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Eight Nights to Win Her Heart
Bask in the warm glow of the menorah in this debut Jewish romantic comedy featuring a hard-of-hearing hero and a Chanukah meet-cute, perfect for fans of Rachel Lynn Solomon and Jean Meltzer.
Andie Williams is not looking forward to spending her first Chanukah alone after her father's death. About to lose her job, with her only prospect across the country for another work opportunity, she could use some chutzpah to make it through the eight nights alone.
Leo Dentz has had a crush on the girl across the hall from his apartment for years but has never had the courage to say anything—until she drops her grocery bags and he notices her drug store Chanukah candles. Ready to take a chance outside of his comfort zone, Leo offers to join Andie on the first night, sharing his dinner with her.
As Andie and Leo fall for each other one night at a time, and the clock ticks down on Andie's move, will this season of miracles light their way forward?
Andie Williams is not looking forward to spending her first Chanukah alone after her father's death. About to lose her job, with her only prospect across the country for another work opportunity, she could use some chutzpah to make it through the eight nights alone.
Leo Dentz has had a crush on the girl across the hall from his apartment for years but has never had the courage to say anything—until she drops her grocery bags and he notices her drug store Chanukah candles. Ready to take a chance outside of his comfort zone, Leo offers to join Andie on the first night, sharing his dinner with her.
As Andie and Leo fall for each other one night at a time, and the clock ticks down on Andie's move, will this season of miracles light their way forward?
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First published October 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
October 30, 2024
(rounded up from 3.5 stars)
There’s always a ton of Christmas-related romance books so it’s lovely to discover a new Chanukah-related one. Andie is a preschool teacher who will be losing her job because the nursery school program she loves is being cut. She’s not looking forward to moving from the Boston area to Ohio for a new job but preschool teacher jobs are apparently hard to find. (Are they?? Or are they just badly paid?) Anyway, Leo is her neighbor and has had a crush on her for a long time but hasn’t made his move - he’s shy and a bit awkward. When they finally do start talking, it’s because she dropped her grocery bag and he saw the box of Chanukah candles. Which leads to an effort on Leo’s part to woo her during the eight-day holiday. Leo needs to charm Andie enough that she will decide not to move.
As in most romances, you know they will end up together, so the joy is always in the journey the couple takes to get there. In this case, it was a lot of starts and stops. I kept rooting for them, however.
One thing I really disliked was Leo’s father and his attitude toward his two sons. As someone who raised three boys, I know that they can make some really big mistakes, especially as they turn into teenagers. (Don’t we all do that?) But the 12-year-long grudge that Leo’s dad held onto felt unrealistic, especially given the otherwise warm and close Dentz family. Leo and his brother Dean want to take over the business but the father’s grudge is preventing this from happening.
I loved that Leo is hard of hearing, even at 28, and needs hearing aids. You don’t see a lot of that in novels unless the person is elderly. In Leo’s case, it happened from getting very sick when he was 16. The author treated this beautifully. I also loved all the Chanukah-related traditions and events, especially the festival at the family’s synagogue, with dreidel games and fake Maccabee sword fights.
Note: there are quite a few explicit steamy scenes, so if that bothers you, be aware.
Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
There’s always a ton of Christmas-related romance books so it’s lovely to discover a new Chanukah-related one. Andie is a preschool teacher who will be losing her job because the nursery school program she loves is being cut. She’s not looking forward to moving from the Boston area to Ohio for a new job but preschool teacher jobs are apparently hard to find. (Are they?? Or are they just badly paid?) Anyway, Leo is her neighbor and has had a crush on her for a long time but hasn’t made his move - he’s shy and a bit awkward. When they finally do start talking, it’s because she dropped her grocery bag and he saw the box of Chanukah candles. Which leads to an effort on Leo’s part to woo her during the eight-day holiday. Leo needs to charm Andie enough that she will decide not to move.
As in most romances, you know they will end up together, so the joy is always in the journey the couple takes to get there. In this case, it was a lot of starts and stops. I kept rooting for them, however.
One thing I really disliked was Leo’s father and his attitude toward his two sons. As someone who raised three boys, I know that they can make some really big mistakes, especially as they turn into teenagers. (Don’t we all do that?) But the 12-year-long grudge that Leo’s dad held onto felt unrealistic, especially given the otherwise warm and close Dentz family. Leo and his brother Dean want to take over the business but the father’s grudge is preventing this from happening.
I loved that Leo is hard of hearing, even at 28, and needs hearing aids. You don’t see a lot of that in novels unless the person is elderly. In Leo’s case, it happened from getting very sick when he was 16. The author treated this beautifully. I also loved all the Chanukah-related traditions and events, especially the festival at the family’s synagogue, with dreidel games and fake Maccabee sword fights.
Note: there are quite a few explicit steamy scenes, so if that bothers you, be aware.
Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
September 24, 2024
This one was a difficult one to rate.
For the wonderful characters (with the exception of Leo’s father- ugh!)-*****
For the many beautiful details of the Chanukah celebrations and parties-*****
(And I dare anyone not to crack up over the Maccabean sword fight!)
Andie’s pre-school teaching, that she loved so much-*****
Then, we have the steamy stuff. Quite a few graphically described sex scenes, in fact.
Steaminess Rating-❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
So, yeah, hard to rate. Eventually, I settled on a 3.5.
For the wonderful characters (with the exception of Leo’s father- ugh!)-*****
For the many beautiful details of the Chanukah celebrations and parties-*****
(And I dare anyone not to crack up over the Maccabean sword fight!)
Andie’s pre-school teaching, that she loved so much-*****
Then, we have the steamy stuff. Quite a few graphically described sex scenes, in fact.
Steaminess Rating-❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
So, yeah, hard to rate. Eventually, I settled on a 3.5.
December 1, 2024
I'm always up for a Hanukkah romance at this time of year and Eight Nights to Win Her Heart was the perfect cozy holiday read. It even felt like a Hallmark Hanukkah movie.
The story was really sweet and I found myself unable to put it down once it really got going. I enjoyed the banter between Leo and Andie and it was nice seeing both their perspectives throughout the novel. It reminded me of when my husband and I first met, as Judaism was one of the things that initially bonded us and we were also inseparable after a while. I loved how Leo's family was so involved in his love life. His niece, Millie, was such a firecracker and I adored her! It was also heartwarming to see how Andie interacted with children, both in her role as a teacher and even more when she was not working. The descriptions of people and places made everything easy to visualize without being overwhelming.
There were a lot of things at stake in this novel. Andie had a huge decision to make and it was suddenly impacted by her relationship with Leo, which was moving at a fast pace. Leo had a difficult relationship with his father, which was affecting his future prospects at his family's antique business. I really liked that there was a heightened level of drama, as that upped the ante for both characters.
The story started off a bit slow for me, but then it picked up after a few chapters. So I definitely recommend sticking around and seeing what happens.
Overall, a really enjoyable read that got me in the mood for Hanukkah. (Bring on the latkes!) I hope Miri White will write another novel featuring these characters so that she can focus on Leo's brother Dean finding his beshert next!
(Trigger warning below.)
Movie casting suggestions:
Andie: Odeya Rush
The story was really sweet and I found myself unable to put it down once it really got going. I enjoyed the banter between Leo and Andie and it was nice seeing both their perspectives throughout the novel. It reminded me of when my husband and I first met, as Judaism was one of the things that initially bonded us and we were also inseparable after a while. I loved how Leo's family was so involved in his love life. His niece, Millie, was such a firecracker and I adored her! It was also heartwarming to see how Andie interacted with children, both in her role as a teacher and even more when she was not working. The descriptions of people and places made everything easy to visualize without being overwhelming.
There were a lot of things at stake in this novel. Andie had a huge decision to make and it was suddenly impacted by her relationship with Leo, which was moving at a fast pace. Leo had a difficult relationship with his father, which was affecting his future prospects at his family's antique business. I really liked that there was a heightened level of drama, as that upped the ante for both characters.
The story started off a bit slow for me, but then it picked up after a few chapters. So I definitely recommend sticking around and seeing what happens.
Overall, a really enjoyable read that got me in the mood for Hanukkah. (Bring on the latkes!) I hope Miri White will write another novel featuring these characters so that she can focus on Leo's brother Dean finding his beshert next!
(Trigger warning below.)
Movie casting suggestions:
Andie: Odeya Rush
Leo: Logan Lerman
Dean: Ian Nelson
Glen: Adam Arkin
Sarah: Caylee Cowan
Gayle: Susie Essman
Jodie: Nikki Reed
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TW: Death of parents (Andie's mother died really young and her father was sick for a while before he passed.)
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TW: Death of parents (Andie's mother died really young and her father was sick for a while before he passed.)
December 15, 2024
I enjoyed this for the most part. It had a lot of really sweet and cosy moments, and I found the way they talked about taking charge of your life really inspiring. It would have been four stars for me, but in the third act conflict, Leo said something, in my opinion, unforgiveable about Andie being an orphan, and it made me so angry I needed to dock a star for it. It immediately made me dislike him, which is a shame, because I thought he was a great love interest up until then.
September 16, 2024
*I’d like to thank NetGalley, Alcove Press and Lucy Miri White for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“Eight Nights to Win Her Heart” is White’s contemporary romance debut and tells the story of Andie and Leo.
When Leo isn’t losing himself in a restoration project for his family’s antiquity business, he is dreaming about his friendly neighbours Andie. They had shared some friendly conversation, but Leo could never bring himself to ask her out. That is until an old menorah falls into his hands, and his niece Millie suggests making a wish by lighting it.
Leo finds Andie amidst her groceries, which had fallen out of her broken shopping bag, and promptly spots the menorah candles among her purchases. He basically invites himself in, and learns that Andie is about to move to Ohio for a preschool job.
Andie who also had nurtured a crush on her handsome neighbours, decided to spend her remaining days with the kind man from next door. But things get tricky when every evening spent with Leo feels very right, but her move is looming over her. Leo decides then and there that he would use his remaining eight nights with Andie to convince her to stay, and find out where their connection might lead them.
“Eight Nights to Win Her Heart” by Miri White is a cosy, feel-good holiday-themed romance that gives you all the feels. There still isn’t much chanukah-themed media out there, so I am grateful that White took it on herself to create the Jewish equivalent to a Hallmark movie. She did a great job with doing so.
Leo and Andie are such a beautiful couple. Leo is absolute book boyfriend material. He is kind, loving and mature. I also appreciate not only the representation of a Jewish man, but also the representation of a person who is hard of hearing and unashamed of it. I loved the way Leo noticed all the small things about Andie and fell in love with the entirety of who she is. My heart melted when he guessed her favourite colour right simply by taking a look around her half packed apartment.
Andie is also an absolute gem. I could totally relate to her as someone who also only has her dad left. The bond that creates and pain that must come with such a loss hits very close to home. Through it all Andie remained a rather hopeful person wishing for love and family. I loved how passionate she was about her career, and how clear she set her boundaries with Leo when he overstepped.
Leo and Andie’s romance was very sweet. They instantly have a connection, however Andie’s looming move threatens the spark that is about to ignite. Both of them aren’t without flaw, but they compliment each other so wonderfully that even flaws turn into an opportunity to grow. Andie gives Leo a place to simply be and experience true acceptance. And Leo gives Andie a true companion and a family. I absolutely adored how welcoming Leo’s family was towards Andie.
The writing of the novel is simple yet compelling. I think there is room for growth when it comes to dialogue, but it doesn’t bother me much that sometimes the dialogue feels a bit unnatural. Plot wise I appreciate how every opened plotline was closed at the end, leaving a seamless ending. However, I am still curious how strip dreidel works. I need the instructions for scientific reasons.
Overall, a great contemporary debut with a Jewish twist that I can only recommend for the upcoming holiday season!
“Eight Nights to Win Her Heart” is White’s contemporary romance debut and tells the story of Andie and Leo.
When Leo isn’t losing himself in a restoration project for his family’s antiquity business, he is dreaming about his friendly neighbours Andie. They had shared some friendly conversation, but Leo could never bring himself to ask her out. That is until an old menorah falls into his hands, and his niece Millie suggests making a wish by lighting it.
Leo finds Andie amidst her groceries, which had fallen out of her broken shopping bag, and promptly spots the menorah candles among her purchases. He basically invites himself in, and learns that Andie is about to move to Ohio for a preschool job.
Andie who also had nurtured a crush on her handsome neighbours, decided to spend her remaining days with the kind man from next door. But things get tricky when every evening spent with Leo feels very right, but her move is looming over her. Leo decides then and there that he would use his remaining eight nights with Andie to convince her to stay, and find out where their connection might lead them.
“Eight Nights to Win Her Heart” by Miri White is a cosy, feel-good holiday-themed romance that gives you all the feels. There still isn’t much chanukah-themed media out there, so I am grateful that White took it on herself to create the Jewish equivalent to a Hallmark movie. She did a great job with doing so.
Leo and Andie are such a beautiful couple. Leo is absolute book boyfriend material. He is kind, loving and mature. I also appreciate not only the representation of a Jewish man, but also the representation of a person who is hard of hearing and unashamed of it. I loved the way Leo noticed all the small things about Andie and fell in love with the entirety of who she is. My heart melted when he guessed her favourite colour right simply by taking a look around her half packed apartment.
Andie is also an absolute gem. I could totally relate to her as someone who also only has her dad left. The bond that creates and pain that must come with such a loss hits very close to home. Through it all Andie remained a rather hopeful person wishing for love and family. I loved how passionate she was about her career, and how clear she set her boundaries with Leo when he overstepped.
Leo and Andie’s romance was very sweet. They instantly have a connection, however Andie’s looming move threatens the spark that is about to ignite. Both of them aren’t without flaw, but they compliment each other so wonderfully that even flaws turn into an opportunity to grow. Andie gives Leo a place to simply be and experience true acceptance. And Leo gives Andie a true companion and a family. I absolutely adored how welcoming Leo’s family was towards Andie.
The writing of the novel is simple yet compelling. I think there is room for growth when it comes to dialogue, but it doesn’t bother me much that sometimes the dialogue feels a bit unnatural. Plot wise I appreciate how every opened plotline was closed at the end, leaving a seamless ending. However, I am still curious how strip dreidel works. I need the instructions for scientific reasons.
Overall, a great contemporary debut with a Jewish twist that I can only recommend for the upcoming holiday season!
November 4, 2024
I’m so glad we are getting more and more Hanukkah books each year. This one was a bit more than a simple RomCom as it deals with grief, family drama, and career changes all during the course of one Hanukkah. I wouldn’t call this friends-lovers though it feels that way but Miri does a great job setting up Andie and Leo’s connection and how they get to where they are. Loved all of the Hanukkah traditions as well and the book does not come off as preachy at all. Loved the Epilogue from Millie’s POV too and I hope last few lines were actually setting up a Book 2?
October 28, 2024
This was a very cute holiday romance set around Chanukah, and it was a joy watching these two navigate not only the beginning stages of their relationship but also tackling the crossroads each of them finds themselves with regards to careers and families. Andie reminded me a lot of Lucy from the movie While You Were Sleeping in her wish for a loving big family (EDIT: Haha, I just saw on the author's instagram that this was literally part of the inspiration for the character. Love it!). I really liked seeing Andie's struggle how to move forward in her career--felt incredibly realistic. Leo's struggle with his father especially was another throughline for this book, and it also made me so glad that romances rely on happily ever afters, haha. Leo is deaf in a similar way to me (though his hearing loss came much later in life than mine), and I really liked some of the details White includes, like the how freaking annoying wind is on hearing aid microphones and worries about charging the hearing aids (and trying to talk with people who aren't looking at you). Just an all-in-all great book with lots of feelings, cozy and bittersweet and sexy and loving.
January 26, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for a ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. The audio version of this book is available January 28th, 2025! ♡
This was a really cute read - I love holiday books, even in January.
Andy and Leo are such a sweet couple. Leo is the perfect example of a golden retriever boyfriend.
The entire time I felt so sorry for Leo for ending up with such a dickhead father. Glen really pissed me off - how can you be so cruel to your kids?
Millie was definitely my favourite character, a cute 10 year old who wants her uncle to find love.
There were times I was struggling to stay interested. This was an audio read, and usually with audios I am enthralled with the story. I feel like book could’ve been a tad shorter and have the same outcome.
3/5 ⭒
This was a really cute read - I love holiday books, even in January.
Andy and Leo are such a sweet couple. Leo is the perfect example of a golden retriever boyfriend.
The entire time I felt so sorry for Leo for ending up with such a dickhead father. Glen really pissed me off - how can you be so cruel to your kids?
Millie was definitely my favourite character, a cute 10 year old who wants her uncle to find love.
There were times I was struggling to stay interested. This was an audio read, and usually with audios I am enthralled with the story. I feel like book could’ve been a tad shorter and have the same outcome.
3/5 ⭒
December 23, 2025
I really need to stop reading at the nail salon because my tech is tired of me crying. Unexpected and beautiful.
August 11, 2025
Andie Williams is facing her first Chanukah alone after her father's death, with job uncertainty looming and a move across the country ahead. Leo Dentz, her neighbour with a long-standing crush, finally musters the courage to invite her to dinner when he notices her struggling with groceries and Chanukah candles. As they share the holiday together, their bond deepens each night, but they must confront Andie’s upcoming move and whether this season of miracles can lead to a new beginning for them both.
Okay, I'm not exactly sure what to say about this book. Yes, I'm a slow reader, but it took me almost a month to finish it, and I really don't like DNF-ing a book. I also went back and forth a lot on how to rate it; I'm not sure whether it deserves two or three stars, and I'm still kind of on the fence.
I didn’t like Andie at all. It’s sweet how much she cares about preschool kids and how she’s looking for a job where she can really help them, but at times she felt awkward and just plain weird to me. Leo, on the other hand, saved the day. He's a great character, absolute book boyfriend material. You can see how hard he tries, even though some people around him don’t get it. I really liked how persistent he was in his efforts. As for the supporting characters, Millie seems super interesting, wrapping everyone around her little finger, but I also really liked Leo's brother Dean—I'd probably read a book about him before reading this one again.
Hmm, what exactly didn’t I like? Honestly, I’m not sure. I was initially drawn to the idea of eight days of Chanukah and was curious to see what would happen, but there weren’t any standout events—it felt like a lot was overlooked. Everything kind of dragged on, and I think the book could have been cut in half without all the repetition. Overall, it’s cute, but it just didn’t live up to expectations.
*Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, Miri White, for providing me with this e-copy in exchange for an honest review.*
Okay, I'm not exactly sure what to say about this book. Yes, I'm a slow reader, but it took me almost a month to finish it, and I really don't like DNF-ing a book. I also went back and forth a lot on how to rate it; I'm not sure whether it deserves two or three stars, and I'm still kind of on the fence.
I didn’t like Andie at all. It’s sweet how much she cares about preschool kids and how she’s looking for a job where she can really help them, but at times she felt awkward and just plain weird to me. Leo, on the other hand, saved the day. He's a great character, absolute book boyfriend material. You can see how hard he tries, even though some people around him don’t get it. I really liked how persistent he was in his efforts. As for the supporting characters, Millie seems super interesting, wrapping everyone around her little finger, but I also really liked Leo's brother Dean—I'd probably read a book about him before reading this one again.
Hmm, what exactly didn’t I like? Honestly, I’m not sure. I was initially drawn to the idea of eight days of Chanukah and was curious to see what would happen, but there weren’t any standout events—it felt like a lot was overlooked. Everything kind of dragged on, and I think the book could have been cut in half without all the repetition. Overall, it’s cute, but it just didn’t live up to expectations.
*Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, Miri White, for providing me with this e-copy in exchange for an honest review.*
June 14, 2024
Eight Nights to Win Her Heart by Miri White is a sweet, festive romance that I enjoyed.
I really, really like festive romance novels, especially those that incorporate Chanukah. There are honestly never enough. This one did not disappoint.
It is sweet, it is romantic, it is adorable, and it hit all the right notes. Andie and Leo are cute, compatible, and adorable together and their ability to find a connection with one another amongst the promise, hope, perseverance, and glow that represents some of the foundational concepts that is Chanukah, makes it all the more enjoyable.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Alcove Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/15/24.
I really, really like festive romance novels, especially those that incorporate Chanukah. There are honestly never enough. This one did not disappoint.
It is sweet, it is romantic, it is adorable, and it hit all the right notes. Andie and Leo are cute, compatible, and adorable together and their ability to find a connection with one another amongst the promise, hope, perseverance, and glow that represents some of the foundational concepts that is Chanukah, makes it all the more enjoyable.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Alcove Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/15/24.
December 22, 2024
What a standout debut!! I love seeing more Jewish holiday romances out in the world and this one was exceptional. Not only does it feature a male main character who is hard of hearing, but the romance between Leo and Andie was heartwarming and the family drama revolving around past mistakes and present hurts helped keep things real. If you're looking for a romance with great Jewish characters this is it! I learned so much about Chanukah and how to play with dreidels. HIGHLY recommended, especially for fans of authors like Lindsey Lanza. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! I'm hopeful Leo's brother Dean's story will be coming soon!
December 22, 2024
Such a fun and festive rom com!! I cannot wait for her next book!
December 29, 2024
A lovely Hanukkah rom com! I really enjoyed these lead characters and the depth of the families and emotions shared in this book.
December 6, 2025
3.5 ⭐
The hallmarky tropes were expected, but some of the pacing and dialogue fell flat for me. I also desperately need authors to use contractions in speech if they want it to sound natural. Always fun to read a Jewish holiday romcom, though; I had enough kindle credit to get the book for free and it was definitely a good use for them.
The hallmarky tropes were expected, but some of the pacing and dialogue fell flat for me. I also desperately need authors to use contractions in speech if they want it to sound natural. Always fun to read a Jewish holiday romcom, though; I had enough kindle credit to get the book for free and it was definitely a good use for them.
December 28, 2024
I spend most of December reading holiday romances. Every year it's a little bit less of struggle to find ones centered around Chanukah. I was thrilled to find a new rom-com to read post Christmas, while celebrating Chanukah. Unfortunately, the story of Andie Williams and Leo Dentz does not live up to it's promise. Possible spoilers ahead . . .
What I liked:
- Sweet love story
-Acknowledgement of Judaism and Chanukah celebrations without any antisemitic worries overshadowing the story.
- Alternating perspectives within each chapter that made it clear whose "voice" it was without hitting me over the head with chapters labeled "Andie" or "Leo".
- IMO, this was minimal spice. There is a single sex scene that is not described in depth (at least not compared to other rom-com's I've read).
What I didn't like:
- Incomplete and fragmented sentences . . .where was the editor???? Honestly, I don't understand how this book made it to a printed format with some of the obvious errors.
- Repetitive thoughts from the main characters. We know Andie lost her father and is making a big decision about if she should move and we get told that over and over and over again. There could have been so much more depth by giving us more details of Andie's relationship with her father, especially about what made their Chanukah celebrations together special. We know that Leo has a strained relationship with his father due to an accident in the family antique store that happened when Leo was 16 and we get told that over and over and over again. Show me how the father/son relationship was different before this incident; show me how his father's behavior has effected all the familial relationships.
- The family Chanukah celebration was way too long!
Overall, I didn't hate the book but there is a bit too much wrong or missing to give it more than 2 stars. The story potential is there and the author just needs a better editor to bring it out.
What I liked:
- Sweet love story
-Acknowledgement of Judaism and Chanukah celebrations without any antisemitic worries overshadowing the story.
- Alternating perspectives within each chapter that made it clear whose "voice" it was without hitting me over the head with chapters labeled "Andie" or "Leo".
- IMO, this was minimal spice. There is a single sex scene that is not described in depth (at least not compared to other rom-com's I've read).
What I didn't like:
- Incomplete and fragmented sentences . . .where was the editor???? Honestly, I don't understand how this book made it to a printed format with some of the obvious errors.
- Repetitive thoughts from the main characters. We know Andie lost her father and is making a big decision about if she should move and we get told that over and over and over again. There could have been so much more depth by giving us more details of Andie's relationship with her father, especially about what made their Chanukah celebrations together special. We know that Leo has a strained relationship with his father due to an accident in the family antique store that happened when Leo was 16 and we get told that over and over and over again. Show me how the father/son relationship was different before this incident; show me how his father's behavior has effected all the familial relationships.
- The family Chanukah celebration was way too long!
Overall, I didn't hate the book but there is a bit too much wrong or missing to give it more than 2 stars. The story potential is there and the author just needs a better editor to bring it out.
September 28, 2024
Andie is a preschool teacher who is about to lose her job due to her school closing, and plans to accept a new job in Ohio. Leo is her neighbor who has had a crush on Andie, but never made a move. It's the first Chanukah since Andie's father's passing, and Leo and Andie wind up celebrating the first night together, when both realize they are Jewish. Throughout the week of Chanukah, they start celebrating more nights together, and get to know each other. But with Andie planning to move to Ohio for a new job, and Leo figuring out if he'll be able to take over his family's antique business, will their relationship be able to grow towards a future together?
I absolutely loved this book for many reasons, including Jewish representation, and representation of a character with hearing aids, as I recently had to get hearing aids this year. As an educator, I loved Andie's story being a pre school teacher, and shedding light on the important work that teachers do. I highly recommend this book, and will be sharing it with my friends this Chanukah season.
I absolutely loved this book for many reasons, including Jewish representation, and representation of a character with hearing aids, as I recently had to get hearing aids this year. As an educator, I loved Andie's story being a pre school teacher, and shedding light on the important work that teachers do. I highly recommend this book, and will be sharing it with my friends this Chanukah season.
June 25, 2024
I was honestly a little taken aback and emotional Netgalley offered me the chance to read this during current times- while running to the store to get my kids a proper Shabbes meal for once (hard to come by around here), but I can see I'm not the only one with my name loving this so much! I'm hoping by the time this gets published it will be less hard to read without tearing up. So thank you!
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December 31, 2024This review was first posted on my blog BookishlyJewish
For many Jews, Hanukkah is a time for family. Clusters of menorahs burn bright against a window sill as every family member lights their own distinct menorah. Afterwards, extended families gather for seasonal parties and the exchanging of gifts (or more traditionally - gelt in envelopes). While the parties and gifts might be a spill over from the Christian tradition of exchanging gifts around this time of year, and a heavy marketing push to get as much of society buying as possible before year end balance sheets, the injunction to be together as a group is uniquely Jewish. The menorah is lit in a window or in a doorway in order to spread the word about the miracle publicly. There are even rules about how high up one can light the menorah, as it won’t officially count unless you can see it from street view or you bring someone up to view it.
This all adds up to it being a real kick in the rear to spend Hanukkah alone. Which is exactly the predicament facing Andie, protagonist of Miri White's adult romance novel Eight Nights To Win Her Heart. She’s celebrating the first Hanukkah since her father died, has no extended family, and is even facing the loss of what few connections she has as she contemplates a move to another state to find employment. It’s a bit depressing, until the neighbor she has been crushing on for months winds up at her door. After a few false starts, Andie and Leo agree to spend the eight nights of Hanukkah together.
Leo is hard of hearing and battling to show his father that neither his hearing loss nor his childhood mistakes mean he cannot take over the family business. He’s also got a niece that struck me as just a tad unbelievably precocious for her age, kind of spoiled, and with way more technology use than I think is wise for a ten-year-old. But she’s a necessary plot device to move this relationship forward. Through her meddling, Leo takes Andie on a aeries of delightful adventures that show off Andie's amazing skills as a preschool teacher - the woman has more empathy than seems legal - and the pluses and minuses of Leo’s family. Because let’s face it - while there are some very steamy scenes between these two - it’s the love of family that is really roping Andie into this relationship.
The third act conflict is where my writerly side came out tried to ruin things for me. Unortunately, I saw it coming a mile away, and it kept distracting me waiting for the thing I knew was going to happen to actually happen. At least this time no fluffy companions were harmed in the process (they are the reason I can’t read horror in which precious things are presented to us one by one in order to be killed off later. My heart was not built for that). We feel Andie's outrage even as we ponder the actual legality of the situation, and how she might have a whole plethora of options she hasn’t explored yet. In the end, it’s family that helps repair the rift, which brings the relationship full circle.
I’m not naive enough to think many people don’t celebrate Hanukkah alone. In fact, as an introvert, I sometimes need more alone-ness in my life and holidays like this can overwhelm me. But when living in Andie's world I felt her needs keenly. It’s a useful reminder to reach out to the people in your life you’ve been only superficially interacting with. You just never know where things will go.
Note: BookishlyJewish received an arc of this book from the publisher
For many Jews, Hanukkah is a time for family. Clusters of menorahs burn bright against a window sill as every family member lights their own distinct menorah. Afterwards, extended families gather for seasonal parties and the exchanging of gifts (or more traditionally - gelt in envelopes). While the parties and gifts might be a spill over from the Christian tradition of exchanging gifts around this time of year, and a heavy marketing push to get as much of society buying as possible before year end balance sheets, the injunction to be together as a group is uniquely Jewish. The menorah is lit in a window or in a doorway in order to spread the word about the miracle publicly. There are even rules about how high up one can light the menorah, as it won’t officially count unless you can see it from street view or you bring someone up to view it.
This all adds up to it being a real kick in the rear to spend Hanukkah alone. Which is exactly the predicament facing Andie, protagonist of Miri White's adult romance novel Eight Nights To Win Her Heart. She’s celebrating the first Hanukkah since her father died, has no extended family, and is even facing the loss of what few connections she has as she contemplates a move to another state to find employment. It’s a bit depressing, until the neighbor she has been crushing on for months winds up at her door. After a few false starts, Andie and Leo agree to spend the eight nights of Hanukkah together.
Leo is hard of hearing and battling to show his father that neither his hearing loss nor his childhood mistakes mean he cannot take over the family business. He’s also got a niece that struck me as just a tad unbelievably precocious for her age, kind of spoiled, and with way more technology use than I think is wise for a ten-year-old. But she’s a necessary plot device to move this relationship forward. Through her meddling, Leo takes Andie on a aeries of delightful adventures that show off Andie's amazing skills as a preschool teacher - the woman has more empathy than seems legal - and the pluses and minuses of Leo’s family. Because let’s face it - while there are some very steamy scenes between these two - it’s the love of family that is really roping Andie into this relationship.
The third act conflict is where my writerly side came out tried to ruin things for me. Unortunately, I saw it coming a mile away, and it kept distracting me waiting for the thing I knew was going to happen to actually happen. At least this time no fluffy companions were harmed in the process (they are the reason I can’t read horror in which precious things are presented to us one by one in order to be killed off later. My heart was not built for that). We feel Andie's outrage even as we ponder the actual legality of the situation, and how she might have a whole plethora of options she hasn’t explored yet. In the end, it’s family that helps repair the rift, which brings the relationship full circle.
I’m not naive enough to think many people don’t celebrate Hanukkah alone. In fact, as an introvert, I sometimes need more alone-ness in my life and holidays like this can overwhelm me. But when living in Andie's world I felt her needs keenly. It’s a useful reminder to reach out to the people in your life you’ve been only superficially interacting with. You just never know where things will go.
Note: BookishlyJewish received an arc of this book from the publisher
December 12, 2024
Awwww I loved this one! After a couple holiday books in a row that I wasn’t in love with this book was a breath of fresh air! I highly recommend it. Lots of warm fuzzies here.
Andie and Leo have been neighbors for years. They flirt but neither has gotten the nerve to ask the other out.
This is Andie’s first Hanukkah without her dad and her mom died when she was a child, she is not feeling excited about the holidays this year. In addition, her job at the pre-school has ended and she might face a move across the country in the new year.
Leo sees Andie drop her grocery bags and as he’s helping her, he notices her candles for her menorah.
It’s the first night of Hanukkah and he asks if they can share dinner and light the first candle together.
They soon decide to spend all of Hanukkah together without really knowing how it will end. Andie will likely have to move away. But they have a bunch of adorable holiday dates and start thinking about what the future might hold.
There’s a bit of an emotional side to the story because Andie very much misses her family and instantly falls for Leo’s. In addition, Leo has hearing loss and some drama with is dad about the family business.
This is a great book and I’d definitely recommend it. One of my favorites so far this season.
Andie and Leo have been neighbors for years. They flirt but neither has gotten the nerve to ask the other out.
This is Andie’s first Hanukkah without her dad and her mom died when she was a child, she is not feeling excited about the holidays this year. In addition, her job at the pre-school has ended and she might face a move across the country in the new year.
Leo sees Andie drop her grocery bags and as he’s helping her, he notices her candles for her menorah.
It’s the first night of Hanukkah and he asks if they can share dinner and light the first candle together.
They soon decide to spend all of Hanukkah together without really knowing how it will end. Andie will likely have to move away. But they have a bunch of adorable holiday dates and start thinking about what the future might hold.
There’s a bit of an emotional side to the story because Andie very much misses her family and instantly falls for Leo’s. In addition, Leo has hearing loss and some drama with is dad about the family business.
This is a great book and I’d definitely recommend it. One of my favorites so far this season.
September 27, 2024
I have been diving into holiday reads early this year and I was excited to try this one. Andie and Leo have been neighbors who have eyed each other for a while. Finally the two meet, but Andie will be moving to Ohio for a job opportunity so Leo only has eight nights to spend with her. Leo was loveable but I did find him bumbly at first, mostly I think it was due to his disability and being awkward, but it was a little odd. Their first night doesn't go too well, but both of them realize they need to give it another chance.
As the days go by, they get closer and closer and she starts meeting his family and growing close with them too. They are all she has been wishing for and the move is looming over her. I liked the found family aspect of this book, even if his dad was not ideal.
They both have issues they are dealing with in life but it doesn't get too heavy in this read.
In the end, I wasn't able to really connect with the characters as I wanted to and found that I was just reading to know the story's end. If you want a light read that centers around Jewish traditions and is heartwarming, then pick this book up. 3.5 stars.
As the days go by, they get closer and closer and she starts meeting his family and growing close with them too. They are all she has been wishing for and the move is looming over her. I liked the found family aspect of this book, even if his dad was not ideal.
They both have issues they are dealing with in life but it doesn't get too heavy in this read.
In the end, I wasn't able to really connect with the characters as I wanted to and found that I was just reading to know the story's end. If you want a light read that centers around Jewish traditions and is heartwarming, then pick this book up. 3.5 stars.
December 31, 2024
3.5 stars which I am rounding up because frankly there are not enough Chanukah romances out there.
This was a pretty sweet romance about two neighbors falling in love over the holidays. I liked our couple and the families / side characters. In fact the family, holiday time, and the Chanukah celebrations made the book for me. I enjoyed reading about the celebration - even though I want latke now.
However, as a romance itself, this was less successful - more typical hallmark movie fare. While I liked the characters I didn't see them as a couple. In face that conflict between them was pretty conveniently dropped - both for the FMC and MMC. Now this is expected given that we have to have our hallmark-HEA but we could have dropped at least one conflict from the story to give this better balance.
Still I enjoyed my time with it and would recommend it as a holiday romance read if you're in the mood for something sweet.
This was a pretty sweet romance about two neighbors falling in love over the holidays. I liked our couple and the families / side characters. In fact the family, holiday time, and the Chanukah celebrations made the book for me. I enjoyed reading about the celebration - even though I want latke now.
However, as a romance itself, this was less successful - more typical hallmark movie fare. While I liked the characters I didn't see them as a couple. In face that conflict between them was pretty conveniently dropped - both for the FMC and MMC. Now this is expected given that we have to have our hallmark-HEA but we could have dropped at least one conflict from the story to give this better balance.
Still I enjoyed my time with it and would recommend it as a holiday romance read if you're in the mood for something sweet.
January 24, 2025
This book is now being added to my favorite holiday reads list! I loved that this book takes place over the course of the eight nights of Chanukah and includes many difficult topics like loss of a loved ones and a disability. This book had such a cute holiday meet-cute between two neighbors that have been eyeing each other for a while but never made a move until now.
This book features a main male character who is a hard-of-hearing and a main female character who works with children with disabilities. I loved the diversity representation in this book but it also didn't throw it into your face but it was nicely incorporated.
I love Andi and Leo's characters and thought their chemistry was well written! I was a little surprised by the spice level but definitely didn't hate it. I enjoyed that we got both POVs of the story but they were mixed into the same character which was a little confusing at times.
I listen to the audiobook and enjoyed the performance by Kelli Tager.
This book features a main male character who is a hard-of-hearing and a main female character who works with children with disabilities. I loved the diversity representation in this book but it also didn't throw it into your face but it was nicely incorporated.
I love Andi and Leo's characters and thought their chemistry was well written! I was a little surprised by the spice level but definitely didn't hate it. I enjoyed that we got both POVs of the story but they were mixed into the same character which was a little confusing at times.
I listen to the audiobook and enjoyed the performance by Kelli Tager.
November 1, 2024
A Jewish rom-com featuring a HOH (hard of hearing) person… count me in! We meet Leo, who is HOH and wants to take over his father’s antiques business. We also are introduced to his neighbor, Andie who is a preschool teacher looking for a new job because her program had been cut. They decide to spend eight nights of Hanukkah together. Now Andie isn’t sure if she wants to move to Ohio for her new job and has to decide if she wants to stay in Boston. I don’t know if I’ve requested an ARC as fast as I did for EIGHT NIGHTS TO WIN HER HEART. Three things that spoke to me: deaf/hoh rep, jewish rep, and New England setting. As a deaf and Jewish New Englander, this was the book I needed! It is cozy, fun and heartwarming read. I will be raving about this book to everyone. Can’t wait to read more from this author in the future! Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
February 26, 2025
Reading this book felt like I was apart of a Jewish Hallmark movie and I devoured every single page! I thought the characters were so funny and relatable, and thoroughly enjoyed this being focused on non traditional Christmas story, it’s not every day you get to read a holiday story centered around a Jewish family! I loved that the author wrote in a lot of the Jewish traditions Into this book and the romance felt so natural and playful between the two main characters with a bit of spice but not too much to have it be overwhelming most of the centered plot! Not a five star read but close to it! I can’t wait to read more books from this author!
February 17, 2025
Lighthearted story. Title is pretty much the summary of the novel. While predictable, two things are important to note. 1) Hanukkah is the heart of the story-I love seeing gelts, menorahs and lighting the candles taking up some of the paragraphs throughout! And 2) hard of hearing experience is described in detail by one of the main characters. I did feel it wasn’t explored more deeply especially on social dynamics, communication and navigating through the world. Author touched upon that just a bit too lightly.
January 1, 2025
cute chanukah love story AND a main character who wears hearing aids????? you already know i ate this one UP. minus 1 because it got slow in the middle but it got really good at the end, making up for it 🥹
January 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. Andie and Leo are adorable together. The love story is an approach I've never read before. Surprising and wonderful 5 stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Tantor Audio for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Tantor Audio for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2025
Thanks NetGalley for this Advance Reader Copy.
"Eight Nights to Win Her Heart" by Miri White serves up a delightful Chanukah romance with a charming meet-cute that perfectly sets the tone for this heartwarming story. The tale follows Andie Williams and Leo Dentz, neighbors whose paths intertwine over the festival of lights, sparking a connection that illuminates their lives during a season of miracles. Andie, grappling with the loss of her father and a potential cross-country move, and Leo, a hard-of-hearing hero with a long-held crush, navigate their evolving relationship through the eight nights of Chanukah. Their journey is filled with personal growth and sweet moments, making each candle they light a step closer to understanding their hearts' true desires. This book is a delightful read that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday and the warmth of newfound love, although the quick development of their relationship leaves you wishing for a few more nights to see it deepen further.
It was a lovely solid romance read and just what I needed while on a work trip.
"Eight Nights to Win Her Heart" by Miri White serves up a delightful Chanukah romance with a charming meet-cute that perfectly sets the tone for this heartwarming story. The tale follows Andie Williams and Leo Dentz, neighbors whose paths intertwine over the festival of lights, sparking a connection that illuminates their lives during a season of miracles. Andie, grappling with the loss of her father and a potential cross-country move, and Leo, a hard-of-hearing hero with a long-held crush, navigate their evolving relationship through the eight nights of Chanukah. Their journey is filled with personal growth and sweet moments, making each candle they light a step closer to understanding their hearts' true desires. This book is a delightful read that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday and the warmth of newfound love, although the quick development of their relationship leaves you wishing for a few more nights to see it deepen further.
It was a lovely solid romance read and just what I needed while on a work trip.
December 8, 2024
I laughed, I cried, I swooned. This Chanukah romance was a treat as sweet as sufganiyot!
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