Title: Waiting for a Miracle
Author: Jennifer Wilck
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Book Blurb:
Benjamin Cohen, widowed father of six-year-old Jessie, is doing his best to hold it together through order and routine. The last thing he needs is his matchmaker mother to set him up with her next door neighbor, no matter how attractive she is.
Rachel Schaecter’s dream of becoming a foster mother is right within her grasp, until her meddlesome neighbor tries to set her up with her handsome son. What’s worse? He’s the father of her favorite kindergarten student! She can’t afford to let anything come between her and her dream, no matter how gorgeous he may be.
Can these two determined people trust in the miracle of Hanukkah to let love and light into their lives?
Excerpt:
“I wanted to apologize,” he said, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “I was rude, and you were right. You’re a great teacher, nothing “just” about it. I was angry at my mother and took it out on you.”
Leaning against the fridge, Rachel wrapped her arms around her middle. Her galley kitchen was small. Functional for one person, but Benjamin filled the tiny area with his scent, his body, his masculinity. She tried to relax, but every nerve ending pinged as if on high alert. It was like he sucked all the air out of the room and drew all the attention his way.
The man was intense, in his actions, his manner, and his looks. Standing ramrod straight, he exuded power and control. He directed his laser blue gaze at her, and she swore she’d melt. No one’s eyes could be that blue. It must be his sweater that emphasized their electric color. The sweater, pulled tight over chest and arm muscles, making her want to run her palms across them to see if they were as hard as the man. But he’d spoken and now was silent, as if waiting for an answer. Or, rather, demanding one.
She replayed his words in her mind. Right, he’d apologized. She gave him credit. Only an honorable person did it in the flesh.
“I understand. I didn’t mean to overstep.” Her voice was breathy.
This would never do.
Clearing her throat, she reached for a glass of water. “Would you like one?” she asked.
He shook his head no, and she turned away to drink. Using the break to gain her composure, she placed the glass in the sink, gripped the counter, and counted to three.
“Aren’t you going to eat?” he asked.
She blinked. Eat. Right. She looked at the plate, then at him. “I’ll eat later.” There was no way she could swallow food in his presence, much less use a knife and fork like a civilized person.
His gaze roamed over her, making her wish for what seemed like the billionth time she’d remembered her robe. Her skin heated in concert with his gaze, mapping her body in a red flush and increasing her need for water.
“No, eat now.”
His commanding tone made her hackles rise. “I’ll eat when I’m ready.” She moved toward the doorway, forcing him to retreat. But instead of leaving the kitchen, he stopped and cupped her shoulders. His hands warmed her skin further, and flames licked along her arms. Her mouth opened and his focus narrowed to it, his pupils dilated. She was parched and licked her lips, but instead of slaking her thirst, it increased the tension zinging between them. She stepped closer to him. Heat rolled off his body, enveloping her. She sighed.
As if realizing what he did, he swallowed and dropped his hands. The sudden lack of contact made her shiver.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “Again.” He ran a hand through his dark hair, messing it further.
He needed a comb. She reached to fix it and stopped, her hand raised. Clenching her hand into a fist, she lowered it.
“I wasn’t trying to force you to eat,” he said. “I meant you shouldn’t worry about me. You’re probably hungry.”
She was, but she wouldn’t admit it. “I’m fine.”
Her stomach rumbled. Traitor.
He dropped his gaze to her stomach and for the first time all evening, smiled. Oy gevalt, had she ever seen him smile before? Could she make him do it again? And had she really thought oy gevalt? She was not a Yiddish-using woman, but his smile was apparently Yiddish-worthy. He was driving her crazy.
His mouth stretched, showing white teeth. Not toothpaste-commercial white teeth, but real-man white, those of someone who took care of them but didn’t obsess. Talk about obsessing. She couldn’t stop noticing things about him.
His cheeks had dimples. Dimples! The divot in his top lip and the one in his chin, connecting with the two dimples, reminded her of a heart. Hers pounded in her chest. Could he tell? She needed a fan, or a seat or a stiff drink. Maybe all three. Blinking, she let out a sigh. What had been intense, laser blue in a scary way before, was now a slate color, and she swore she’d drown in his eyes.
With a hand on her belly, she said a silent prayer of thanks that her stomach growled. Because the growl caused his smile.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/waiting-for-a-miracle-jennifer-wilck/1134117349?ean=2940161018385
What I love most about the holiday season:
I love the cozy warmth of family and celebrating the traditions that bring us together and make us unique.
Why is your featured book a must-read to get you in the holiday mood?
If you love a good, short, love story, an adorable child and a meddlesome Jewish mother with a heart of gold, then this is the book for you. Plus, it’s got all the warmth and light of Hanukkah, the festivity of the holidays in New York City, and of course, a couple to root for.
Giveaway:
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Open internationally.
Runs July 1 – July 31.
Drawing will be held on August 1.
Author Biography:
Jennifer started telling herself stories as a little girl when she couldn’t fall asleep at night. Pretty soon, her head was filled with these stories and the characters that populated them. Even as an adult, she thinks about the characters and stories at night before she falls asleep or walking the dog. Eventually, she started writing them down. Her favorite stories to write are those with smart, sassy, independent heroines; handsome, strong and slightly vulnerable heroes; and her stories always end with happily ever after.
In the real world, she’s the mother of two amazing daughters and wife of one of the smartest men she knows. She believes humor is the only way to get through the day and does not believe in sharing her chocolate.
She writes contemporary romance, many of which feature Jewish characters in non-religious settings (#ownvoices). She’s published with The Wild Rose Press and all her books are available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Social Media Links:
Website: http://www.jenniferwilck.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JWilck