Double Hanukkah Book Giveaway!

Meet the OG Matzo Ballers: Eight friends who became a found family, living and loving their best lives on a yearly Hanukkah harbor cruise around Manhattan…

Today we are featuring books three and four. We featured the first two books last year. Both are currently free for Kindle! (Melissa read one of them recently and has her five-star review here.) Jessica Topper and Amanda Usen have TWO sets of the latest ebooks for some lucky readers!

Each book in the Matzo Baller Hanukkah Romance series can be read as a standalone. However, they are best enjoyed in pairs! Each duet (Book One/Book Two, Book Three/Book Four) is spoiler-free, takes place simultaneously, and can be read in either order.

THE MENORAH MATCHMAKER 

by Amanda Usen

Falling for her boss isn’t on her to-do list.

Rebecca Weiss has one rule: never mix business with pleasure. After all, her last office romance ended in a career catastrophe. No matter how much her boss tempts her with his smoldering looks, sharp wit, and undeniable charm, she’s determined to keep things strictly professional. Besides, juggling her role at Katz Event Concepts while moonlighting for her grandmother’s matchmaking business keeps her far too busy to fool around…

Some rules are made to be broken.

Jay Katz thrives on big ideas and bold moves, but logistics and details? Not so much. He counts on Rebecca to bring his visions to life with her flawless organization and unmatched efficiency. But no matter how much he needs her skills, he can’t resist trying to get under her skin.

All in favor, say oy.

As they work late nights and brainstorm outrageous solutions, the chemistry they’ve been ignoring threatens to destroy Rebecca’s carefully drawn boundaries.

Jay’s not above playing dirty, but it’s going to take more than a sizzling game of truth or dare to show Rebecca their differences make them a perfect team. He’s going to need a holiday miracle...

THE RUGELACH ROAD TRIP by Jessica Topper

Worst Hanukkah Ever.

Indie rock star Avi Wolfson is freezing his strings off in a snowy Ohio rest stop, watching his tour bus vanish in the distance. He needs a miracle to get to his last gig on the tour before heading to Manhattan for the Matzo Baller Hanukkah harbor cruise, where his found family await. Instead, he gets Leah: the girl whose bat mitzvah he unintentionally ruined fourteen years ago. And she’s not about to let him forget it.

Matzo Baller or Bust.

Leah Gellman has her Hanukkah all mapped out: drive from Ohio to New York, deliver her hand-painted mahjong sets to eight crucial influencers, and make it to the Matzo Baller cruise by sunset. Her road trip is packed with favors along the way - including delivering rugelach to a friend’s single doctor grandson. What's not on her itinerary? Bailing out an arrogant rock star with a wicked sweet tooth he’s desperately trying to hide.

Three Days. Two hearts. One blinking oil light.

With just three days to reach the boat, Avi and Leah find themselves tangled in a wild journey full of unexpected detours, old grudges, and sparks neither of them anticipated. But with Avi’s old flame waiting at the dock and Leah’s prospective doctor on her Hanukkah to-do list, will their budding connection crash and burn before they reach Manhattan?

Miracles happen when you least expect them. And with Hanukkah magic in the air, this raucous, heartwarming adventure might just be the journey you’re looking for this holiday season!

For fans of second chances, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and holiday romances that warm the heart and bring the laughs.

About the authors:

L to R: Amanda Usen and Jessica Topper

Amanda Usen has spent most of her life immersed in story—and butter, sugar, flour, and eggs. After college, she fortified her English BA with a degree from the Culinary Institute of America, figuring a professional chef would never be a starving writer. Amanda loves chocolate, yoga, and carbs in all forms. When she isn’t writing or cooking, she can usually be found reading or hanging out with her small menagerie of cats, ducks, and mostly-grown children.

Visit Amanda online:

Website * Facebook * Instagram * X

Jessica Topper has been in love with the beauty of the written word ever since she memorized Maurice Sendak's Chicken Soup with Rice at the age of three.

After earning a B.A. in English Literature and her Master's Degree in Library Science, Jessica went on to work as a librarian in New York City before trading in the books for bookkeeping. For seventeen years, she worked in the production office of an international touring rock band.

Jessica broke the rock romance mold with her 2013 debut novel LOUDER THAN LOVE. Her follow-up romantic comedy, DICTATORSHIP OF THE DRESS, was named one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2015.


She lives in Western New York with her family - including two cats that love to walk across her keyboard.

Visit Jessica online:

Website * Facebook * Instagram * X 

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends December 29th at midnight EST.

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What's in the (e)mail

All (or most) of these books can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Apple, Kobo, etc.

NG = NetGalley

Melissa:
Winging It with You by Chip Pons from Putnam (NG)
The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King from William Morrow (NG)
Bad Publicity by Bianca Gillam from Penguin (NG)

Born for This by Caitlin Devlin from Lake Union (NG)

The Menorah Matchmaker by/from Amanda Usen (ebook)

Wayward Girls by Susan Wiggs from William Morrow (NG)

The Rugelach Road Trip by/from Jessica Topper (ebook)

The Good Bride by/from Jen Marie Wiggins (print)

The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel from Gallery (NG)

Work Nights by Erica Peplin from Gallery (NG)

Stop Me If You've Heard This One by Kristen Arnett from Riverhead (NG)

Tilda is Visible by Jane Tara from Crown (NG)

That's What She Said by Eleanor Pilcher from Avon (NG)

Ava and Shalom by Kate Birkin and Mark Bornz from BooksGoSocial (NG)

Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodson Harvey from Gallery (NG)

Letters from Strangers by Susan Walter from Lake Union (NG)

How Do I Tell You? by Nicola May from Storm Publishing (NG)

Sara:
If the Ring Fits by Camilla Isley from Rachel's Random Resources (NG)
Ruby's Revenge by/from Christine Gallagher (ebook)

The One Before the One by Emma Cooper from Rachel's Random Resources (NG)

The Widow's Web by Susan Moore from BookSparks (ebook)

Allyson:
Love and Other Paradoxes by Catriona Silvey from William Morrow (print)

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Book Review: Flirting with Disaster

By Sara Steven

It's been years since Meena has seen her husband, Nikhil . . . years since they first laid eyes on each other back home in Texas, years since they eloped in Las Vegas and she felt true happiness. A high-powered lawyer on Capitol Hill, ready to move on (or at least, she thinks so) with another successful lawyer, Shake, Meena has returned home. This time, finally, to obtain a divorce.

But there's one thing Meena couldn't have accounted for: a hurricane forming in the Gulf, veering right toward them, giving them no choice but to hunker down in the home they had built together. Suddenly, she finds herself trapped amid gale-force winds and pelting rain with the man she once loved.

As they spend more time together, Meena begins to remember everything that drew her to Nikhil: His small-town charm, his thoughtful nature. . . his absurdly good looks. But things make sense with Shake. He’s steady and ambitious and wants exactly what she wants. She’ll stick to her plan, come hell or high water. But will her windswept heart make the right choice, when the storm settles and the eye passes over?

With sharp observations about second chances at love, ambition and Indian American identity, and with characters who share an undeniable chemistry, Flirting with Disaster is a modern romance with the sensibility of a classic. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

I love the movie Sweet Home Alabama, so when I noticed that Flirting with Disaster is a reimagining of that movie, I had to read it. And it did not disappoint! There are plenty of different nuances that helped Meena and Nikhil’s stories to delineate from the film, making it its own unique experience. 

For me, it appeared it all boiled down to communication, or more so a miscommunication between the two main characters that created their relationship’s demise. What started out as a whirlwind adventure into romance quickly dropped into territory that neither of them could come back from and save, leading into Meena’s sudden departure to Washington, D.C. There, she finds more solid ground, and a new life for herself. Her dream has always been to do the most she can on Capitol Hill, and she’s on the right path…but without Nikhil.

Nikhil hasn’t forgotten about Meena, either. So much so, that he had gone out to D.C. to find her right after she’d left him, but he wasn’t sure if he could be the man she apparently wanted him to be, not back then, and maybe not even now. He feels like Texas is his home. The small-town atmosphere, the slower paced lifestyle is more his speed, and Nikhil is worried that he will never be enough for Meena. It propels him to move on and find his own passions, much like she has–but neither of them have signed the divorce papers. 

The hurricane created the perfect atmosphere for opening up and facing one another, head on. Both characters have held onto preconceived notions for years, but none of it has amounted to the truth. Has Meena truly moved on? Has Nikhil? I loved the build-up to that revelation, with me guessing as to what decisions would be made, and whether there really is any love left, and if the relationship has a shot at survival. All of that swirls on amidst the weather, which was the perfect parallel to how they feel in those scary moments when they have to learn to let go and be real and honest. Can they pick up where they left off and rekindle what they used to have, or is it better that they come together as who they are now, older and potentially wiser? I really enjoyed Flirting with Disaster and felt it was a well-deserved  reimagined five-star experience! 

Thanks to Random House for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Also by Naina Kumar: Say You'll Be Mine

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Reconnecting with Jessica Leed...plus a book giveaway

We're glad to have Jessica Leed back at CLC today. The last time she was here, she still lived in Australia. Since then, she moved to the US and now has a new suspense novel, Silent Promises. We enjoyed her thoughtful answers to our questions and hope you will too. Jessica has THREE copies of Silent Promises to give away!

Jessica Leed hails from Victoria, Australia, and has called the United States home since 2021. An elementary teacher, former dancer, and fitness professional, she now lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and two beloved cats. Jessica finds joy in books, coffee, long walks, the beauty of autumn, and cooking hearty breakfasts.. (Bio courtesy of Amazon.)

Visit Jessica online:
Facebook * Instagram

Synopsis:
In the wake of her husband Dylan's tragic death, Maddie struggles to connect with their daughter Lila, who has fallen silent since losing her father. Desperate for help, Maddie turns to Caleb, a new psychologist at Dylan's former workplace.

As Caleb works to break through Lila's emotional barriers, rumors threaten to derail their progress, pushing Lila further into rebellion. Grappling with her grief and uncertainties, Maddie finds herself drawn to Caleb.

But when Lila's behavior reaches a crisis point, Maddie and Caleb are forced to confront their fears and secrets. As they unravel Dylan's hidden connections and the truth behind Caleb's presence in their lives, they discover a shared loss that binds them closer than they ever imagined. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing? 
One of the most striking compliments about my writing is its ability to dive deeply into the  essence of a character's thoughts and emotions, crafting an experience that resonates profoundly  with readers. Each line is designed to pulse with life, whether it’s the ache of a lost love, the thrill  of an unexpected connection, or the quiet contemplation of an uncertain future. The dialogue  flows naturally, reflecting the raw, unpolished exchanges of real life, with every word carrying  the weight of unspoken truths and unguarded moments. It’s in the subtle details—the flicker of  doubt behind a smile, the sharp intake of breath at a revelation, the rhythm of internal musings— that my writing seeks to not just tell a story, but to let readers feel it, as if they’re living it  alongside the characters. 

What is something you've learned from writing your previous novels that you  applied to Silent Promises? 
From writing my previous novels, I’ve learned the importance of truly inhabiting the minds and  hearts of my characters, and I brought that focus into Silent Promises. Understanding not just  what my characters do, but why they do it—their fears, motivations, and internal conflicts— allowed me to weave a deeper emotional connection into this story. I also refined my approach to  pacing, ensuring that every scene serves a purpose, whether it’s building tension, revealing a  truth, or simply giving the reader a moment to breathe. Dialogue became another area where I  applied lessons learned, striving to make it realistic and layered, with subtext that reflects the  unspoken complexities of relationships. Ultimately, I brought a greater sense of intentionality to  Silent Promises, ensuring every word deepened the characters’ journeys and invited readers to  see themselves within the story. 

If Silent Promises was made into a movie, what songs would be on the soundtrack? 

“Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish (Acoustic) 
“Hold My Hand” by Lady Gaga 
“Ghost” by Justin Bieber 
“Visions of Gideon” by Sufjan Stevens
“When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars 
“Hide and Seek” by Imogen  
“Nuvole Bianche” by Ludovico Einaudi 
“You Are the Reason: by Calum Scott & Leona Lewis 
“Invisible String” by Taylor Swift 
“To Build a Home” by The Cinematic Orchestra 
“First Time” by Kygo & Ellie Goulding 
“Shivers” by Ed Sheeran 
“Say Something” by A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera 
“Turning Tables” by Adele – Maddie’s struggles to balance her grief and new love with Caleb. 

What is the last book you read that you would recommend? 
Anything by Freida McFadden is a must-read! I recently finished The Boyfriend and Ward D, and they both left me in awe of her storytelling brilliance. What makes McFadden exceptional is  her ability to craft tightly woven psychological thrillers that are impossible to put down. She  keeps you guessing with twists and turns you never see coming, yet everything ties together in a  way that feels both shocking and satisfying. 

If your life was a TV series, which celebrity would you want to narrate it? 

If my life were a TV series, Lauren Graham would be my ideal narrator. Her voice carries a  perfect blend of warmth, wit, and relatability, which mirrors the tone I’d want my story to have.  Her ability to bring humor and heart into even the most mundane moments feels like an  extension of how I approach storytelling—layered, emotive, and deeply connected to character.  

Sandra Bullock would be another fantastic choice. She has this natural charm and effortless way  of blending humor with sincerity, making her the perfect voice to highlight both the poignant and  comedic elements of life’s twists and turns. Either of these incredible women would infuse the  narration with the kind of realism and likability that I strive to bring into my writing and view of  the world. 

Share a funny winter holiday memory.
One winter holiday in Australia, during July, I was competing in a regional dance competition  and performing a lyrical/contemporary solo. I’d practiced endlessly, but the moment the music  began, my mind went completely blank—I couldn’t remember a single step! 

Instead of freezing, I channeled the emotional vibe of the piece and improvised the entire  routine, blending random turns, reaches, and dramatic floorwork as if it had all been  choreographed. To my amazement, it worked—I still placed! It became one of those  unforgettable moments where I learned that confidence and commitment can carry you through  anything, even when the plan goes out the window.

Thanks to Jessica for visiting with us and for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends December 30th at midnight EST.

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Sara and Melissa Talk About...Things We Love

We've been running a column series to get more personal with our readers. We are finishing up our fifth year!

This month, we are keeping it fun and positive, by just talking about the things we love, which can refer to people, places, objects, experiences, etc. A great way to close out the year!

We're always open to topic suggestions, so please don't hesitate to share those in the comments. We'd also love to know if you can relate to anything we've said or hear your own thoughts on the topic. So don't be shy. :) We look forward to getting to know you as much as we're letting you get to know us. You can find our previous columns here, in case you missed them. 

Melissa Amster:

There are plenty of things that I love, so I will try not to make this into an entire novel and just narrow it down to ten. I'm taking books out of the equation, since that's a given or this blog wouldn't be here right now!

1. My husband. We've been married almost 21 years and are thankfully still happy together.

2. My kids. I love them equally and could never, ever pick a favorite. They each have traits that make them special and it's been amazing seeing them grow into the remarkable teenagers they are. They also get along with each other, which is so wonderful!

July 2024

3. My family, as in my parents, sister, and nephew, as well as my aunt, uncle, and cousins. Even though we live far apart, we find ways to stay close.

4. My in-laws. I'm lucky to have in-laws I get along with. I'm especially close with my mother-in-law. 

5. My friends. I don't know where I'd be without them, whether I've known them all my life or just met them a few years ago. I treasure the friendships I have!

6. Musical theater. I love seeing shows on Broadway, on tour, and in local professional productions. I obviously love seeing my kids perform in musicals at school and camp. (They all love musicals, so it's really nice to share that with them.) I primarily listen to show tunes when I'm driving or doing chores.

7. Being Jewish. While it's been harder to be Jewish over the past year or so, it's also made me love it even more, if that makes sense. There are ways to find Jewish joy and I've seen a lot of it around. I will be participating in the #JewishBookstagramTour later this month (@mel_thebookfairy) and am excited to talk about what brings me #JewishJoy over there!

8. Humor. Give me a reason to laugh and it just brightens my day. I love seeing funny videos and memes, hearing a good joke (or pun), sharing inside jokes with my family and friends, watching comedic TV shows and films, etc.

9. My job. I've been doing book publicity work for the past few years and I'm really enjoying it. I've taken on some new responsibilities that go along with my job and have learned so much. I really feel like I'm in my groove. I also like the people I work with and feel valued there.

10. Baking challah and desserts. Enough said, right?!? Obviously, getting to eat the final product is the best part! I have been trying out some new recipes that I found to keep things interesting, too. 

Round challahs I made for Rosh Hashanah

Sara Steven:

Some of the things that I love:

1. My family–but, that is a given. This photo is from my older son's high school graduation last year. My parents and mother-in-law are there too.

2. Being outdoors: I love the great outdoors, even if that means going for a long walk around my neighborhood, running on the wash trail by my house, or gardening in my backyard. I don’t feel like I’ve had a good day if I haven’t managed to get outside at some point. 

3. The smell of the desert after it rains: This ties in with being outdoors–there is a specific smell that comes from cacti and sagebrush after it rains in the desert. I’m sure the sandy terrain and gravel comes into play, too, creating the perfect aroma.

4. Theaters with dine-in options: I love the Majestic theater in Gilbert, Arizona. What can be better than getting to watch a movie in the theater, recline the seat, and have food delivered to you–not just popcorn and boxes of candy and hot dogs but an actual meal! When I saw Barbie at the Majestic, they had the most delicious Barbie bites offered up for an appetizer. It was this cream cheese corn thing and I couldn’t get enough of them, and the best thing of all–I didn’t have to cook or prepare anything.

5. Inside jokes: Sharing inside jokes with family and friends is a lot of fun. Melissa and I have a lot of inside jokes, too, which often shows in the gifts we give one another for birthdays and holidays. This one is a tie back to our 90 Day Fiancé viewing days:

6. Yoga: Yoga centers me. I’ve been doing it for the last decade and it’s become an integral part of my life. Lately, I do yoga as a means of physical therapy, to help with some issues I have with compressed discs and neck and back pain, and it really helps a lot. Hot yoga is my go-to.

7. Starbucks: I’ve had friends who were super into Starbucks and I remember scoffing when they’d pull up their Starbucks apps, but now I’m that person with the app. My husband has the app on his phone, too, for me. I love (I’m obsessed) with Starbucks. My day doesn’t feel complete without a tall hot chai, or after hot yoga, I indulge with a venti strawberry acai refresher. When I’m feeling a little saucy and need some caffeine, I’ll add a shot of blonde to my chai to make a dirty chai–something I’ve recently discovered and I swear it tastes like a slice of tiramisu.  

What are some things that YOU love?

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Book Review: Haunted Ever After

By Melissa Amster

Small Florida coastal towns often find themselves scrambling for the tourism dollars that the Orlando theme parks leave behind. And within the town limits of Boneyard Key, the residents decided long ago to lean into its ghostliness. Nick Royer, owner of the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop, embraces the ghost tourism that keeps the local economy afloat, as well as his spectral roommate. At least he doesn’t have to run air-conditioning.

Cassie Rutherford possibly overreacted to all her friends getting married and having kids by leaving Orlando and buying a flipped historic cottage in Boneyard Key. Though there’s something unusual with her new home (her laptop won’t charge in any outlets, and the poetry magnets on her fridge definitely didn’t read “WRONG” and “MY HOUSE” when she put them up), she’s charmed by the colorful history surrounding her. And she's catching a certain vibe from the grumpy coffee shop owner whenever he slips her a free slice of banana bread along with her coffee order.

As Nick takes her on a ghost tour, sharing town gossip that tourists don't get to hear, and they spend nights side-by-side looking into the former owners of her haunted cottage, their connection solidifies into something very real and enticing. But Cassie's worried she’s in too deep with this whole (haunted) home ownership thing…and Nick's afraid to get too close in case Cassie gets scared away for good. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

After loving Jen DeLuca's Well Met series (all focused on a Renaissance Faire), I was looking forward to checking out her latest novel, Haunted Ever After. This had a completely different premise from Jen's previous novels, but I knew it would be good because she was the one writing it. I was not wrong! 

I had such a fun time reading this novel and was intrigued by the way ghosts could communicate with the living. I think you need a suspension of disbelief for this, but it was definitely entertaining. It made me want to check out the TV series Ghosts (which I've already started watching).  There's definitely drama in this story which is actually relevant to current situations. There's even a steamy bedroom scene, which Jen is always great at writing! The ghosts had some interesting personalities and I loved how they found ways to interact with Cassie and Nick. 

The novel took a few chapters to pick up speed, but then it went cruising the rest of the way. It definitely held my interest!

Funny side note: I had a random name in my head (this happens a lot as I come up with character names even though I don't write any books) and shortly after, the name showed up in the book. (It wasn't a common name either.) Spooky...

This is the start to a new series and I'm excited to revisit these characters. I think it would also be cool to have a prequel about the ghosts' lives from before they died. If you're looking for a different kind of rom-com, give this one a try. You will not be disappointed (and you may be inclined to start watching Ghosts too)!

(Trigger warning at the bottom of this post.)

Movie casting suggestions:

Cassie: Kayla Wallace

Nick: Sam Corlett

Sophie: Laura Marano

Libby: Hayley Erin

Nan: Lin Shaye

Theo: Chris Mason

Also by Jen DeLuca: Well Met series

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TW: Infertility

Spinning the dreidel with Miri White...plus a book giveaway

Introduction by Melissa Amster

A few months ago, on a difficult day for most of the Jewish population, I received a copy of Eight Nights to Win Her Heart by Miri White. It brought some #JewishJoy into my day. Since then, I read it and really enjoyed it. (See my review.) Not only is there major Jewish representation in this novel, but there's also disability representation, as one of the main characters has hearing loss. (Something that's also personal because of my family.) So I am pleased to have Miri at CLC today. You may also know her as Laura Brown, who visited us around Passover time in 2020. Miri is here to talk more about Eight Nights and she has one copy to share with a lucky reader!

Miri White and her quirky family live in Massachusetts in a home filled with games, sarcasm, and a hefty amount of pets. When not writing she can be found trapped under a purring cat, drinking copious amounts of flavored coffee, and hoping her music making teenager will compose something to go along with her books—no such luck yet. Writing has always been a passion for her and bringing underrepresented characters into the spotlight is a thrill. (Bio courtesy of Miri's website.)

Visit Miri online:
Website * Facebook * Instagram

Synopsis:
Andie Williams is not looking forward to spending her first Chanukah alone after her father’s death. About to lose her job, with her only prospect across the country for another work opportunity, she could use some chutzpah to make it through the eight nights alone.

Leo Dentz has had a crush on the girl across the hall from his apartment for years but has never had the courage to say anything—until she drops her grocery bags and he notices her drug store Chanukah candles. Ready to take a chance outside of his comfort zone, Leo offers to join Andie on the first night, sharing his dinner with her.

As Andie and Leo fall for each other one night at a time, and the clock ticks down on Andie’s move, will this season of miracles light their way forward? (Courtesy of Amazon.)

“As sweet as sufganiyot . . . Eight Nights to Win Her Heart explores the healing power of love over the holiday of Hanukkah. Fans of Hallmark and Jewish romance will not want to miss this delightful holiday treat.”
—Jean Meltzer, international bestselling author of The Matzah Ball

“A gentle and poignant tale of second chances, forgiveness, and hope, perfect for the Hanukkah season or all year round.”
—Felicia Grossman, author of Marry Me by Midnight

“White's slightly magical second chance romance deserves a place on your Hanukkah shelf.”
—Stacey Agdern, author of Miracles and Menorahs

“This is a sweet holiday romance packed with eight nights’ worth of sparks, family dynamics, and the challenges one faces when forced to choose between personal growth and professional.”
—Heidi Shertok, author of Unorthodox Love

What is one thing you would tell the debut novelist version of yourself?
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
 
Which character was easier to write, Andie or Leo?
Andie was easier to write. I think partly because her character started more solid and went through less changes than Leo did. Andie is also loosely inspired from Lucy from While You Were Sleeping, which definitely helped!
 
If Eight Nights to Win Her Heart were made into a movie, what songs would you put on the soundtrack?
I don’t often build music soundtracks for my novels, so I don’t have anything truly thought out. Most holiday movies do have holiday songs making up at least part of the soundtrack. There are not a lot of well-known Chanukah songs, and as fun as it is, I wouldn’t want to use Adam Sandler’s Chanukah Song. I’d love to see some of the more traditional songs filtered in, and then something from The LeeVees, such as "Applesauce vs Sour Cream," which goes along with the next question!
 
What is your favorite thing to dip latkes in? Applesauce or sour cream? Or something else?
Team applesauce here! Though I do tend to enjoy my latkes plain most of the time. I did write in the applesauce vs sour cream debate into Eight Nights since Andie is a preschool teacher and I have her making latkes with her preschoolers.
 
If your life was a TV series, which celebrity would you want to narrate it?
Ryan Reynolds. I’d let him have fun with, it would make my life sound a lot more interesting!
 
What's the last movie you saw that you would recommend?
A bit ironic considering my last answer, but Deadpool vs Wolverine. I finally got to watch it. A bit too much gore, for my taste at least, but lots of laughs and I do enjoy the breakdown of the fourth wall.

Thanks to Miri for chatting with us and for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends December 22nd at midnight EST.

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