Brief

A young woman from a traditional Muslim household and a devout Christian man from an evangelical family fall in love. They face an uphill battle as they strive for acceptance from their seemingly opposing religions, distraught parents, and a judgmental society as a whole.

What We Liked

- The story of love between two people from opposing religions and backgrounds is a universally relatable concept. Also, the creative way that Islam and Christianity are reconciled in the story is original and thought-provoking.
- Film: A feature adaptation of the story focusing mostly on the love story and the agonizing road to finding a way to be together could be a compelling film.
- TV: Adapting the book into a limited television series could be a good way to explore the different themes, such as Islam, Christianity, cultural differences, hate crimes, intolerance vs. tolerance, etc.
- Key points: Female lead; Balanced look at two world religions; Exploration of personal faith; Relevant themes and concepts; Happy ending.

Synopsis

Adeelah is a young woman of Moroccan descent from a traditional Muslim home. Even though she has a successful career of her own, she lives at home with her parents, Omar, Kareena, and her brother, Habib. As a testament to their traditional values, Adeelah’s family plans to arrange her marriage to a Muslim man also of Moroccan descent. Adeelah gets a new job with the city and as she is introduced to all the department heads, she meets Martin, the head of the fire department. He is muscular and kind. She is instantly attracted to him. When they meet again at the local diner, it is clear that he is interested in her as well. They go on a date, they really hit it off and things start to get serious quickly, though they are keeping their relationship a secret from their families. As they start to fall in love, it is clear that their different religions are going to present a problem. Adeelah takes her faith very seriously and her parents only want her to marry a Muslim man. Martin also takes his evangelical Christian faith very seriously and his parents would like him to marry a Christian woman. When their relationship is discovered, Omar forbids them from seeing each other. Adeelah reluctantly complies, but when she meets Fahim, the man her parents have chosen for her to marry, she tells him that she is not interested. Adeelah is heartbroken when she sees Martin at the mall walking hand in hand with his new girlfriend, Rosalyn. When Adeelah’s parents see the visceral reaction she has at seeing Martin with Rosalyn, they feel conflicted, but still hold to their beliefs.

Adeelah is in a horrific car accident. Martin, being a first responder, is the first person on the scene. Adeelah is gravely injured and he does his best to stabilize her until she can be transferred to the hospital. As she lies in a coma, Martin doesn’t want to leave her side. Omar and Kareena reluctantly let him stay since he saved their daughter’s life. As they all sit in vigil at her bedside, they begin to like him and consider that maybe if he converts to Islam, they would condone the relationship. After Adeelah recovers from her accident, Martin begins to visit Javed Rajput, the Imam at Adeelah’s mosque. He is an educated and tolerant Muslim. He welcomes the discussions with Martin as he attempts to reconcile converting to Islam while also remaining a Christian. Martin has many discussions with his family and his own pastor on the same subject as well. When Fahim hears that Adeelah and Martin have gotten back together, he is distraught. He convinces Habib that his sister will go to Hell if she marries Martin. Being impressionable, Habib agrees to help Fahim kidnap Adeelah and force her to marry him in a mosque in another state.

Adeelah is drugged and thrown into the trunk of a car by Fahim and Habib. When she awakes, she is able to call for help. Adeelah escapes and Fahim and Habib are arrested. The family is devastated by this, but ask for leniency from the judge at trial. Fahim is forced to serve a sentence of 3 years, but Habib only gets 1 year. Adeelah forgives her brother for his involvement in the crime.

Martin and Adeelah become engaged. Both families are happy since Martin will convert to Islam, but also remain a Christian. They will attend worship services at both the mosque and the church. While attending a service at the mosque, a mass shooting takes place. Kareena loses her life in the massacre. Habib is released from prison so he can attend his mother’s funeral.

After a mourning period and a year-long wait, Martin and Adeelah are finally married in a Moroccan ceremony. They take a honeymoon to Morocco and embrace their cultural differences. Adeelah testifies to her love of Martin and the reconciliation of their distinctive faiths as the book ends.

About The Author

Captain Michael Wright, a retired Air Force officer, served as a meteorologist. He forecasted weather in areas ranging from the Amazon jungle in South America to the Space Shuttle program. Captain Wright also taught National Security at Bowling Green State University in Ohio as an Assistant Professor. Fluent in Spanish, in addition to English, Michael has worked in many countries in Central and South America as well as Spain and Morocco. He lived in the Republic of Panama for six years, where he met his wife, Dalys. After his Air Force career, he returned to college, earned a second bachelor's degree in accounting, graduated summa cum laude, and earned his credential in Florida as a Certified Public Accountant. He also has a master's degree in public administration, and a theology degree. Michael recently retired as a municipal finance manager and closed his profitable tax and accounting business. He has now started his third career as an author, he maintains a blog entitled, A Divine Wink, and he is a Program Director for Peace Catalyst International. Michael served five years as a City Council member in Orange City, Florida, and he plays the flute in a local orchestra.