Fortune's Unexpected Gift

by Jennifer Wilck

A recipe for disaster…

Or true love?

After devoting his life to his family, empty nester and single dad Sander Fortune is seizing a life truly his own this Christmas! When he meets cooking instructor Lisa Bergen, he’s taken by more than just her delectable challah dough. Widow Lisa’s as strong as she is stunning. And after unspeakable tragedy, she’s determined to make her dream—motherhood—come true. A romance with a man who’s done with raising kids? Not in her plans this holiday season…but the Hanukkah lights just might be ushering in another miracle! 

From Harlequin Fortunes of

Book 1: His Family Fortune by Elizabeth Bevarly
Book 2: Fortune's Fake Marriage Plan by Tara Taylor Quinn
Book 3: Fortune for a Week by Nancy Robards Thompson
Book 4: Fortune on His Doorstep by Michelle Lindo-Rice
Book 5: Fortune's Unexpected Gift by Jennifer Wilck
Book 6: Fortune's Mr. Right by Stella Bagwell

Genres: Romance, Jewish

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 25, 2025

About the author

Jennifer Wilck is an award-winning contemporary romance author for readers who are passionate about love, laughter, and happily ever after. Known for writing both Jewish and non-Jewish romances, her books feature damaged heroes, sassy and independent heroines, witty banter and hot chemistry. Jennifer’s ability to transport the reader into the scene, create characters the reader will fall in love with, and evoke a roller coaster of emotions, will hook you from the first page. You can find her books at all major online retailers in a variety of formats.

Jennifer started telling herself stories as a little girl when she couldn’t fall asleep at night. Her favorite stories to write are those with smart, sassy, independent heroines; handsome, strong and slightly vulnerable heroes; and her stories always end with happily ever after.

In the real world, she’s the mother of two amazing daughters and wife of one of the smartest men she knows. She believes humor is the only way to get through the day and does not believe in sharing her chocolate.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

This is a holiday romance featuring both Christmas and Hanukkah.

This is a heartwarming beautiful story that I enjoyed so much.

Lisa (38) is a widow who desperately wants a baby. She is Jewish. Sander Fortune (44) is an empty nester who doesn’t want more kids.

The Jewish rep in this book is wonderful. I really enjoyed the Jewish baking, the close family, and the Hanukkah aspects.

We get her celebrating Hanukkah and him celebrating Christmas. I thought the mystery aspect was very interesting.

This book can definitely be read as a standalone. There are other books in this series each written by a different author. They feature the romances of Sander’s daughter, niece and nephews. There is a mystery that is part of all of the books. In this book it features a missing key.

The romance is so good. The only thing is I really want to see what happens after the last chapter. I’m guessing we will see a bit of the couple in the next book. The next book is about Zara and Finn.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlequin has been providing holiday happily ever after for years, but a Hanukkah love story or interfaith holiday romance is still an unexpected gift to readers. Unless you look for a novel by Jennifer Wilck, then you know that you will have a heartfelt story full of Jewish joy. Her "Holidays, Heart and Chutzpah" series provide holiday romances set during different Jewish holidays and her recent Fortune's of Texas novels bring Jewish representation and interfaith romance to the enormous franchise.

Wilck's latest novel follows a couple who are perfect for each other, except for the for the impossibility of following their conflicting dreams. Lisa Bergan is a widow who still hopes to have a child. Sander Fortune is a single father who finally has an empty nest and can't wait to enjoy his new found freedom. When the two meet, they both feel an instant connection. The characters appreciate the warmth, intelligence and consideration of each other. But they are at different stages in their life, and neither one wants to give up on their dream or make the other give up on theirs. They find themselves falling in love, but it will take a miracle to shine light on a way for them to be together.

I loved the passages about celebrating Hanukkah. Of course their were dreidels and gelt, latkes and a variety of flavorful treats. I liked the fact that their were several menorahs at the celebration. We always had one menorah and the idea of bringing your own menorah to a large family gathering or kids having their own, is a new one for me.

This franchise is made of several series that all concentrate on one of the branches of the Fortune family. A series will have several interconnected novels written by different authors. Although their is an overall story that connects the novels, each one can easily be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed this novel and can't wait to read the author's next novel, Falling for the Rabbi which comes out in February.

[Courtney Shapiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Wilck's books are so wholesome and sweet. I really enjoyed reading this one. Sander had cowboy vibes, which I always love, and I liked the chemistry between him and Lisa. The uniqueness of each of their families was nice to see, and I think they worked well together. They were back and forth for a lot of the story based on what they wanted out of life, but I don't think either one really compromised in the traditional way. Wilck was great at making each character see a different perspective, and I loved that so much. This book also took place over the holidays, and the Hanukkah and Christmas traditions were so fun. I especially enjoyed all the different menorahs the Bergen family had, and how they always made sure to play a game a dreidel. This can definitely be read as a standalone, and I loved the family dynamics and the characters that showed up here. I recommend this one for sure!

[Roni Denholtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all of Ms. Wilck's Harlequin books, i liked this one best and gave it 5 stars! It's very fast-paced, and the conflict between two appealing characters was realistic and believable. The resolution felt believable too. Plus there was plenty of hot chemistry between the main characters. This is a touching holiday story!

[Tara Lundmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy, festive, fun holiday read

The latest volume of the Fortune's series is full of that "I-can't-stop-thinking-about-you" angst (and spice). Lisa and Sander know they can't be together, and yet...it might take a miracle as big as candles burning for eight days to make their love possible.

[Harlequin Books]

Holiday Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Jewish Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Western Romance
Miniseries
The Fortunes of Texas: Fortune's Hidden Treasures (Book #5)

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fortune’s Unexpected Gift is a quick holiday read with spice, romance, holiday traditions, family, and the best gift of all: a happy ending.

“Thank you Harlequin for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.”