Waiting for a Miracle

​​​​​Waiting for a Miracle combines the miracle of Hanukkah with the miracle of love. This is a quick-paced novella from new to me author Jennifer Wilck. The story takes place in New York City, where kindergarten teacher Rachel Schaecter, and IT Consultant Benjamin Cohen, find happiness together. Rachel and Ben's mother are apartment neighbors, and Jessie, Rachel's favorite student, is Ben's daughter. Thanks to a bit of meddling, some intense conversations, and a ton of chemistry, they form a forever family.

I really enjoyed this holiday novella. Ms. Wilck beautifully illustrates the Festival of Lights along with the yummy traditions of potato pancakes, dreidels and jelly doughnuts. In addition, the secondary characters add a lot of fun to the story. Overall, a heartfelt and delightful read.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Benjamin lost his wife a few years ago and since then he’s managed to bring up his little girl by sticking to strict schedules and routines. When his daughter’s teacher walks into his mother’s apartment, Benny (as mom calls him) doesn’t react well. In fact he acts so badly that Rachel walks out and his own daughter gets upset. Benny begins what turns out to be a continuing series of apologies.

Each time he and Rachel are in the same vicinity, Benny acts like an ass, upsets Rachel and ends by saying “sorry” yet again. I understand that he gets nervous and upset when faced with things that trigger his feelings from when his wife got sick but after the first “foot in his mouth” tantrum, his repeated actions got tiresome. Thank God Rachel stands up to him and doesn’t cut him much slack but after the first time – or two – or three – when he shows his ass and issues strict directives (what he calls it)/bosses (what Rachel and I call it) Rachel (he says as a single parent he’s just used to being firm with Jessie which Rachel calls him on again) but I agree with her.

Rachel is delightful, Jessie is sweet, but Benjamin is a piece of work up until almost the end of this novella with little to get me on his side. C

Waiting for a Miracle by Jennifer Wilck is a nice, relaxing, holiday novella that I enjoyed in one sitting.

I was initially drawn to this story due to the Hanukah theme. I can never seem to find Hanukah-themed books during the holidays, and this helped me feel right at home.

I liked Rachel (well hello that is my name too) and also Jessie. Ben had to warm up during the course of the story for me to like him, and once I learned his reasoning, I enjoyed their romance. It would be nice to read how their relationship continues on.

4/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and The Wild Rose Press for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub, Amazon, and B&N accounts immediately.

Sweet and touching story about finding second chances in love. Benjamin, Rachel and Jessie were a cute little family.

I found this book to be short, charming. It had pretty good main characters but they weren't super deep. It was a good Holiday story that didn't take too long to read.
I agree with another reviewer that it would have been nice if there had been more to Benjamin and Rachel's story. Where did they go from there ? But at least they have a good start. It was different to read a story that revolves around Hanukkah. I'm not Jewish but that was a sweet start of a romance during that time. Come to think of it, that's exactly how it felt, like a starter story.

"I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Waiting for a Miracle is an entertaining and well written romance. Great plot and characters. Recommend this book. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

Waiting for a Miracle by Jennifer Wilck

Rachel is at school. Jesse is one of her favourite pupils. Benjamin her widowed father is a tad bossy. His mother is Rachel’s matchmaking mother. Rachel’s only real plans for her future is to foster a child until life starts to throw Benjamin into her life.

A pleasant if somewhat short and predictable. You start to anticipate more story only to discover it has ended. A tad disappointing.

Congrats to this little novella -- it's the first Hanukkah romance I've read! I'm happy to report that it's a delightful little romp, with a single dad and his daughter's first grade teacher making a connection during the 8 nights of Hanukkah (with some help from his mother). You get lots and lots of reminders that this holiday is celebrating a MIRACLE, but you also get menorahs and latkes, and small reminders of what makes this such a family oriented celebration. I wasn't a super fan of controlling/apologizing Benjamin Cohen, but this book can only do so much with its short page count. I was very happy to have a little outing in New York's Bryant Park, as I'm desperately wishing for a visit to the city, and it seems like the perfect place for some holiday magic. Here's to hoping that Hallmark will pick up something like this in the future!