Amanda Elliot makes every moment count...plus a book giveaway

 

© Cassie Gonzales 2021

We're pleased to have Amanda Elliot back at CLC to celebrate the publication of her latest holiday rom-com, Eight Ways to Say I Love You! Melissa really enjoyed her previous novel, Love You a Latke (reviewed here), and is excited to read this one soon. Thanks to Berkley, we have one copy to give away!

USA Today bestselling author Amanda Elliot lives with her family in New Jersey, where she experiments with homemade ice cream flavors, tries her best to grow vegetables in her tiny garden, and writes mysteries under the name Bellamy Rose.

Visit Amanda online:
Website * Instagram

If you're looking for the perfect Hanukkah gift this year (perhaps something you can give someone along with this novel), check out Tchotchke!

Synopsis:

This Hanukkah, Shira Levinson is returning home to New Jersey riding the high of achieving major milestones. Though she only just graduated from college, she's got her dream job and a perfect Los Angeles apartment—an actual miracle in the city of dreams.

Life has not been quite as kind to Leo David. Not only did he fail out of college, he was forced to move in with his estranged dad, who he still hates for cheating on his mom years ago. The only silver lining? Getting to see Shira, his childhood friend (and crush, though he’ll never tell her that) while she’s home for her family's holiday party.

But that's just the beginning. Over the next eight years, Shira's and Leo's lives spin them in all sorts of directions as they grow and change, taking them places they never imagined going. Sometimes those paths take them farther away from each other, and other times closer together. If they can only time it right, they might uncover a love that burns forever. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

“A sparkling and heartfelt romance between two childhood friends who just can’t quit each other.”

—Katie Naymon, author of You Between the Lines

"Eight Ways is the perfect Hanukkah Romance gift!"

—Dahlia Adler, award-winning author of Soon By You

"Like a delicious jelly donut, I didn’t want it to end!"

—Lauren Appelbaum, author of The Holiday House Swap

What is one thing you'd tell the debut novelist version of yourself? 
This is a marathon, not a sprint. My first novel came out in 2015, so I've been publishing for over 10 years now, which is wild. Back then I sweated every little thing, and I don't know if it's come with age or with my aging career, but I'm a lot calmer about everything now.

What were the biggest rewards and challenges with writing Eight Ways to Say I Love You? 
Eight Ways to Say I Love You was my first book told in multiple points of view, and it's also set over eight years, which is a long time to follow two characters. It was a challenge figuring out how to write in dual POV, first of all, with figuring out which scenes should be told from which character's perspectives and why. And it was also a challenge to fit eight years into a standard-length book without (hopefully) feeling like things were being rushed or brushed over. The reward was finishing the book itself, which I hope accomplishes those things!

If Eight Ways was made into a movie, which songs would be on the soundtrack? 
My heroine, Shira, would be very upset if the movie didn't contain cover versions of every corny Hanukkah song in existence. Taylor Swift, please sing "I Have a Little Dreidel" for me? You can make the dreidel symbolize heartbreak or something.

Tell us about a unique Hanukkah tradition you have with your family. 
When I was growing up, we'd have a Hanukkah party every year with all my cousins, and it was so much fun. I'm hoping to recreate that now that I'm an adult with kids of my own.

Which book made you fall in love with reading? 
I've been in love with reading since before I can remember, so it's hard to answer that! It was probably some picture book I don't remember. I do remember being allowed to read The Wizard of Oz aloud to my first-grade class and thinking that was a really big deal.

If your life was a TV series, which celebrity would you want to narrate it?
Patrick Page. Go watch a video of him narrating literally anything, you'll understand.

Thanks to Amanda for visiting with us and to Berkley for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use KingSumo to enter the giveaway. If you have trouble using KingSumo on our blog, enter the giveaway here. If you are still having issues, please contact us.

Giveaway ends November 1st at midnight EST.

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Spotlight: The Christmas Competition

The local rumor mill in Nisa Ansari's small highland town is swirling about the downfall of her marriage, and in desperate need of a distraction, she enters her town’s Christmas house-decorating competition. The competition comes with the added bonus of getting on neighbor Kerr Murdoch’s last nerve. It’s the least she could do, considering her ex-husband left Nisa for Kerr’s girlfriend. And maybe if Kerr smiled or cracked a joke—just once!—his girlfriend would’ve stayed, and Nisa wouldn’t find herself alone during the holidays.

Introverted Kerr has trouble feeling comfortable around people he doesn’t know well. Newly single, he decorates his house in remembrance of his mother, who always had a soft spot for Christmas lights. But when Nisa's and Kerr’s decorations end up nearly identical, he incurs Nisa’s wrath.

This means all-out war, complete with gaudy wreaths, twinkle lights, and too many reindeer to count. Never mind that Nisa can’t keep her eyes off Kerr’s toned forearms. Or ignore that he’s a pet-loving veterinarian with a heart of gold. After conceding to her husband’s wishes for years, Nisa is determined to get her way. But as Christmas draws near, Nisa must decide what she actually wants: the familiar rivalry she’s had for years with Kerr, or opening herself up to the chance to fall in love with someone new. 

Purchase The Christmas Competition.

“Zoe Allison has written a truly gorgeous Christmasy nearly lovers-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story that will remind you just what happiness is.”
—Lucy Keeling, author of Just Friends in Vegas

“Fans of this genre, and Christmas novels, will love this one.”
—RedCarpetCrash

Credit: Zoe Allison

Zoe Allison is a graduate of the RNA's New Writers' Scheme. Alongside her day jobs as a doctor and a writer, she started a TikTok account in 2021 where she regularly shares comedic sketches based on writing, and the romance genre in particular.

Visit Zoe online:

Website * Facebook * Instagram

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Spotlight and Giveaway: Now That We Don't Talk

Today we're celebrating the publication of Rachel Pologe's debut novel, Now That We Don't Talk, a forced-proximity, enemies-to-lovers Hanukkah rom-com. Melissa is excited to include it in her holiday reading queue this upcoming winter and we're excited to share a copy with you, thanks to Berkley!

If you're looking for the perfect Hanukkah gift this year (perhaps something you can give someone along with this novel), check out Tchotchke!

Norah Gold is a bolter. She avoids emotional situations at all costs, doesn’t do meaningful relationships, and when things get a little too real, she runs. She hasn’t let herself fall in love in nearly a decade, not since her whole world fell apart when her dad suddenly passed away. Desperate to escape a friends-with-benefits situation gone clingy, she returns home to Chicago for the holidays. Her one goal? Avoid Henry Cole, the boy who blew up her life and broke her heart back in high school. Easier said than done when she discovers that their mothers are dating and insist on celebrating the holidays together.

A decade later, Henry Cole is all custom suits and condescension. He is order to her chaos and absolutely insufferable about it. When Norah and Henry get snowed in together and learn just how serious their moms’ relationship is, they call a truce to make it through all eight nights of Hanukkah without setting each other on fire. As they begin to rediscover the foundation that made them so close growing up, Norah is desperate to keep her distance—the last thing she can handle is reopening decade-old emotional wounds. But even though they’ve tried to escape the past, Norah and Henry have unfinished business too pressing to ignore. Can Norah shake off her deep-seated impulse to bolt, or are they destined to flame out just like they did as teenagers?

“Rachel Pologe's debut is dazzling, and a perfect romance for the holidays--or any time of year.”
—USA Today bestselling author Jenna Levine

"This second-chance Hanukkah romance delivers the kind of swoony satisfaction that will keep you happily hooked for all eight nights.”
—Lindsay Hameroff, author of Rewrite the Stars

“This rom-com hits the genre’s most beloved tropes just right, and thoughtfully explores one of the truest expressions of love: owning up to our mistakes. This is pure childhood-friends-to-enemies-to-lovers joy.”
—Ellen O’Clover, author of The Heartbreak Hotel

Rachel Pologe writes swoony, character-driven contemporary romance novels about messy but relatable people you can’t help but root for. Rachel has spent her career working in television writers’ rooms, but books were her first passion. In sixth grade, a popular boy said something nice and unprompted about her creative writing assignment, and she’s been riding that high ever since. Originally from Baltimore, Rachel now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter. Now That We Don’t Talk is Rachel’s debut novel. Visit Rachel at her website and on Instagram.

How to win: Use KingSumo to enter the giveaway. If you have trouble using KingSumo on our blog, enter the giveaway here. If you are still having issues, please contact us.

Giveaway ends October 25th at midnight EST.

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Book Review: The Christmas Rift

By Sara Steven

Daisy and Kate are broke, single and facing another Christmas in their decidedly less-than-luxurious London flat. But at least they have each other. And Nigel, their cheese-stealing resident mouse, although technically nobody invited him.

Then Maximillian Taylor arrives.

Tall, golden-haired, impossibly handsome and working in fashion, Maxi is supposed to be the answer to their financial problems. Unfortunately, he creates a much bigger one.

Because Daisy thinks she might have found The One.

Kate has something rather less romantic in mind.

And Nigel doesn't trust him as far as his tiny mouse paws could throw him.

As Christmas approaches, friendship gives way to jealousy, misunderstandings and one spectacular festive rift. With a meddling landlady, questionable life choices and a philosophical rodent watching the whole disaster unfold, this is one Christmas nobody at Miller Avenue is likely to forget. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

They say you should never let a man come between you and your best friend, but Daisy and Kate never got that memo! And I’m glad they didn’t, because The Christmas Rift was delightfully charming in all the best ways, starting with the lengths the two women will go to, all in an effort to gain the attention of Maxi, their newest roommate. 

At first, no one would have ever guessed that Maxi would actually be Maximillian. When their landlord informs them that she’s found the perfect roommate to join their dilapidated flat, the biggest concern they have is whether the newest addition would fit in well enough. But Maxi is a lot more than they can take, and Maxi as a character is just plain narcissistic, but neither Daisy nor Kate can see him for who he really is. I loved that the book gives viewpoints from all three primary characters, because it’s plain obvious just how vastly different each character can be. Daisy leans more on the sweet side, erroring on the side of optimism, while Kate is rough around the edges. Daisy wants an ever-after love story with Maxi, and Kate? Well, how about happiness in the moment, as long as it’s with Maxi between the sheets.

Maxi intends to use all of his slimy charms to get everything he wants, even if it means going behind his roommates’ backs, stealing food and never lifting a finger. An unexpected surprise is the viewpoint from Nigel, a sarcastic mouse who has lived through five cycles of roommates in the flat and has seen it all. At least, he thought he'd seen it all, until Maxi shows up. I’m not usually prone to reading books that have a rodent’s perspective, but his take on things really did add fun to the book. His best friend is Winston the spider, which made me flash back to one of my favorite books of all time, Charlotte’s Web. Who better to give the lay of the land than Nigel? It was cute how in some ways, he seems almost protective of Daisy and Kate, especially when he sees how often they’ve been wronged by Maxi.

Can Daisy and Kate survive Maxi? Can their friendship overcome their newfound obstacle? There were some really touching moments sprinkled in amidst the chaos, providing a cute holiday read to lighten the load this season. And we all need a lighter, brighter season this year! All of the characters were fun, but Nigel is the star. I suggest reading The Christmas Rift just for him! 

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Links:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

K.L. Crear is an author, over-sharer and walking cautionary tale. Think sweary teenager trapped in a menopausal woman’s body, one sneeze away from a wardrobe malfunction. You’re welcome.

After years in banking, the Civil Service and property management (The Beige Trilogy), she found herself broke, baffled and built from biscuit crumbs and unresolved trauma. So she wrote it all down and flogged it in paperback.

A two-time cancer survivor, Karen tackles life’s shitshow with inappropriate laughter, questionable humour and “F*ck off!” for inspirational quotes. She writes jaw-dropping memoirs and hilarious women’s fiction about women who’ve had enough, snapped slightly and are thriving regardless.

She lives in a sleepy Northern town with her long-suffering, partially deaf husband and their permanently unimpressed cat, Pickle. Her hobbies include pastry, shouting at the Real Housewives and threatening to adopt an absurdly cheerful axolotl.

A portion of every book sale goes to Women’s Aid, Great Ormond Street, the Epilepsy Society and Macmillan. The world’s a shitshow, but we can all make a little difference.

Visit K.L. Crear online:
Website * Facebook * Instagram

Visit all the stop's on K.L. Crear's blog tour:

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Spotlight and Giveaway: Not Another Christmas Movie

It's not even Halloween yet and the winter holiday novels are descending upon us! Today we're excited to kick off the early winter holiday season with Not Another Christmas Movie by Ashley Cowan. This is her debut rom-com and it sounds absolutely delightful. Thanks to Alcove Press, we have THREE copies to give away!

Thirtysomething Annie Meyers is having a rough year. Her situationship with the noncommittal Chris fizzled out, and her best friend’s impending engagement is the final crunch of the candy cane. Her solution: to spend the holiday slugging boxed rosé and ignoring the rest of the world.

That is, until she falls asleep and wakes up in her worst nightmare: a made-for-TV Christmas movie version of her quaint hometown. To make matters worse, Chris is now the town’s hunky widower and owner of a Christmas tree farm. But Annie isn’t trapped alone: Her dorky childhood neighbor, Nick, is here too. Only, he’s not quite as dorky as she remembers.

After some mild panic, Annie and Nick realize their escape hinges on playing into classic rom-com tropes. The plan is simple: Annie will woo Chris—the now “perfect boyfriend”—and Nick, his childhood sweetheart, Bailey.

But after holiday hoedowns, ice-skating dates, and cookie-baking montages, Annie begins to wonder if the real magic of Christmas—and love—is much closer to home. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

"[A] clever romp . . . This is sure to leave readers with smiles on their faces."
—Publishers Weekly

“With holiday spirit with a side of spice, Ashley Cowan has crafted a gift of a rom-com. Annie and Nick’s adventure through every holiday movie trope left me laughing, swooning, and cheering for them to just kiss already! The perfect read to cozy up with under the tree, or any time you need a dose of sparkling magic.”
—Holly James, author of The Déjà Glitch

"Delightfully fun, filled with humor and a love story that will put a smile on your face. A perfect holiday rom-com."
—Red Carpet Crash

Credit: William Leschber

Ashley Cowan lives in Simsbury, Connecticut, where she wrangles a circus that includes one husband, three daughters, two rescue cats, and two rescue dogs. A graduate of Roger Williams University, she moved to New York City as a starving artist and then to San Francisco, where she became a moderately hungry artist, acting, writing, directing, and enjoying many burritos before returning to New England.

Ashley is a published playwright, with work featured in the Applause Acting Series: 25 10-Minute Plays for Teens, and her plays have been staged everywhere from San Francisco theaters (and bars moonlighting as theaters) to Texas middle schools and community centers across the tri-state area.

Visit Ashley online:
Website * Instagram * TikTok

How to win: Use KingSumo to enter the giveaway. If you have trouble using KingSumo on our blog, enter the giveaway here. If you are still having issues, please contact us.

Giveaway ends October 13th at midnight EST.

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Just in the "St. Nick" of time!

Today we are featuring two Christmas rom-coms that came out this year. It's not too late to check them out, even with Christmas right around the corner! 🎄

Christmas People by Iva-Marie Palmer

Some people are Christmas people, but Jill Jacobs is most certainly not. She hasn’t been ever since her hometown love broke her heart on Christmas Day three years ago. After that, Jill moved to L.A. to pursue her dream of becoming a screenwriter. She hasn’t been home in years to avoid her ex, but this winter she finds herself back in drab, suburban Illinois for the holidays.

After one very hazy night, Jill wakes up to a hometown that's filled with jolly neighbors, covered in pristine white snow, and seasoned with the smell of peppermint. She realizes that this is more than just a bad hangover… she's stuck in a Heartfelt movie. One set in her town, starring real people from her life, including her family, her high school crush (uber perfect, owns a bakery, and definitely a Christmas Person), and of course, her ex —handsome as ever and now exclusively clad in plaid flannel.

The only way out of this bizarro world is to complete the plot of the movie, including a holiday bake off and a cookie-sweet love story. To get home in time for Christmas, Jill must act out a picture-perfect holiday romance with the one that got away, all while her ex watches on. 

Fa la la la freaking la….

"Palmer’s first adult novel knocks it right out of the snow globe." ―Library Journal

"Switching from writing for kids and teens, Palmer presents her first adult novel, a sublimely entertaining holiday romance with a cleverly calibrated mix of snappy wit, sexy chemistry, and sweet charm, all perfectly on point." ―Booklist, starred review 

From Iva-Marie's website

Iva-Marie Palmer is the author of numerous books for children and teens, including the highly-acclaimed YA rom-com Gimme Everything You Got and The Jules Verne Prophecy series with Larry Schwarz.

Before turning full-time to writing, she worked as a web editor and writer for the Walt Disney Company, as an award-winning reporter, and up close and personal with many a Christmas person as a Hallmark store employee. Iva-Marie currently resides in Burbank, California, with her husband and two sons. Christmas People is her first adult novel. Visit Iva-Marie at her website and on Instagram.

Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk

Is a fake boyfriend really just for Christmas?

One fake romance. One magical Christmas. One chance to fall in love.

Laura was all set for a quiet solo Christmas – just her, a bottle of wine, and flat-sitting for a stranger. But when the stranger’s parents mistake her for his mystery girlfriend, she’s swept off to the snowy Scottish Highlands with Callum and his whole family.

Between the cosy sleeper train, charming pubs and breathtaking views, this could be the no-strings-attached Christmas of Laura’s dreams.

But stranger Callum is hot, hilarious and their ‘fake’ chemistry is off the charts.

So is this just a Christmas fling? Or the start of something more? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

Praise for Lindsey Kelk's rom-coms:

'So funny, so charming, so romantic' ― Beth O'Leary

'Lindsey Kelk is the Taylor Swift of romance writing – she makes me PROUD to be a romance reader!' ― Daisy Buchanan

'Impossibly funny, wildly romantic and extremely hot – I could not have loved it more’  ― Rosie Walsh

From Facebook

Lindsey Kelk is a Sunday Times bestselling author, podcaster, and proud defender of The Cheesecake Factory. She’s the author of the I Heart series, The Christmas Wish, Love Story, and the YA romantasy series The Bell Witches.

When she’s not writing, Lindsey co-hosts Tights and Fights, a pro-wrestling podcast on the Maximum Fun network (yes, really—pro wrestling).

Off the clock, she’s probably reading, binge-watching TV, texting the group chat, or planning a karaoke night (despite being unable to sing).

Born and raised in South Yorkshire, Lindsey lived in London and New York before settling in Los Angeles with her husband and two cats. (Bio adapted from Lindsey's website.)

Visit Lindsey online:

Website * Facebook * Instagram * TikTok

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Sara and Melissa Talk About...Kindness

We've been running a column series to get more personal with our readers. We are now into our sixth year!

This month, we are talking about kindness. It feels especially important to talk about this topic during the holidays. 

We're always open to topic suggestions, so please don't hesitate to share those in the comments. We'd also love to know if you can relate to anything we've said or hear your own thoughts on the topic. So don't be shy. 😊 We look forward to getting to know you as much as we're letting you get to know us. You can find our previous columns here, in case you missed them.

Melissa Amster:

There are so many directions to go with the subject of kindness. I've recently been thinking of something because of an influencer I follow: @yourbestiemisha (or Dontcrossagayman on Facebook). Misha is always talking about the nice things he does for strangers. It's inspiring and heartwarming to hear about everything he does to make someone else's life a bit brighter. However, I know he's received pushback from people who think he's bragging about his acts of kindness. 

That's what I want to talk about today: Should we share about our acts of kindness with others? 

I personally like spreading kindness and doing nice things for people whenever I can. I just don't like to talk about it on social media. To me, it feels like robbing someone of their dignity. Especially if it's a charitable act of some kind. So I'm private about doing acts of kindness. What's important to me is that the recipient benefitted and that it made their life just a bit easier. 

On the other hand, hearing Misha talk about the things he does for people is inspiring others to do acts of kindness and spread more joy whenever possible. It brightens my day to hear about something good he did for someone else. With all the cruelty in the world these days, it's refreshing to hear about someone just paying for another person's groceries or comforting them when they are crying in public. I do feel that Misha only talks about his acts of kindness in order to inspire other people to do them too. He seems to be all about love and light. Still, that doesn't mean that I feel comfortable going public with every single act of kindness I've ever done. To each their own, right?

This holiday season, I task you with doing one act of kindness. I don't want to know what you did or who you did it for. I just want you to brighten someone else's day. And if you need some ideas for what to do, go visit Misha on social media!

Sara Steven:

I had a tougher time with the topic choice for this month, mainly due to the current climate of everything going on around us. There have been a lot of tragedies lately, intertwined with a lot of dispassionate people who wouldn’t seem to know an act of kindness if it was staring them in the face. 

And then I saw this news clip about a skunk who’d gotten stuck in a dumpster, and the first thing that had come to mind for me was: how metaphoric.

The last animal most of us would ever consider assisting would be a skunk. The risk of helping–I mean, that alone might make most of us take pause. I’ve never been sprayed by a skunk, but from what I’ve heard, it’s pretty awful. Yet the local fire department reached out to the Southwest Wildlife Conservation, all in an effort to try to do everything they could to save the skunk, despite getting sprayed multiple times for over an hour.  

Maybe they were merely doing their job. For me, though, it was an ultimate act of kindness.

Life can be like that when we dole out our own acts of kindness. Sometimes the interactions we have or the situations we face when we try to help or be kind are a lot like dealing with a skunk; caustic. Troublesome. Smelly. But we still dive in, because being kind isn’t about reaping the rewards. It’s about doing something for someone else, often without that reward. Sometimes it seems that the person who is the recipient of the act of kindness could care less. They don’t seem grateful. Instead of being grateful, they might lash out because they are going through something we don’t understand. Much like the skunk, it could be fear that drives their reaction. And all we can do is say that we tried.

It can get to a point where we might feel like it’s not worth it. We keep trying to be kind, but at what cost? Getting sprayed over and over, multiple times, doesn’t sound like a lot of fun to me. Being kind can change people, though. It can make a difference, even if we don’t see it. Even if the recipient doesn’t recognize it–they might later on, when they are facing their own situations, make a choice in doing something for someone else. Paying it forward.  

Watching the video reminded me that it isn’t always easy to be kind, but given the choice between being kind and being dispassionate, I choose kindness, every time. Even if it sometimes means having to take a long-awaited metaphorical bath in a tub of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap to get the smell off.   

What are your thoughts on kindness?

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Jessica and Amanda light up our lives...plus a book giveaway

L to R: Amanda and Jessica

Introduction by Melissa Amster

We are so happy to have Amanda Usen and Jessica Topper visiting us today to talk about their delightful Hanukkah rom-com series, The Matzo Ballers. The fifth and sixth books in the series are now available and we're excited to share those with you. If you missed the first four books, you can get them in one ebook set for only 99 cents! I binged all four last year (and loved each one) and am currently reading Challah-day Fling and enjoying it so far. I invited them here today to talk about the series and celebrating Hanukkah. They have TWO ebook sets of the latest books in the series to give away. More on these books below. All can be read as standalones, although the newer books do reference past events and couplings.

Longtime friends and creative partners Jessica Topper and Amanda Usen first met in 2011 while waiting to pick up their kids from Hebrew school—bonding over coffee, kids, and conversation.

What started as playdates for their children turned into a lasting friendship and, eventually, a shared dream of writing Hanukkah romances that celebrate love, laughter, and light.

Together, they created The Matzo Ballers Hanukkah Romance series, born from Sunday brainstorming sessions in Amanda's kitchen over carrot muffins and Nespresso, and fueled by their mission to bring more joy and Jewish representation into the world.

Jessica, a former New York City librarian and touring rock band bookkeeper, broke the rock-romance mold with her acclaimed debut Louder Than Love and followed it up with Dictatorship of the Dress, named one of Publishers Weekly's “Best Books of 2015.” 

Amanda, a chef turned romance author, writes deliciously emotional love stories filled with humor and heat, including Scrumptious, hailed by Booklist as "smart, sexy, simply irresistible contemporary romance."

They're thrilled to welcome readers aboard the Matzo Baller—because every cruise (and every Hanukkah) deserves a happily ever after.

Visit Amanda online:

Website * Facebook * Instagram

Visit Jessica online:
Website * Facebook * Instagram 

Meet the OG Matzo Ballers: eight friends who became found family, living and loving their best lives on a yearly Hanukkah harbor cruise around Manhattan...

Latke'd and Loaded

She’s not her famous sister. He’s not her bodyguard. But their feelings? Genuine.

Smile, wave, fake it.

Tzipora Solokoff was once half of America’s favorite sitcom twins. But while her sister became known as Hollywood star Kara Koff, Tzipi chose a quieter life off-camera. Now Kara’s secret elopement leaves Tzipi posing as her twin on the annual Matzo Baller Hanukkah cruise—smile, wave, fake it for one night. Easy enough…until she meets the man she thinks is her bodyguard.

Until secrets start to unravel.

Jonah Klein has always been the dependable sidekick: loyal friend, fixer, joker. But as his friends chase careers, marriages, and milestones, Jonah can’t shake the feeling he’s been left behind. Determined to turn things around, he boards this year’s cruise to finally thank Kara for helping him after his very public drunken faceplant last Hanukkah. Instead, he finds himself drawn into her orbit again—only something doesn’t quite add up.

Eight hours. Two mistaken identities. One very real connection.

With holiday hijinks, hidden truths, and sparks flying on deck, Tzipi and Jonah must team up to keep her sister’s reputation afloat…without sinking their own hearts in the process.

Challah-day Fling

It was only a fling.

Pastry chef Libby Sugarman planned to spend her Palm Beach getaway making Hanukkah donuts—not getting swept into a whirlwind weekend with the mysterious, devastatingly handsome artist who painted her like one of his muses and kissed her like he already knew her soul. Two nights, no strings. Easy, right?

Until their worlds collided…

Rabbi Micah Wasserman thought he could keep his worlds separate: rabbi in New York, secret artist in Palm Beach. But one unforgettable weekend with Libby shatters his resolve. When their paths collide again on the Matzo Baller cruise, Micah is desperate to hold on to the woman who makes him feel both holy and undone—if his carefully guarded secret doesn’t sink them first.

She thinks she’s too much. He thinks he’s not enough. But eight nights of Hanukkah have a way of working miracles…

(Both synopses are courtesy of Amazon.)

Without giving spoilers, which of your eight characters do you relate to the most, and why?
Jessica: I think I relate most to Sylvie, the photographer and ex-girlfriend of Avi, the rock star. She’s quietly creative, very empathetic and a bit misunderstood. I haven’t finished writing her full story yet (it’s coming next year, in Four Chuppahs and a Shiva) but I am looking forward to Sylvie getting her day in the spotlight and her HEA (happily ever after) moment.  

Amanda: Talia, a.k.a. the Jewish Grandma caterer. She was the first character to come to me when we started spit-balling about the series. Since I’ve worked in kitchens for most of my career, it’s a world I know and love. Talia is also a problem solver and a straight shooter–two of my strengths (and sometimes flaws…ask Jessica lol).

Which of the six (so far) books has been the easiest to write and which has been the most challenging?
Amanda: The Dreidel Do-Over was easiest because we were building the world and had zero constraints. It was so much fun to create the Matzo Baller cruise! Jessica would text me, “By the way, there’s a champagne tower now…with an aerialist suspended above it, filling the glasses!”  And I’d write back, “Awesome! What do you think about strip dreidel?” Most challenging to write? Challah-day Fling. Oy vey, I was schvitzing about writing a rabbi, especially because the premise of the book involves an ENORMOUS lie of omission. Fingers crossed readers love Micah!

Jessica: This latest book, Latke’d and Loaded, was by far the most challenging due to it having a double mistaken identity plot that had to be handled very carefully, pacing out the reveals and keeping track of who knew what at which time. 

The easiest was my first, The Hanukkah Hook-Up, for the same reasons Amanda shared. Now that we are six books in, some things have been established about personalities and situations, so you are a bit more bound to honor them.

If this series were made into a TV series, what are some songs you'd include?
Jessica: I always weave songs into my stories and the Matzo Baller books are no exception! Everything from Matisyahu (“One Day”) to Beastie Boys, who have had a nod in each of my three books so far. I’d love to pay tribute to the late Sharon Jones (of Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings) with “8 Days (of Hanukkah)” playing during the opening or closing credits. Clearly I have daydreamed about this way too much!

Amanda: I would (wisely) let Jessica choose all the music, and she would let me style the food. Oh! Except for one song. “Summer Nights” from Grease would have to play in the background at some point because the rabbi’s lie of omission comes back to bite him in the tuches.

What is your favorite Hanukkah tradition?
Amanda: Latkes! I think I grated fifteen pounds of potatoes last year, and we had a latke bar with tons of toppings, including Bison chip dip, which is popular in Western New York.

Jessica: We have been collecting menorahs over the years, and it’s always fun to let my daughter (now in her early 20s) choose which one to light each year.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you in relation to Hanukkah?
Jessica: I think it’s about to happen on December 19! My local PBS station is airing a program about holiday traditions and I’ll be discussing Hanukkah – on live television. I’m equal parts elated and nervous but I think it has the potential to be fun AND funny, hopefully in a good way and not the stuff TV bloopers are made of…

Amanda: One year, I put the potato peelings from the latkes down the garbage disposal, and clogged a pipe in the basement. My then-husband got a faceful of nasty potato water when he cleared the drain. But that’s not the funny part. I did it the next year, too! (But never again.) There was also the time I lit the wooden menorah the kids made at Hebrew school, and nearly set my sister’s table on fire. Tragedy was averted, thank goodness.

Do you prefer applesauce or sour cream with your latkes? 
Amanda: If I am forced to choose one or the other…sour cream. With sriracha. But I can really get behind a latke slider with a fried egg in the middle. And latkes with sweet chili sauce are really good, too. Now that I’m thinking about it, peanut sauce and sliced avocado are going to hit the latke bar this year!

Jessica: Team sour cream if I have to pick one…but I, like my character Jonah, would choose ketchup over all other choices. Please don’t judge!

Thanks to Jessica and Amanda for chatting with us and for sharing their books with our readers.

How to win: Use KingSumo to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using KingSumo on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

Giveaway ends December 21st at midnight EST.

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Book Review: The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah

By Melissa Amster

Evelyn Schwartz has the perfect Hanukkah planned: eight jam-packed days producing the live-action televised musical of A Christmas Carol. Who needs family when you’ve got long hours, impossible deadlines, and your dream job? That is, until an accident on set lands her in the medical bay with one of her chronic migraines, and she’s shocked to find her ex-husband, David Adler, filling in for the usual studio doctor.

It’s been two years since David walked away from Evelyn and their life in Manhattan, and his ex-wife is still the same workaholic who puts her career before everything else—especially her health. But when Evelyn begins hallucinating “ghosts” tied to her past heartbreaks, and every single one leads to David, he finds himself spending much more time with her than he anticipated. And denying the still-smoldering chemistry between them becomes impossible.

As Evelyn revisits her ghosts of Hanukkah past, she and David both begin to wonder if they can have a Hanukkah future. But with a high-stakes production ramping up the pressure on Evelyn, and troublesome spirits forcing them both to confront their most difficult shared memories, it might just take a Hanukkah miracle for these two exes to light the flame on their second-chance at love. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I've been a fan of Jean Meltzer's books ever since I read The Matzah Ball (reviewed here). Not only do her books feature Jewish characters, Jewish holidays, and romance, but they also focus on physical and/or mental health issues that her main characters are facing. In The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah, Evelyn has chronic migraines, and the one person who understands what she's really going through is her ex-husband, who is suddenly back in her life after two years of being apart.

Jean is a great storyteller and I enjoyed getting to know Evelyn and David throughout this novel. They both had different heartbreaks to confront and seeing each other again brought that to the surface. Plus, there were other obstacles at play, such as a very annoying and overprivileged lead actor for the live musical Evelyn is producing. For all the stress Evelyn was under, which included reconnecting with her ex-husband who left her after a very difficult situation, she had a lot of patience to put up with Jared for as long as she did. He made my blood boil with how frustrating he was being. That's all I will say on that topic or I'll just get riled up again!

Another situation Evelyn was dealing with was that these "Ghosts of Hanukkah Past" would visit her every night and make her flash back to certain difficult times in her life. 

Not only did we get Evelyn's point-of-view, but we also got David's perspective and he saw some things differently from how Evelyn saw them, so they were butting heads about why the divorce happened in the first place. However, I was rooting for them to find their way back to each other. 

This story had some sad moments and after hearing about the real experiences they were based on, the sadness factor was kicked up a notch. There's still Jewish joy to balance it out, but you may want to have tissues handy.

Some characters and situations from Jean's previous novels are mentioned, which is fun for anyone who has read those books and light spoilers for those who haven't. My only concern was that it felt like there were some timing inconsistencies, but I hope these were ironed out for the final publication.

Overall, this novel was thoughtful and heartfelt and I encourage you to check it out! It's currently available, so what are you waiting for?!? 

(Trigger warning below.)

Movie casting suggestions:

Evelyn: Romola Garai

David: Michiel Huisman

Jared: Justin Timberlake

Danielle: Lauren Cohan

Thanks to Harlequin for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Jean Meltzer:

Mr. Perfect on Paper

Kissing Kosher

Magical Meet Cute

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TW: Termination of pregnancy for medical reasons. 

Spotlight: Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon

Introduction by Melissa Amster

Today we are celebrating the publication of Matthew Norman's latest rom-com, Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon! This sounds like a great story and I look forward to adding it to my queue soon. I enjoy holiday movies and am pleased to share my marathon list with you. I'd love to see yours, so please share it in the comments.

1. While You Were Sleeping

2. Home Alone

3. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

4. Love, Actually

5. The Holiday

6. Any good sounding movies that are new to Hallmark channel or Netflix, especially if they are about Hanukkah.

Be sure to add this novel to your winter holiday reading TBR!

The new year has barely begun when Grace White and Henry Adler both lose their spouses. Now, nearly a year later, the first holiday season since their "Great and Terrible Sadnesses" approaches. Although their book-club mothers scheme to matchmake the two, it’s clear neither is ready to date again. Yet no one understands what the two surviving spouses are going through better than each other, and a delicate friendship is born.

When Henry sees an ad for a Christmas movie marathon—once an annual tradition for him and his wife—Grace offers to watch some films together, despite her aversion to a few of his picks. Her two young kids, Ian and Bella, also join in whenever possible—bedtimes permitting, of course.

With each movie, Grace and Henry’s shared grief begins to ease as they start to see a life beyond the sadness. But as they draw closer, other romantic possibilities leave them both uncertain about their future together. Is their bond merely the result of loneliness and shared circumstances, or have they found something more long-lasting that’s worth taking a shot at . . . again?

“Hands down, one of the best rom-coms I’ve ever read. No one can make me laugh (and cry) quite like Matthew Norman, and I know I'll be re-reading this warm hug of a book every holiday season for years to come.”

—Colleen Oakley, author of Jane and Dan at the End of the World

“Between the snappy dialogue, lovable characters, and pitch-perfect emotion, Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon is a delightful gem of absolute perfection. Literally only Scrooge couldn’t fall in love with this book.”

—Allison Winn Scotch, bestselling author of The Rewind

“There’s an intimacy of thought in Matthew Norman’s books that creates the sense of feeling, as the reader, that you are understood and welcome, that you would also be cared for in the world of his characters. I didn’t just love Grace and Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon. I lived in it, and actively missed it as soon as I turned the last page.”

—Allison Larkin, author of The People We Keep

Courtesy of Matthew's website

Matthew Norman lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with his wife and two children and holds an MFA from George Mason University. His previous novels include Charm City Rocks, All Together Now, Last Couple Standing, We're All Damaged, and Domestic Violets.

Visit Matthew online:
Website * Facebook * Instagram * BlueSky

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Sophie Sullivan gets us in the holiday mood...plus a book giveaway

Credit: Shelley Bell

We're glad to have Sophie Sullivan back at CLC today to get us into the holiday season mood with her latest rom-com, You Make It Feel Like Christmas. You'll want to read this one in front of a fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa and your coziest blanket. Thanks to St. Martin's Press, we have one copy to give away!

Sophie Sullivan (she/her) is a Canadian author as well as a cookie-eating, Diet Pepsi-drinking, Disney enthusiast who loves reading and writing romance in almost equal measure. She writes around her day job as a teacher and spends her spare time with her sweet family watching reruns of Friends. She's had plenty of practice writing happily ever after as her alter ego, Jody Holford.

Visit Sophie online: 
Website * Facebook * Instagram 

Synopsis:

Maisie Smart doesn’t look back. Not on the choice she made to be a photographer, and not on the one-night stand she had six months ago. But sleeping with a professional hockey player who bolted the morning after is a whole new level of embarrassing. Now she’s about to spend the week at Tickle Tree Farms with her family this Christmas—and then the universe throws a Grinch in her festive plans.

Nick King is a mess. After a significant injury benches him, he has more time to dwell on his anxieties and the one-night stand he can’t get out of his head. With the holidays around the corner, he figures visiting his sister and nephew at their Christmas tree farm will be a good way to sort himself out. That’s impossible when he learns Maisie is there, still beautiful and justifiably angry about the way he left. But Christmas is the time for second chances, and the forced proximity may help Nick and Maisie unwrap feelings neither of them can walk away from twice. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

"Sophie Sullivan is the queen of sweet romance!" 

―Falon Ballard, author of Right on Cue

"Sophie Sullivan consistently crafts romances to root for." 

―Courtney Kae, author of In the Case of Heartbreak

What is one thing you would tell the debut novelist version of yourself?
Write down what you want, what you hope will happen, and don’t lose the piece of paper because, when those things happen, you want to celebrate what you achieved. 

What were the biggest rewards and challenges with writing You Make It Feel Like Christmas?
I loved writing this book. Nick and Maisie are a very special couple. The biggest reward was letting them fall in love with each other and accept each other for who they were. I also really loved all the Christmas activities. The biggest challenge was Nick’s mental health challenges. I wanted to make sure it was well represented. 

Without giving spoilers, what is something you cut out of the book that you wish you had kept?
I actually wrote a completely different opening to this book. I don’t know that I wish I’d kept it but I liked it. It started with Nick and Maisie having known each other a lot longer than this version and they showed up at the house at the same time. 

What do you look forward to most about Christmas?
Being with my family. I like trimming the tree and watching movies with them. 

If your life was a TV series, which celebrity would you want to narrate it?
I absolutely love Jason Reynold’s voice. I could listen to him read all day. 

What is the last movie you saw that you would recommend?
My family and I just watched the entire Jurassic Park franchise. I really enjoyed most of them. Rewatching the first one was really nostalgic so that would be my suggestion. Or The Lost City because it’s awesome. 

How to win: Use Gleam to enter the giveaway. (Rafflecopter is shutting down at the end of September, so we are switching over to Gleam.) If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Gleam on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

You Make It Feel Like Christmas (1 print copy)

Giveaway ends September 30th at midnight EST.

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Spotlight and Giveaway: Holly and Nick Hate Christmas

It's September, so that means holiday rom-coms are releasing soon. Holly and Nick Hate Christmas by Betsy St. Amant is arriving mid-month and it sounds like a lot of fun! It has forced proximity and enemies-to-lovers vibes, for those of you who are into tropes. Thanks to Penguin Random House, we have one copy to give away!

When a Christmas-hating woman’s brother sets her up with a fellow Grinch and it backfires, she decides to out-Christmas her date by kicking off a festive battle of wills in this inspirational enemies-to-lovers holiday romcom.

Holly Sinclair has hated Christmas for as long as she can remember. Who names their Christmas baby Holly in the first place? She was teased mercilessly growing up. Holly Berry, Holli-days, Holly Jolly . . . not to mention the fact that her birthday is often totally overlooked amidst the season.

To make matters worse, instead of getting the promotion she was expecting, Holly’s been downsized—which is just fancy holiday talk for fired. Now Holly has to go home single, unemployed, turning thirty, and only a tinsel strand of faith. Bah, humbug.

Holly’s big brother, Ryan, has dragged his best friend, known holiday-hater Nick Kinsley, home with him. But when Holly discovers that Nick’s here to be her pity date, she decides the best revenge is to play along . . . and Christmas like she’s never Christmas’d before. Commence Operation: Naughty List. The fact that she’s attracted to Nick is totally not the point. She’ll teach him a lesson, one ho ho ho at a time. 

The holiday grows more complicated when Holly and Ryan find out their parents asked all the siblings to come home for Christmas this year, but refuse to say why. The rest of the Sinclair siblings descend, each with their own sleigh full of secrets. Rumors spread as everyone tries to guess the reason for their parents’ demand—and Nick turns out to have a secret of his own. Will this be a Christmas to forget? Or will Holly and Nick discover there is so much more?

“Holly and Nick Hate Christmas is a charming, romantic, feel-good delight!”

—Bethany Turner, award-winning author of Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other

“Holly and Nick Hate Christmas includes everything a reader could want for Christmas. Humor, family fun, the spirit of Christmas, and Christmas shenanigans. Fans of Melissa Ferguson and Bethany Turner will love this heartwarming, joyous read for the holiday season and years to come!”

—Toni Shiloh, Christy Award–winning author

“Holly and Nick Hate Christmas overflows with festive chaos. If you enjoy holiday stories featuring huge families, secrets, and witty banter, then you’ll fall in love with this rom-com.”

—Angela Ruth Strong, author of Husband Auditions

Credit: Michala Vaughn

Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of more than twenty-five romance novels and novellas. She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two teenagers, and one furry schnauzer-toddler. Betsy has a bachelor of arts in communication and loves teaching and speaking on the craft of writing. She writes frequently for iBelieve, a devotional site for women, and offers author coaching and editing services through Storyside LLC.

Visit Betsy online:

Website * Facebook * Instagram

How to win: Use Gleam to enter the giveaway. (Rafflecopter is shutting down at the end of September, so we are switching over to Gleam.) If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Gleam on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

Holly and Nick Hate Christmas (1 print copy)

Giveaway ends September 14th at midnight EST.

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