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FIRST NIGHT
A New Year’s Eve missed connection and a wild twenty-four hours. She's got a family tradition to save. He's all-in to help the charming woman he's just met. Everything can change in a day…
Maria, a young professional in a tenuous NYC advertising career, deals with her boss, demanding clients, and a mother who expects her home for the family’s annual New Year’s Day performance in the Mummer’s Parade.
In Philadelphia on New Year’s Eve, she dashes through the train station and slams into an elegantly dressed man, Hunter, who’s in town for a reunion with friends. Once at home, Maria is convinced by her life-of-the-party cousins to attend the First Night Ball. After a broken-down cab, stalled subways, a stop in a country western bar, and a cold walk through the city, they hitch a ride to the ball in a crowded church van.
At the ball, Maria and Hunter awkwardly cross paths again. When an untimely accident lands Maria’s father in the hospital, her mother’s frantic message sends her running. She “borrows” a horse drawn carriage, pushes through traffic to her family, and promises them she’ll guide the team.
At the clubhouse she finds chaos and is devastated to realize that for the first time in the history of the team, they won’t compete. Hunter and his friends offer to fill in for missing performers. Together this band of misfits improvise and save the day.
Over the course of twenty-four hours, Maria and Hunter fall hard for each other.
Maria, a young professional in a tenuous NYC advertising career, deals with her boss, demanding clients, and a mother who expects her home for the family’s annual New Year’s Day performance in the Mummer’s Parade.
In Philadelphia on New Year’s Eve, she dashes through the train station and slams into an elegantly dressed man, Hunter, who’s in town for a reunion with friends. Once at home, Maria is convinced by her life-of-the-party cousins to attend the First Night Ball. After a broken-down cab, stalled subways, a stop in a country western bar, and a cold walk through the city, they hitch a ride to the ball in a crowded church van.
At the ball, Maria and Hunter awkwardly cross paths again. When an untimely accident lands Maria’s father in the hospital, her mother’s frantic message sends her running. She “borrows” a horse drawn carriage, pushes through traffic to her family, and promises them she’ll guide the team.
At the clubhouse she finds chaos and is devastated to realize that for the first time in the history of the team, they won’t compete. Hunter and his friends offer to fill in for missing performers. Together this band of misfits improvise and save the day.
Over the course of twenty-four hours, Maria and Hunter fall hard for each other.
- GenresRomance
300 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 2020
30 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Carol Sabik-Jaffe
2 books12 followersCarol Sabik-Jaffe is a multi-hyphenate Writer-Artist. She has been known to draw, paint, and as an Art Director, design things. Now, she designs with words and pictures as a writer, screenwriter, and an occasional Blogger. Several of her screenplays have won awards and she is ever hopeful that her work will get produced one day!
Her formative years were spent in Colts Neck, NJ. She now lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with her husband and a crazy rescue dog named, Enzo. She is a proud Mom of two creative and successful adults.
She is fond of romantic comedies and characters that are a little less than perfect. She is usually at work on numerous projects in various states of development or tossing a ball for Enzo (but, that's another story).
Find her at www.carolsabikjaffe.com
or on social media:
Twitter @CarolSabikJaffe
@BCarefulWUWish4
Instagram, and Facebook.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08N9D3SS1
Her formative years were spent in Colts Neck, NJ. She now lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with her husband and a crazy rescue dog named, Enzo. She is a proud Mom of two creative and successful adults.
She is fond of romantic comedies and characters that are a little less than perfect. She is usually at work on numerous projects in various states of development or tossing a ball for Enzo (but, that's another story).
Find her at www.carolsabikjaffe.com
or on social media:
Twitter @CarolSabikJaffe
@BCarefulWUWish4
Instagram, and Facebook.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08N9D3SS1
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 14, 2021
A fun light read that was the perfect sit in the sand and listen to the waves read. Being very familiar with this area of the country and the history of Mummers, I enjoyed the throwback into my memories. Of course I’m not getting into the middle of the Pat’s vs. Geno’s argument as I know that Jim’s is the real winner!
Maria and Hunter keep running (literally) into each other, and within a short 24 hour period, a whirlwind happens. With quirky sidekicks and interesting family, this was entertaining on every page.
Maria and Hunter keep running (literally) into each other, and within a short 24 hour period, a whirlwind happens. With quirky sidekicks and interesting family, this was entertaining on every page.
October 15, 2021
Magical
This book was old New York Christmas magic.
I liked the writing style. The characters are well developed. The story has humor and is simply charming. There are errors but it doesn't take much from the story. Bravo!
This book was old New York Christmas magic.
I liked the writing style. The characters are well developed. The story has humor and is simply charming. There are errors but it doesn't take much from the story. Bravo!
December 29, 2021
Do you love missed connection romance stories? Do you love when the main characters can't catch a break? Do you love a good happily ever after? Then this book is for you.
Maria works and lives in New York and has no time for herself let alone a relationship. Hunter works and lives in Washington D.C. and also has no time for himself let alone a relationship. Both are called back to Philadelphia for New Year's Eve. Thus triggering a set of missed connections, mishaps, and missteps while both figure out that sometimes you need to slow down and take the time to march to a different beat.
There is a second book on the way and I will let you all know when that is released.
This is your standard operating clean happily ever after romantic comedy. And I'm here for all of it. I can honestly say, I would love to see this as a Hallmark movie. Ooh, who do I talk to about that? If you know, please let me know.
I'm not usually a reader of the rom-coms but all I needed to see to know I wanted to read this was Philly and Mummers. Everything else was extraneous to me until I started reading it. I am totally going to recommend this book in my book clubs for February. It absolutely lives up to expectations for the genre.
The characters. Let me tell you about these characters. I grew up around 16th and Bigler in South Philly. These characters reminded me of family and friends and family of friends. It was like going back home. And my homesick self needed it. I will not lie to you on this. I grew up knowing people like Maria and her cousins. And God save the queen, I have had cops called on me because I went AWOL no communication for 24 hours. This is before cell phones. So, yeah. These characters felt like home. And that's about the best thing this time of year.
I guess maybe I was reading this for the wrong reasons. I really didn't read it for the romance. I wanted a quick trip home. And that's what I got. Rom-coms tend to be a little formulaic and predictable but the same can be said of cozy mysteries. Any genre really if you go by the beats method. That all being said, once I sat down and made a time to read, I cleared this book in two hours. It is a page turner. There is always something happening. There was never a boring or dull moment. Fast paced, funny, and a little sweet romance. You had me at Mummers, though.
I am interested to see how they're going to resolve the distance gap. And I know Antonetta is never going to stop talking about marriage and babies and where they will live. I do want to eventually see Hunter's father and mother. And who won? Was it Quaker City or Fralinger? Who came after a newbie never marched not even actually a Mummer? And can I get that recipe for sausage and pepper?
I literally read some of Antonetta's dialogue out to my husband. He was concerned. Who recorded my father? Who recorded me? Am I doing the audiobook? The only problem I had is that they went to Pat's for cheesesteaks. You can tell those boys aren't from there. No self respecting Philly boy would leave South Street and Jim's to go to Pat's. I will forgive this though because apparently it was five in the morning. But still. Ew.
I would absolutely and will recommend this book. If you like a good Hallmark Christmas movie. If you like a goofy rom-com. If you're tired of all these movies taking place in a small town. Here you go. Read this.
Maria works and lives in New York and has no time for herself let alone a relationship. Hunter works and lives in Washington D.C. and also has no time for himself let alone a relationship. Both are called back to Philadelphia for New Year's Eve. Thus triggering a set of missed connections, mishaps, and missteps while both figure out that sometimes you need to slow down and take the time to march to a different beat.
There is a second book on the way and I will let you all know when that is released.
This is your standard operating clean happily ever after romantic comedy. And I'm here for all of it. I can honestly say, I would love to see this as a Hallmark movie. Ooh, who do I talk to about that? If you know, please let me know.
I'm not usually a reader of the rom-coms but all I needed to see to know I wanted to read this was Philly and Mummers. Everything else was extraneous to me until I started reading it. I am totally going to recommend this book in my book clubs for February. It absolutely lives up to expectations for the genre.
The characters. Let me tell you about these characters. I grew up around 16th and Bigler in South Philly. These characters reminded me of family and friends and family of friends. It was like going back home. And my homesick self needed it. I will not lie to you on this. I grew up knowing people like Maria and her cousins. And God save the queen, I have had cops called on me because I went AWOL no communication for 24 hours. This is before cell phones. So, yeah. These characters felt like home. And that's about the best thing this time of year.
I guess maybe I was reading this for the wrong reasons. I really didn't read it for the romance. I wanted a quick trip home. And that's what I got. Rom-coms tend to be a little formulaic and predictable but the same can be said of cozy mysteries. Any genre really if you go by the beats method. That all being said, once I sat down and made a time to read, I cleared this book in two hours. It is a page turner. There is always something happening. There was never a boring or dull moment. Fast paced, funny, and a little sweet romance. You had me at Mummers, though.
I am interested to see how they're going to resolve the distance gap. And I know Antonetta is never going to stop talking about marriage and babies and where they will live. I do want to eventually see Hunter's father and mother. And who won? Was it Quaker City or Fralinger? Who came after a newbie never marched not even actually a Mummer? And can I get that recipe for sausage and pepper?
I literally read some of Antonetta's dialogue out to my husband. He was concerned. Who recorded my father? Who recorded me? Am I doing the audiobook? The only problem I had is that they went to Pat's for cheesesteaks. You can tell those boys aren't from there. No self respecting Philly boy would leave South Street and Jim's to go to Pat's. I will forgive this though because apparently it was five in the morning. But still. Ew.
I would absolutely and will recommend this book. If you like a good Hallmark Christmas movie. If you like a goofy rom-com. If you're tired of all these movies taking place in a small town. Here you go. Read this.
December 10, 2021
I am a sucker for a seasonal story and the cover really caught my eye. First Night is a fast paced, engaging tale, featuring a collection of genuinely likeable characters, hilarious mishaps, and mis-timings.
Set on New Year's Eve, it follows two complete strangers, Maria and Hunter, as they get caught up in a chapter of predicaments, which threaten to derail their - individual - new year celebrations.
As the evening wears on, they keep bumping into each other and there is definitely a spark, but before they can explore it, something interferes.
Although a delicious, and at times hilarious, romance, this is also about people coming together to help others when the unexpected happens. So many things go wrong but, it is because they do that makes the story so right!
This is my first book by Ms Sabik-Jaffe. It won't be my last!
Set on New Year's Eve, it follows two complete strangers, Maria and Hunter, as they get caught up in a chapter of predicaments, which threaten to derail their - individual - new year celebrations.
As the evening wears on, they keep bumping into each other and there is definitely a spark, but before they can explore it, something interferes.
Although a delicious, and at times hilarious, romance, this is also about people coming together to help others when the unexpected happens. So many things go wrong but, it is because they do that makes the story so right!
This is my first book by Ms Sabik-Jaffe. It won't be my last!
January 2, 2021
First Night captures all the charm and romance of a glittering New Year's Eve in Philadelphia. This love-at-first-sight story brings vividly to life the characters of Maria and Hunter, as they romp through the city streets. Sprinkled with a mother's wisdom and a strong sense of community, this joyful tale creates the perfect spell for the holidays. An engaging, fun read!
April 10, 2021
Everything went wrong!
When everything went wrong it turned out right. In First Night Carol Sabik-Jaffe introduces us to Maria and Hunter a couple who meet by accident but feel the attraction. I love a good book like this. You know it's a romance but it's not heavy. With this one you have a lot of light hearted fun.
When everything went wrong it turned out right. In First Night Carol Sabik-Jaffe introduces us to Maria and Hunter a couple who meet by accident but feel the attraction. I love a good book like this. You know it's a romance but it's not heavy. With this one you have a lot of light hearted fun.
December 30, 2021
This is a delightful rom com reminiscent of those all-star-cast ensemble movies.
A series of unlucky events turns Maria & Hunter's meet cute to meet cringe! A great way to spend the festive season getting to know and rooting for the couple (and their friends & family) as they navigate a less than conventional New Years eve.
A series of unlucky events turns Maria & Hunter's meet cute to meet cringe! A great way to spend the festive season getting to know and rooting for the couple (and their friends & family) as they navigate a less than conventional New Years eve.
January 21, 2021
Quick, fun read!
Do yourself a favor and read this book... the story is darling! I’m not from Philly, but I definitely got the flavor, and it’s delightful.
Do yourself a favor and read this book... the story is darling! I’m not from Philly, but I definitely got the flavor, and it’s delightful.
December 22, 2025
I enjoyed this book and there twists and turns!!
A New Year’s Eve meet cute, a wild twenty-four hours, and a potential “happily ever after.” She's got a family tradition to save. He's all-in to help the charming woman he's just met.
A contemporary Cinderella, Maria’s a young professional in NYC, dealing with her boss, demanding clients, a nonexistent dating life, and a mother who expects her home in Philadelphia for the family’s annual New Year’s Day performance in the Mummer’s Parade. Trying to make her way home on New Year’s Eve, she dashes through the train station and slams into an elegantly dressed man, Hunter, who’s in town for a reunion with friends.
At home, Maria is convinced by her life-of-the-party cousins to attend the First Night Ball. Mishap after mishap delay the women’s arrival at the elegant event. Once there, Maria and Hunter awkwardly cross paths again.
An untimely accident and a frantic message from her mother send Maria running. In the hospital she promises her father that she’ll do her best to guide the group’s performance in the parade. At the team’s clubhouse she finds chaos and missing performers. Maria’s devastated when she realizes that for the first time in their long history the team can’t compete. Hunter and his friends, a group that’s never been known to turn down a challenge, chivalrously offer to fill in for missing performers. Together this band of misfits improvise and save the day.
Over the course of twenty-four hours, Maria and Hunter fall hard for each other. A heartfelt story, First Night reminds that sometimes paths are meant to cross. And, everything can change in a day…
A New Year’s Eve meet cute, a wild twenty-four hours, and a potential “happily ever after.” She's got a family tradition to save. He's all-in to help the charming woman he's just met.
A contemporary Cinderella, Maria’s a young professional in NYC, dealing with her boss, demanding clients, a nonexistent dating life, and a mother who expects her home in Philadelphia for the family’s annual New Year’s Day performance in the Mummer’s Parade. Trying to make her way home on New Year’s Eve, she dashes through the train station and slams into an elegantly dressed man, Hunter, who’s in town for a reunion with friends.
At home, Maria is convinced by her life-of-the-party cousins to attend the First Night Ball. Mishap after mishap delay the women’s arrival at the elegant event. Once there, Maria and Hunter awkwardly cross paths again.
An untimely accident and a frantic message from her mother send Maria running. In the hospital she promises her father that she’ll do her best to guide the group’s performance in the parade. At the team’s clubhouse she finds chaos and missing performers. Maria’s devastated when she realizes that for the first time in their long history the team can’t compete. Hunter and his friends, a group that’s never been known to turn down a challenge, chivalrously offer to fill in for missing performers. Together this band of misfits improvise and save the day.
Over the course of twenty-four hours, Maria and Hunter fall hard for each other. A heartfelt story, First Night reminds that sometimes paths are meant to cross. And, everything can change in a day…
July 24, 2023
If you're a Philadelphia native or have strong ties to the city, you will absolutely love this book. In First Night, Carol Sabik-Jaffe embraces everything that the City of Philadelphia is known for on New Year's Day.
If I had to provide an emotion to describe this book, it would be whirlwind. I felt like I was running all over Philadelphia with Maria, Bambi, and all of the other fun-loving characters in this book. This book pays wonderful tribute to South Philadelphia and all of the traditions there. Maria's character will have you feeling all sorts of stress as she tries to navigate her lackluster romantic life and overwhelming family.
Enjoy it.
If I had to provide an emotion to describe this book, it would be whirlwind. I felt like I was running all over Philadelphia with Maria, Bambi, and all of the other fun-loving characters in this book. This book pays wonderful tribute to South Philadelphia and all of the traditions there. Maria's character will have you feeling all sorts of stress as she tries to navigate her lackluster romantic life and overwhelming family.
Enjoy it.
April 7, 2021
A crazy New Years night
One night of bizarre incidents and coincidences keep bringing Maria and Hunter together. Stay on the reading path, for it is a hell of a crazy ride with a promise of more in the sequel. There is a whole bunch of cousins, friends and colleagues. Each with their unique quirks and identities.
One night of bizarre incidents and coincidences keep bringing Maria and Hunter together. Stay on the reading path, for it is a hell of a crazy ride with a promise of more in the sequel. There is a whole bunch of cousins, friends and colleagues. Each with their unique quirks and identities.
January 13, 2022
A lovely romantic story of two professionals meeting in somewhat unusual circumstances. Fate seems set against them but attraction and love at first sight wins.
I liked the way the chapters alternated between the two MCs and the quotes from Maria's mother at the start of each of her chapters was a great idea.
A heart warming read.
I liked the way the chapters alternated between the two MCs and the quotes from Maria's mother at the start of each of her chapters was a great idea.
A heart warming read.
Currently reading
November 7, 2022An awkward New Year's Eve meet cute. An epic twenty-four-hour first date. She has a family tradition to save. He's all in with the assist. Over the course of a day, these two fall hard in this fated romance.
'Tis the season for a $.99cent Kindle sale!
Free in Kindle Unlimited.
(Paperback too.)
'Tis the season for a $.99cent Kindle sale!
Free in Kindle Unlimited.
(Paperback too.)
December 12, 2023
I wanted a nice easy, fun, holiday read for my last book of the year. This one just wasn’t for me. By the fifth time, Maria fell, broke her heel, stole a horse and buggy, and rode it in the streets of Philly. it was over for me.I just skimmed through the rest of the book which was silly the whole way through.
January 23, 2026
3.75 stars! A cute, light hearted read with likeable characters and a happy ending. I thought the plot was a great one and felt interested in the flow of events. My biggest criticism is that the whole parade/mumming (?) details were a bit too long—almost like a digression—and I felt bored and tuned out because of this. Once that was passed, it was back to being enjoyable.
February 9, 2021
Fun and fast paced!
Adorable rom-com! This story takes you under its wing and escorts you through a day of fast paced high stakes New Years Eve hilarity with an Italian girl from Philly, her loving but loud and bossy family, and a new love interest.
Adorable rom-com! This story takes you under its wing and escorts you through a day of fast paced high stakes New Years Eve hilarity with an Italian girl from Philly, her loving but loud and bossy family, and a new love interest.
May 22, 2021
I haven't read many 24 hour romances, but this one surprised me. The relationship didn't go too far for the couple having just met. The world of the main character was easy to picture.
May 28, 2021
Writing style kept breaking my immersion in the story. I think this author has something great to offer but needs an editor to help get there.
September 25, 2021
A cute tale of how a couple meets on New Years Eve and one thing after another seems to happen. I liked how the whole family seemed to get involved and my favorite character was the mother.
January 3, 2022
DNF @ 22% Just completely bored with it.
January 5, 2022
Rich with tradition
First Night is jam packed with adventure and chalked full of rich traditions. Carol had me considering a trip to Philly for a New Years day experience.
First Night is jam packed with adventure and chalked full of rich traditions. Carol had me considering a trip to Philly for a New Years day experience.
January 13, 2022
Really enjoyed this jam-packed adventure full of history and excitement!
October 4, 2022
Really enjoyable book. Loved this story it was fun.
I look forward to reading the next book.
Highly recommend
I look forward to reading the next book.
Highly recommend
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews