A spin on The Parent Trap, this story follows two half sisters who meet at a lakeside cabin in Maine after the death of their father. I adored the chaA spin on The Parent Trap, this story follows two half sisters who meet at a lakeside cabin in Maine after the death of their father. I adored the charming setting, which transported me to Maine through references to real businesses, towns, and local activities. I always enjoy sister themed books because they feature two flawed female protagonists who learn to overcome their differences and navigate family drama. Lucy and Vivian’s growth as individuals and as newfound sisters was especially compelling. Even better, the story weaves in meaningful Jewish representation, with many relatable moments and thoughtful cultural references throughout the plot. The audiobook made for an easy and enjoyable listen as Mara Wilson brought a lot of life to the story.
Read if you like: -Books about sisterhood -Jewish rep -Found family -The Parent Trap -Maine lake setting ...more
If you’ve read any of Rosen’s Fire Island books, this one will feel like a familiar and welcome return, complete with multiple POVs, a transportive beIf you’ve read any of Rosen’s Fire Island books, this one will feel like a familiar and welcome return, complete with multiple POVs, a transportive beach setting, and thoughtful character overlap. In this installment, we follow 30 year old Maggie Mae as she travels to Fire Island in search of her birth mother, who happens to be there for a wedding. I loved how Rosen explored all different facets of love from friendship to romance to the bonds of chosen and biological family. The story is rich with supporting characters who add so much depth and heart. And, as always, Rosen’s Jewish representation is realistic, meaningful, and relatable.If you’re into audiobooks, this makes for the perfect summer listen: warm, emotional, and totally immersive. ...more
It's 1963, and Barbara, a young widow, is surprised when her mother-in-law arrives unannounced, suitcase in hand and determined to help with the childIt's 1963, and Barbara, a young widow, is surprised when her mother-in-law arrives unannounced, suitcase in hand and determined to help with the children.
I impatiently wait all year to get my hands on the next Sara Confino book, and once again, she delivers a flawless blend of women’s fiction and historical fiction, with the perfect amount of romance. Barbara is a strong and likable FMC, and staying consistent with her other books, it’s the mother in law (not the mother this time!) who steals the show. Ruth is an awesome side character who brings so much humor and life to the story. The Jewish representation is rich with cultural and traditional references, which made me feel so connected to this book!
Read if you like: -Single mom -Mother/ daughter in law relationships -Jewish rep -Historical fiction -Side romance storyline -DC suburbs setting ...more
Dani leaves her hometown in California for a chance to live and work in Amsterdam. While there, she unexpectedly crosses paths with her first love—theDani leaves her hometown in California for a chance to live and work in Amsterdam. While there, she unexpectedly crosses paths with her first love—the boy who stayed with her family during a high school exchange program and broke her heart. When circumstances force their hands, they agree to a fake marriage: she needs to stay in the city, and he needs to inherit his grandmother's apartment. But as they spend more time together, long-buried feelings begin to resurface.
I’ve always enjoyed second chance romances, and the setting in one of favorite European cities made this one especially appealing. With its blend of history, exploration, and a couple reconnecting in a meaningful way, it’s a solid pick for a summer read. As expected from an RLS novel, the Jewish representation is well done, with thoughtful nods to culture and history throughout the story.
Read if you like: -Second chance romances -Fake marriage -Traveling -Spicy -Amsterdam setting
I had the opportunity to beta this and it was everything I would ever want in a romance book. Alison and Bradeigh are a powerhouse duo, and I will reaI had the opportunity to beta this and it was everything I would ever want in a romance book. Alison and Bradeigh are a powerhouse duo, and I will read anything they write together and individually.
Eighty-year-old Augusta Stern is a retired pharmacist who moved to a senior living home in Florida. She runs into Irving Rivkin, the delivery boy fromEighty-year-old Augusta Stern is a retired pharmacist who moved to a senior living home in Florida. She runs into Irving Rivkin, the delivery boy from growing up that broke her heart.
Lynda is a fabulous storyteller and this was a wholesome feel-good read with romance, family ties and a touch of magic. I loved the dual timelines, 1920s in Brooklyn and 1987 in Florida, and how we got a glimpse of August and Irving’s love story both “now” and then. The Jewish rep was incredible, as I learned new pieces of Jewish history and traditions while related to so many other references. On audio, Gabra Zackman did a great job bringing Augusta’s lovable personality to life.
Read if you like: -Second chances -Magic realism -Jewish rep -Historical and contemporary storylines ...more
I love foodie rom coms as much as I love a celebrity romance, so the fact that this book has both makes for such a fun read. From the rich Jewish rep I love foodie rom coms as much as I love a celebrity romance, so the fact that this book has both makes for such a fun read. From the rich Jewish representation to the descriptive NYC setting and all the broadway references, I adored this debut on audio!
Despite the title, this is more of a women’s/ friendship fiction story than a romance. It spans from May 2013 to May 2021, and I thought the jumps in Despite the title, this is more of a women’s/ friendship fiction story than a romance. It spans from May 2013 to May 2021, and I thought the jumps in time were unique as you got to see the characters move through different the stages of life. I loved how Laura Hawkins narrated her own book. I found myself relating even more to the story because of it and while this was a mega slow burn, her voice kept me engaged. ...more
This coming of age story is set during prohibition era in NYC. It focuses on a family who is struggling to survive after arriving on Ellis Island and This coming of age story is set during prohibition era in NYC. It focuses on a family who is struggling to survive after arriving on Ellis Island and how working at a LES speakeasy becomes the only option to care for her family.
I love that this story is rich with Jewish culture and traditions while also focusing on the assimilation process. The writing sucked me in and the research shined across the pages. From the glamorous parts to the not so fun parts, I was transported to the 1920s. Helen Laser, one of my favorite audiobook narrators, did a a great job bringing the story to life.
What to expect: ▪️Roaring 20s ▪️Prohibition era ▪️Speakeasies ▪️Jewish rep ▪️Immigrant experience ▪️LES NYC setting...more
Abby runs a small cafe in Vermont and is asked to put together a Hanukkah market. She recruits the help of Seth, a frequent visitoI LOVED this one!!!
Abby runs a small cafe in Vermont and is asked to put together a Hanukkah market. She recruits the help of Seth, a frequent visitor of her shop, with one condition: she agrees to be his fake girlfriend for the holidays.
Amanda Elliot did a great job integrating Jewish cuisine, traditions and culture into a very fun story premise set during the holidays. I related to Abby so much throughout the story and found her to be such a lovable FMC. Alongside this being a romance story with fake dating, NYC adventures and an only one bed situation, I loved how Elliot emphasized the role of community and the importance of finding people to share that community with. Kelli Tager made listening to this one a true delight.
Read if you like: -Holiday reads -Hanukkah and Jewish rep -Fake dating -Only one bed -NYC setting
Thank you Berkley and PRH Audio for the ARC/ALC!...more
This book is perfect for fans of Rebecca Serle and Holly James or anyone who enjoys sliding doors storylines and a bit of magic realism. I loved how LThis book is perfect for fans of Rebecca Serle and Holly James or anyone who enjoys sliding doors storylines and a bit of magic realism. I loved how Liv’s two worlds were referred to as the real life and the high life, and how the author explored her relationships in each. On audio, Kristen DiMercurio’s narration is making this such a quick and fun read.
Read if you like: -Enemies to lovers -Magic realism/ sliding doors -Second chances -Jewish rep -LOL banter -Female friendships -Mother/daughter relationships...more
When Olivia finds herself in a tricky work situation, Gavin, her coworker that has been pining over her for years, offers to be her fake boyfriend at When Olivia finds herself in a tricky work situation, Gavin, her coworker that has been pining over her for years, offers to be her fake boyfriend at the workplace.
I could not get enough of Gavin and Olivia. My favorite part about the romance was how open they were with each other, especially when they went from fake dating to something more. Gavin always saw Olivia as an equal and the way he fell first and was pining over here had me feeling big things. All the side plot points added depth as well as heart to the story: Olivia being born into a wine dynasty, Gavin’s relationship with his sister, the sexism in the workplace. Also, while I don’t live in the Bay Area, Lanza’s writing transported me to all the restaurants and landmarks. I cannot wait for what she writes next!
Read for: -Fake dating -He falls first -Workplace -Only one bed -Text chats -Jewish rep ...more
Synopsis: The four Jacobson siblings reunite at their parents’ beach house in the Jersey Shore before it goes on the market. Three of them decide to cSynopsis: The four Jacobson siblings reunite at their parents’ beach house in the Jersey Shore before it goes on the market. Three of them decide to cash in on lottery tickets and to their surprise, they win. With their financial lives all now taking a turn, the siblings have to navigate this newfound wealth while also grappling with their own personal struggles.
Thoughts: This was a wholesome, relatable and witty family drama that explores family relationships and the “money can’t buy you happiness” theme. The four siblings had an unconditional love for each other despite each one’s flaws, making their dynamics feel authentic. The text chats were laugh out loud funny and reminded me of the conversations I have with my own family. Friedland's Jewish representation was some of the best, and as a Jew myself who visits the Jersey Shore, so much spoke to me. I listened to the audiobook, and it felt as though I was watching a movie unfold. The drama, laughter and authenticity made this one a standout to listen to!
Until Next Summer is a story about not only finding love but also finding yourself.
There are so many things I love about an Ali Brady book. The way thUntil Next Summer is a story about not only finding love but also finding yourself.
There are so many things I love about an Ali Brady book. The way they always blend women’s fiction and romance, the fact that we get two swoony heroes, how invested I become in each heroines storyline, the emphasis on self-discovery, the tropes and of course, the spice… and in this book some of the sexual humor was laugh out loud funny.
And as a girl who LOVES summer camp, I felt like so much of this book was made for me. From the campfires, to the mess hall and evening activities to the fast friendships and to living ten months for two, I was transported back to my childhood summers.
Read if you like: -SLEEPAWAY CAMP -Broadway show references -Found family theme -Jewish rep -Dual POV (two friends) ...more
Short synopsis: Each time Daphne meets a man, she receives slips of paper that tells her how long the relationship will last. That is until she 4.5⭐️
Short synopsis: Each time Daphne meets a man, she receives slips of paper that tells her how long the relationship will last. That is until she meets Jake and receives a paper with only his name and no end date, but is he the one?
Thoughts: When you pick a book by Serle you know there is going to be some blend of magic realism, romance and self-discovery, and the way she executed this story was unique and beautiful. Narrated by Julia Whealan, the perfect pick for Daphne’s character, I was completely immersed in the story and at the edge of my seat rooting for her HEA. At only seven hours, be prepared to binge this one and just smile, laugh and feel. Plus, the Jewish representation in this was great, especially when it came to family traditions and being culturally Jewish.
Read if you like: -Love triangles -Magic realism -Second chances -Jewish rep -LA setting ...more
This is a perfect read for fans of Every Summer After and Love and Other Words. Filled with some of my favorite tropes, brother’s bff, second chance, This is a perfect read for fans of Every Summer After and Love and Other Words. Filled with some of my favorite tropes, brother’s bff, second chance, forced proximity, and a whole lot of holiday charm, I was swept into the story. The disability rep was so well done, and I really liked how it showed Ellie’s resilience. Plus, I loved all the Jewish references were top notch! If you like audiobooks, this was narrated perfectly.
What to expect: -Best friend’s brother -Second chance romance -Now/ then chapters -Chronic illness rep (lupus) -Jewish rep -Holiday/ winter vibes ...more
When her career takes a turn, Winnie finds herself on the set of steamy holiday romance movie, which differs greatly from the Christian films she usuaWhen her career takes a turn, Winnie finds herself on the set of steamy holiday romance movie, which differs greatly from the Christian films she usually stars in. Her costar Kallum is someone Winnie knows from her past, and she decides to use his sexual expertise to her advantage.
I love books written by a duo, and the Murphy and Simone collab is such a great one. As expected, this was full of steam and a full cast of quirky and fun characters. Coming from an interfaith marriage, the conversations surrounding the two religions and differing holiday traditions was also great.
What to expect: -Forced proximity -Current co-stars -Opposites attract -“Teach me” trope -Hidden disability (narcolepsy) -Jewish rep ...more
This was a strong romance debut filled with a lot of heart, emotion and some great tropes. The author identifies as a queer Jew of color, so I found tThis was a strong romance debut filled with a lot of heart, emotion and some great tropes. The author identifies as a queer Jew of color, so I found the representation in the book to be unique and also informative. The character development was strong and the themes the story touched on I think every reader can relate to.
Read if you like: -Ex childhood best friends -Friends to lovers -BIPOC/ Jewish/ Queer rep -Therapy positivity -Summer camp references ...more
Absolutely loved this one !!!!! Literally the perfect summer read and one to not miss!!
Synopsis: When twenty-year-old Marilyn Kleinman is caught makiAbsolutely loved this one !!!!! Literally the perfect summer read and one to not miss!!
Synopsis: When twenty-year-old Marilyn Kleinman is caught making out with the rabbi’s son in front of the entire congregation, her parents send her to live with her strict great aunt and beloved Jersey Shore matchmaker Ada for the summer. While she’s there to save her tainted reputation and please her parents, Marilyn discovers so much more about herself, her future and love in just those few months.
What I loved: -How real the characters felt -The 1960s Jersey Shore setting -The Jewish representation, which was some of the best -The natural progression of Marilyn and Dan’s relationship -Everything about Aunt Ada, especially her warm heart despite the the tough exterior -How Dan supported Marilyn with every decision she made and was patient when she put herself first -How Marilyn wanted to follow her own path during a time when women were expected to play a certain role in the family -How it reminded me of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel -The ending!! It brought all of the feels and was the perfect conclusion
Thank you Amazon and Sara for the ARC! Pub date: 9/1...more
Avital Cohen, the owner of Best Babka in Brooklyn, is looking for a new employee, especially because her chronicThis is Jean Meltzers best book yet!!
Avital Cohen, the owner of Best Babka in Brooklyn, is looking for a new employee, especially because her chronic illness is making it harder and harder to get all the small tasks done needed to run her family’s bakery successfully. When Eric Lippmann comes to interview with a fully stacked resume, Avital hires him without knowing he’s really undercover (sent by his grandfather) to steal a famous recipe. However, as Eric truly gets to know Avital, his intentions for why he is there changes and he realizes that he needs to come clean, even if that means risking it all.
First, this book happened to feature my favorite thing: Jewish desserts. There was a point while reading where I had to go pick up a challah of my own because the writing was so descriptive and made me hungry. Second, I found the romance to be more at the forefront of the story and the chemistry between the two main characters to be a lot stronger compared to Meltzer’s previous books. This made me enjoy the plot so much more even when the characters were acting a tad too dramatic or immature. Also, as always, Meltzer did a great job integrating both the Jewish and chronic illness rep into the story. Even as a Jew myself, I felt like I learned more about the religion/ culture, especially because I am not as observant as Avital. Finally, all the secondary characters brought a ton of laughs, warmth and enjoyment to the story!
Read if you like: -Dessert -Jewish rep -Chronic illness rep -Family rivalries -Learning about medical marijuana -Brooklyn setting...more
Jessica Paige (Exercise_Read_Repeat)
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