Shira's Secret

by Chaya T. Hirsch

Orthodox Jew Shira Newman is sick and tired of being the older unmarried sister in her family. At her youngest sister’s engagement party, she escapes to the roof, the only place she can be alone. There she meets Jeff, a nice guy with a sweet smile and a secret behind his eyes. The two of them start talking, and Shira finds herself enjoying his company. They meet almost every night. There’s just one Jeff isn’t an Orthodox Jew. Shira is expected to marry a religious boy. Yet, she can’t stop thinking about him and wants to be with him. But how long can they go on like this before someone from her community discovers her secret? Before one of them gets hurt?

Genres: Romance, Jewish

385 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 12, 2016

Reviews

[Leif C. Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

This is a great story! Best of all, the author teaches her readers what it means to be an Orthodox Jew. Holidays, deportment, prayers, and dating were explained in straight, clear, easy to understand terms.

[Megan Doyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could be a Hallmark movie.

Sweet fairy tale kind of story. Shira and Jeff meet by accident on the rooftop of a building that they both live in. She is a religious Jew, and he is Jewish but not religious. You get the rest, right?

[Irene Tanzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't usually read romance novels, but I thought I'd read this one for a change. I might just feel this way about all romance novels. The plot was formulaic and predictable, and the book gave me no particular insight into anything. I wasn't moved. However, I made it through the book, so it was somewhat readable.

[Julie Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was advertised on my kindle. I was intrigued, so downloaded it. It was so refreshing to read a romance that was not steamy. Of course, it would not be authentic if it had been steamy as Orthodox Jews can’t touch the opposite sex unless it’s a husband/wife, brother/sister etc. the story was good and the description was excellent.

[Bayla H. Kolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

I really enjoyed this book. Shira is so kind and sweet. Jeff saw that right away. They overcame many obstacles. I felt from the beginning that they would find a way to be together. Both had rich characteristics and the author showed it so well.

[Joan Weinberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

This book was written well, explaining the importance of being a respectful and honorable Jewish woman.
For those who are secular Jews you will learn about the frum/religious world

[D T · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started off as a 5 star read, I think the ending and the twist with Jeff was predictable and also melodramatic. It was truly a fun read! And got me out of a reading slump. Couldn't put it down.

[Marty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like a valley girl meets a surfer dude

[Whiskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in one sitting. I was genuinely thrilled to find Jewish inspirational romance and it was exactly what I was looking for. cozy, cute, comforting and exceeded expectations :)

[Teresa Booth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t want it to end

What a sweet, sweet book. I was sad when it ended. I hope there’s a sequel because I want to know how things continue….

[Harlan D. Kilstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Was wondering what was going to happen. The plot twists and turns. Can't wait to read another on of Chaya's books

[Ilana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The relationship between the main characters is predictable, but it still remains a question what will be the ending and how the story will take shape. There are also a couple of slightly surprising turns which keeps the reader interested. It is an easy yet thoughtful read.