Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

I love to see Jewish rep in books, so I was excited to get to this one. Unfortunately, it was too insta-lovey for me, so I wasn't really sold on the chemistry between the two characters. Not for me.

This was cute! Loved the Jewish rep. I think for readers who like this kind of cozy and low stakes story this will be a hit.

This was an average book, the romance was okay and the family and characters also good, but it wasn't for me,

Just in time for the High Holidays, comes Home for the Challah Days, a sweet second-chance romance, a friends-to-enemies-to lovers situation. Sarah Abrams and Aaron Isaacson grew up together, had been high school and college sweethearts. But after college, Sarah left home to find herself in Washington, DC. She found a good job and did well for herself. Aaron stayed behind in Bowerville to run his parents’ Jewish deli. Aaron did something that Sarah never knew about that caused him to ghost her. She assumed he just wanted out. For ten years, Sarah rarely came home because things with Aaron were so uncomfortable. Her current boyfriend, Matthew, a high-powered politician, has asked her to marry him, but she isn’t sure, so she comes home for the Jewish New Year to think about it. Being in such a small town, there was no escaping crossing paths with Aaron.

This book is so much more than a romance. It takes a look at antisemitism, infidelity, forgiveness, the importance of friends and family, and at how necessary it is to learn how to balance life’s demands. Toward the end, the book has an O’Henry’s Gift of the Magi vibe.

I loved the characters in this book, especially the rabbi. Her wish to show compassion to those who vandalized Jewish buildings and businesses was lovely. She wanted to break the bonds of hatred by educating the community, sharing with neighbors.

I didn’t like the fact that the dialog in the book often felt stilted. I especially didn’t like the love scenes. They seemed awkward and rushed, not what I’d expect from people who have been separated for a long time. There didn’t seem to be any concern for comfort or moving slowly. No matter how much I might be attracted to someone, I’d expect them to offer concern and consideration for me, some romance, and I’d think Sarah would have felt that way, too. The way those scenes happened just didn’t feel right.

Also, I couldn’t determine the denomination of the temple? Synagogue? that the Abrams and Isaacsons belonged to. Was it Reform or Conservative? Did their families keep kosher or not? And what kind of deli doesn’t serve corned beef and pastrami? All this book talks about is cheese, eggs, fish, challah, and bagels. I know that there are Orthodox delis that serve only meat or only dairy, but Aaron’s family’s deli didn’t seem like they’d be that way. I mean, I was shocked that their deli was open on Rosh Hashanah. I was equally shocked at the members of the temple showing up on Rosh Hashanah to clean the desecration from the temple wall that vandals had sprayed there. The likelihood of that happening is near zero. Jews don’t work on highly religious holidays, even Reform Jews, even in such a situation, and you can’t get much more religious than Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

It’s nice to see a Jewish-themed book that takes place at a holiday other than Chanukkah. This was an enjoyable book, but I think it could have been improved by getting facts straight and dealing with some of the other issues I’ve mentioned. I hope the author will write more books dealing with Jewish issues.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank all involved for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.

Terrific second chance story. Aaron and Sarah had been together through high school and college when a lack of communication drove a wedge between them. Now Aaron runs the family deli in their hometown, and Sarah works for an agency in DC. She rarely goes home, preferring not to risk running into Aaron. She has a boyfriend, Matthew, who has proposed and is considering whether to accept.

The first person Sarah encounters when she returns home for the holidays is Aaron. The meeting does not go well, as he acts cold to her and walks away. Sarah doesn't know his problem since he was the one who walked away from their relationship. There are several more encounters where Aaron's animosity rolls off the page. I loved when Sarah confronted him and called him out on what he did.

During this time, both Aaron and Sarah face crossroads in their lives. Aaron is a man who takes responsibility very seriously, from running the family deli to dealing with unexpected crises. He has trouble asking for help and carries the burdens on his shoulders rather than sharing the load. Sarah must decide if she wants to accept Matthew's proposal, and she doesn't understand why she has so much trouble making the decision. The more time she spent at home, the more she realized that she had changed in ways she didn't like. I liked seeing her look at herself and her choices and realize that she'd lost herself along the way and that it was time to do something about it.

I liked watching Aaron and Sarah rekindle their relationship. The sparks and attraction between them are evident from the start. Though each believed they had moved on, it was clear that the feelings were still there. They had the opportunity to repair their friendship once they cleared the air about their breakup. I liked watching them spend time together and seeing the chemistry between them. I got frustrated with both as they realized the truth of their feelings but couldn't see how they could be together. Aaron's resistance to change and Sarah's belief that she had to be in DC to make a difference was an obstacle to their future.

A crisis in their community changed Aaron and Sarah in ways they didn't expect. I ached for Aaron and his intense anger over what happened. It was understandable, but it also ate away at his peace. I liked his discussion with the rabbi and his friend Dave and how they helped him move past it to a healthier response. I loved how Sarah used her experience in her job to help Aaron and the community find a way to counteract what had happened. Her actions also opened up new opportunities for her. I liked how each saw their mistakes and moved to make changes. I loved Aaron's big moment at the end. Sarah's wariness was understandable, but love won out.

Sarah and Aaron's families are loving, supportive, boisterous, and interfering. I liked seeing Sarah and her mother reconnect. My favorite family member was Aaron's grandmother. She is fun, outspoken, and mischievous. I laughed out loud at the scene at the bingo game as she tried to help him with his "female trouble."

It’s been ten years since Sarah Abrams visited her parents in New Jersey, but this year she heads home for the High Holy Holidays. Sarah has been so busy with her career in Washington DC, as well as her boyfriend, Matthew. In fact, Matthew recently asked her to marry him. Sarah hasn’t been very quick to accept his proposal which not only confuses him but confuses her as well. She thought Matthew was everything she wanted in a man, but then she went home. When she runs into her old flame, Aaron Isaacson, Sarah’s perception totally changes.

Sarah is thrilled to get reacquainted with old friends and begins to realize her feelings for Aaron aren’t quite over just yet. She starts to question her life in DC as well as her future.

This is a second chance romance for two flawed characters. They each have their own issues and are determined to fight for themselves. They are strong characters with loads of chemistry. Of course everyone, including this reader, saw the sparks fly before Sarah and Aaron realize it.

This is a quick read and the perfect way to spend a few hours. It did drive me a bit crazy when the characters could have solved some of their problems with a conversation, but the drama can be intense. It’s a journey for both characters as they try to find themselves and where their lives are taking them.

I’ll have to check out more books by this author. I enjoyed this one.





FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Always looking for more Jewish rep in the books that I read. And this one takes place during the High Holy Days. Which are coming up at the beginning of September. So if you are in the mood for a second chance romance between two high school sweethearts that see eachother again after 10 years set during Rosh Hashanah - this one's for you.
Sarah has stayed away and Aaron has the most popular Jewish deli in town. She has a bf where she has moved to but the distance is making her see some things that weren’t obvious when she was on her own. Conforming a partner into an image or a box you want them in is toxic behavior, esp if your voice in their head becomes the reason they don’t eat or wear certain things.
I am going to be honest he was a bit of a dum dum and was not giving her time to process. To be fair there it was the holidays and they also had to deal with some hate crimes. Which I think they handled well. It is horrible how hateful people can be of populations they know nothing about.
Liked how she was able to pivot her dream which had started to turn into something else and start helping people again.

Thank you harlequinbooks for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin for access to this arc.

With a title like this, I had to read it. There’s a lot packed into this story – childhood friends, enemies (back) to lovers, self discovery, change, family, and dealing with anti-Semitism. It’s not all gloom and several scenes had me smiling and laughing even as they advanced the plot. Plus this is not a Hanukkah book!

I loved this community. As the plot gently unfolds, it’s clear how tightly knit it is and how much people care for each other. Sarah’s parents would obviously love to see more of her but are delighted she’s home. Sarah’s friends, though hurt by her long absence, are willing to reconnect and forcefully give her advice about Aaron. His grandmother is a doll and steals every scene she’s in.

When the Something Happens, the community at large pitches in to help and atonement is a major issue. Everything is handled with a light touch but with meaning. Nothing is Hammered Home. It all flows and fits together beautifully. The anti-Semitic events are treated carefully and the hurt and anger they caused are allowed to be felt and acknowledged. We get to see Sarah’s expertise at work during the resolution as well as how much the community leaders appreciate her help. I love me some competence.

Both Sarah and Aaron have to examine the decisions they’ve made and the outcomes that came from them. They are allowed moments to be confused and yes, angry, as they rediscover each other and the feelings that are still there. I like that neither rushes and that Sarah makes her final choice independent of any romance and based on what’s right for her. Apologies are made, they talk, the air is cleared, and I’m delighted with the two of them. Their wedding is going to be a joyous event for all. B+

Fans of the Hallmark movies will simply race to get their hands on this book. You have a lovely tried and true basis for this story. Two people who had been together in high school but circumstance parted them. Now, ten years later, they are thrust together.

Sarah is one of the two main characters and her presentation is done to help young women in their personal growth. You see Sarah as someone who has a goal but no real idea how to achieve it. She latches herself to a 'boyfriend' who is more of a deranged life coach. By the time Matthew is done with his transformation, Sarah is more like Wednesday Adams with a penchant for expensive wine and tiny salads.

Aaron is the hardworking, steadfast stubborn dufus who seems to create his own personal roadblocks to happiness. It seems that these two main characters must be culminations of people the author met or knew in her own community. There is such realism in the character creation that they just feel like authentic people.

The journey through the rekindling of their romance flows naturally. There are the ups and downs that make stories like this compelling. The addition to the racist vandalism during the High Holidays makes this sadly a more timely work.

Those who are tough enough to vandalize synagogues need to be taken to the Negev to fight IDF Commandos hand to hand. If they can beat them, then they can break windows as much as they want.

This is a superb addition to the Harlequin family. A really well written tale that is full of excellent characters and strong emotions. The journey to the end with Sarah and Aaron is so worth it. Readers of this genre will just be thrilled by this work. Fans of this author must run out to get their hands on this book. A really excellent book for everyone who enjoys second chance romances.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Home for the Challah Days by Jennifer Wilck is a second chance, finding your true self romance that is heartwarming and will brightens your spirits. Sarah Abrams returns home for the High Holy Days from her busy life in Washington DC with a lot on her mind; the biggest being whether to marry Matthew, her seemingly perfect boyfriend. Running into Aaron Isaacson was not what Sarah wanted given he was her first love and the one who broke her heart when he ended their relationship. Although, as with real life relationships, it was more a lack of communication and distance that helped tear them apart. From the beginning, the sparks and attraction between them are evident. Though each believed they had moved on, it was obvious that the feelings they once shared were still there. They had the opportunity to repair their friendship once they cleared the air about their breakup, but did not. I liked watching them spend time together and seeing the chemistry between them but it was also frustrating watching them unable to see how they could be together. Aaron's resistance to change and Sarah's belief that she had to be in DC to make a difference was an obstacle to their future.

Taking place around the High Holidays, an act of hate causes a crisis in their community changes Aaron and Sarah in ways they didn't expect. Sarah was amazing, using her experience from her job to help a struggling Aaron, and the community, discover ways to prevent these activities from spreading. Her actions also opened up new opportunities for her. Some bonds are never broken. Their story is loaded with both self discovery and personal growth. Realizing who you are is the key to happiness. Life changes, people change.

Sarah and Aaron's families are: loving, supportive, boisterous, and interfering. It was wonderful watching Sarah and her mother reconnect. Aaron's grandmother was a wonderful and humorous addition with her fun attitude, being outspoken, and mischievous. I highly recommend Home for the Challah Days to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

A new year brings a second chance at love for two former sweethearts in Home for the Challah Days. Jennifer Wilck brings excellent Jewish representation – religion, culture, and community – to her first Holidays, Heart and Chutzpah book.

Sarah left her hometown for DC and she’s rarely looked back. She has a successful job, a boyfriend with political ambitions, and she has turned herself into someone fit, successful, and independent. But in a Hallmark-level twist, she’s back home for the High Holy Days and returning to her small hometown brings her in contact with the boy she left behind. Aaron runs his family’s deli and even though he and Sarah broke up ten years ago, the feelings they had for each other never died. Of course, layering over that is a measure of bitterness for how things ended. Will Sarah choose her high-power life in DC and the perfect-on-paper boyfriend who wants to marry her? Or will she choose her hometown and the man she never quite got over?

I had mixed feelings about Home for the Challah Days. I liked Sarah and it was interesting to see her find herself and start to question how she let herself be molded into someone who didn’t entirely fit her. She had friends as well as Aaron that she disappeared from when she went to DC and I would have loved to see more of her reconnecting with them. Aaron, I struggled with. He’s hotheaded and angry and it bugged me how he kept comparing the Sarah he knew with the Sarah who is there now, as if one was better than the other rather than different. I never fully warmed up to Aaron and it made me hard to root for the romance. The love story leans heavily on the foundation built in the past and Wilck did a fair job of showing us said foundation. However, there was something missing for me – a romance, a spark, something of that nature – that made the romance fall a bit flat.

Home for the Challah Days is more than just the love story, however. It’s about community and Judaism and this is where Wilck’s writing shines. Aaron and Sarah are both really invested in their community and Wilck weaves this throughout the story perfectly. Even in a town as friendly as theirs, there’s still antisemitism and harsh realities of hatred to face. There’s also hope, allyship, friends, and family to counter the dark. It’s a dose of reality in an otherwise television special love story that grounds the story. So even though I had mixed feelings about Aaron and Sarah’s story, there was enough that I did really like about the book that I’m looking forward to the next Holidays, Heart and Chutzpah tale.

Sarah Abrams returns home for the High Holy Days from her busy life in Washington DC with a lot on her mind and the biggest thing is whether to marry Matthew, her seemingly perfect boyfriend.

Running into Aaron Isaacson was not what Sarah wanted given he was her first love and her first love and the one who broke her heart when he ended their relationship.

Aaron and Sarah decide to join forces to fight an act of hate and the more time they spend together, it is obvious they are still deeply connected to one another.

This book is full of things I adore including second chance & seeing Jewish love celebrated. I highly recommend it!

I just reviewed Home for the Challah Days by Jennifer Wilck. #HomefortheChallahDays #NetGalley

Love that there is more Jewish re presentations in romance. His a a nice sweet second chance romance when the small town girl returns home for the High Holidays.

I really enjoyed this book. It was quick and easy, really cute and had a good story. The one thing that stood out to me was this could have just been fluff about a couple falling back in love with each other but there was a lot more going on. It had a major theme of growing up even if that means staying home to take care of the family business or realizing that you don't need the "perfect" DC live to make a difference. Sometimes making a difference starts at home.
The story arc of vandalism and hate crimes was so sad and I hate that it wasn't shocking or unheard of. I really love that it brought the characters together. Complete hallmark moments that had me crying and with outrage and then crying with happiness as the community comes together.
I really enjoyed the small town feel and the premise of the city girl coming home and finding her roots and her love again. From the first page you could feel the chemistry between Sarah and Aaron. You knew they were supposed to be together.
I like the dual POV so you are getting where each of the characters were coming from. It was very predictable that her boyfriend in DC was going to be a crappy person. I wish their breakup would have happened way sooner.

I recommend if you like 2nd chance romance, characters with good moral compasses, small town coming of age stories.

Sarah Abrams returns to her hometown for the High Holy Days. While contemplating a marriage proposal from her boyfriend, she runs into Aaron Isaacson, her first love. Though the animosity over their breakup remains, so does their chemistry. Is it time for a new start?

This is such a fun book! Sarah and Aaron are cute together, and I loved their interfering relatives. The conflict feels genuine with a high level of emotion.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I enjoyed this sweet Jewish Rom Com. I enjoying the fact that Jewish Holiday rom com's are becoming almost as common as Christmas rom coms.

Loved this well written romance. Great plot and character development. I definitely recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy. This is my unbiased review.