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Orchard Hill #4
Home for Hanukkah
He’s looking for one last miracle…
Zach Strauss may be down, but he’s not out. His Bay Area biotech start-up has crashed, leaving him broke, but it’s only temporary until he can raise more money—or so he tells himself. Failure isn’t an option, and Zach’s always been able to sell anyone on anything. But back in his hometown, he finds himself in the unfamiliar position of needing a job.
After a childhood of instability, Noa Jacob purchased Second Chance, a thrift store-turned-boutique in Orchard Hill, and is determined to put down the roots she never had. Running her own business is more challenging than she’d imagined, and she’s in danger of losing it all—until a handsome stranger bursting with ideas walks in looking for work.
Noa only has ten days to turn Second Chance around, but Zach is confident that’s plenty. Together they create a successful Hanukkah Miracle Market that draws in families looking for something other than the Christmas cheer. But as the balance sheet ticks up, Noa wonders if instead of losing her business, she risks losing her heart.
Zach Strauss may be down, but he’s not out. His Bay Area biotech start-up has crashed, leaving him broke, but it’s only temporary until he can raise more money—or so he tells himself. Failure isn’t an option, and Zach’s always been able to sell anyone on anything. But back in his hometown, he finds himself in the unfamiliar position of needing a job.
After a childhood of instability, Noa Jacob purchased Second Chance, a thrift store-turned-boutique in Orchard Hill, and is determined to put down the roots she never had. Running her own business is more challenging than she’d imagined, and she’s in danger of losing it all—until a handsome stranger bursting with ideas walks in looking for work.
Noa only has ten days to turn Second Chance around, but Zach is confident that’s plenty. Together they create a successful Hanukkah Miracle Market that draws in families looking for something other than the Christmas cheer. But as the balance sheet ticks up, Noa wonders if instead of losing her business, she risks losing her heart.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2022
121 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Crowley
30 books97 followersRebecca Crowley writes contemporary romance about good people doing their best, and never tires of the happily-ever-after. Having pulled up her Kansas roots to live in New York City, London and Johannesburg, Rebecca currently resides in Houston.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 7, 2022
I am really loving this series. They are cozy, heart-warming stories that centered around Jewish holidays.
I appreciate the perfect dose of happiness these stories deliver in a small package.
Like the previous books, here we again the return-to-hometown/community as a central theme. Opposite characters coming together. He is a dreamer, she is grounded and down to Earth but work perfectly together.
I really liked her and the bit about her coming to religion later in life - her longing to belong but also fear of rejection.
Great sense of community! Pure escapist fun!
CW: risk of bankruptcy, child neglect (in the past)
I appreciate the perfect dose of happiness these stories deliver in a small package.
Like the previous books, here we again the return-to-hometown/community as a central theme. Opposite characters coming together. He is a dreamer, she is grounded and down to Earth but work perfectly together.
I really liked her and the bit about her coming to religion later in life - her longing to belong but also fear of rejection.
Great sense of community! Pure escapist fun!
CW: risk of bankruptcy, child neglect (in the past)
November 6, 2022
So, I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy from the author (who I do know and who is super sweet) and I just adored this book so much. Noa gives Zach a job in her lovely but financially strapped shop while he is nursing his wounds after his quest for an Alzheimer's drug fails. They have amazing chemistry and are each able to connect with each other through their intense passion for their dreams and help each other find a path forward and their places in Orchard Hill. Noa is also struggling to handle her relationship with her mother which is strained to say the least.
The emotions in this story were so strong and the relationships so real and complex, that it had me hooked the entire time. I cared about Noa and Zach, both as a couple and as individuals so much, and watching them struggle hurt but made me want so many good things for them. The resolutions were earned and felt true and good and it was just so well done.
It's a lovely holiday story which will have you believing in miracles if you make them so. Totally recommend.
The emotions in this story were so strong and the relationships so real and complex, that it had me hooked the entire time. I cared about Noa and Zach, both as a couple and as individuals so much, and watching them struggle hurt but made me want so many good things for them. The resolutions were earned and felt true and good and it was just so well done.
It's a lovely holiday story which will have you believing in miracles if you make them so. Totally recommend.
December 5, 2022
I received this arc of Home for Hanukkah in exchange for my honest review. This is the fourth book in the Orchard Hill series by Rebecca Crowley. I have read the whole series and really enjoyed it. Even though the characters from the prior books appear in this story, I don’t feel the reader would be lost if they had not read all the prior books. Rebecca is an excellent author and I have enjoyed reading her books. This story takes place in the small St. Louis suburb, Orchard Hill. The main character, Noa Jacob owns an eclectic shop/cafe that was formerly the thrift shop. She is new to the town and the store is her attempt to take control of her life and be successful. As the story opens, we learn that she has a large sum owed to the bank after the first of the year and she doesn’t know how she will be able to make the payment. She has very few customers coming into her shop and her prices are low. She fears she will lose her store and be a failure.
Zach Strauss has returned to Orchard Hill after being away for years being a successful entrepreneur. We learn that he has lost everything when his biotech Alzheimer’s product failed in the trials and his investors pulled out. He returned home to regroup and stay in his brother’s girlfriend’s, apartment while they are traveling. He is looking for a job as he has no money. He comes to Nora’s shop and works a deal to get hired even though she is on the verge of losing everything too. He is very charismatic, charming and creative in trying to help Noa bring in business for her floundering store.
Zach and Noa come up with a plan to try and get more business to the shop during Hanukkah so that she has a chance to make the $20;000 she needs. He would get some of the profits as well to be able to afford the essentials while he is in Orchard Hill. They set up a nightly Hanukkah market in the store selling the items she has in stock, serving beverages and food. As they work together they realize there is a strong attraction between them. However she knows he will be returning to California after the holidays are over and he has his plan in place. The future for both is uncertain and there’s some angst and suspense that is very entertaining to read.
I enjoyed reading another story taking place in Orchard Hill and seeing the other people from prior stories again. I like learning about the holidays I am not as familiar with too. The couple are opposites but they fit together very nicely. I saw character growth in both Noa and Zach in the story. I highly recommend this book and the series. This is another 5 star book by Ms. Crowley.
Zach Strauss has returned to Orchard Hill after being away for years being a successful entrepreneur. We learn that he has lost everything when his biotech Alzheimer’s product failed in the trials and his investors pulled out. He returned home to regroup and stay in his brother’s girlfriend’s, apartment while they are traveling. He is looking for a job as he has no money. He comes to Nora’s shop and works a deal to get hired even though she is on the verge of losing everything too. He is very charismatic, charming and creative in trying to help Noa bring in business for her floundering store.
Zach and Noa come up with a plan to try and get more business to the shop during Hanukkah so that she has a chance to make the $20;000 she needs. He would get some of the profits as well to be able to afford the essentials while he is in Orchard Hill. They set up a nightly Hanukkah market in the store selling the items she has in stock, serving beverages and food. As they work together they realize there is a strong attraction between them. However she knows he will be returning to California after the holidays are over and he has his plan in place. The future for both is uncertain and there’s some angst and suspense that is very entertaining to read.
I enjoyed reading another story taking place in Orchard Hill and seeing the other people from prior stories again. I like learning about the holidays I am not as familiar with too. The couple are opposites but they fit together very nicely. I saw character growth in both Noa and Zach in the story. I highly recommend this book and the series. This is another 5 star book by Ms. Crowley.
December 31, 2024
Noa Jacob is trying to make a success of her thrift/boutique store in Orchard Hill. She didn’t have the best childhood, and this gives her a chance to prove herself and make a name for herself. Noa quickly finds out running your own business can be difficult. If she doesn’t turn her business around soon, she’s in danger of losing it all.
Zach Strauss has always been successful, until now. His biotech start-up came to a crashing end. He now has no money and no possibilities of getting any. In an attempt to clear his head, he goes to his hometown of Orchid Hill. When he meets Noa and hears of the dilemma with her store, he’s sure he can help her make her store a success.
With the Hanukkah season around them, they hope for some magical answers. Unfortunately, Noa is a realist, even with a handsome man lending a helping hand. Not only is her business in danger, but so is her heart.
This is a lovely romance of two people trying to put their past behind them. They desperately want to succeed on their own, but they aren’t sure it’s even possible.
The author created two lovable characters. The setting is the perfect small town. Noa and Zach are surrounded with a supporting cast you can either love or find annoying at times. It is a nice mix of both. It’s a story to make you smile for the holidays.
It’s the fourth book in the Orchid Hill series. I haven’t read any of the previous books, but I don’t think it matters. This isn’t a continuing story. It began and ended in this book. A few previous book characters did make an appearance, but it didn’t hinder the reading experience for a newbie like me. I do plan to read the previous three books, though.
Zach Strauss has always been successful, until now. His biotech start-up came to a crashing end. He now has no money and no possibilities of getting any. In an attempt to clear his head, he goes to his hometown of Orchid Hill. When he meets Noa and hears of the dilemma with her store, he’s sure he can help her make her store a success.
With the Hanukkah season around them, they hope for some magical answers. Unfortunately, Noa is a realist, even with a handsome man lending a helping hand. Not only is her business in danger, but so is her heart.
This is a lovely romance of two people trying to put their past behind them. They desperately want to succeed on their own, but they aren’t sure it’s even possible.
The author created two lovable characters. The setting is the perfect small town. Noa and Zach are surrounded with a supporting cast you can either love or find annoying at times. It is a nice mix of both. It’s a story to make you smile for the holidays.
It’s the fourth book in the Orchid Hill series. I haven’t read any of the previous books, but I don’t think it matters. This isn’t a continuing story. It began and ended in this book. A few previous book characters did make an appearance, but it didn’t hinder the reading experience for a newbie like me. I do plan to read the previous three books, though.
November 22, 2022
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.5 stars.
A sweet and gentle romance, with some steamy scenes, between two people presently a bit lost and down on their luck, “Home for Hanukkah”, by Rebecca Crowley (Tule Publishing), provides also an interesting detour into Jewish faith and traditions.
The way Zach and Noa relate and complement each other and how the romance develops between the intrepid, risk taker hero and the cautious heroine was delighful.
I liked that they’re both dealing with realistic problems, show vulnerability and yet try hard to project a façade of control and strength.
Zach’s character is lovely. A nerd full of contradictions, but such an endearing, generous soul.
I liked the creativity and intelligence of this dreamer, his “unending optimism and honesty”.
And strangely there’s a sadness, loneliness about him, that are compelling, a stark contrast between the successful entrepreneur and the man who carries his belongings in a shopping bag.
I also liked the way Zach embraces his faith and heritage and how it’s his effervescent mind that takes advantage of Orchard Hill small-town living for Noa’s Second Chance.
Zach and Noa are also opposites in some aspects, the uncertainty of her vagrant childhood restraining the entrepreneur drive; yet when they find their balance they are such a good match.
I liked returning to Orchard Hill and having another perspective of Zack’s parents’ broken marriage and the terrible impact it had in their children.
3.5 stars.
A sweet and gentle romance, with some steamy scenes, between two people presently a bit lost and down on their luck, “Home for Hanukkah”, by Rebecca Crowley (Tule Publishing), provides also an interesting detour into Jewish faith and traditions.
The way Zach and Noa relate and complement each other and how the romance develops between the intrepid, risk taker hero and the cautious heroine was delighful.
I liked that they’re both dealing with realistic problems, show vulnerability and yet try hard to project a façade of control and strength.
Zach’s character is lovely. A nerd full of contradictions, but such an endearing, generous soul.
I liked the creativity and intelligence of this dreamer, his “unending optimism and honesty”.
And strangely there’s a sadness, loneliness about him, that are compelling, a stark contrast between the successful entrepreneur and the man who carries his belongings in a shopping bag.
I also liked the way Zach embraces his faith and heritage and how it’s his effervescent mind that takes advantage of Orchard Hill small-town living for Noa’s Second Chance.
Zach and Noa are also opposites in some aspects, the uncertainty of her vagrant childhood restraining the entrepreneur drive; yet when they find their balance they are such a good match.
I liked returning to Orchard Hill and having another perspective of Zack’s parents’ broken marriage and the terrible impact it had in their children.
December 21, 2025
This is a light and charming holiday romance but not the holiday everyone else reads. It is refreshing to find a Hanukkah themed holiday story amid the plethora of ubiquitous Christmas stories.
I won’t repeat the blurb but it only scratches the surface of this story. Both Zach and Noa come from highly dysfunctional families and each in their own way have been trying to overcompensate as adults for what they didn’t receive emotionally as children. Behind Zach’s eternally optimistic exterior is a young boy who could never do enough to
to meet his parents’ high expectations. Behind Noa’s fierce and impenetrable independence is a girl who learned as a child that she could never depend on anyone, especially her high maintenance, flighty mother.
The writing is good, not great, but better than some in this genre, and the story moves along at a good pace. The romance is a really slow burn, leading to a mildly spicy scene that becomes very closed door. There is the obligatory 3rd act break up which frankly comes out of nowhere. But Zach and Noa eventually overcome their own personal issues, find a way to heal themselves, and solve their own problems leading to a satisfying HEA.
This is the 4th book in a series with many of the characters of the first 3 books making appearances. Although it can be read as a stand alone story, I’m looking forward to reading the first 3 books and learning those characters’ backstories.
I won’t repeat the blurb but it only scratches the surface of this story. Both Zach and Noa come from highly dysfunctional families and each in their own way have been trying to overcompensate as adults for what they didn’t receive emotionally as children. Behind Zach’s eternally optimistic exterior is a young boy who could never do enough to
to meet his parents’ high expectations. Behind Noa’s fierce and impenetrable independence is a girl who learned as a child that she could never depend on anyone, especially her high maintenance, flighty mother.
The writing is good, not great, but better than some in this genre, and the story moves along at a good pace. The romance is a really slow burn, leading to a mildly spicy scene that becomes very closed door. There is the obligatory 3rd act break up which frankly comes out of nowhere. But Zach and Noa eventually overcome their own personal issues, find a way to heal themselves, and solve their own problems leading to a satisfying HEA.
This is the 4th book in a series with many of the characters of the first 3 books making appearances. Although it can be read as a stand alone story, I’m looking forward to reading the first 3 books and learning those characters’ backstories.
November 21, 2022
Hanukkah is a time for miracles.
This inspiring story is about Noa and Zach who form an unlikely partnership at Noa’s struggling shop, Second Chance. With a little faith and Zach’s idea of a Hanukkah Night Market, they just might pull Noa’s shop out of debt and loosen the fear of closing down. Zach is also able able to break down Noa’s protective walls, that she has built around herself, to gain her trust and love.
Zach returned to Orchard Hill, where he lived with his grandparents, after his biotech company goes under. He doesn’t want anyone to know about his failure. But when he gets to know Noa, he confides in her about it and the options he is facing about continuing his research on creating an Alzheimer’s drug. Hanukkah magic is at work here, creating new paths and plans for these two amazing characters.
I enjoyed this book so much. It had characters that I instantly liked and wanted the best for them. I enjoyed seeing how they worked through their struggles, in their business and personal lives, and how they came to depend on each other and eventually fell in love.
This inspiring story is about Noa and Zach who form an unlikely partnership at Noa’s struggling shop, Second Chance. With a little faith and Zach’s idea of a Hanukkah Night Market, they just might pull Noa’s shop out of debt and loosen the fear of closing down. Zach is also able able to break down Noa’s protective walls, that she has built around herself, to gain her trust and love.
Zach returned to Orchard Hill, where he lived with his grandparents, after his biotech company goes under. He doesn’t want anyone to know about his failure. But when he gets to know Noa, he confides in her about it and the options he is facing about continuing his research on creating an Alzheimer’s drug. Hanukkah magic is at work here, creating new paths and plans for these two amazing characters.
I enjoyed this book so much. It had characters that I instantly liked and wanted the best for them. I enjoyed seeing how they worked through their struggles, in their business and personal lives, and how they came to depend on each other and eventually fell in love.
December 3, 2022
Home for Hanukkah (Orchard Hill Book 4) is another lovely story in this outstanding series by Rebecca Crowley. Zach Strauss is in need of a business purpose and Noa Jacob is desperately in need of some business help. It begins with Zach needing a job but that is not at the heart of this story. This character has so many ideas I had no doubt that he would make good in the end.
One of the aspects of this series is the celebration of Hanukkah. While I am not personally Jewish, I have so enjoyed reading about the holiday activities. If this was real life instead of fiction I would want to attend the Hanukkah Miracle Market. Yes, Zach and Noa together are “able to sell anyone on anything” me included. Their romance is even better than their business.
Such a wonderful holiday story with two charming characters. It certainly would make a great Hallmark holiday movie.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One of the aspects of this series is the celebration of Hanukkah. While I am not personally Jewish, I have so enjoyed reading about the holiday activities. If this was real life instead of fiction I would want to attend the Hanukkah Miracle Market. Yes, Zach and Noa together are “able to sell anyone on anything” me included. Their romance is even better than their business.
Such a wonderful holiday story with two charming characters. It certainly would make a great Hallmark holiday movie.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 28, 2025
I read Shine A Light (Orchard Hill #1) in 2022 and I’m always looking for more books with Jewish representation so when I saw on BookBub that Home for Hanukkah was free, I immediately downloaded it. It was such a sweet romance. I really liked the community of Orchard Hill and could understand why Noa wanted to find her place there. Second Chance and the Hanukkah Miracle Market sound so lovely that if Orchard Hill was a real place and I lived there, I’d definitely want to visit. Zach is the perfect foil for Noa because where she’s overly cautious, he’s more impulsive and they help to balance each other out. I like how he helped Noa understand that she doesn’t have to do everything by herself and it’s OK to ask for help and she helped him make peace with the difficult childhood he’d had in Orchard Hill. I appreciated Zach’s motivation for going into biotech as well.
December 20, 2025
I picked this up on a whim from the Top 100 Free Kindle Books list at Amazon. I finished a book just as Hanukkah was starting, so I figured it was the right time for this one.
It was solidly okay. I read very few romance novels, but I didn’t dislike this one so much that I wanted to quit it. I was just invested enough to see how Noa (which seems not to fit an adult in this decade, although I do know of a little girl named Noah; she’s in Catholic school, so probably not Jewish) would save her store. The references to lights and miracles were all cheesy, but they weren’t frequent enough to be annoying. Just a little eye-rolling. I didn’t like it enough to want to read the rest of the series, but it was a cute treat for the season.
It was solidly okay. I read very few romance novels, but I didn’t dislike this one so much that I wanted to quit it. I was just invested enough to see how Noa (which seems not to fit an adult in this decade, although I do know of a little girl named Noah; she’s in Catholic school, so probably not Jewish) would save her store. The references to lights and miracles were all cheesy, but they weren’t frequent enough to be annoying. Just a little eye-rolling. I didn’t like it enough to want to read the rest of the series, but it was a cute treat for the season.
December 15, 2022
Another great book from Rebecca Crowley! I liked the first book in the series slightly more, but this one was great for different reasons. The love interests encounter each other right when they've both hit rock bottom, and together they work their way out. One needs to learn to be realistic while the other needs to learn to dream and accept help.
The characters, plot, and setting were excellent. I really wish I could visit Orchard Hill and Second Chance. There wasn't as much of the community in this one, but it was still enough to get a real sense of place.
Now on to books 2 and 3 and everything else Crowley has written!
The characters, plot, and setting were excellent. I really wish I could visit Orchard Hill and Second Chance. There wasn't as much of the community in this one, but it was still enough to get a real sense of place.
Now on to books 2 and 3 and everything else Crowley has written!
February 27, 2025
A new favorite author
This is my first Rebecca Crowley book and I have already bought #2. This is not a run-of-the-mill romance with a drop of artificial Jewish flavoring added. Here, Jewishness is a way of life, as it is in real life, but I think it is accessible to any reader. The characters, their problems and their solutions are unique and still realistically drawn. I could go on, but I think you get the idea. If you like stories about uniquely ordinary people struggling with ordinary problems, rather than billionaires, crazy wills, and fake engagements, you will love this.
This is my first Rebecca Crowley book and I have already bought #2. This is not a run-of-the-mill romance with a drop of artificial Jewish flavoring added. Here, Jewishness is a way of life, as it is in real life, but I think it is accessible to any reader. The characters, their problems and their solutions are unique and still realistically drawn. I could go on, but I think you get the idea. If you like stories about uniquely ordinary people struggling with ordinary problems, rather than billionaires, crazy wills, and fake engagements, you will love this.
December 20, 2022
CW: Parental neglect, Alzheimer’s.
I thought both MCs were well-developed characters, but it shocked me when Noa made Zach leave her apartment the morning after they made love for the first time, especially since she KNEW at that point he was homeless and penniless! WTF?
I was also bothered by the fact that Noa’s mother repudiated her upbringing by casually becoming an evangelical Christian and perfect church wife, and that Noa attended the church youth group before realizing it wasn’t worth giving up her identity for social reasons.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2023
I liked the small town vibes that Orchard Hill had to offer. Second Chance was a cute little store, and I really liked how Zach and Noa bonded over their Judaism and how it came to mean something to each of them. I also liked the concept of the Hanukkah market. However, I thought that was going to be more central to the story. I feel like it was put on the back burner and it seemed like the stroy was missing something. Some of the moments also felt one note and i found myself getting bored with what was happening. It was cute, but didn't pull me in like I'd hoped.
December 2, 2022
What a wonderful and moving read. From the moment I picked up the this book I could not put it down. As I read on I became invested in the main characters and the journey their story was taking them on. Their story was sweet, inspiring, a little hot and so much more. I look forward to reading more by this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 2, 2022
Love finds a heart to fill in both wonderful and trying times. Trying times have struck both Noa and Zach. He has lost his company and she is losing her store. Finding each other is a blessing and a curse. If opposites really attract, then theirs would be a match made in heaven. A touching story of love at odds with personal demons.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 15, 2025
4.5/5 stars
This is a Hanukkah romance. It is the fourth book in the Orchard Hill series. This one features Noa and Zach.
I have loved every book in this series. Noa's store is in trouble. Zach's biotech company has gone under. But Zach comes up with an idea to save her store.
I love the Hanukkah and Jewish rep. The romance is so heartwarming. What a beautiful story!
January 9, 2024
Not riveting. Also, very immature characters, a man who won’t keep his mouth shut when it’s not his turn to talk, and unrealistic insta-love. Could have been better; too superficial. Yay for Jewish content, but after the last one, I probably should have skipped this one.
December 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this couple working together to make a future for themselves. I honestly didn't want it to end.
December 25, 2022
Not very gripping unfortunately. Maybe I'm romances out though.
December 2, 2025
loved this series
December 31, 2024
Cute story and fitting end to this series. Fun and easy read and the romance was easy and sweet. Perfect for a holiday romance.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews