Title: Lights of Love: A Dickens Holiday Romance, Book 14
Author: Morgan Malone
Genre: Holiday Romance, Later in Life Romance, Hanukkah Romance
Book Blurb:
Saul Rosen has quite a reputation in Dickens. He has only recently become a full-time resident after decades of drifting into town for a skiing vacation, some summer cultural event, or to celebrate the Jewish Holidays at Congregation Etz Chaim. Saul is known as a supporter of local businesses, due largely to the years-long restoration of his vast country property. His frequent travels abroad have given him the world-weary air of international intrigue. His silver hair and bright blue eyes cause hearts to flutter. And he’s a bachelor.
Yehudit Eberhardt is also a recent full-time resident of Dickens. Mystery surrounds her, too. After decades living in New York City and Boston, her voice still carries the slightest trace of Europe. Her quiet elegance graces the halls and sanctuary of Etz Chaim, her laugh echoes in Morty’s Deli and her serene smile greets all she meets throughout the friendly town. Living high above the lights of Dickens in her exclusive condominium, Judy—as she is known to friends—seems to have a perfect life. But, as a recent widow, she lives alone, except for her beloved daughter’s frequent visits from Chicago.
Winter has come to Dickens and its famous Christmas spirit is on full display. Judy and Saul are thrown together as the Jewish community of Dickens prepares for Hanukkah. Judy is certain the spark she feels whenever she is near Saul is due to the static electricity of winter woolens. But Saul recognizes the currents of attraction and is drawn to her. Will these two solitary souls be able to ignore the shared losses that draw them together or will the gentle candles of the Hanukkah menorah light the love in their hearts?
My Review:
‘Tis the season to celebrate more than Christmas and in this book, to my utter delight, it’s all about Hanukkah. I believe there needs to be more Hanukkah romances out in the world, especially ones as well-written as this one.
The setting is a small town in New England and the descriptive narration is sublime. Every detail of the town, characters, and holiday festivities is poignantly described. I enjoyed escaping for a few hours while reading.
The characters are truly the heart and soul of this story. Watching Saul and Judy fall in love is the pinnacle. Both characters have been hurt before, yet love prevails. It’s an excellent theme and fits in with the holiday season.
The romance is later in life which is fast becoming one of my favorite tropes. I may be young, but it does my heart good to read about older people finding love. The romance is multi-faceted and a bit of a slow burn. I enjoyed the slow place of this romance.
The writing is exceptional. This author sweeps the reader into the story. The character development is well-done. I think I need to read more from this author.
A superb holiday romance.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Buy it Now:
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/lights-of-love-a-dickens-holiday-romance-book-14-by-morgan-malone
Author Biography:
Morgan Malone has been reading romance since the age of twelve, when she first snuck her mother’s copy of The Saracen Blade under the covers to read by flashlight. An award- winning published author of fiction by the age of eight, Morgan waited fifty years, including thirty as an Administrative Law Judge for a small New York State agency, to pen her next work of fiction. Now retired from her legal career, Morgan lives near Saratoga Springs, N.Y. with her rescue dog, Princess. When not writing later-in-life romance about men and women who fall in love for the last, or maybe the first, time in their lives, Morgan is penning romantic memoirs or painting watercolors. She travels frequently with her wonderful daughter, a Clinical Psychologist, and spends time with her awesome son, amazing daughter-in-law, and two delightful grandsons who live nearby.
Social Media Links:
Website: http://www.MorganMaloneAuthor.com
TikTok@morganmaloneauthor
Reviewed by: Sam