Overall Take:
Fun filled Jewish holiday read
Star Rating:
5 Stars
Genre:
Jewish romance
Synopsis
Abby is perpetually grumpy, and always starts the day annoyed thanks to the ever-annoying cheerful customer Seth. To make matters worse for her, she’s been charged with organizing her towns Hanukkah festival because she’s the only Jewish person on the town council. Desperate for help, she learns that Seth is actually well connected in the Jewish community, all he wants from her in return for his help is to pretend she’s his girlfriend to his pushy parents. Abby gives in and what ensues is more eye opening than she ever imagined.
Thoughts:
I read this book when I was on vacation, it was about 90 degrees but felt 100 out and the sky was clear. However this book transported me to Vermont in winters, and I was envisioning the snow falling. I swear I felt chills. It was amazing, and just what I needed. This book was just amazing. I don’t think that there are enough Jewish holiday books, and this one did a great job helping fill that gap. I loved how Abby learned to stand up for herself against the town bully and make the Jewish town festival actually authentically Jewish rather than what the bully tried to get (not a spoiler but it was a mess and made me cringe). Abby’s character growth was spectacular over the course of the book. I especially enjoyed how the Jewish cuisine, traditions, and culture were interwoven into the book so nicely. I never felt confused or overwhelmed because even though I am not the most familiar, things were well explained or explained with enough context I could figure it out. It was really fun. If this book wasn’t great enough with just that, there was also the fake dating with Abby and Seth. Their partnership was a true delight to get to see unfold.
Read this book if you want a truly wonderful holiday romance chalk full of Jewish traditions. It’s not one to miss.
Publication Date:
October 8, 2024
Author:
Del Sandeen
Page Length:
368 pages
Publisher:
Berkley Pub
Thank you to:
Thank you to @berkleypub and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
Link to buy
Affiliate link
