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The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah
Can these exes rekindle their love this Hanukkah?
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.
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.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2025
452 people are currently reading
18139 people want to read
About the author
Jean Meltzer
6 books1,414 followersDubbed “The Queen of Jewish Romance,” Jean Meltzer is the international bestselling author of The Matzah Ball, Mr. Perfect on Paper, Kissing Kosher, and Magical Meet Cute, and the recipient of several writing honors including Amazon Best Romance, Apple Best Book of October, Apple Best Audiobook of the Year, Booklist Top Ten Romances for 2023, a Kirkus Star, a Booklist Star, and LibraryReads.
Jean’s commitment to uplifting Jewish stories and voices has made her a leading figure in Jewish literary advocacy. She is the Founder & CEO of Jewish Joy LLC, the umbrella organization to Jewish Women Talk About Romance Books, The Jewish Joy Book Club, The Jewish Joy Box, and Jewish Joy Con, coming 2026. In addition, she has served as a judge for the National Jewish Book Awards, and is a founding member of The Artists Against Antisemitism.
A sought-after speaker and panelist, Jean regularly speaks on topics such as authentic representation, Jewish joy, and writing through adversity. Her work is informed by personal experience—most notably her decades-long journey with chronic illness and her background in Jewish learning and media. Prior to becoming an author, she studied dramatic writing at NYU Tisch and built a successful career in television, earning multiple accolades including a National Daytime Emmy Award.
In 2006, Jean left the entertainment industry and moved to Israel to study in rabbinical school, seeking a deeper connection to her faith and identity. Though her studies were eventually cut short due to her health, the experience profoundly shaped her voice and purpose as a writer. When her father encouraged her to write a book—“just not a Jewish one, because no one reads those”—she defied that advice, and, in doing so, helped transform the landscape of Jewish commercial fiction.
Jean is represented by Carolyn Forde and Marilyn Biderman at Transatlantic Agency (literary), Addison Duffy and Jasmine Lake at United Talent Agency (film), and Rob Firing at Transatlantic Agency (speakers).
Connect with her online at:
www.jewish-joy.com
www.jeanmeltzer.com
IG: JeanMeltzer
FB: JeanMeltzerAuthor
Jean’s commitment to uplifting Jewish stories and voices has made her a leading figure in Jewish literary advocacy. She is the Founder & CEO of Jewish Joy LLC, the umbrella organization to Jewish Women Talk About Romance Books, The Jewish Joy Book Club, The Jewish Joy Box, and Jewish Joy Con, coming 2026. In addition, she has served as a judge for the National Jewish Book Awards, and is a founding member of The Artists Against Antisemitism.
A sought-after speaker and panelist, Jean regularly speaks on topics such as authentic representation, Jewish joy, and writing through adversity. Her work is informed by personal experience—most notably her decades-long journey with chronic illness and her background in Jewish learning and media. Prior to becoming an author, she studied dramatic writing at NYU Tisch and built a successful career in television, earning multiple accolades including a National Daytime Emmy Award.
In 2006, Jean left the entertainment industry and moved to Israel to study in rabbinical school, seeking a deeper connection to her faith and identity. Though her studies were eventually cut short due to her health, the experience profoundly shaped her voice and purpose as a writer. When her father encouraged her to write a book—“just not a Jewish one, because no one reads those”—she defied that advice, and, in doing so, helped transform the landscape of Jewish commercial fiction.
Jean is represented by Carolyn Forde and Marilyn Biderman at Transatlantic Agency (literary), Addison Duffy and Jasmine Lake at United Talent Agency (film), and Rob Firing at Transatlantic Agency (speakers).
Connect with her online at:
www.jewish-joy.com
www.jeanmeltzer.com
IG: JeanMeltzer
FB: JeanMeltzerAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 548 reviews
October 7, 2025
(4.75 stars)
Jean Meltzer has done it again, written a romance that deals beautifully with some very hard subjects while highlighting Jewish traditions and foods. This time it’s a second-chance romance, involving a 30-something divorced couple. He’s a doctor and she’s a television producer, which means they both have very busy lives. Evelyn is currently dealing with the chaos involved in producing a live version of A Christmas Carol.
Evelyn and David divorced two years before the action in this story, after a personal tragedy that affected them both deeply. But they had very different ways of dealing with the tragedy and it pulled them apart. Evelyn buried herself in work, basically running away from her problems, leaving David to mourn on his own. David ran away in a different way, escaping to a small farm in Pennsylvania, where he cares for both people and animals.
I had a bit of a tough time relating to Evelyn, just because of how she ran away from her problems but gradually I warmed up to her, probably because of the reveals involved in each of the titular heartbreaks. David was a total sweetie. I did relate to Evelyn’s history of migraines because I went through a period of my life when those were fairly common to me. She even mentions a medication that I used to use! I don’t want to spoil the story by revealing what their mutual tragedy was, but I guessed the general situation fairly early. I related hard to that because my family went through something similar (not the same but similar enough). Be prepared with some tissues, if sad stories make you cry. But don’t worry - this book will also make you laugh!
I really enjoyed the sections dealing with the hassles/challenges of putting on a live television production. Doing A Christmas Carol involves ghosts and child actors, songs and choreography, and so on. Evelyn has to deal with constant emergencies as well as silly hiccups. There’s an over-the-top celebrity, who is coming in for just a couple of days, to play Scrooge, named Jared Sparks. Evelyn is worried he won’t know his stuff, but as nutty as he is, he winds up being a consummate professional when he gets to work. Sparks was a character that really made me laugh.
There were also a lot of other sweet/fun scenes, particularly involving David and his sister and her family. There were ice skating shenanigans, Hanukkah pop-ups, Hanukkah/Jewish trivia contests, and more.
There’s an Author’s Note at the end that you absolutely should NOT skip over. It describes Meltzer’s real-life connection to the main heartbreak at the core of this book.
Highly recommended.
I bounced between the ebook and the audiobook for this title, which was incredibly convenient and had me racing through this book in just two days, because of this flexibility. It was beautifully narrated by Dara Rosenberg, a new-to-me narrator.
Thank you to MIRA and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Jean Meltzer has done it again, written a romance that deals beautifully with some very hard subjects while highlighting Jewish traditions and foods. This time it’s a second-chance romance, involving a 30-something divorced couple. He’s a doctor and she’s a television producer, which means they both have very busy lives. Evelyn is currently dealing with the chaos involved in producing a live version of A Christmas Carol.
Evelyn and David divorced two years before the action in this story, after a personal tragedy that affected them both deeply. But they had very different ways of dealing with the tragedy and it pulled them apart. Evelyn buried herself in work, basically running away from her problems, leaving David to mourn on his own. David ran away in a different way, escaping to a small farm in Pennsylvania, where he cares for both people and animals.
I had a bit of a tough time relating to Evelyn, just because of how she ran away from her problems but gradually I warmed up to her, probably because of the reveals involved in each of the titular heartbreaks. David was a total sweetie. I did relate to Evelyn’s history of migraines because I went through a period of my life when those were fairly common to me. She even mentions a medication that I used to use! I don’t want to spoil the story by revealing what their mutual tragedy was, but I guessed the general situation fairly early. I related hard to that because my family went through something similar (not the same but similar enough). Be prepared with some tissues, if sad stories make you cry. But don’t worry - this book will also make you laugh!
I really enjoyed the sections dealing with the hassles/challenges of putting on a live television production. Doing A Christmas Carol involves ghosts and child actors, songs and choreography, and so on. Evelyn has to deal with constant emergencies as well as silly hiccups. There’s an over-the-top celebrity, who is coming in for just a couple of days, to play Scrooge, named Jared Sparks. Evelyn is worried he won’t know his stuff, but as nutty as he is, he winds up being a consummate professional when he gets to work. Sparks was a character that really made me laugh.
There were also a lot of other sweet/fun scenes, particularly involving David and his sister and her family. There were ice skating shenanigans, Hanukkah pop-ups, Hanukkah/Jewish trivia contests, and more.
There’s an Author’s Note at the end that you absolutely should NOT skip over. It describes Meltzer’s real-life connection to the main heartbreak at the core of this book.
Highly recommended.
I bounced between the ebook and the audiobook for this title, which was incredibly convenient and had me racing through this book in just two days, because of this flexibility. It was beautifully narrated by Dara Rosenberg, a new-to-me narrator.
Thank you to MIRA and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
October 19, 2025
Jean Meltzer has such a gift for blending humor, heart, and meaningful Jewish representation, and The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah might just be her most emotional story yet. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Dara Rosenberg, who once again delivers a pitch-perfect performance—her narration brings Evelyn and the entire cast vividly to life. Evelyn is a driven executive TV producer working on the biggest show of her career when she’s forced to face the past she’s been avoiding—thanks to a visit from eight ghosts (or heartbreaks) who help her confront the choices and losses that shaped her life.
This story surprised me with its emotional depth and tenderness. It’s more than just a festive romance—it’s a thoughtful exploration of grief, ambition, faith, and the ways love evolves over time. Evelyn’s complicated relationship with her ex-husband David (the show’s on-set doctor) adds a beautiful second-chance, slow-burn layer that felt authentic and earned. Meltzer handles sensitive topics with care and grace, and her author’s note at the end offers powerful context that makes the story resonate even more.
If you love holiday romances but want one that goes beyond meet-cutes and mistletoe, The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah delivers a heartfelt, hopeful, and deeply human story wrapped in the glow of Jewish tradition. Don’t skip the trigger warnings or author’s note—they add valuable insight to an already rich and rewarding listen.
July 11, 2025
David seems like the dream guy: a handsome, sensitive doctor who loves animals, took a high paying job he didn’t like to help her career, and wants to go to therapy to work on their marriage. Evelyn seems like the opposite: a selfish, driven workaholic who won’t listen when he wants to take a lower paying job he would enjoy, and who refuses to admit there is a problem in their marriage. Evelyn is producing a live version of A Christmas Carol for TV, but she starts to have dreamlike hallucinations about the Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah. Or are they hallucinations? Each one takes her back to some trauma in her past, and leads her to do some serious soul-searching about David and their failed marriage. The Hanukkah take on the Christmas Carol ghosts was a fun twist to this unique holiday story. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
August 16, 2025
This author is one I usually enjoy reading. I appreciate her plots and characters and how she is able to incorporate medical issues every day people struggle with. This book severely missed the mark for me though.
Before the first chapter we get a trigger list—which I actually appreciate. A couple of the topics did trigger my anxiety. The list was helpful to prepare me for what was to come.
The plot dragged, and I couldn’t root for the characters. What happened to Claire? And why was Derek constantly asking if people wanted to get comfort from his nipple. WHAT WAS THAT?!? The ending was rushed, and I felt no connection to anyone. This one wasn’t it for me.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
Before the first chapter we get a trigger list—which I actually appreciate. A couple of the topics did trigger my anxiety. The list was helpful to prepare me for what was to come.
The plot dragged, and I couldn’t root for the characters. What happened to Claire? And why was Derek constantly asking if people wanted to get comfort from his nipple. WHAT WAS THAT?!? The ending was rushed, and I felt no connection to anyone. This one wasn’t it for me.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
December 12, 2025
I recognize its time for me to stop calling the author Motzah Ball Meltzer. That was her first book, and the first one I read. And so it kind of stuck... But given the intensity and complex depth of her themes, I have been thinking the moniker, while I love it, its no longer right. Ladies and gentlemen, her first name is Jean.
I am am a sucker for Jewish themed books, and particularly, this obscure category I am now calling Ghanukah Romance. And yes, there is a goodreads list for that. I have read a lot of that, and always at the season, to get and keep me in the mood. Motzah Ball Meltzer, and yes I loved it that at one point in our story, our heroine is actually reading The Motzah Ball!, she is very good at getting the magic of the season, to fit alongside some often very difficult themes, usually to do with severe disability. And other tough traumatic themes.
It took me a moment to get with the premise of the story. Our heroine Evelyn has worked hard her entire career, and has the opportunity to produce A Christmas Carol for CBS, with a very hard to manage star. This is going to propel her career to great heights if she can survive the antics of this British Megalomaniac. But she has other problems to fight. Much like A Christmas Carol, the book takes place over the Eight Nights of Chanukah, and Evelyn is visited by the Eight Hanukkah Heartbreaks. This would be a lot to take, if Evelyn did not also suffer debilitating migraines which cause (sometimes) some delusional behavior in their extremes. I have to admit it was clever, and it did take me a moment to get into it. But once I was in, I was absolutely hooked - and especially on Audio. Evelyn is read by Dara Rosenberg, the entire book is, and she is a quite popular narrator for Jewish heroines. I have heard her at least 6-10 times in my Hanukkah listening.
Enter Heartbreak/Heartthrob David - Her ex-husband who left her two years ago, after a trauma. Although its clear from the beginning that his assertion that she left him first, that immediately tracks. And you know what you are dealing with. Evelyn just has to learn to see it for herself. David is literally too good to be true, and we really eventually do need to see him "blow." Evelyn is challenging, but also likeable. The therapist in me wanted her to "get it" and grow quicker than she does, but I was heartwarmed by her eventual ability to do it. I was happy that the book didn't turn her into a shrinking violet housewife, and allowed her to be herself and have her career and her success matter. Evelyn is quirky and colorful, and full of a lot of pain as well as love. I enjoyed this one, as I have everything our Jean has written. I do love a book that highlights Jewish life and culture and knowledge. It does indeed feel like coming home. Thank you for this one. It was both fun and moving.
I am am a sucker for Jewish themed books, and particularly, this obscure category I am now calling Ghanukah Romance. And yes, there is a goodreads list for that. I have read a lot of that, and always at the season, to get and keep me in the mood. Motzah Ball Meltzer, and yes I loved it that at one point in our story, our heroine is actually reading The Motzah Ball!, she is very good at getting the magic of the season, to fit alongside some often very difficult themes, usually to do with severe disability. And other tough traumatic themes.
It took me a moment to get with the premise of the story. Our heroine Evelyn has worked hard her entire career, and has the opportunity to produce A Christmas Carol for CBS, with a very hard to manage star. This is going to propel her career to great heights if she can survive the antics of this British Megalomaniac. But she has other problems to fight. Much like A Christmas Carol, the book takes place over the Eight Nights of Chanukah, and Evelyn is visited by the Eight Hanukkah Heartbreaks. This would be a lot to take, if Evelyn did not also suffer debilitating migraines which cause (sometimes) some delusional behavior in their extremes. I have to admit it was clever, and it did take me a moment to get into it. But once I was in, I was absolutely hooked - and especially on Audio. Evelyn is read by Dara Rosenberg, the entire book is, and she is a quite popular narrator for Jewish heroines. I have heard her at least 6-10 times in my Hanukkah listening.
Enter Heartbreak/Heartthrob David - Her ex-husband who left her two years ago, after a trauma. Although its clear from the beginning that his assertion that she left him first, that immediately tracks. And you know what you are dealing with. Evelyn just has to learn to see it for herself. David is literally too good to be true, and we really eventually do need to see him "blow." Evelyn is challenging, but also likeable. The therapist in me wanted her to "get it" and grow quicker than she does, but I was heartwarmed by her eventual ability to do it. I was happy that the book didn't turn her into a shrinking violet housewife, and allowed her to be herself and have her career and her success matter. Evelyn is quirky and colorful, and full of a lot of pain as well as love. I enjoyed this one, as I have everything our Jean has written. I do love a book that highlights Jewish life and culture and knowledge. It does indeed feel like coming home. Thank you for this one. It was both fun and moving.
November 25, 2025
Why is David the doctor assigned to Evelyn's production of A Christmas Carol?
They had been married, but David up and left one evening while Evelyn was gone. She never hear from him until the divorce papers appeared and now he is here.
What is going on?
Evelyn still has feelings for David and is struggling to keep them at bay. Does David feel the same?
Find out how it all turns out in another of Jean Meltzer's enjoyable reads that does have some sensitive topics, her signature humor, and a satisfying ending.
It is a bit of a slow start, but don't give up. You know she always has a good book for her readers. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are own.
They had been married, but David up and left one evening while Evelyn was gone. She never hear from him until the divorce papers appeared and now he is here.
What is going on?
Evelyn still has feelings for David and is struggling to keep them at bay. Does David feel the same?
Find out how it all turns out in another of Jean Meltzer's enjoyable reads that does have some sensitive topics, her signature humor, and a satisfying ending.
It is a bit of a slow start, but don't give up. You know she always has a good book for her readers. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are own.
November 8, 2025
3.5 Stars!
First Holiday read down.
I'm not a big fan of second-chance romance and I don't think Evelyn and David belong together...But I did like them both and I was rooting for them as people, even if I wasn't rooting for them as a couple. David seems sweet but the way their marriage ended is not something I could forgive...but I'm a petty bitch who can keep a grudge forever.
Overall I liked the vibes and I really enjoyed Jared's chaotic energy. A Christmas Carol is a classic for a reason and it was fun to see Jean Meltzer's Jewish twist on it.
First Holiday read down.
I'm not a big fan of second-chance romance and I don't think Evelyn and David belong together...But I did like them both and I was rooting for them as people, even if I wasn't rooting for them as a couple. David seems sweet but the way their marriage ended is not something I could forgive...but I'm a petty bitch who can keep a grudge forever.
Overall I liked the vibes and I really enjoyed Jared's chaotic energy. A Christmas Carol is a classic for a reason and it was fun to see Jean Meltzer's Jewish twist on it.
December 20, 2025
A modern twist on Charles Dickens ' A Christmas Carol that features a second chance romance during Hanukkah.
This was a nice story. Different ghosts visit Evelyen on each night of Hanukkah and explore her long relationship with her ex-husband, David. This isn't a mere cutesy romance, but rather something drawn from the author's own family. In fact, there are layers to this story as it touches on faith and ethical situations.
Trigger Warnings listed by author:
chronic illness
disability
migraines
divorce
grief
infertility
abortion
loss
wrongful termination
fetal abnormalities
Thanks to NetGalley andHarlequin Trade Publishing for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
#TheEightHeartbreaksofHanukkah #NetGalley
Publication Date 21/10/25
Goodreads Review 14/12/25
This was a nice story. Different ghosts visit Evelyen on each night of Hanukkah and explore her long relationship with her ex-husband, David. This isn't a mere cutesy romance, but rather something drawn from the author's own family. In fact, there are layers to this story as it touches on faith and ethical situations.
Trigger Warnings listed by author:
chronic illness
disability
migraines
divorce
grief
infertility
abortion
loss
wrongful termination
fetal abnormalities
Thanks to NetGalley andHarlequin Trade Publishing for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
#TheEightHeartbreaksofHanukkah #NetGalley
Publication Date 21/10/25
Goodreads Review 14/12/25
November 18, 2025
Because I love magical realism, I had a feeling I'd like this. But even better that it turned into my favourite 2025 holiday read so far! What a surprise. I thought I was getting a lighthearted second-chance romance, and it some ways it was, but it also packed a huge emotional punch!
Evelyn Schwartz is determined to power through Hanukkah while producing her televised musical of A Christmas Carol. That is, until an accident sends her to the medical bay, where she runs right into none other than her ex-husband, David. Then, as her stress migraines continue to escalate, she starts hallucinating the ghosts of past heartbreaks, all of which seem to circle back to their relationship. It was so fun!
I loved that through these visits to significant moments in her past, Evelyn gets to see David through a totally different perspective, giving her a renewed understanding of the great man he is and how they both coped in the best way they could with their shared trauma. You really get the full picture of their relationship, and it completely solidified the lingering love between them!
And fair warning, this story gets REALLY emotional (the author does include a content note at the beginning). But while the topics are tragic and uncomfy, the book is so well balanced with humour. From the super quirky, chaotic ghosts to the extremely kooky actor side character, there were so many bizarre, funny moments to break up the sadness. And definitely read the acknowledgements. It makes the whole story hit even harder.
(heat level: lots of innuendo, but only 1 slightly open-door scene)
Evelyn Schwartz is determined to power through Hanukkah while producing her televised musical of A Christmas Carol. That is, until an accident sends her to the medical bay, where she runs right into none other than her ex-husband, David. Then, as her stress migraines continue to escalate, she starts hallucinating the ghosts of past heartbreaks, all of which seem to circle back to their relationship. It was so fun!
I loved that through these visits to significant moments in her past, Evelyn gets to see David through a totally different perspective, giving her a renewed understanding of the great man he is and how they both coped in the best way they could with their shared trauma. You really get the full picture of their relationship, and it completely solidified the lingering love between them!
And fair warning, this story gets REALLY emotional (the author does include a content note at the beginning). But while the topics are tragic and uncomfy, the book is so well balanced with humour. From the super quirky, chaotic ghosts to the extremely kooky actor side character, there were so many bizarre, funny moments to break up the sadness. And definitely read the acknowledgements. It makes the whole story hit even harder.
(heat level: lots of innuendo, but only 1 slightly open-door scene)
September 1, 2025
A Modern Spin on A Christmas Carol
I don't hide my love for Jean Meltzer's books nor the author for writing romance with multi-dimensional Jewish main characters. She hit it out of the park with this one. My favorite Christmas movie is Scrooged, based on A Christmas Carol. Jean took elements from the movie and gave it a modern Jewish spin to make it uniquely hers. Although the book contains her trademark heroine w/chronic health issues and serious emotional topics that made me cry in parts, this second chance romance also made me laugh out loud. She tackles the eight devastating heartbreaks with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. I highly recommend it to all in the mood for a book that will give them characters to root for and all the feels.
I don't hide my love for Jean Meltzer's books nor the author for writing romance with multi-dimensional Jewish main characters. She hit it out of the park with this one. My favorite Christmas movie is Scrooged, based on A Christmas Carol. Jean took elements from the movie and gave it a modern Jewish spin to make it uniquely hers. Although the book contains her trademark heroine w/chronic health issues and serious emotional topics that made me cry in parts, this second chance romance also made me laugh out loud. She tackles the eight devastating heartbreaks with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. I highly recommend it to all in the mood for a book that will give them characters to root for and all the feels.
October 20, 2025
4.5/5 stars
This is a second chance slow burn romance.
I love books with Jewish Rep. I love books that are holiday romances. I love books that feature Jewish holidays. So I was beyond excited to read this book.
I was expecting this book to feature difficult subjects. But I was really not prepared to cry or feel heartbroken. This book does have some lighter funnier moments. But it also showcases some heavy topics. The balance is wonderful.
The book is divided into eight heartbreaks. Each heartbreak takes place during a past Hanukkah.
Evelyn Schwartz (34) is the main female character. She is an executive producer of a live tv production of A Christmas Carol. She suffers from chronic migraines. Reading about her pain was intense.
Jared Sparks, a famous rockstar turned film star is playing Scrooge. He is a handful.
Evelyn’s ex-husband Dr. David Adler is in NYC for the week doing television medicine on her live tv show. He ran away from their marriage and now lives on a farm in Pennsylvania. We also get his POV.
Evelyn is an amazing heroine. She is a workaholic without balance in her life. I loved seeing her work. I loved the Christmas Carol musical production. And I really loved the chronic illness rep.
I really liked her ex-husband David. I enjoyed David, his sister and niece spending Hanukkah together.
There is romance. But I wouldn’t describe this book as cute. It’s heartbreaking to see her revisit all of her past heartbreaks as well as see her suffer with chronic pain.
The book starts with a section detailing the content/trigger warnings. And it concludes with an author’s note that is absolutely crucial to truly understanding why this book was written. I had no idea about the real life connections to this story. And it honestly made me love the book even more.
Thanks to netgalley and Mira Books/HTP Hive for allowing me to read this book.
This is a second chance slow burn romance.
I love books with Jewish Rep. I love books that are holiday romances. I love books that feature Jewish holidays. So I was beyond excited to read this book.
I was expecting this book to feature difficult subjects. But I was really not prepared to cry or feel heartbroken. This book does have some lighter funnier moments. But it also showcases some heavy topics. The balance is wonderful.
The book is divided into eight heartbreaks. Each heartbreak takes place during a past Hanukkah.
Evelyn Schwartz (34) is the main female character. She is an executive producer of a live tv production of A Christmas Carol. She suffers from chronic migraines. Reading about her pain was intense.
Jared Sparks, a famous rockstar turned film star is playing Scrooge. He is a handful.
Evelyn’s ex-husband Dr. David Adler is in NYC for the week doing television medicine on her live tv show. He ran away from their marriage and now lives on a farm in Pennsylvania. We also get his POV.
Evelyn is an amazing heroine. She is a workaholic without balance in her life. I loved seeing her work. I loved the Christmas Carol musical production. And I really loved the chronic illness rep.
I really liked her ex-husband David. I enjoyed David, his sister and niece spending Hanukkah together.
There is romance. But I wouldn’t describe this book as cute. It’s heartbreaking to see her revisit all of her past heartbreaks as well as see her suffer with chronic pain.
The book starts with a section detailing the content/trigger warnings. And it concludes with an author’s note that is absolutely crucial to truly understanding why this book was written. I had no idea about the real life connections to this story. And it honestly made me love the book even more.
Thanks to netgalley and Mira Books/HTP Hive for allowing me to read this book.
December 17, 2025
4 stars.
June 19, 2025
Great story.
Evelyn is a workaholic director staging live TV performances. As she works endless hours to bring The Christmas Carol alive on set she starts suffering from debilitating migraine headaches. However, combined with the migraines are the appearances of people from her past showing her scenes of where she went wrong.
When she passes out from one such scenario she’s brought to the medical bay and discovers the doctor is her exhusband David. They haven’t seen each other in two years after David gave up their marriage in utter frustration.
Evelyn is visited by the eight heartbreaks of Hanukah, which does take some time. We know they both still love each other but can they live together?
Cute and fun.
Thanks Edelweiss and Mira.
Evelyn is a workaholic director staging live TV performances. As she works endless hours to bring The Christmas Carol alive on set she starts suffering from debilitating migraine headaches. However, combined with the migraines are the appearances of people from her past showing her scenes of where she went wrong.
When she passes out from one such scenario she’s brought to the medical bay and discovers the doctor is her exhusband David. They haven’t seen each other in two years after David gave up their marriage in utter frustration.
Evelyn is visited by the eight heartbreaks of Hanukah, which does take some time. We know they both still love each other but can they live together?
Cute and fun.
Thanks Edelweiss and Mira.
November 11, 2025
Author Jean Meltzer, known for her beautiful uplifting stories about people who are surviving chronic illness, herself included, and how they endure by showing strength and toughness always trying to be uplifting even when met with pain, or in this case heartache. The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah is the epitome of the movie: It's A Wonderful Life/A Christmas Carol. It has humor, mixed with a combination of sadness, grief, loss and yes, heartbreak, but more, it's a story about strength, love and togetherness.
Evelyn Schwartz is producing a live TV showing of A Christmas Carol. With only a few days left until air everything which could go wrong, goes wrong! Evelyn is a workaholic who does not sleep and gets debilitating migraines. So, when she has an accident on the set, while having a migraine they call for the show medic who unfortunately is Evelyn's ex-husband David who is substituting for the permanent medic.
They have been divorced for two years and the breakup for Evelyn was unexpected. David just up and left one day, saying nothing. So, you can imagine how that meeting went with David insisting Evelyn go to the hospital and telling David where he should go!
Because David knows Evelyn so well, he tries to tell her to at least get some rest and take her medicine. But Evelyn would rather die than do what David tells her. But then some crazy things begin to happen to her. She begins to be visited by ghosts...Hanukkah ghosts, the first being her former mentor who passed away years ago who informs Evelyn she must change her ways. But Evelyn believes this was a dream and she's just exhausted.
Until she is visited by the first ghost named One. Who takes Evelyn down memory lane and it's not great. As the snippets from each ghost get harder and harder to endure, she turns to David who seems to be predominantly placed in these visits from the past.
She begins to live the unlivable, including her losing David and what led up to that traumatic experience. Why is this happening and right now when her main focus is to put on a great show? She's been able to suppress all these difficult memories for years. Why now are they being awakened?
The Eight Days of Hanukkah is a warm, sad and yes, heartbreaking story of loss and trauma, but not only is it filled with wonderful life lessons, more importantly, it is filled with hope, love and anticipation of what has yet to come by finally admitting that by understanding what you couldn't because your own light had gone out you can realize just how to light the match to see again.
Thank you #NetGalley #Mira #JeanMeltzer #TheEightDaysofHanukkah for the advanced copy.
Evelyn Schwartz is producing a live TV showing of A Christmas Carol. With only a few days left until air everything which could go wrong, goes wrong! Evelyn is a workaholic who does not sleep and gets debilitating migraines. So, when she has an accident on the set, while having a migraine they call for the show medic who unfortunately is Evelyn's ex-husband David who is substituting for the permanent medic.
They have been divorced for two years and the breakup for Evelyn was unexpected. David just up and left one day, saying nothing. So, you can imagine how that meeting went with David insisting Evelyn go to the hospital and telling David where he should go!
Because David knows Evelyn so well, he tries to tell her to at least get some rest and take her medicine. But Evelyn would rather die than do what David tells her. But then some crazy things begin to happen to her. She begins to be visited by ghosts...Hanukkah ghosts, the first being her former mentor who passed away years ago who informs Evelyn she must change her ways. But Evelyn believes this was a dream and she's just exhausted.
Until she is visited by the first ghost named One. Who takes Evelyn down memory lane and it's not great. As the snippets from each ghost get harder and harder to endure, she turns to David who seems to be predominantly placed in these visits from the past.
She begins to live the unlivable, including her losing David and what led up to that traumatic experience. Why is this happening and right now when her main focus is to put on a great show? She's been able to suppress all these difficult memories for years. Why now are they being awakened?
The Eight Days of Hanukkah is a warm, sad and yes, heartbreaking story of loss and trauma, but not only is it filled with wonderful life lessons, more importantly, it is filled with hope, love and anticipation of what has yet to come by finally admitting that by understanding what you couldn't because your own light had gone out you can realize just how to light the match to see again.
Thank you #NetGalley #Mira #JeanMeltzer #TheEightDaysofHanukkah for the advanced copy.
November 13, 2025
3.5 stars
October 22, 2025
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!
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
September 19, 2025
The editor was on vacation, to begin with. I was looking forward to The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah because I really liked The Matzah Ball by Meltzer. Unfortunately, this didn’t live up to my expectations. I am hopeful that the arc I got was so long before the publication date that there are significant edits to come, because there was so much work to be done that I found it distracting. Several times information was repeated within a few sentences, there was a notable vocabulary error, and other things that just didn’t make sense.
This book is a take on A Christmas Carol set at Hanukkah and it has huge Scrooged vibes—I would have liked some Solid Gold dancers. iykyk. Jared Sparks felt like a play on Russell Brand, and his vulgarity, which I found over the top, seemed even ickier given the charges Brand is currently facing.
I think my main problem with The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah was that it felt pretty joyless, which is weird for a book that seems to be marketed as a rom-com. I think Meltzer had a story she wanted to tell about the tragedy these characters have experienced, and since she has written romcoms she tried to use that as a medium for the story. However, when she is speaking from the heart in the author’s note, it is much more moving and captivating than the rest of the book. I think a different genre would have served her purpose better. ETA: thanks to Corinne's Chapter Chatter who pointed out that this is not actually marketed as a romcom. I completely missed that and I think I made an assumption based on the cover and my previous experience with Meltzer's work. I think the cover does this book a real disservice, and I'm someone who likes a cartoon cover on my romances.
This book is a take on A Christmas Carol set at Hanukkah and it has huge Scrooged vibes—I would have liked some Solid Gold dancers. iykyk. Jared Sparks felt like a play on Russell Brand, and his vulgarity, which I found over the top, seemed even ickier given the charges Brand is currently facing.
I think my main problem with The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah was that it felt pretty joyless, which is weird for a book that seems to be marketed as a rom-com. I think Meltzer had a story she wanted to tell about the tragedy these characters have experienced, and since she has written romcoms she tried to use that as a medium for the story. However, when she is speaking from the heart in the author’s note, it is much more moving and captivating than the rest of the book. I think a different genre would have served her purpose better. ETA: thanks to Corinne's Chapter Chatter who pointed out that this is not actually marketed as a romcom. I completely missed that and I think I made an assumption based on the cover and my previous experience with Meltzer's work. I think the cover does this book a real disservice, and I'm someone who likes a cartoon cover on my romances.
December 22, 2025
Very original and fun! And I absolutely adored the nod to "A Christmas Carol" as the main character is "haunted" by 8 different heartbreaks throughout her life each night of Hanukkah, but some of the side characters and side plots were just a little too strange & the mentions of sex were a bit over the top for me too. However, loved the second-chance romance and how these two divorcees found their way back to one another over the course of the 8 days.
December 21, 2025
A creative new spin on A Christmas Carol. I really enjoyed this story, made even better by the top knotch audio performance
This one was emotional, I got all the feels. The story was entirely unexpected, it was so moving.
This one was emotional, I got all the feels. The story was entirely unexpected, it was so moving.
November 25, 2025
Healing after heartbreak(s) can't be rushed. At the same time, you must keep your heart and head open for timing. The best romances catch the MCs for their lack of finding their opportunities. It's all to punish the reader while they figure it out.
I'm not complaining. The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah delivered in ways that I knew would reward me as a reader. The intro and build were classic Jean Meltzer, but as usual, the type of story was something completely different. From a Jewish view on the magic of Christmas, interfaith chemistry, babka battle, and building your own golem, we find ourselves back to finding Hanukkah miracles while most are humming Christmas songs (written by Jews).
I usually devour a Meltzer book on the day of its release. And while I had ordered this book (well in advance) with delivery scheduled for release day... I held off in preparation for pain.
I'm devoted to Jean, and applaud her willingness to share a story that is a reality for more than you know. Jewish Book Month arrived, and I knew what would be my first book to celebrate. Heartache and Healing is a standard practice for the Jewish faith.
This book delivers both.
I'm not complaining. The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah delivered in ways that I knew would reward me as a reader. The intro and build were classic Jean Meltzer, but as usual, the type of story was something completely different. From a Jewish view on the magic of Christmas, interfaith chemistry, babka battle, and building your own golem, we find ourselves back to finding Hanukkah miracles while most are humming Christmas songs (written by Jews).
I usually devour a Meltzer book on the day of its release. And while I had ordered this book (well in advance) with delivery scheduled for release day... I held off in preparation for pain.
I'm devoted to Jean, and applaud her willingness to share a story that is a reality for more than you know. Jewish Book Month arrived, and I knew what would be my first book to celebrate. Heartache and Healing is a standard practice for the Jewish faith.
This book delivers both.
May 4, 2025
Evelyn Schwartz isn’t big on celebrating Hanukkah. After all, it was during Hanukkah that her ex-husband, Dr. David Adler, absconded in the middle of the night only to serve her divorce papers a month later.
Two years have passed since then, and Evelyn is crushing it with her job, breaking glass ceilings and earning respect in the male-dominated world of television. She’s exactly where she wants to be in life—or so she tells herself.
Then David reappears. And although he’s only on set for the week to allow his friend to celebrate Christmas with his family, Evelyn is deeply annoyed by his presence, not least of all because he’s hotter than ever. How dare he return into her life, all happy and with bigger biceps, as if to prove how much better his life is without her in it.
As pressure builds on set, Evelyn’s chronic migraines worsen. David keeps a close eye on her, spending more time together than either of them would like. It soon becomes clear that there’s a host of unresolved feelings lingering under the surface—not to mention the pesky desire to rip each other’s clothes off.
And then the ghosts start to come, one for each night of Hanukkah. Ignoring Evelyn’s protestations, she’s forced to revisit and observe eight pivotal heartbreaks in her life.
Will facing the trauma of her past allow her and David a second chance at having their own Happily-Ever-After?
Jean Meltzer has once again proven herself to be the reigning Queen of Jewish romance! A master storyteller, her ability to weave complex emotions and real-life experiences are unparalleled. Meltzer is a genius, a manipulator of hearts, and her writing captures mine every single time.
Eight Things I Loved for The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah:
1. The heroine. I can’t help but see one of my favorite friends in Evelyn Schwartz. She’s a true advocate of the underprivileged, a fighter for the rights of those without a voice. Courageous, kind, and hardworking, Evelyn encompasses the qualities that I most admire in Jean.
2. David is Jev, Jean’s husband. Anyone who has had the privilege of meeting him will immediately notice how much he loves his wife. It’s in the way he looks at her, in his actions, in his words. He is the embodiment of all of Jean’s heroes, and I think I speak on behalf of romance readers everywhere when I say, thank you for showing us what true love looks like.
3. Evelyn and David exemplify true love, demonstrating how individual experiences generate shared emotions. When one is in pain, the other one feels it.
4. Jared Sparks will forever go down as one of my favorite characters in fictional history. If I ever have migraines that procure hallucinations, I pray that Jared visits.
5. I LOVE how Jean explains Judaism’s view on abortion. I also admire how she balanced this very sensitive topic with the kindness, empathy, and authenticity that she lives by.
6. Chronic illness rep!!! There’s a line in this book that describes how someone can look perfectly healthy while having stage four cancer. This is so on point and something that many people have trouble understanding. Like Jean and our heroine Evelyn, I too suffer from an invisible chronic illness that you can’t tell simply by looking at me.
7. Jewish rep!!! Those in the know, know that I love me a good Christmas romance movie, but nothing compares to a Hanukkah romance!!!!! I got serotonin releases every time I saw the word latke or sufganiyot or dreidyl or menorah. I was exploding with serotonin by the time I finished this book.
8. This last one is bittersweet, but important to mention. I want to thank Jean and her sister and brother-in-law for allowing us readers a glimpse into the terrible loss of a baby, the many options, but no-good choices, and the deep grief and trauma. I believe the world becomes a better place when we step out of our own lives to hear and empathize with someone else’s.
May Baby Boy Chesney’s memory be for a blessing.
Two years have passed since then, and Evelyn is crushing it with her job, breaking glass ceilings and earning respect in the male-dominated world of television. She’s exactly where she wants to be in life—or so she tells herself.
Then David reappears. And although he’s only on set for the week to allow his friend to celebrate Christmas with his family, Evelyn is deeply annoyed by his presence, not least of all because he’s hotter than ever. How dare he return into her life, all happy and with bigger biceps, as if to prove how much better his life is without her in it.
As pressure builds on set, Evelyn’s chronic migraines worsen. David keeps a close eye on her, spending more time together than either of them would like. It soon becomes clear that there’s a host of unresolved feelings lingering under the surface—not to mention the pesky desire to rip each other’s clothes off.
And then the ghosts start to come, one for each night of Hanukkah. Ignoring Evelyn’s protestations, she’s forced to revisit and observe eight pivotal heartbreaks in her life.
Will facing the trauma of her past allow her and David a second chance at having their own Happily-Ever-After?
Jean Meltzer has once again proven herself to be the reigning Queen of Jewish romance! A master storyteller, her ability to weave complex emotions and real-life experiences are unparalleled. Meltzer is a genius, a manipulator of hearts, and her writing captures mine every single time.
Eight Things I Loved for The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah:
1. The heroine. I can’t help but see one of my favorite friends in Evelyn Schwartz. She’s a true advocate of the underprivileged, a fighter for the rights of those without a voice. Courageous, kind, and hardworking, Evelyn encompasses the qualities that I most admire in Jean.
2. David is Jev, Jean’s husband. Anyone who has had the privilege of meeting him will immediately notice how much he loves his wife. It’s in the way he looks at her, in his actions, in his words. He is the embodiment of all of Jean’s heroes, and I think I speak on behalf of romance readers everywhere when I say, thank you for showing us what true love looks like.
3. Evelyn and David exemplify true love, demonstrating how individual experiences generate shared emotions. When one is in pain, the other one feels it.
4. Jared Sparks will forever go down as one of my favorite characters in fictional history. If I ever have migraines that procure hallucinations, I pray that Jared visits.
5. I LOVE how Jean explains Judaism’s view on abortion. I also admire how she balanced this very sensitive topic with the kindness, empathy, and authenticity that she lives by.
6. Chronic illness rep!!! There’s a line in this book that describes how someone can look perfectly healthy while having stage four cancer. This is so on point and something that many people have trouble understanding. Like Jean and our heroine Evelyn, I too suffer from an invisible chronic illness that you can’t tell simply by looking at me.
7. Jewish rep!!! Those in the know, know that I love me a good Christmas romance movie, but nothing compares to a Hanukkah romance!!!!! I got serotonin releases every time I saw the word latke or sufganiyot or dreidyl or menorah. I was exploding with serotonin by the time I finished this book.
8. This last one is bittersweet, but important to mention. I want to thank Jean and her sister and brother-in-law for allowing us readers a glimpse into the terrible loss of a baby, the many options, but no-good choices, and the deep grief and trauma. I believe the world becomes a better place when we step out of our own lives to hear and empathize with someone else’s.
May Baby Boy Chesney’s memory be for a blessing.
April 27, 2025
I have such mixed feelings on this book.
I love that there are warm Jewish romance plots - giving space for us to be us, outside of our tragedies. Just showing Jewish people living their lives.
I love that Jean Metzer isn’t afraid to get real. I ended up crying on the train, in public, but I couldn’t stop reading because I needed to work through it.
On the flip side, I feel like each book Meltzer writes gets more ridiculous than the last. We’re at a point where it’s getting hard to take the books seriously.
I think Perfect on Paper was the best book Meltzer’s written. This one pushed the humour over the fence into nonsense for me.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.
I love that there are warm Jewish romance plots - giving space for us to be us, outside of our tragedies. Just showing Jewish people living their lives.
I love that Jean Metzer isn’t afraid to get real. I ended up crying on the train, in public, but I couldn’t stop reading because I needed to work through it.
On the flip side, I feel like each book Meltzer writes gets more ridiculous than the last. We’re at a point where it’s getting hard to take the books seriously.
I think Perfect on Paper was the best book Meltzer’s written. This one pushed the humour over the fence into nonsense for me.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.
July 29, 2025
I know there were parts that were meant to be funny, and parts that were meant to be serious and reflective, but I just couldn't make myself care enough about these characters to want to know how they were affected by things. The author's note at the end of the book felt the most real and authentic, and I know she tried to tie in a serious topic into a humorous book, but it just felt like a big disconnect the whole time I was reading. The characters were more annoying than anything else, and too sexualized in strange circumstances. Not a fan of this one. Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.
June 5, 2025
I might be in the minority on this one, but this one felt tedious and ridiculous to me. It might be that I was reading this another slightly similar book at the same time because I've really enjoyed Meltzer's books in the past. But this one just felt like it went on for entirely too long and the star that comes in later is just ridiculous. I know he's supposed to be, but yeah. I will admit that the 7th heartbreak did get me, but overall I was disappointed in this one.
February 25, 2025
Fantastic. Immaculate. No notes.
October 13, 2025
I’m pretty sure The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah is the only new traditionally published Hanukkah romance coming out this year. Let that sink in for a moment. In 2025, when I constantly see calls for more diversity in romance, this is the only Hanukkah romance. I’ve done substantial digging and can’t find another one—including from Harlequin’s other lines and imprints. I was thrilled to get an early copy of this book because it’s a second-chance retelling of A Christmas Carol with a Jewish twist. Literally made for me. Thanks to MIRA and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC.
Evelyn Schwartz is a major network TV producer in New York City, about to produce a live-action musical version of A Christmas Carol that could make or break her career. She’s barely holding it all together. Between the large cast, short timeline, needy star of the show, and her chronic migraines, she’s working hard to keep everything on track without letting anyone know just how bad her head feels. The absolute last thing she needs is for her ex-husband, Dr. David Adler, to show up as the on-set physician.
David left Evelyn two years prior—in the middle of the night, without even a conversation. He moved to rural Pennsylvania, opened a small medical practice, and took in a bunch of rescue animals. His marriage to Evelyn—and their lifelong friendship—imploded after a major loss, and he knows he didn’t handle their divorce in the most mature way. He’s only back in New York for a week to cover for a friend, but when Evelyn sustains a head injury on set and begins seeing nightly “ghosts” of Hanukkah past, the lines between grief, memory, and second chances blur in ways neither of them expected.
I’ve really enjoyed most of Jean’s previous books (her last novel, Magical Meet Cute, was a big miss for me). She’s one of the few authors out there writing objectively Jewish stories. By that, I mean she isn’t couching Jewish traditions or holidays within the mainstream practices of Christianity. You won’t find assimilation here. Instead, Jean writes radically Jewish—and very joyful—books.
Don’t let the cover of The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah fool you—it is not a romcom. This book is a heartbreaking exploration of how a marriage falls apart and what it takes to bring two people back together. It’s not really a spoiler since Jean includes it in the TWs at the beginning, but these two characters experienced pregnancy loss. Their fetus was diagnosed with a terminal condition at 20 weeks, and they had to make the hardest decision of their lives—to let her go. Neither character handled it well. Evelyn threw herself into work because it was the one place she felt in control, and David left in the middle of the night rather than confront his wife to ask for what he needed. No one was “right” in this situation, and I loved how utterly messy it was because that’s the reality of this kind of loss. Sometimes it brings out the worst in people, and they can’t figure out how to get back to each other.
While the subject matter of this book is heavy, don’t worry—it’s not all a downer. The drama of the production Evelyn is working on, and the antics of the show’s star, really lighten the mood. Think about the dumbest clause you’ve ever heard in a star’s rider, and that’s the kind of ridiculous stuff Evelyn deals with. It balances the tone beautifully.
This might be my favorite of Jean’s books. That title was previously held by Kissing Kosher because I’m a sucker for a story where the villain is generational trauma—but this novel was absolutely heartbreaking while also making you believe that joy is possible after darkness. And if that’s not the message of Hanukkah, I don’t know what is. ★★★★★
Evelyn Schwartz is a major network TV producer in New York City, about to produce a live-action musical version of A Christmas Carol that could make or break her career. She’s barely holding it all together. Between the large cast, short timeline, needy star of the show, and her chronic migraines, she’s working hard to keep everything on track without letting anyone know just how bad her head feels. The absolute last thing she needs is for her ex-husband, Dr. David Adler, to show up as the on-set physician.
David left Evelyn two years prior—in the middle of the night, without even a conversation. He moved to rural Pennsylvania, opened a small medical practice, and took in a bunch of rescue animals. His marriage to Evelyn—and their lifelong friendship—imploded after a major loss, and he knows he didn’t handle their divorce in the most mature way. He’s only back in New York for a week to cover for a friend, but when Evelyn sustains a head injury on set and begins seeing nightly “ghosts” of Hanukkah past, the lines between grief, memory, and second chances blur in ways neither of them expected.
I’ve really enjoyed most of Jean’s previous books (her last novel, Magical Meet Cute, was a big miss for me). She’s one of the few authors out there writing objectively Jewish stories. By that, I mean she isn’t couching Jewish traditions or holidays within the mainstream practices of Christianity. You won’t find assimilation here. Instead, Jean writes radically Jewish—and very joyful—books.
Don’t let the cover of The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah fool you—it is not a romcom. This book is a heartbreaking exploration of how a marriage falls apart and what it takes to bring two people back together. It’s not really a spoiler since Jean includes it in the TWs at the beginning, but these two characters experienced pregnancy loss. Their fetus was diagnosed with a terminal condition at 20 weeks, and they had to make the hardest decision of their lives—to let her go. Neither character handled it well. Evelyn threw herself into work because it was the one place she felt in control, and David left in the middle of the night rather than confront his wife to ask for what he needed. No one was “right” in this situation, and I loved how utterly messy it was because that’s the reality of this kind of loss. Sometimes it brings out the worst in people, and they can’t figure out how to get back to each other.
While the subject matter of this book is heavy, don’t worry—it’s not all a downer. The drama of the production Evelyn is working on, and the antics of the show’s star, really lighten the mood. Think about the dumbest clause you’ve ever heard in a star’s rider, and that’s the kind of ridiculous stuff Evelyn deals with. It balances the tone beautifully.
This might be my favorite of Jean’s books. That title was previously held by Kissing Kosher because I’m a sucker for a story where the villain is generational trauma—but this novel was absolutely heartbreaking while also making you believe that joy is possible after darkness. And if that’s not the message of Hanukkah, I don’t know what is. ★★★★★
December 18, 2025
I received this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Infant loss
Evelyn has no time for heartbreak - especially when she is aiming to be one of top TV producers in the nation and has a live-action The Christmas Carol to perfect in a matter of days. So when the reappearance of her ex-husband snowballs Evelyn in the face, she thinks she might be going a big crazy when later on the ghost of her ex-boss appears to tell her about the eight heartbreaks of Hanukkah that are about to visit her.
This was a fun take on The Christmas Carol tale with a Jewish twist. Not being Jewish myself, I learned a little bit about Hanukkah reading this as well as Jewish traditions and culture around marriage, love and children/pregnancy. I do think David was a little bit too perfect at times and Evelyn's faults were all about her working too much and letting her ambition overrule everything else in her life. I'm not sure I learned that much else about her other than how career-orientated she was. There are no sex scenes in this book which I actually found odd as the amount of times the characters thought about hot the sex was between them was...well, a lot! So I was really expecting a steamy scene somewhere.
I definitely appreciate the honesty and heartbreak of the infant loss storyline in here and how difficult it must be for anyone having to go through something like this for any reason. I also found the Jewish culture around life, and mourning really interesting here. And also the inspiration behind the storyline which was pulled from her own sister experiencing the same thing. This is the second book this year that has involved a storyline around infant loss/late-stage pregnancy loss and also the second book where this has resulted in a marriage breakdown and the husband walking out because he can't seem to get through/connect to his grieving wife and the second book where the husband is just forgiven for doing this and the wife/female is made to feel like the communication breakdown is all her fault and well....I don't know how I feel about that. It irritates me in a way that isn't this book's fault at all but maybe more of a world/culture/patriarchy thing maybe.
I do think the eight heartbreaks began to drag a little bit by the fifth one (I can understand now why in The Christmas Carol, three is a nice number of ghosts!) and Jared Sparks was on the ridiculous side. Also both loved and hated the several references to the author's other book The Matzah Ball including an epilogue where Evelyn was reading the book - book inception? Ballsy from the author, would definitely appear in a movie version of her book a la Stephanie Meyer and Jenny Han, and sure, why not!
CW: Infant loss
Evelyn has no time for heartbreak - especially when she is aiming to be one of top TV producers in the nation and has a live-action The Christmas Carol to perfect in a matter of days. So when the reappearance of her ex-husband snowballs Evelyn in the face, she thinks she might be going a big crazy when later on the ghost of her ex-boss appears to tell her about the eight heartbreaks of Hanukkah that are about to visit her.
This was a fun take on The Christmas Carol tale with a Jewish twist. Not being Jewish myself, I learned a little bit about Hanukkah reading this as well as Jewish traditions and culture around marriage, love and children/pregnancy. I do think David was a little bit too perfect at times and Evelyn's faults were all about her working too much and letting her ambition overrule everything else in her life. I'm not sure I learned that much else about her other than how career-orientated she was. There are no sex scenes in this book which I actually found odd as the amount of times the characters thought about hot the sex was between them was...well, a lot! So I was really expecting a steamy scene somewhere.
I definitely appreciate the honesty and heartbreak of the infant loss storyline in here and how difficult it must be for anyone having to go through something like this for any reason. I also found the Jewish culture around life, and mourning really interesting here. And also the inspiration behind the storyline which was pulled from her own sister experiencing the same thing. This is the second book this year that has involved a storyline around infant loss/late-stage pregnancy loss and also the second book where this has resulted in a marriage breakdown and the husband walking out because he can't seem to get through/connect to his grieving wife and the second book where the husband is just forgiven for doing this and the wife/female is made to feel like the communication breakdown is all her fault and well....I don't know how I feel about that. It irritates me in a way that isn't this book's fault at all but maybe more of a world/culture/patriarchy thing maybe.
I do think the eight heartbreaks began to drag a little bit by the fifth one (I can understand now why in The Christmas Carol, three is a nice number of ghosts!) and Jared Sparks was on the ridiculous side. Also both loved and hated the several references to the author's other book The Matzah Ball including an epilogue where Evelyn was reading the book - book inception? Ballsy from the author, would definitely appear in a movie version of her book a la Stephanie Meyer and Jenny Han, and sure, why not!
August 17, 2025
3.5 stars
thank you to jean meltzer, her publishing team, and netgalley for the ARC!!
this was cute! jean meltzer always does a great job of balancing the more lighthearted and humorous aspects of her books with the traumatic and sad moments. i do wish some aspects that become major plot points in the book were explored earlier on, though. i didn’t find myself falling in love or relating much to any of the characters as i normally do with other books, which lowers my rating just a tad. i did, however, like the production aspects (as someone who recently graduated with a film degree and is looking to get into that field) and, as with all of jean’s books, the jewish references. as a jewish person who never went to hebrew school or had a bat mitzvah, reading jean’s books allows me to learn a little more about my culture which i enjoy. it was also fun seeing some callbacks to jean's previous books.
overall, despite a few flaws, the eight heartbreaks of hanukkah was very enjoyable and is a great choice for a holiday read if you are looking for a heartwarming romance with some grief sprinkled throughout.
thank you to jean meltzer, her publishing team, and netgalley for the ARC!!
this was cute! jean meltzer always does a great job of balancing the more lighthearted and humorous aspects of her books with the traumatic and sad moments. i do wish some aspects that become major plot points in the book were explored earlier on, though. i didn’t find myself falling in love or relating much to any of the characters as i normally do with other books, which lowers my rating just a tad. i did, however, like the production aspects (as someone who recently graduated with a film degree and is looking to get into that field) and, as with all of jean’s books, the jewish references. as a jewish person who never went to hebrew school or had a bat mitzvah, reading jean’s books allows me to learn a little more about my culture which i enjoy. it was also fun seeing some callbacks to jean's previous books.
overall, despite a few flaws, the eight heartbreaks of hanukkah was very enjoyable and is a great choice for a holiday read if you are looking for a heartwarming romance with some grief sprinkled throughout.
October 19, 2025
This just might be my new fav by Jean Meltzer and I was already a HUGE fan!! I loved her Jewish take on Christmas Carol story that has a divorced couple forced to work together over Hanukkah and rehash the ghosts of their past heartbreaks. The author does such a great job writing about chronic migraines and chronic pain and grief over the loss of an unborn baby. This was excellent on audio and I can't recommend it enough. Easily a standout holiday romance of 2025!! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
CW: medically necessary abortion, chronic pain, chronic illness (migraines), infant loss
CW: medically necessary abortion, chronic pain, chronic illness (migraines), infant loss
October 2, 2025
The cover is so cute and i was super interested in the premise of this book just to be sorely let down. The main character is probably the most insufferable character ive read in a long time. It was almost impossible to bring myself to finish this book because of her. David is too perfect and deserves about a million times better. Jared was just no.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc
Thank you NetGalley for the arc
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