In the stories there is joy, humor, sadness, and some grief.  This is realistic since not everyone during the holidays has everything go their way.  But the nice part of reading these novels is that the characters always get a happy ending. Three books’ readers should consider are highlighted, The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah by Jean Meltzer, Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses by Jennifer Faye, and The Christmas Cowboy by Melinda Curtis.

The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah
Jean Meltzer
MIRA Publisher
October 2025

The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah by Jean Meltzer is a great holiday read.  Hanukkah is known as the “Festival of Lights” and this novel shows how the characters were brought out of their darkness and illuminated with light as they take their journey to reconnect.

In the style of best-selling author Kristin Hannah, this novel is a heartfelt, sad, and heartbreaking story dealing with loss and trauma. But readers also will laugh with the characters as they learn about life lessons and reignite the light of their relationship that was once filled with hope, love, and togetherness. The story is about a second-chance romance during Hanukkah and there is a happily ever after.

It’s been two years since David walked away from Evelyn and their life in Manhattan, during the first night of Hanukkah. Eveyln fell back on her “go to” by leaning into work. Now, a successful television producer, she was chosen to produce the live action musical version of A Christmas Carol for network television.

While having one of her debilitating chronic migraines, she had an accident on the set. The show’s medic is called but unfortunately, he is Evelyn’s ex-husband David, who is substituting for the permanent medic. These migraines can cause Evelyn to blackout, but now something else is going on where she has visions, and hallucinations.

The author spins A Christmas Carol with Jewish twists as Evelyn’s “Ghosts of Hanukkah Past” visit her every night and make her flash back to certain difficult times in her life. Her past, present, and future are displayed to her, offering her to feel love, growth, change, and forgiveness. She is shown how instead of being married to David, she is married to her job with little time for anything but work.

Readers will laugh with Evelyn as she tries to deal with the comical Hanukkah ghosts but also cry with her as she remembers how David always tried to help her deal with parental neglect, chronic illness, infertility, pregnancy loss, and grief.

This is a great book because people will be able to connect with the characters and understand their journey through the lens of Judaism, although they do not have to be Jewish to enjoy the story. Readers will laugh at the humor, cry as they mourn the character’s loss, and cheer as they demonstrate strength and rekindle love, getting their happily ever after.

Elise Cooper: How does Hanukkah come up in your writings?

Jean Meltzer: My husband is an Army military veteran, having done two tours of duty during the Iraq war. The world, as my husband has seen, can appear so dark. By being bright ourselves, we can brighten other people and make the world a much lighter and better place. I try to write from the lens of Jewish authenticity of my Jewish experience. It is my mission and passion to tell Jewish stories. My first one, The Matzah Ball, was also a Hanukkah book.  I like the idea of spreading light among Jewish stories.

EC: Does Dickens have an influence in this story?

JM: I thought of different ideas and loved the Hanukkah retelling of A Christmas Carol. My mother who is a psychologist often used A Christmas Carol in her therapy, marriage and family counseling. We talked and she commented that the people think the story is about looking at your past and changing.  She said what the story is really about is seeing your experiences through another person’s lens. At that moment I thought this is what I want The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah to be about where the main female character, Evelyn, sees her heartbreaks through another person’s lens, David. I find it a privilege to tell other stories through a Jewish lens. Hopefully, lots of Jewish retellings in my future.

EC: Why the chronic illness?

JM: I have been sick with a chronic disability since I was 18/19 years old, chronic fatigue syndrome. Because I have lived with disease for so long, I have come to a process in my life as someone who has a chronic disability. From my first book, I have always written characters a little bit like me, either sick or anxious or struggling, but still get their happy ending. I can write all these stories with real life events, but in the end the characters deserve to have a happy ending.

EC: Does Evelyn’s chronic migraines define who she is?

JM: As someone with a chronic disability, I feel you cannot separate it from experiences. It is a part of my daily life. Does it define me totally? No, but it is a part of who I am.  For Evelyn, that is the same sort of experience. She knows how to maneuver and deal with it. It is a part of the decisions she makes in her life. I also have experienced chronic migraines but not as disabling because medication has worked.

EC: Do you agree Evelyn does not appear to be very religious?

JM: Because Evelyn is more of a secular and cultural Jew, she does not spend much time with the lingo then someone who is super educated in Jewish culture and tradition. David’s family is a little more engaged in the Hanukkah traditions than Eveyln. I have lived in both experiences. I have the characters decide for themselves.  The main message is there, that miracles can still happen and that God is involved in our affairs. I try to write from the lens of Jewish authenticity of my Jewish experience.

EC: How would you describe Evelyn?

JM: Stubborn, independent, gutsy, smart, funny, tough, workaholic, and used work to avoid relationships with friends, family, and David. She is deeply sensitive and fears her own vulnerability. I think she tries to thrive and survive. As she grows and changes throughout the story, Evelyn becomes likeable.  I think she is misunderstood unlike Scrooge from A Christmas Carol.

EC: How would you describe David?

JM: He became more confident because Evelyn was a part of his life. She helped him stop being bullied and supported him financially while he went through medical school. He is also caring, introverted, sensitive, but withdrawn.

EC: How would you describe the relationship?

JM: She and he were complete partners. She was his anchor. She is the one if the dinner order was wrong, she would send it back, while he would not say anything. She is more assertive. They make each other better. They were childhood friends. They were equals and there for each other, until they started to splinter. Because of this huge traumatic loss in which she could not deal with, they fell apart. He still missed her, while Evelyn has displaced anger toward him. And feels betrayed by him. As a child of divorce, she was bitter to him for committing that unforgivable sin, leaving her in Eveyln’s worst moment, plus he did it on the first night of Hanukkah. One of the reasons she has blown off Hanukkah is she also has displaced anger towards God.

EC: Next book?

JM: I am taking a year off from writing because I am planning a big conference titled Jewish Joy Con, https://www.thejewishjoycon.com . It is a groundbreaking three-day event celebrating the best in pop-culture, storytelling, and creativity, scheduled for March 13-15th at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. There will be Jewish creators from every industry and is open to Jews and non-Jews alike. This is taking every second of my life right now. Readers should look for a book in 2027.

THANK YOU!!

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Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses      
Kringle Falls Book 2
Jennifer Faye
Lazy Day Press
October 1st, 2025

Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses by Jennifer Faye hasBelle Sinclair recently adopting a stray puppy. It was love at first snuggle. He is the best Christmas present ever. And yet her holiday happiness goes sideways when she hears a siren and spots flashing lights in her rearview mirror. It seems Sheriff Parker Bishop always seems to be there when she commits traffic violations. But after Belle’s puppy goes missing, she calls the Sheriff for help. This book hasdeception/pain, love/loss, secrets/truths, hope/redemption that mixed creates a wonderful plot.

Elise Cooper: What are you planning on doing for the holidays?

Jennifer Faye: For the holidays, I like to do a craft project and then give them out to my family as Christmas presents. So, I will be making some Christmas ornaments this year. I’ve been busy collecting the necessary supplies. I’ve never done this project before, so I have my fingers crossed that it goes well. After reading PUPPY HUGS & MISTLETOE KISSES, you’ll be able to spot the ornaments. 

EC: What do the holidays mean to you personally and in your writings?

JF: Christmas romances are my favorite to read and write! I think that Christmas can bring out the best in people. During the holidays, there’s a little more kindness and generosity in this world. I like to show that in my books. It’s a great time of the year for second chances, healing and falling in love. 

EC: What is the role of Christmas, particularly the ornaments?

JF: Belle has a collection of Christmas ornaments. They’ve been passed down through her mother’s side of the family. They mean a great deal to her. And when she hangs them on the tree each Christmas, she feels a little closer to the family she lost.

EC How did you get the idea for the story?

JF: Great question. We got a puppy last year and I suppose he played a part in the creation of this series. Add during Christmas my imagination took over. Beyond that the creation of a book is a little bit of magic and a whole lot of listening to the characters. They like to tell their own stories. 😉

EC: Is Odie one of the stray dogs from book 1?

JF: Yes, Odie was in book 1, PUPPY WISHES & CANDY KISSES. But his story is told in book 2, PUPPY LOVE & SNOWFLAKE KISSES. Odie is a quiet, snuggler but he does love to play fetch. His favorite thing to do besides eat is to curl up on Belle’s lap in the evening and go to sleep while she watches a movie.

EC: How would you describe Belle, the featured female lead?

JF: Belle definitely isn’t lonely. She has a whole town of friends. But her heart is guarded because of her past loss. And she is not exactly a rule follower. She thinks there’s wiggle room when it comes to rules.

EC: How would you describe Parker, the male female lead?

JF: Sheriff Parker Bishop is a total rule follower. He thinks that life is black and white, that is until he gets to know Belle better. She shows him that life is made up of shades of gray. And yes, he is protective, especially of those he cares about.

EC: How would you describe their relationship?

JF: In the beginning, they definitely rub each other the wrong way. It’s a case of opposites attract. They just haven’t acknowledged the attraction yet. That’ll take a bit. Lol.

EC: In this book and the first book is there a common theme that losing a loved one has affected wanting to be in a relationship?

JF: Yes, there is. People leave their imprint on the people they love. And when they pass on that also leaves a mark. It’s how the characters choose to deal with those losses that will determine if/when they open their hearts to others.

EC: Next books?

JF: Next up is Tater Tot’s story, titled, Puppy Smooches & Peppermint Kisses, coming Nov 1.  The plot has Holly Berry spending her first Christmas without her grandmother, who had raised her. After being asked to foster a puppy. she turns to her childhood friend, for some guidance, Veterinarian Colin Bishop has given up on relationships. Then in mid-December the fourth book in the series, Puppy Hugs & Mistletoe Kisses will be released. It has Felicity Wright returning to Kringle Falls. Mechanic Justin Bishop is determined not to repeat past mistakes and get too close to her.  But a pair of matchmakers hatch a plan to bring Justin and Felicity together to foster a rescue puppy.

THANK YOU!!

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The Christmas Cowboy
The Cowboy Academy Book 9
Melinda Curtis
Harlequin Heartwarming
Nov 2025

The Christmas Cowboy by Melinda Curtis is a delightful holiday read. There are some heavier subjects that are heartfelt and emotionally riveting. But the humor is a welcome relief, coming mostly from a five-year-old boy.

Lily Smith has come to Clementine to act as a nanny for her newborn niece and five-year-old nephew, Ford. But there is another reason she is there. She has spent her whole life wondering why her father ignored her and did not treat her like he did her brother, and intends to find out.

She intends to be by herself until she meets Zane Duvall in a bar.  He asks her to be in a pretend relationship with him to get both of his biological and foster mothers off his back and stop their matchmaking ideas. She decides to help him be his date at all the Christmas parties so he can avoid every single woman chasing him all over town.

Because Zane knew Lily was a cowboy that has worked on many ranches, he asks her to chase down this wild white Stallion, Solomon that has never been caught. They grow closer and realize there is a chemistry between them.  But first, she must find out who is her real father after getting a letter from a local man claiming to be her “real” father as opposed to the man who raised her.

Elise Cooper: What are you planning for Christmas?

Melinda Curits: I’m recovering from a severely broken ankle. The holidays have been great because, for the first time in what feels like forever, I’m not cooking! I plan to nap a lot.

EC: What does it mean in your writings?

MC: I use a lot of my family’s decorations and holiday traditions in my writing. It feels like I’m connecting to the past when I include a special side dish, ornament, or game in my stories.

EC: What is the role of Christmas in this story?

MC: It has Christmas Cards, 12 parties of Christmas, Santaplooza Parade, and Rowdy is like Scrooge. This is a fake dating story, so I needed many events. Christmas offers a lot of events. I created the 12 Parties of Christmas, so the hero and heroine had places to date.

EC: Idea for the story?

MC: I love fake dating stories. Hallmark has a lot of them during the holidays. They get me in the mood to write, especially the funnier ones.

EC: How would you describe Lily?

MC: She is self-assured, has a sense of humor, tomboy, guarded, and runs when it gets overwhelming. Up until her parents died, Lily had decided she wasn’t “that girl,” the one who men wanted to date. But then her parents die and she learns the man she thought was her dad wasn’t and from there on nothing is the same.

EC: How would you describe Zane?

MC: Not a planner, honest, witty. Zane is definitely a seat of the pants type of guy. He’s been letting life happen to him. But now, what’s happening isn’t what he wants.

EC: What are the roles of Zane’s two mothers. Biological and foster?

MC:  Nurturing and family are important. They are like a burr under a saddle – annoying in their desire to see him settled down. He can’t ignore them because he loves them. But their matchmaking is very heavy-handed. What do you do when women are put in your path at every turn?

EC: What about Ford, Lily’s five-year-old nephew?

MC: He is rooting for Zane, a comic relief, enthusiastic, the inner thoughts of the male and female lead.  Ford keeps things light when some of the backstory might be a bit heavy. I love character growth and I love comedy when the two work together. It’s kind of the way I approach life.

EC: Why Solomon the horse?

MC: As a kid, we’d take road trips through the west and count white horses. They became special to me, a touchstone to family. Also, where we lived, there were a lot of local myths and legends about wooded areas. It seemed right to combine the two as a bridge between Zane and Rowdy.

EC: Describe the relationship?

MC:  Friends first. She shields him from all the women sent after him by his mothers.  He is a teaser. This is a buddy story. Neither expect love to bloom. They each have their own agenda for the holidays. But somewhere along the line, they realize they are each other’s person.

EC: Next book(s)?

MC: I have five western romances releasing in 2026 – 3 with harlequin (including a new Blackwell series book) and 2 with tule (only tule has a page up https://tulepublishing.com/books/the-cowboys-accidental-bride/). I’ll also be working on two romantic comedies – 1 Grandma Dotty/Summer Kisses book (It Happened at Sea), 1 Mermaid Bay.

THANK YOU!!

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