I absolutely loved this book. Abby is such a relatable Jewish female main character to me. I have experienced so many of the thoughts about being Jewish that she did- it felt so nice to see myself and my Jewish identity represented in this book. The relationship between Abby and Seth was so perfect. I cannot wait to read more from this author

Chapter 1 gave me butterflies, an absolute delight. The prose is top-notch, the hook is hooky, the grump is endearingly grumpy, the sunshine will not be put out by the snow falling outside, and all is right in the world. Adorable. Perfect set up for a delightful romcom that definitely seems like it will deliver.

And it did in fact deliver. I loved the layers of finding yourself and fighting for what you feel in your heart.

This is a solid 3-4 stars with 5 for the right readers.

Thank you the NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

- STORY -
Abby is a grumpy young woman running a coffee shop in a Vermont small town. She’s also the only Jewish person in the community… or so she thinks! Enter Seth, an optimistic, sunshine ray of a man, and Abby’s biggest fan.

After Abby is tasked with the job of planning a Hanukkah festival and finds herself lacking in Jewish connections, she recruits Seth to help. In return, she agrees to go home with Seth to celebrate Hanukkah with his family, as his fake girlfriend!

- STARS -
This book was a delight to read! I loved Abby’s transformation from pessimist to happily in love, despite her familial challenges. Her parents were complete jerks, and I loved how Seth helped her navigate that tricky situation.

Seth really was a swoon-worthy book boyfriend. He was endearing, funny, and sweet! I laughed out loud multiple times while reading.

This book has a great deal of Jewish history, particularly the story of Hanukkah. I learned so much and was grateful for the education I gained while reading. I also found myself searching for nearby Jewish delis and restaurants because I wanted to try a latke very badly! This book made me hungry. 😋

- SPICE -
This book is squeaky clean! No spice.

- HAPPY ENDING -
We do get a happy ending! Abby and Seth are darling together. I’m so happy Abby gets her found family. ❤️

- FINAL THOUGHTS -
Add this book to your holiday TBR immediately. You won’t regret it!

Love You a Latke publishes October 8, 2024. Thank you to NetGalley & Berkley Romance for this Advanced Reader Copy!

Amanda Elliot is truly such a great author and I love her work! I was so excited to read this book! I loved Abby and Seth's vibes (by the end) and it was just an overall fun book!

Really great holiday romcom!

Abby is the only Jewish person in her little Vermont town. Or so she thought! That annoyingly upbeat guy who always comes into her coffee shop… he’s the other one. (Seriously, the only two in town.)

A little grumpy-sunshine, some fake dating, and some Hanukkah traditions make for a great book!

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Love You a Latke to come out October 8, 2024.

4.5 stars. I forgot how hungry an Amanda Elliot book makes me. Not only does food feature heavily in the plot, but she describes it in the most intricate and delicious way. Readers looking for a new Hanukkah romance this season will enjoy this fun, enemies to lovers, fake dating holiday treat.

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

While I enjoyed this book I had a hard time connecting to the fmc. I liked her grumpy but her profession was a strange choice for someone who doesn’t seem to love people so much. As the story progressed and we got more background on her it made more sense but more background upfront would have helped understand her better. It was a good 3 star read!

Thank you @netgalley and @berkleypub for the eARC of Love You a Latke by @amandapanitch in exchange for an honest review!

📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 “Sometimes there is no bright side. Sometimes things just sucked.” Cafe owner Abby lives in a small town in Vermont and is not feeling the holiday spirit this year. When the town voluntells her to run the Hanukkah market, we can almost feel her absolute adverse reaction to this in the very pit of our own stomach. There is certainly a sense of comedy in the town’s lack of diverse thinking towards her religious traditions. At least they are so over the top ridiculous that it isn’t completely offensive, but instead makes a poignant statement about the importance of respecting all holiday celebrations. When she needs help with this big endeavor, the only other Jewish person around is her least favorite customer Seth…who always has a smile on his face and lots of cheer. These two form an unforgettable partnership that is absolutely endearing! There is nothing better than a fake dating trope around the holidays and this book delivers it all. Love you a Latke is a new holiday that I will gladly pick up every year!

Reviews posted on Goodreads and will be on Instagram ahead of the publication date!

This is a heartwarming contemporary romance novel that perfectly captures the enchanting charm of a snowy festive season. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their journey towards love feels genuine and heartwarming. I loved it.