Ayesha At Last By: Uzma Jalaluddin June 4

Profile:

"A modern-day Muslim Pride and Prejudice for a new generation of love.

Ayesha Shamsi has a lot going on. Her dreams of being a poet have been set aside for a teaching job so she can pay off her debts to her wealthy uncle. She lives with her boisterous Muslim family and is always being reminded that her flighty younger cousin, Hafsa, is close to rejecting her one hundredth marriage proposal. Though Ayesha is lonely, she doesn't want an arranged marriage. Then she meets Khalid who is just as smart and handsome as he is conservative and judgmental. She is irritatingly attracted to someone who looks down on her choices and dresses like he belongs in the seventh century.

When a surprise engagement is announced between Khalid and Hafsa, Ayesha is torn between how she feels about the straightforward Khalid and the unsettling new gossip she hears about his family. Looking into the rumors, she finds she has to deal with not only what she discovers about Khalid, but also the truth she realizes about herself."

Title:  Ayesha At Last

Author:  Uzma Jalaluddin

Publisher:  Berkley

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean           

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Ayesha At Last' by Uzma Jalaluddin 

My Rationalization:

I found this novel one that really lets one know what goes on involving culture that was what all goes into the tradition of arranged marriages as it was for Ayesha and Khalid.  We find Ayesha who was 'feisty, smart and yes, bull-headed.  With dreams of becoming a poet, we find her passionate about that art.  However,  after a misunderstanding a local mosque she will take on her cousin Hafsah identity only trying to help in that situation that did present quite a bit of drama. This author gives us a read set in a Muslim community in Toronto, creating a heroine and hero who have their very own prejudices about not only marriage but religion, life goals that will need to be worked out.  

We find Khalid a devout and conservative being quite.  I loved how he seemed to be a very kind person.
This author really works magic in Ayesha and Khalid's romance that would definitely take turns back and forth presenting the reader with some adorable and heartwarming scenes putting a smile on your face.  However, as the story continues the reader will get where one see that they both had a lot to overcome on their path to the HEA.  I enjoyed Ayesha's grandparents who presented the story one of beauty along with a wonderful supporting cast of characters from 'Ayesha's flaky cousin, supportive best friend, grief-stricken mother to Khalid's overbearing mother and the party friends.' 

Both Ayesha's and Khalid's traditions were so well presented all through the story.  It was simply wonderful seeing all the different shades of Muslims from this novel.  What I really enjoyed was the fact I was able to learn so much about Muslim culture. It was also hard at times seeing the racial bias from others and even the people in their own community.  I guess this isn't too surprising in the world we live in today!

If you are looking for an intriguing plot, with great characters and just one interesting story you have come to the right place for this author Urza Jalaluddin gives it to you in "Ayesha At Last." 

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.