rather frustrate a widow instead of supporting her is very heartbreaking.
I loved how the author touched on parental negligence, even though it was not intentional. I’m sure parents would pay more attention to that theme if they read this story.
As a fan of reverse age gap romance, I stan and restan the love between Ireti and Banji. 😂 It was beautiful.
The fact that some family members would rather frustrate a widow instead of supporting her is very heartbreaking.
I loved how the author touched on parental negligence, even though it was not intentional. I’m sure parents would pay more attention to that theme if they read this story.
As a fan of reverse age gap romance, I stan and restan the love between Ireti and Banji. 😂 It was beautiful.
September 18, 2026
A Mourning Love Story had me with my mouth open. The drama, suspense, and emotional depth were top-notch. This is not your regular second-chance romance; it explores betrayal, a reverse age gap relationship, finding love after loss, and so much more.
The story follows Ireti as she navigates inheritance, legacy, and the challenges that come after losing her husband, especially while dealing with people who feel entitled to everything she built alongside him.
I loved how grounded Ireti was throughout the story. She was a strong character, and I appreciated watching her journey unfold and seeing how everything eventually came together.
Oyebanji, my God, I loved him. The way he supported Ireti, his patience, and the way he showed up for her made him such a memorable character. Their relationship was handled beautifully, especially considering everything they both had to navigate.
This book also touches on important issues like domestic abuse and men experiencing abuse in their marriages, and I think the author handled those conversations with care and sensitivity.
Another thing that stood out to me was the exploration of parenting. Sometimes, we believe providing money, good schools, and opportunities is enough, but children also need emotional presence and connection. Ejiro’s feelings were valid, and her story showed how deeply children can be affected when they feel unseen.
This story will leave you asking difficult questions. It will make you reflect, judge situations, and reconsider perspectives.
A Mourning Love Story was a beautiful and thought-provoking read. This was a 4.5-star read for me, and I highly recommend it.
The story follows Ireti as she navigates inheritance, legacy, and the challenges that come after losing her husband, especially while dealing with people who feel entitled to everything she built alongside him.
I loved how grounded Ireti was throughout the story. She was a strong character, and I appreciated watching her journey unfold and seeing how everything eventually came together.
Oyebanji, my God, I loved him. The way he supported Ireti, his patience, and the way he showed up for her made him such a memorable character. Their relationship was handled beautifully, especially considering everything they both had to navigate.
This book also touches on important issues like domestic abuse and men experiencing abuse in their marriages, and I think the author handled those conversations with care and sensitivity.
Another thing that stood out to me was the exploration of parenting. Sometimes, we believe providing money, good schools, and opportunities is enough, but children also need emotional presence and connection. Ejiro’s feelings were valid, and her story showed how deeply children can be affected when they feel unseen.
This story will leave you asking difficult questions. It will make you reflect, judge situations, and reconsider perspectives.
A Mourning Love Story was a beautiful and thought-provoking read. This was a 4.5-star read for me, and I highly recommend it.
October 9, 2026
Too many times, we see Ireti's story being played out in our Nigerian society. A well-made man and a well-made woman, a power couple, we say. A couple who has built a legacy for themselves, and suddenly, the one holding it all together, the man, dies, and the husband's family starts thinking the woman and her children don't deserve anything. They act as if what the man built was something the woman was just a warm bencher in. Which is why I am so glad that I read Ireti's story. That woman fought for what rightly belonged to her!
The most shocking aspect of this novel was Mr Eghosa and his younger brother, Temisan. There are no words to describe you aptly, but I will try: you both are bastards and retarded beings. Most especially you, Temisan. Are you mad!!! Like, are you sure you are in your normal senses? Because when you look back at what you did, how do you genuinely feel? How do you sleep at night!
Ireti's daughter, Ejiro, I felt the most for her, but she channelled her anger towards the wrong person, which I didn't like.
Honestly, I came here for the drama, and it delivered!!!! But the romance aspect wasn't properly developed for me 😫 I wanted more of them at the front line, but I genuinely enjoyed this book regardless!
You love drama-filled books? This is the one for you!
The most shocking aspect of this novel was Mr Eghosa and his younger brother, Temisan. There are no words to describe you aptly, but I will try: you both are bastards and retarded beings. Most especially you, Temisan. Are you mad!!! Like, are you sure you are in your normal senses? Because when you look back at what you did, how do you genuinely feel? How do you sleep at night!
Ireti's daughter, Ejiro, I felt the most for her, but she channelled her anger towards the wrong person, which I didn't like.
Honestly, I came here for the drama, and it delivered!!!! But the romance aspect wasn't properly developed for me 😫 I wanted more of them at the front line, but I genuinely enjoyed this book regardless!
You love drama-filled books? This is the one for you!
September 21, 2026
Why do family members always fight their siblings partner over money They are also family (his bloodline).
AMLS is a beautifully written novel exploring family drama,loss,betrayal and second chance love.
I felt everything Ireti was going through,it was like I was immersed in the story so much,that I became the character,it had me making emojis with my face.
My shockness was shocked by the brutal betrayal of people we called family, I wanted to beat some group of people.
One aspect of the story that I still ponder on is the fact that sometimes our parents think only educational, physical and monetary care are important in taking care of us, forgetting we need emotional, spiritual and keen attention to fully grow and express ourselves to our true identity.
I love me a man who is patient but also forthcoming about his intentions for me (let me not give spoilers)
If you love drama,second chance love and so much more . You will need to get AMLS
Thank you to the author for this wonderful Arc
AMLS is a beautifully written novel exploring family drama,loss,betrayal and second chance love.
I felt everything Ireti was going through,it was like I was immersed in the story so much,that I became the character,it had me making emojis with my face.
My shockness was shocked by the brutal betrayal of people we called family, I wanted to beat some group of people.
One aspect of the story that I still ponder on is the fact that sometimes our parents think only educational, physical and monetary care are important in taking care of us, forgetting we need emotional, spiritual and keen attention to fully grow and express ourselves to our true identity.
I love me a man who is patient but also forthcoming about his intentions for me (let me not give spoilers)
If you love drama,second chance love and so much more . You will need to get AMLS
Thank you to the author for this wonderful Arc
September 28, 2026
What best summaries this book for me is the phrase "when gbas- gbos and secrets meets love".
I really like what the author did with this story, I wasn't quite prepared for when Ejiro spilled long seated family secrets😳, she did have a lot buried in the recesses of her mind and I was quite shocked at the reveal. That brings to fore parental negligence and its effects which was a subject touched on in this book.
Some characters irked me a whole lot in the book, Eghosa for one. I wasn't surprised he acted the way he did, as it is a typical reaction in these climes when a woman loses her husband, how badly they are treated. Temisan's action however had me in my thoughts, how far was he willing to go in destroying Ireti and her household.
As for Oyebanji, I liked how he loved Ireti and stood by her regardless of what he was going through. I liked their love dynamics and the reverse age gap romance between them.
In all, it was a good story and I enjoyed reading it with how deeply the characters interconnected and developed.
I really like what the author did with this story, I wasn't quite prepared for when Ejiro spilled long seated family secrets😳, she did have a lot buried in the recesses of her mind and I was quite shocked at the reveal. That brings to fore parental negligence and its effects which was a subject touched on in this book.
Some characters irked me a whole lot in the book, Eghosa for one. I wasn't surprised he acted the way he did, as it is a typical reaction in these climes when a woman loses her husband, how badly they are treated. Temisan's action however had me in my thoughts, how far was he willing to go in destroying Ireti and her household.
As for Oyebanji, I liked how he loved Ireti and stood by her regardless of what he was going through. I liked their love dynamics and the reverse age gap romance between them.
In all, it was a good story and I enjoyed reading it with how deeply the characters interconnected and developed.
September 21, 2026
This isn't just any book, it's that kind of book that leaves you with so much life lessons, I mean, it's pack with family drama that leaves you wanting more, there is soooo much to learn from it... It's a must read
September 28, 2026
Wowwww.... Just wow, this is a beautiful written piece and my introduction to the authors work... Though i wasn't surprised at the twist, because from the beginning I could see through a particular character.... But moreover, enjoyed every bit of this story.. And lowkey wanted more, probably a spin off
October 13, 2026
Before I start I just want to say this book's cover is gorgeous!
Now, many times than we can count, we see Ireti in many Nigerian/African women. A well-made woman who has built an empire alongside her well-made husband, toiled and grinded to make a name for themselves and children, and somehow the woman is reduced to a beneficiary of her husband.
Ireti and Àjàyí had come a long way; they started a family, built an empire and were best friends. That is why losing Àjàyí was more than just losing a husband; she lost her business partner, life partner and anchor.
Dieing intestate is already a problem and the family members who were supposed to make the lives of the deceased's immediate family easier created more problems.
I admired Ireti because she was a woman who ready to fight for what she had worked for irrespective of who was before her, even whilst various people wanted to take advantage of her vulnerability.
Oyebanji's introduction was solid and I loved how his presence portrayed value to not only Ireti but also the company and her family. It was refreshing to see that Ireti's initial love story with Àjàyí wasn't being erased and he wasn't trying to fast track her mourning. Men can be victims of domestic violence and I loved how Banji and Matilda's dynamics were presented.
Ejiro... When I saw the mother/daughter dynamic trope, I didn't think it was going to be this bad. And I honestly feel that Ejiro needed someone to blame for the things that happened to her, but she blames the wrong person. And as for Temisan, I have no words.
This book gave me drama, family love, inheritance battle, marital crisis, and more. So, if you're looking for a book with these tropes or something similar, A Mourning Love Story by Eniola Ositelu is what you're looking for.
Now, many times than we can count, we see Ireti in many Nigerian/African women. A well-made woman who has built an empire alongside her well-made husband, toiled and grinded to make a name for themselves and children, and somehow the woman is reduced to a beneficiary of her husband.
Ireti and Àjàyí had come a long way; they started a family, built an empire and were best friends. That is why losing Àjàyí was more than just losing a husband; she lost her business partner, life partner and anchor.
Dieing intestate is already a problem and the family members who were supposed to make the lives of the deceased's immediate family easier created more problems.
I admired Ireti because she was a woman who ready to fight for what she had worked for irrespective of who was before her, even whilst various people wanted to take advantage of her vulnerability.
Oyebanji's introduction was solid and I loved how his presence portrayed value to not only Ireti but also the company and her family. It was refreshing to see that Ireti's initial love story with Àjàyí wasn't being erased and he wasn't trying to fast track her mourning. Men can be victims of domestic violence and I loved how Banji and Matilda's dynamics were presented.
Ejiro... When I saw the mother/daughter dynamic trope, I didn't think it was going to be this bad. And I honestly feel that Ejiro needed someone to blame for the things that happened to her, but she blames the wrong person. And as for Temisan, I have no words.
This book gave me drama, family love, inheritance battle, marital crisis, and more. So, if you're looking for a book with these tropes or something similar, A Mourning Love Story by Eniola Ositelu is what you're looking for.
September 29, 2026
Before I start, father's family are never beating the allegations.
A story of lost love that follows the Omagbemi family after the loss of their father, brother, son, and husband. And of course, with grief comes family wahala, inheritance palava, secrets, and drama.
One thing this story really shows is that you can't trust everyone not even the people closest to you. Sometimes, the enemy inside is closer than the one outside. And honestly? I loved the drama.
There was so much going on, and the family dynamics kept me invested because you just never know who to trust or what someone is capable of when inheritance is involved.
If you enjoy family drama, secrets, betrayal, lost love, and stories that will have you side eyeing everybody, A Mourning Love Story is definitely one to pick up.
A story of lost love that follows the Omagbemi family after the loss of their father, brother, son, and husband. And of course, with grief comes family wahala, inheritance palava, secrets, and drama.
One thing this story really shows is that you can't trust everyone not even the people closest to you. Sometimes, the enemy inside is closer than the one outside. And honestly? I loved the drama.
There was so much going on, and the family dynamics kept me invested because you just never know who to trust or what someone is capable of when inheritance is involved.
If you enjoy family drama, secrets, betrayal, lost love, and stories that will have you side eyeing everybody, A Mourning Love Story is definitely one to pick up.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews