Book ~ "Hana Khan Carries On" (2021) Uzma Jalaluddin

From Goodreads ~ Hana Khan's family-run halal restaurant is on its last legs. So when a flashy competitor gets ready to open nearby, bringing their inevitable closure even closer, she turns to her anonymously-hosted podcast, and her lively and long-lasting relationship with one of her listeners, for advice. 

But a hate-motivated attack on their neighbourhood complicates the situation further, as does Hana's growing attraction for Aydin, the young owner of the rival business. Who might not be a complete stranger after all.

Hana's mother has been running a halal restaurant in the close-knit Golden Crescent neighbourhood in Toronto's east end for 15 years.  Hana's sister and brother-in-law work there as does Hana.  What Hana wants to do, though, is be in radio and she has an internship with a radio station plus she has just started doing podcasts.  She has been exchanging comments with a listener named "StanleyP" and, though they have never met or provided details of their real life, they have become friends.

Hana's mother's restaurant is failing and it doesn't help when a rude aggressive businessman from Vancouver buys the restaurant nearby for his son, Aydin, to open and run.  His goal is to buy all the other property in the area and develop it for condos.  Hana will do all she can to keep her mother's restaurant in business and clashes with Aydin, despite being drawn to him.

I liked this story and the writing style.  It is written in first person perspective in Hana's voice. Though she is 24, she seems a lot younger.  There is a lot going on, however, with so many different storylines in so many different directions.  I found it interesting learning more about the Muslim beliefs and practices.  As a head's up, there is some swearing and violence.