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Alma's Loyalty
From award-winning young adult author Amra Pajalic comes a #ownvoices, found family, coming of age, YA novel for fans of Melina Marchetta and John Green
Alma’s perfect family is fractured when her father finds out he has a long-lost daughter from his first marriage. When his overtures are rebuffed, it’s up to Alma to bring her new-found sister, Sabiha, into the family fold.
Now Alma is caught between family loyalties: her feuding parents, the brother she grew up with and the sister she just met, the new friends she made who are conflicted in their loyalties between her and Sabiha. Can Alma maintain the role of the perfect daughter and navigate the competing loyalties in her life?
Alma’s Loyalty is the second in the Sassy Saints Series for fans of fake friendships, secret boyfriends, long-lost relatives, and fierce and funny girls.
“Pajalić bravely deals with some serious adolescent issues.” Kirkus Review
‘Amra Pajalić writes with such honesty every young adult will empathise with her… While dealing with some ordinary “stuff” Pajalic’s observations are sincere and often hilarious.’ BENDIGO ADVERTISER"
Alma’s perfect family is fractured when her father finds out he has a long-lost daughter from his first marriage. When his overtures are rebuffed, it’s up to Alma to bring her new-found sister, Sabiha, into the family fold.
Now Alma is caught between family loyalties: her feuding parents, the brother she grew up with and the sister she just met, the new friends she made who are conflicted in their loyalties between her and Sabiha. Can Alma maintain the role of the perfect daughter and navigate the competing loyalties in her life?
Alma’s Loyalty is the second in the Sassy Saints Series for fans of fake friendships, secret boyfriends, long-lost relatives, and fierce and funny girls.
“Pajalić bravely deals with some serious adolescent issues.” Kirkus Review
‘Amra Pajalić writes with such honesty every young adult will empathise with her… While dealing with some ordinary “stuff” Pajalic’s observations are sincere and often hilarious.’ BENDIGO ADVERTISER"
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2022
3 people are currently reading
671 people want to read
About the author
Amra Pajalic
26 books81 followersAmra Pajalić is an award-winning author, educator, and PhD researcher of Bosnian heritage whose work explores how fiction represents the Bosnian genocide.
Amra Pajalić won the 2009 Melbourne Prize for Literature's Civic Choice Award for her debut novel The Good Daughter, now re-released as Sabiha's Dilemma (Pishukin Press, 2022). The anthology she co-edited, Growing up Muslim in Australia (Allen and Unwin, 2014), was shortlisted for the 2015 Children's Book Council of the year awards and her memoir Things Nobody Knows But Me (Transit Lounge, 2019) was shortlisted for the 2020 National Biography Award. Her short story collection The Cuckoo's Song (Pishukin Press, 2022) features previously published and prize-winning stories.
She is the author of the Sassy Saints series, Sabiha's Dilemma, Alma's Loyalty, and Jesse's Triumph, and the forthcoming Seka Torlak historical-mystery series, beginning with the prequel The Tree That Stood Still and the first book in the series Time Kneels Between Mountains. Her companion essay collection Fragments of History: The Essays Behind the Story, examine the legacy of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide.
She works as a high school teacher and is completing a PhD in Creative Writing at La Trobe University exploring representations of the Bosnian genocide in fiction. Her work blends storytelling with historical analysis to confront dehumanisation and preserve cultural memory. Her website is www.amrapajalic.com.
Amra Pajalic also writes romance under pen name Mae Archer
https://www.goodreads.com/mae_archer
Be sure to follow Amra on BookBub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amra-...
Amra Pajalić won the 2009 Melbourne Prize for Literature's Civic Choice Award for her debut novel The Good Daughter, now re-released as Sabiha's Dilemma (Pishukin Press, 2022). The anthology she co-edited, Growing up Muslim in Australia (Allen and Unwin, 2014), was shortlisted for the 2015 Children's Book Council of the year awards and her memoir Things Nobody Knows But Me (Transit Lounge, 2019) was shortlisted for the 2020 National Biography Award. Her short story collection The Cuckoo's Song (Pishukin Press, 2022) features previously published and prize-winning stories.
She is the author of the Sassy Saints series, Sabiha's Dilemma, Alma's Loyalty, and Jesse's Triumph, and the forthcoming Seka Torlak historical-mystery series, beginning with the prequel The Tree That Stood Still and the first book in the series Time Kneels Between Mountains. Her companion essay collection Fragments of History: The Essays Behind the Story, examine the legacy of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide.
She works as a high school teacher and is completing a PhD in Creative Writing at La Trobe University exploring representations of the Bosnian genocide in fiction. Her work blends storytelling with historical analysis to confront dehumanisation and preserve cultural memory. Her website is www.amrapajalic.com.
Amra Pajalic also writes romance under pen name Mae Archer
https://www.goodreads.com/mae_archer
Be sure to follow Amra on BookBub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amra-...
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 27, 2022
This story is a well written and professionally presented story of a young Muslim, Bosnian heritage girl and her family in Australia. She is dealing with all the issues that assault young people today, including seeing her parents in a new light. Some of the events were difficult to read about but I still do not hesitate to recommend this book. The publication date is October 31, 2022.
My thanks to the author, Amra Pajalic, and to Goodreads Giveaways through whom I received this ebook.
My thanks to the author, Amra Pajalic, and to Goodreads Giveaways through whom I received this ebook.
December 9, 2022
I mean I definitely enjoyed this book and couldn't hold myself to not ruining it in my review, So I'm planning to talk about the book to those who are willing, of course!
And let's just keep this review short but visible.
3 words for this book:
𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴, 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘥-𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨
I totally loved the storyline, it was quite impressive. I did in love with book 1 of this series and am so glad to have this chance to read book 2 called “Alma's Loyalty” which follows Alma, a lost-sibling of Sabiha (the main character in book 1). That the secret has spelled once Alma and her family moved to St Albans where Sabiha lives. Since then, a lot has changed in Alma's life, chiefly the day when she met a cute boy named Alex. How is she supposed to face all these sudden changes and dramas as a new high school student in that town?
As a teenager, I could relate a lot to Alma, I even found some part of myself in her. And this is the best feeling I can get through the book that made me in love with the whole story! And of course, I do love Sabiha as I've read her journey before and couldn't blame her every time she behaved poorly, yet She's such a lovely sister to Alma, eventually.
Anddddd there's one thing that I've been wanting so long to happen had happened in this book 😭🥹🥹🥹🥹 Sabiha and Jesse!! Aww!! And guess what? The next book of this series is going to be about Jesse, and will be told from Jesse's point of view😉
I'm on cloud nine ☁️; 🥹 can't wait for this book to be released 🫶🏻.
I received this book for free and the review is on my own.
And let's just keep this review short but visible.
3 words for this book:
𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴, 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘥-𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨
I totally loved the storyline, it was quite impressive. I did in love with book 1 of this series and am so glad to have this chance to read book 2 called “Alma's Loyalty” which follows Alma, a lost-sibling of Sabiha (the main character in book 1). That the secret has spelled once Alma and her family moved to St Albans where Sabiha lives. Since then, a lot has changed in Alma's life, chiefly the day when she met a cute boy named Alex. How is she supposed to face all these sudden changes and dramas as a new high school student in that town?
As a teenager, I could relate a lot to Alma, I even found some part of myself in her. And this is the best feeling I can get through the book that made me in love with the whole story! And of course, I do love Sabiha as I've read her journey before and couldn't blame her every time she behaved poorly, yet She's such a lovely sister to Alma, eventually.
Anddddd there's one thing that I've been wanting so long to happen had happened in this book 😭🥹🥹🥹🥹 Sabiha and Jesse!! Aww!! And guess what? The next book of this series is going to be about Jesse, and will be told from Jesse's point of view😉
I'm on cloud nine ☁️; 🥹 can't wait for this book to be released 🫶🏻.
I received this book for free and the review is on my own.
September 15, 2023
I was sent a copy of this audiobook for review.
Alma’s whole world seems to change overnight when her father finds out that he has a daughter Sabiha from his previous marriage. When her father’s attempts at establishing a relationship with Sabiha are turned down even after he moves his whole family to be nearer to her, it’s up to Alma who is now attending her school to make the familial connection. However, Sahiba doesn’t seem to want anything to do with her either which leads to tensions among her classmates/new friends as they still have loyalties to Sahiba.
To get out from under the stifling attention of her family and the oppression environment created by the fighting and tension at home after the Sahiba revelation, Alma embarks on an ill-advised relationship with the local bad boy. She likes his flirtatious attentions, and it makes her feel alive for the first time. So now Alma is faking a sisterly relationship with Sahiba to appease her dad, keeping her romantic relationship with her boyfriend a secret all while trying to fit in, grow up and discover who she wants to be in the future rather than what she is told she should be.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 I enjoyed the first book in the Sassy Saints series, and this lived up to its predecessor. It had a good mix of teenage angst, intense family dynamics and conflicts and a coming-of-age journey for Alma as she battles her family and peer expectations while exploring her wishes and wants for the future. This book was enriched by listening to the audiobook as the narrator truly brought out the emotional hardships Alma was going through and the tense experience of her home life. I felt for Alma deeply as her pain at being dismissed by her father repeatedly, especially after the arrival of Sahiba was heartbreaking. Again, this story touched on the realities faced by Muslims (particularly of Bosnian descent) who emigrated to Australia and how this societal change affects how her family treat both Alma and her brother. The pressure that Alma was under was palpable and I found this book an intriguing but emotional read.
Alma’s whole world seems to change overnight when her father finds out that he has a daughter Sabiha from his previous marriage. When her father’s attempts at establishing a relationship with Sabiha are turned down even after he moves his whole family to be nearer to her, it’s up to Alma who is now attending her school to make the familial connection. However, Sahiba doesn’t seem to want anything to do with her either which leads to tensions among her classmates/new friends as they still have loyalties to Sahiba.
To get out from under the stifling attention of her family and the oppression environment created by the fighting and tension at home after the Sahiba revelation, Alma embarks on an ill-advised relationship with the local bad boy. She likes his flirtatious attentions, and it makes her feel alive for the first time. So now Alma is faking a sisterly relationship with Sahiba to appease her dad, keeping her romantic relationship with her boyfriend a secret all while trying to fit in, grow up and discover who she wants to be in the future rather than what she is told she should be.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 I enjoyed the first book in the Sassy Saints series, and this lived up to its predecessor. It had a good mix of teenage angst, intense family dynamics and conflicts and a coming-of-age journey for Alma as she battles her family and peer expectations while exploring her wishes and wants for the future. This book was enriched by listening to the audiobook as the narrator truly brought out the emotional hardships Alma was going through and the tense experience of her home life. I felt for Alma deeply as her pain at being dismissed by her father repeatedly, especially after the arrival of Sahiba was heartbreaking. Again, this story touched on the realities faced by Muslims (particularly of Bosnian descent) who emigrated to Australia and how this societal change affects how her family treat both Alma and her brother. The pressure that Alma was under was palpable and I found this book an intriguing but emotional read.
September 6, 2023
The cover photo of the book is very attractive and I was intrigued into reading it because of it. Аlma's life changes drаmаticаlly when shе discovers that shе hаs a half-sister, Sаbihа, who gоes tо the sаme school аs her. As Аlma tries tо adjust tо her new environment and mаke new friends, shе alsо hаs tо deal with the comрlicated fееlings of having a sibling shе never knew abоut. How will Аlma and Sаbihа gеt along? What seсrets will thеy uncover abоut their family? Find out in this eхciting stоry of sistеrhood, friendshiр, and identity.
This is the first time I am reading a book by this author and I definitely loved it. I really loved the writing skills of the author. Тhe book exрlores variоus thеmеs such аs family сonfliсts, friеndship dilemmаs, rоmance аnd abuse. It аlso pоrtrays the clаsh of сultures between the parеnts аnd their children who have different values аnd exрectations. Тhe writing stylе is engaging аnd reаlistic.
I will definitely recommend this book to everyone. Grab your copy today. You will definitely love it.
This is the first time I am reading a book by this author and I definitely loved it. I really loved the writing skills of the author. Тhe book exрlores variоus thеmеs such аs family сonfliсts, friеndship dilemmаs, rоmance аnd abuse. It аlso pоrtrays the clаsh of сultures between the parеnts аnd their children who have different values аnd exрectations. Тhe writing stylе is engaging аnd reаlistic.
I will definitely recommend this book to everyone. Grab your copy today. You will definitely love it.
August 5, 2023
This is the second book in the Sassy Saints series following on directly from Sabiha's Dilemma which I read last year.
I really enjoyed book one, but I think that I enjoyed this book even more.
Alma and her family have moved area and she finds herself having to navigate not only a house move, but also a new school, new friends and the discovery that she has a new half sister.
Finding out that her father had a child in a previous marriage came as a shock to all the family, but when Alma finds herself at her new school with Sabiha, things become tricky for them both.
I really felt for Alma as she really did have a lot to contend with and with very little to no support from her parents, who were struggling with the pressures that the changes had on their lives too.
It's not surprise that Alma trusted the first boy to lay her any attention even though she'd been warned against him.
This relationship dealt with some real and important current issues that teens face whilst growing up and coming of age - such as parties, drinking, drugs and sexual relationships as well as learning about trust, loyalty and respect.
It was great to re-visit the friendship group of Sabiha from the first book and I also loved how the story develops between the friends and the inclusion of Alma into the group.
It was also lovely to see how Sabiha had developed from book one and throughout this book to connect with her father and new family and how this affected her.
The narrator was great. Really getting the personalities, attitudes and emotions of the characters across perfectly.
Ankther great book by this author - I hope that there's more to come from this series as I'm keen to see more of this community - maybe from Dina's pov?
**Edit - before I've actually posted this ..but still!
Just spotted at the end of the epub that the next book in the series is Jesse's Triumph and that the series currently has 6 books! 🤩😍**
I really enjoyed book one, but I think that I enjoyed this book even more.
Alma and her family have moved area and she finds herself having to navigate not only a house move, but also a new school, new friends and the discovery that she has a new half sister.
Finding out that her father had a child in a previous marriage came as a shock to all the family, but when Alma finds herself at her new school with Sabiha, things become tricky for them both.
I really felt for Alma as she really did have a lot to contend with and with very little to no support from her parents, who were struggling with the pressures that the changes had on their lives too.
It's not surprise that Alma trusted the first boy to lay her any attention even though she'd been warned against him.
This relationship dealt with some real and important current issues that teens face whilst growing up and coming of age - such as parties, drinking, drugs and sexual relationships as well as learning about trust, loyalty and respect.
It was great to re-visit the friendship group of Sabiha from the first book and I also loved how the story develops between the friends and the inclusion of Alma into the group.
It was also lovely to see how Sabiha had developed from book one and throughout this book to connect with her father and new family and how this affected her.
The narrator was great. Really getting the personalities, attitudes and emotions of the characters across perfectly.
Ankther great book by this author - I hope that there's more to come from this series as I'm keen to see more of this community - maybe from Dina's pov?
**Edit - before I've actually posted this ..but still!
Just spotted at the end of the epub that the next book in the series is Jesse's Triumph and that the series currently has 6 books! 🤩😍**
December 10, 2022
On top of having to go to a new school,Alma finds out she has a sister that she never knew about. Her sister Sabiha happens to go to the same school she has just transferred into. At first the girls are not really getting along well and are in fact pretty snarky with each other. They seem to run in the same circles so they slowly get to know each other. Sabiha warns Alma to stay away from Alex,staring that he is not a good guy. Frustrated with her newfound sibling she doesn't pay attention to her warnings and begins a relationship with Alex. Things move quickly between the two as they begin sending pictures to each other and getting into intimate situations. Alma starts to see a different side of Alex and realizes her sister was right to mistrust him. As Alma sees a sexy pic that she sent to Alex pop up on her phone, she wonders if she's too late to fix her situation. I enjoyed the slow but sweet relationship that formed between the two sisters. Warnings: bullying,sexual situations. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 10, 2023
4.5 stars
Having listened to the audiobook of Sabiha’s Dilema, which is book one in the series I was really looking forward to listening to book two. In fact I think I enjoyed book even more.
I really liked Alma, I did feel for her having moved to a new area and changing schools. Along with finding out she has a half sister, who also goes to her new school!
This book touches on a lot of subjects that teenagers come across. Such as sneaking out, going to parties, drinking and drugs.
I love the way the narrator brings the story to life. I hope there will be another book in the series as I’ve really enjoyed the first two in the series.
Having listened to the audiobook of Sabiha’s Dilema, which is book one in the series I was really looking forward to listening to book two. In fact I think I enjoyed book even more.
I really liked Alma, I did feel for her having moved to a new area and changing schools. Along with finding out she has a half sister, who also goes to her new school!
This book touches on a lot of subjects that teenagers come across. Such as sneaking out, going to parties, drinking and drugs.
I love the way the narrator brings the story to life. I hope there will be another book in the series as I’ve really enjoyed the first two in the series.
Read
June 28, 2023Listen to chapter 1 of Alma's Loyalty narrated by Nina Nikolic https://youtu.be/wfR0yoA4LUM
Audio retailers:
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/978192287...
https://bingebooks.com/book/alma-s-lo...
https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks...
https://www.storytel.com/se/sv/books/...
https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/...
Universal retail link for all formats:
https://books2read.com/Almas-Loyalty
Buy direct from my shop and get discounts:
https://www.pishukinpress.com/product...
Audio retailers:
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/978192287...
https://bingebooks.com/book/alma-s-lo...
https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks...
https://www.storytel.com/se/sv/books/...
https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/...
Universal retail link for all formats:
https://books2read.com/Almas-Loyalty
Buy direct from my shop and get discounts:
https://www.pishukinpress.com/product...
September 4, 2023
This is my first book by this author, and it definitely won't be my last! Wow. From the blurb, I knew I was going to enjoy this story, but I didn't realise just how much.
This story follows the life of Alma as she experiences moving to a new area, starting a new school, and figuring out her relationship with her family and friends. Alma's family has recently learnt that she has a half-sister, Sabiha, and when Alma starts to attend the same school as her sister, things become very interesting.
Being Muslim myself, as well as being part of a minority ethnic group here in the UK, I related to so many aspects of this story. Also, the authors writing style really added to my enjoyment. I can't wait to read more by Amra Pajalic and can not wait for this series to continue.
Thank you to Love Book Tours and author Amra Pajalic for an advance review copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story follows the life of Alma as she experiences moving to a new area, starting a new school, and figuring out her relationship with her family and friends. Alma's family has recently learnt that she has a half-sister, Sabiha, and when Alma starts to attend the same school as her sister, things become very interesting.
Being Muslim myself, as well as being part of a minority ethnic group here in the UK, I related to so many aspects of this story. Also, the authors writing style really added to my enjoyment. I can't wait to read more by Amra Pajalic and can not wait for this series to continue.
Thank you to Love Book Tours and author Amra Pajalic for an advance review copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 19, 2023
This story is a greatly written and well thought out story of a girl and her family. She is getting through all the problems that are common in this day and age, including sher family. It could do with trigger warnings but I do recommend. The publication date is October 31, 2022.
Thank you to the author and @lovebooktours on Instagram for an advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to the author and @lovebooktours on Instagram for an advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 24, 2023
This was a brilliant audiobook especially if you like a book with a “coming of age” theme. I enjoyed listening to the narration and it was certainly an easy listen. I felt like I was there watching poor Alma’s life unravel and spiral out of control. I felt very sorry for her and loved seeing all the different relationships in her life adapt and change. My favourite character had to be her little sister! I really enjoyed this and will be looking for more by this author in the future!
September 1, 2023
This book is a young adult coming of age story aimed at teenagers. It deals with some really important issues including changing family dynamics, friendships, relationships and exploitation. The author also deals with the issues of cultural expectations and where parents hold very different views to those of their children. It’s well written and easy to relate.
September 13, 2023
This was a tale of family dynamics, friendships, love and life.
I really liked the character of Alma and felt sorry for her as she tried to get her dad’s attention. I felt the character grew well throughout the story.
The audiobook was a joy to listen to and I liked the narrator.
All in all an enjoyable listen and great story.
I really liked the character of Alma and felt sorry for her as she tried to get her dad’s attention. I felt the character grew well throughout the story.
The audiobook was a joy to listen to and I liked the narrator.
All in all an enjoyable listen and great story.
September 23, 2023
This was such a good read and my first by this author definitely won't be my last that's for sure. This story follows Alma and her family. Alma is adjusting to moving, a new school and finding out she has a half sister. Well when alma and her sister end up at the same school wow talk about small world. This was such a fast read !!
January 13, 2023
Um mergulho no mundo de uma adolescente muçulmana que vive na Austrália, sendo sua família originária da Bósnia. Conflitos, descobertas, hipocrisias, novas amizades, tudo junto em uma bela história, marcada também por algumas diferenças culturais e preconceitos. Gostei bastante.
September 27, 2024
3.25 stars
September 20, 2023
Alma's Loyalty is book two in the Sassy Saints series, I haven't read the first book which wasn't an issue when reading Alma's Loyalty but I will definitely go back and read it. This was a really enjoyable well written story, I loved seeing the new dynamics and relationship developing between Alma and her newly discovered half sister Sabiha although I felt for Alma alot throughout, she had a lot thrown at her at an early age with not alot of support from her parents and life is hard enough as a teenager. The author deals with a lot of tough teenage topics really really well such as drinking, drugs, sex etc as well the struggle to find yourself, respect yourself & others while learning who to trust. A great book I would recommend to all.
I received a copy of Alma's Loyalty as part of a book tour, all thoughts are my own.
I received a copy of Alma's Loyalty as part of a book tour, all thoughts are my own.
September 7, 2023
I have already read one book in this series and loved it so I had high hopes for this one and it didn't disappoint.
I listened to this on audio book and I loved it, it is well written with a fantastic story line and well developed characters that I loved and a fantastic narrator who really brought the book to life.
It was so nice to be back with Sabiha and her friends and to see how they have grown from the first book.I really took these characters to my heart in the first book and even more so now with the second book.
I listened to this in a couple of settings and I didn't want it to end, I really cannot wait to see what comes next in this series, I need to get myself physical copies too so i can have them with me always.
I listened to this on audio book and I loved it, it is well written with a fantastic story line and well developed characters that I loved and a fantastic narrator who really brought the book to life.
It was so nice to be back with Sabiha and her friends and to see how they have grown from the first book.I really took these characters to my heart in the first book and even more so now with the second book.
I listened to this in a couple of settings and I didn't want it to end, I really cannot wait to see what comes next in this series, I need to get myself physical copies too so i can have them with me always.
Read
June 28, 2023Listen to chapter 1 of Alma's Loyalty by Amra Pajalic, AI narrated audiobook by Charlotte from Google. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ1mO...
Purchase links:
https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/...
https://play.google.com/store/audiobo...
https://www.pishukinpress.com/product...
Purchase links:
https://www.kobo.com/au/en/audiobook/...
https://play.google.com/store/audiobo...
https://www.pishukinpress.com/product...
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews