About the Book
Synopsis on Goodreads:
A spark of attraction burns brighter each year between childhood friends in this sweeping Hanukkah romance by USA Today bestselling author Amanda Elliot.
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.
My Review
Growing up in New Jersey, Shira Levinson and Leo David were always best friends. Unfortunately, circumstances interfered, and they went their separate ways. Shira went to college while Leo’s family fell apart. His parents divorced and he moved away with his mother. They promised to keep in touch, but communication decreased over the years.
They both continued living their lives. Shira did very well for herself with her art career in Los Angeles, while Leo had to move back in with his estranged father and get a job in a local warehouse. Over a span of eight years, Shira and Leo would see each other on Hanukkah and get reacquainted.
Shira loved the holiday and always took over her family’s annual party. Each year Leo was there to lend a helping hand. Aside from the occasional email and text throughout the year, Shira and Leo led their own lives.
Over the years, they would get close but then would go their separate ways. Life happened to both of them creating so many obstacles, but once a year they would support each other.
This is a unique writing style. It’s told from the alternating points of view of Shira and Leo. I found it a very interesting way to tell the story, and I appreciated reading what both were going through.
It’s a heartwarming tale. Sometimes sad, sometimes happy. It did bring me to tears and these are characters I could truly care about. The author did a wonderful job with the Jewish traditions and painted a vivid picture of the story and the setting.
I have read this author before and will continue to look for her books.
For reading challenges:
A Literary Escapes Reading Challenge 2026 (New Jersey)
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
That sounds good.
ReplyDelete