I really wanted to like this book: we need more Chanukkah books, and the fact that we have disability representation in this story too is an added bonus. I ended up DNF'ing this pretty quickly. I'm no English professor but the insane amount of commas and run-on sentences was a distraction to me. I think it would have benefited from another round of edits to clean up the grammar. I'm still giving it three stars because I do hope this book succeeds and I am sure there are readers out there who can more easily ignore sentence structures.

This one was a difficult one to rate.
For the wonderful characters (with the exception of Leo’s father- ugh!)-*****
For the many beautiful details of the Chanukah celebrations and parties-*****
(And I dare anyone not to crack up over the Maccabean sword fight!)
Andie’s pre-school teaching, that she loved so much-*****

Then, we have the steamy stuff. Quite a few graphically described sex scenes, in fact.
Steaminess Rating-❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

So, yeah, hard to rate. Eventually, I settled on a 3.5.

*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

I was so excited to read this book but the characters all felt like they were lacking dimension. Unfortunately had to DNF 100 pages in. I was hoping for a cute book with chemistry but ultimately what I read fell flat.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was SO looking forward to a Jewish holiday romance, but I was sorely disappointed. I told my mom "I feel antisemitic for not liking this," but this Jewish girl was actually devastated at how bad this book was.

First of all, the original conflict was beyond ridiculous. Like, yes, don't shit on teachers, but it is absolutely bonkers to have a teacher move from Massachusetts to Ohio for teaching. There are so many opportunities within New England, at least establish some sort of Ohio connection? Add in a SPRINKLE of realism for me, I dare you.

While we are at it, make the ten-year-old read like a ten-year-old. The only thing that actually felt right was when she was quoted as reading "Wings of Fire." Otherwise, I don't know if the author has actually met a human ten-year-old.

Or an editor, for that matter. The number of typos and grammatical errors were STAGGERING. The sentences themselves were super clunky, and this book was the perfect example of telling and not showing the readers anything. Over and over, the author told us how attracted they were to one another, with zero chemistry to back it up. An editor would also remind the author that Dean Dentz is a ridiculous name, Williams is NOT a common Ashkenazi Jewish last name (which is what seemed to be established), and two Keeping Up with the Joneses references is too many.

I feel cheated out of the stirp dreidels. I feel cheated out of a good Hanukkah romance.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and Alcove Press for an eARC in exchange for my honest review. Please continue to publish Jewish romances, I just hope they are better than this one.

Thank you to Miri White, Alcove Press and Netgalley for a sneak peek at this Holiday Romance.

Neighbors, Andie and Leo are facing down a daunting Chanukah. With her current preschool being shut down in the New Year, Andie needs to decide if she wants to take a job in another state, away from the comforting memories of her deceased parents and all her friends. But how should she decide on her first Chanukah without her father?
Leo has his daddy issues (alright not like that but still). He is desperate to find a way for himself and his brother to prove to their stubborn and distant father that they can take over the family antique business and make up for their teenage indiscretions. And, maybe he's finally ready to do something about the lack of a love life... Luckily his meddling niece and a "magical" menorah come to his aid. Now if only he could be anything but his usually grumpy self and ruin everything.

This was a sweet and quick Holiday read that I think many people will enjoy, especially those who are looking to find Channuka represented or who are looking to learn more about this holiday and the Jewish faith. While I found the overall concept of the book to be lovely, the execution was lacking in the depth of character development. Many of the characters seemed to be written to fit a stereotype instead of embodying a more complex personality. This made it hard for me to really buy into the romance and the character's relationships with others in general.

What to Expect: neighbors to lovers, holiday date, grumpy x sunshine, holiday miracle, meddling family

Rep: hearing loss, Jewish culture.

TW/TC: ableism, death of parents, estranged family, job insecurity/loss

Stars 3.25/5 rounded up to 4 for its disability and minority rep.

Review on IG will either be posted just before pub date or closer to the Winter Holiday season (end of Nov/ early Dec).

Andie Williams has the difficult task of celebrating Hanukkah alone after her dad's death - she isn't sure where her career is going and planning a cross-country move, so she wants to experience some holiday joy before she moves. Leo Dentz is the neighbor who crushed on Andie in secret for years. He lives across the hall from her in their apartment building, then uses the excuse of seeing her drugstore Hanukkah candles when she drops her groceries, as an excuse to finally connect with her - by offering Andie to share the first night of the holiday together.

I enjoyed this book immensely! It was nice to see a main character with a disability - Leo uses hearing aids - because, we need more diversity in romance characters to reflect people in the real world. The pacing of the story is good and while there are moments of angst - it doesn't detract from the romance. The descriptions of Hanukkah are heartfelt and makes the reader yearn to be part of the celebrations.

This Jewish romance is perfect for fans of Stacey Agdern and Jean Meltzer. Whether you are Jewish or not, this romance will lift your heart and remind you that miracles can happen.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the free ARC. All opinions of this review are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This one was so cute and I loved every minute of it.. I need this to be made into a Hallmark movie ASAP.

Ok, so what was supposed to be a "sweet and clean romance" (according to another reviewer) was definitely not. Oh bother. *facepalms*

Foul Language:
We get this first thing out of the gates.
Shi**ing, sh*t, a*s, cra*, cr*ptastic, cr*ppy,

I had a really bad feeling when I saw the language in the very first chapter, so I started search skimming because who wants to spend time reading something if it's potentially got major content issues? Yep, it was a real beaut.

Sexual Content: there's so many uses of sexy, sex adorable (ridiculous) , that I could just puke. Leo hopes that he could have a holiday fling with Andie, and he gets his wish. Some way to celebrate your so-called faith.

So much uncalled-for spice/smut.

At 54% there's a very detailed open door scene. It all goes downhill from there. *retches* I was not expecting that, and I really didn’t want to "see" that. The problem with smut like this in a book is that it's addictive and damaging to the reader, and creates unrealistic expectations in real world relationships.

Not to mention that the act itself should be between a husband and wife only, not for the whole world to see or read. It's designed by God to be special and binding in marriage, not just a random sinful fling, shack or stand with any random person.

I'm seriously disappointed and disgusted with how this book turned out. I'd never read anything by this writer before, and I definitely won't again.

I do not recommend this book due to the negative, indecent and downright icky content that I did not at all expect when I requested this book. I tried out a read from a new-to-me writer, and I got burned.

I received a complimentary e-book from Alcove Press to review through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and the thoughts and sincerely held beliefs above are my own.

I'm not sure why I, a non-Jewish person, love Jewish romance books so much, but I do! I was excited to read this one and it was a fun read! Reminded me a bit of Jean Meltzer, who is now one of my go-to authors!

EIGHT NIGHTS TO WIN HER HEART is a cheesy, but sweet Chanukah romance! Leo and Andie are neighbors who’ve watched each other from afar for many months, and they finally connect for Chanukah, spending each night together. Andie is facing a big move away to a new job, and Leo is seeking approval from his father to finally take the business on his own, but being together gives them the joy and reminder about the important things they were missing.

As a Jewish educator and reader, I am always delighted to see such clear Jewish representation. Miri White is writing for my demographic. While she offers some explanations for the holiday traditions, she mostly just tells the story, and I much prefer this approach. Authors of Christmas books don’t have to over explain, so why can’t Chanukah be treated the same? This is one of the few books that seamlessly integrates so much of Chanukah and being Jewish into the romance.
At times, the dialogue feels a bit stilted, but the characters really grew on me, and I was rooting for their love story!

DNF at 100 pages - the writing is not great and the meet cute felt so rushed. I typically love a cute Hanukkah story but maybe this one would be better as an audiobook.

I started this, and it was just too clichéd to carry on. I love how much the contemporary romance genre is thriving and extending the definition of what a romance novel can be, so then it's hard for me to be captivated by a book that has a much more traditional take on the genre. Sorry this one wasn't for me!

This novel is a Chanukah romance that warms the heart! In "Eight Nights to Win Her Heart" by Miri White readers are invited to bask in the warm glow of the menorah during Chanukah.

Meet Andie Williams. She faces her first Chanukah alone after her father's passing. With her job prospects uncertain and a move across the country looming, she could use some holiday magic.

Meet Leo Dentz. He’s the boy across the hall who's had a secret crush on Andie for years. When he notices her drugstore Chanukah candles, he seizes the opportunity to connect. Leo offers to share the first night of Chanukah with Andie, and their journey begins… one night at a time.

Andie and Leo's chemistry is palpable. Their compatibility shines through as they navigate the promise, hope, and perseverance that Chanukah represents. As the clock ticks down on Andie's impending move, readers will root for this unlikely pair. Will the season of miracles light their way forward?

White's writing is sweet, romantic, and adorable. She weaves scrumptious descriptions of comfort food, massive winter lights displays, and believable family drama into this delightful Jewish rom-com. The hard-of-hearing hero adds depth, and the Chanukah backdrop infuses warmth and authenticity.

A festive gem, ” Eight Nights to Win Her Heart" is perfect for fans of Rachel Lynn Solomon and Jean Meltzer. Whether you celebrate Chanukah or simply love heartwarming romance, this novel will leave you with a smile and a renewed belief in miracles.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was adorable.

I love a cozy holiday romance (of course—who doesn't?) and this one scratched the itch fairly well. Eight Nights to Win Her Heart begins with a rare meet-ugly. The characters have to independently choose to try again, and it's nice to see them give each other a second chance. You know how some romances are all fire, passion, and spice? This one is gentle, sweet, and slow.

The major conflict is the reason I've knocked off a star. Surely we all saw it coming? Not that "seeing it coming" is inherently a negative, but in this case, I felt that the resulting argument was contrived. I know both Andie and Leo are angry and anger makes you lash out, but they both started spouting hurtful things about the other that they'd never thought before. Past their second date, neither Andie or Leo thought negatively about the other in their respective POVs, but when they argue, suddenly these criticisms of their characters come out.

Otherwise, it was great. The resolution was cute as a button, and the epilogue was the perfect note to end the story on. Personally, I want more Chanukah romances!

This was such a sweet read! I love holiday romances and stories with Jewish rep, so I knew I would enjoy EIGHT NIGHTS TO WIN HER HEART. Andie and Leo were wonderful together and easy to root for, both as individuals and as a couple. All of the characters in general were really well-developed, and the world Miri White has created was just so comforting and heartwarming. I would definitely recommend this one, and look forward to seeing what White writes next! Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC.

Eight Nights to Win Her Heart by Miri White is a sweet, festive romance that I enjoyed.

I really, really like festive romance novels, especially those that incorporate Chanukah. There are honestly never enough. This one did not disappoint.

It is sweet, it is romantic, it is adorable, and it hit all the right notes. Andie and Leo are cute, compatible, and adorable together and their ability to find a connection with one another amongst the promise, hope, perseverance, and glow that represents some of the foundational concepts that is Chanukah, makes it all the more enjoyable.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Alcove Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/15/24.

This book was very sweet and lovely. Leo and Andi are two people who both need a break in life, and at the last moment, get a last chance to connect and are able to gently, and kindly come together and build something real beneath the back drop of Hanukkah. This book is a much needed, poignant addition to the season.

This is a cute romance set during Hanukkah. I liked that Leo used the nights of Hanukkah to help win her heart.
Love books with Jewish representation.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

Amazing holiday read! Leo set the standards high for love and romance! Their love was so fun to read. Holiday romance books and movies are the best.

This book just hit all the right notes for me. Romance, check. Jewish holidays, check. Sweet, gentle, nerdy guy, check, check, check. I loved the tension that built up in the book that happened at the climax. You knew it was coming, but it was special. The family dynamics were realistic and true. Thank you Miri for being a bright light in a somewhat dismal time in history.