August 28, 2023
Jewish teen Hannah Levin—a die-hard, born-and-bred New Yorker—is dreading spending four nights of Hanukkah on her grandmother’s ranch in Rosenblum, Tex. Hannah prefers her family’s low-key yearly traditions in N.Y.C., including habitually burning their latkes. But unexplained tension between her parents and her grandmother means she’s stuck on the ranch. She doesn’t have her older brother Josh to act as a buffer, either, since he had his own solo trip to Rosenblum the previous year. Worse, she’s allergic to horses, a near constant variable on the ranch and around town, and it seems that everyone in her grandmother’s small community celebrates Christmas. Upon meeting Noah Blum, a local Jewish teen who’s helping his grandfather run a struggling family deli, Hannah tries to resist his charms. When her flight back to New York is canceled due to a snowstorm, Noah offers to make this year’s Hanukkah celebration one she’ll never forget. Heavy-handed messaging and unconvincing twists dampen the effect of Noah’s infectious holiday zest and the teens’ many adorable romantic outings in this uneven offering by Aldredge (Sasquatch, Love, and Other Imaginary Things). Characters read as white. Ages 12–up. Agent: Christa Heschke, McIntosh & Otis.
September 1, 2023
Hannah Levin loves celebrating Hanukkah with her family--unfortunately, this year she's stuck in Texas with her somewhat distant grandmother and a couple of horses. New Yorker Hannah is determined to be miserable during her four-day stay in Rosenblum, Texas. It's a small, slow-moving town with spotty cell service, and Hannah is allergic to the horses. She misses her friends and family back home, especially during the winter holiday. There's also tension Hannah doesn't fully understand between her parents and her grandmother; last year, her older brother visited Texas on his own, and now it's her turn. But when Hannah meets cute, sweet (and Jewish) Noah Blum at the local deli, her short vacation becomes a lot more interesting. When snowstorms lead to flight cancellations, Hannah is stuck in Rosenblum for most of the rest of the holiday. Noah is determined to cheer her up and show her his Texas-style traditions for creating a magical Hanukkah. While Hannah spends each day helping Noah out in the deli, Noah organizes eight romantic nights all around town and even beyond. The adorable meet-cute involving a giant hot dog costume should launch a sweet romance full of Jewish joy, but instead what follows is a clunky narrative weighed down by repetition and some inconsistencies. While the voice is authentic, the romance is lukewarm at best. This holiday romance is kind of a schlep. (Romance. 13-18)
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September 15, 2023
Grades 8-11 Hardened 17-year-old New Yorker Hannah Levin isn't thrilled to be spending the start of Hanukkah in Rosenblum with her nana, with whom Hannah isn't close. In that rural East Texas community dominated by Christmas decor, Blum and Sons Deli lures in Hannah "like a moth to a menorah." The food and decor are comforting, but it's charming Noah Blum, of the town's namesake family, who lights up Hannah. As bighearted Noah challenges Hannah to see the magic of his tchotchke-filled, hyped-up Hanukkah, she is smitten despite her reluctance and her inevitable return home. Flirty and fluid banter is framed by Hannah's self-aware, NYC-neurotic stream-of-consciousness that includes schmaltzy, super-Jewish, and deli-centered similes. Small time inconsistencies and occasionally didactic explanations of Yiddish terms distract slightly; however, the story validates a welcome range in Judaism while exploring the challenges of holding on to historical roots in modern society. Fans of Hannah Reynolds and readers who like a little canoodling with their knishes will melt like grilled cheese on challah over this seasonal romance.
COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
November 3, 2023
Gr 7 Up-Teens Hannah and Noah fall for each other while exploring Jewish holiday traditions. Hannah's holiday visit to her grandmother is unexpectedly extended as a freak snowstorm hits rural Texas. She is prevented from flying back to New York City for an urban Hanukkah celebration with her family. Noah, a Texas native, is spending his holiday happily working at the family deli, where he typically runs the counter and occasionally dresses as a kosher deli treat. Hannah's and Noah's lives collide with a hilariously unique meet-cute. The wholesome friendship blossoms quickly into romance as the duo bond over deli pickles amongst a sprinkle of holiday kisses. Noah is excited to share his family holiday traditions with Hannah as their blooming romance embraces cultural Hanukkah traditions for eight days and nights. In these chapters, an endearing exploration of Jewish holiday traditions occurs. Although predictable, the ending is as charming and wholesome as the entire read. Cheesy and cute, this high school romance will appeal to middle and high schoolers. VERDICT A welcome addition to a library holiday collection. YA readers who are looking for a quick, light romance will enjoy this holiday read, with its refreshing Hanukkah theme.-Kelly Moore
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