Love from Mecca to Medina by S.K. Ali

Extended Synopsis

Adam and Zayneb are perfectly matched, yet painfully apart. While Adam is in Doha, Qatar, mapping the historic Hijra and stressing over his next paycheck, Zayneb is stuck in Chicago, overwhelmed by academic pressure and a toxic frenemy situation. When a marvel occurs—the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving week on the Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina—both view it as the ultimate spiritual and romantic reset. Adam hopes to pray for a real-life hijra to Chicago, and Zayneb looks forward to finding peace and reuniting with the person she loves most.

However, the trip to Saudi Arabia is nothing like they expected. From the sudden appearance of Adam's former love interest in their travel group to the overwhelming anxiety gripping Zayneb during moments meant for spiritual reflection, wedge after wedge threatens to drive them apart. As they navigate the sacred rites of the holy cities, they are forced to confront hard truths. Was their initial meeting just an oddity, or can their love transcend these earthly obstacles to become one of the greatest marvels of the world?