Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Love You A Latke by Amanda Elliot Published by Berkley on October 8, 2024
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 368
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Snow is falling, holiday lights are twinkling, and Abby Cohen is pissed. For one thing, her most annoying customer, Seth, has been coming into her café every morning with his sunshiny attitude, determined to break down her carefully constructed emotional walls. And, as the only Jew on the tourism board of her Vermont town, Abby's been charged with planning their fledgling Hanukkah festival. Unfortunately, the local vendors don’t understand that the story of Hanukkah cannot be told with light-up plastic figures from the Nativity scene, even if the Three Wise Men wear yarmulkes.
Desperate for support, Abby puts out a call for help online and discovers she was wrong about being the only Jew within a hundred miles. There's one Seth.
As it turns out, Seth’s parents have been badgering him to bring a Nice Jewish Girlfriend home to New York City for Hanukkah, and if Abby can survive his incessant, irritatingly handsome smiles, he’ll introduce her to all the vendors she needs to make the festival a success. But over latkes, doughnuts, and winter adventures in Manhattan, Abby begins to realize that her fake boyfriend and his family might just be igniting a flame in her own guarded heart.
I loved the first book from this author, Sadie on a Plate. In fact, I have enjoyed everything I’ve read from this author. Love You a Latke is definitely a Jewish holiday story and all the books I have read highlighted Jewish food and traditions. I have zero knowledge or experience with these customs but I’ve loved the books.
Our main characters have moved to a small town in Vermont to avoid personal issues in NYC. Abby has long-standing issues with her horrible parents and runs a cafe in Vermont. Seth couldn’t commit to what seemed like a perfect woman and abruptly moved and works remote. They are a grumpy (Abby)/ sunshine (Seth) fake couple.
“Your mother is lovely.” I said. “I like her more than you at this point.”
He touched a hand to his chest in mock pain. “You wound me.” He cocked his his head, considering. “Though to be fair, she probably likes you more than me right now, too.”
Abby’s cafe isn’t doing well and the rest of the town needs to increase holiday business. Every town around has a Christmas festival so they decide to do a Hannukah festival. Since Abby is the only Jewish person on the council, she is asked to plan it. She reluctantly asks Seth to help her with connections and he asks her to come with him to NYC for a week as a fake girlfriend to stop the relationship questions. Abby agrees since that will allow her to do a much better job with the festival.
I was introduced to four guys and two girls. Names were shouted at me over the noise, but, even after asking them to repeat themselves one or two or three times, I was left only reasonably certain that the guy with the scruffy brown hair was Dan and the girl who wasn’t Freya was Kylie. The other three guys might have been named Mike.
The week in NYC is a joy as Abby loves Seth’s parents, finds good festival vendors, meets Seth’s friends and even befriends his ex-girlfriend. Of course, Seth and Abby get to know each other much better and connect in spite of their hesitations.
Okay. Even if it was terrible, I could do anything for fifteen minutes, as I’d learned at the dentist.
I enjoyed this so much! The humor was awesome. The foodie and business aspects of the festival engaged me also. I’ll continue to read everything from this author.
About Amanda Elliot
Amanda Elliot lives with her husband in New York City, where she collects way too many cookbooks for her tiny kitchen, runs in Central Park, and writes for teens and kids under the name Amanda Panitch. SADIE ON A PLATE is her debut novel for adults.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 23-COYER
I’ve had my eye on this one and you just nudged me over the edge. Excellent review, Anne💜
I’ve just loved everything by this author. The humor gets me.
This sounds like fun! I also love the title. Glad you loved this😁
This author always delivers the feelings for me.
My review partner LOVED this one and I’ve added it to my wish list. Thanks.
Honestly I’ve loved everything by this author.
This caught my eye, but I couldn’t fit it in. So glad you loved it.
This author moved quickly into my must read category and I’ve not been disappointed.
This sounds fun and that last quote about the dentist made me LOL.
I really enjoyed it and the humor is the kind I enjoy.
I really enjoyed this one as well. It has been one of my favorite holiday reads so far this year!
I love this author’s books with foodie aspects.
That first teaser made me smile. This looks like a good read and this isn’t an author I’ve tried before. Another one for the TBR!
I love this author and the humor and foodie aspects.
This one sounds so cute! I want to read it so bad! Great review.
I really love this author and her foodie aspects in her books. There’s also strong Jewish themes.