JEAN MELTZER

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Eight Heartbreaks of Hunukkah

ARRIVES OCTOBER 21ST

Can these exes rekindle their love this Hanukkah?

Evelyn Schwartz has the perfect Hanukkah planned: eight jam-packed days producing the live-action televised musical of A Christmas Carol. Who needs family when you’ve got long hours, impossible deadlines, and your dream job? That is, until an accident… more

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“Meltzer blends the deep, somber emotions of heartbreak and loss with moments of pure hilarity and adds a dash of holiday-season magic to create an affecting, heartfelt story… A moving, magical holiday romance.”  Kirkus Reviews

BOOKS WITH AHAVA

The Matzah Ball
Buy Now
Mr Perfect
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Kissing Kosher
Buy Now
Magical Meet Cute
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The Eight Heartbreaks
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ABOUT JEAN

Dubbed “The Queen of Jewish Romance,” Jean Meltzer is the international bestselling author of The Matzah Ball, Mr. Perfect on Paper, Kissing Kosher, and Magical Meet Cute, and the recipient of several writing honors including Amazon Best Romance, Apple Best Book of October, Apple Best Audiobook of the Year, Booklist Top Ten Romances for 2023, a starred review in Kirkus, a starred review in Booklist, and LibraryReads.

Jean’s commitment to uplifting Jewish stories and voices has made her a leading figure in Jewish literary advocacy. She is the Founder & CEO of Jewish Joy LLC, the umbrella organization to Jewish Women Talk About Romance Books, The Jewish Joy Book Club, The Jewish Joy Box, and Jewish Joy Con, 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. In addition, she has served as a judge for the National Jewish Book Awards, and is a founding member of The Artists Against Antisemitism.

A sought-after speaker and panelist, Jean regularly speaks on topics such as authentic representation, Jewish joy, and writing through adversity. Her work is informed by personal experience—most notably her decades-long journey with chronic illness and her background in Jewish learning and media. Prior to becoming an author, she studied dramatic writing at NYU Tisch and built a successful career in television, earning multiple accolades including a National Daytime Emmy Award.

In 2006, Jean left the entertainment industry and moved to Israel to study in rabbinical school, seeking a deeper connection to her faith and identity. Though her studies were eventually cut short due to her health, the experience profoundly shaped her voice and purpose as a writer. When her father encouraged her to write a book—“just not a Jewish one, because no one reads those”—she defied that advice, and, in doing so, helped transform the landscape of Jewish commercial fiction. The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah, coming October 21st, is her fifth book. 

Learn more at:
IG: JeanMeltzer
FB: JeanMeltzerAuthor
www.jewish-joy.com

ABOUT JEAN

Dubbed “The Queen of Jewish Romance,” Jean Meltzer is the international bestselling author of The Matzah Ball, Mr. Perfect on Paper, Kissing Kosher, and Magical Meet Cute, and the recipient of several writing honors including Amazon Best Romance, Apple Best Book of October, Apple Best Audiobook of the Year, Booklist Top Ten Romances for 2023, a starred review in Kirkus, a starred review in Booklist, and LibraryReads.

Jean’s commitment to uplifting Jewish stories and voices has made her a leading figure in Jewish literary advocacy. She is the Founder & CEO of Jewish Joy LLC, the umbrella organization to Jewish Women Talk About Romance Books, The Jewish Joy Book Club, The Jewish Joy Box, and Jewish Joy Con, 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. In addition, she has served as a judge for the National Jewish Book Awards, and is a founding member of The Artists Against Antisemitism.

A sought-after speaker and panelist, Jean regularly speaks on topics such as authentic representation, Jewish joy, and writing through adversity. Her work is informed by personal experience—most notably her decades-long journey with chronic illness and her background in Jewish learning and media. Prior to becoming an author, she studied dramatic writing at NYU Tisch and built a successful career in television, earning multiple accolades including a National Daytime Emmy Award.

In 2006, Jean left the entertainment industry and moved to Israel to study in rabbinical school, seeking a deeper connection to her faith and identity. Though her studies were eventually cut short due to her health, the experience profoundly shaped her voice and purpose as a writer. When her father encouraged her to write a book—“just not a Jewish one, because no one reads those”—she defied that advice, and, in doing so, helped transform the landscape of Jewish commercial fiction.

Jean is represented by Carolyn Forde and Marilyn Biderman at Transatlantic Agency (literary), and Addison Duffy at United Talent Agency (film), and Rob Firing at Transatlantic Agency (speakers).

Learn more at:
IG: JeanMeltzer
FB: JeanMeltzerAuthor
www.jeanmeltzer.com
www.jewish-joy.com

  • Aug 23, 2025 – Launch Event for Sara Goodman Confino – Park Books – Severna Park, MD 

  • Sep 14, 2025 – 2025 AAA Jewish Writer’s Mifgash –  New York, NY

  • Sep 25, 2025 – Zibby’s Most Anticipated Books – Whitby Hotel – New York, NY

  • Oct 21, 2025 – Launch Event for The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah! In conversation with Alison Hammer (Ali Brady) – Park Books – Severna Park, MD (7:00 PM ET)
  • Oct 22, 2025 – Old Town Books – Alexandria, VA (7:00 PM ET)

  • Oct 23, 2025 – (Virtual) 70 Faces Media – Digital Summit (2:00–3:00 PM ET) 

  • Oct 23, 2025 – Font Books – McLean, VA (7:00 PM ET) 

  • Nov 2, 2025 – Huxley & Hero – Wilmington, DE (2:00–4:00 PM ET)

  • Nov 4, 2025 – (Virtual) Renee’s Reading Group – Facebook Live (7:00 PM ET)

  • Nov 6, 2025 – Katz Jewish Community Center – Cherry Hill, NJ

  • Nov 9, 2025 – Detroit Jewish Book Fair – Detroit, MI

  • Nov 11, 2025 – Details to Come – Atlanta, GA

  • Nov 18, 2025 – Details to Come – Rochester, NY

  • Dec 1-2, 2025 – Details to Come – St Louis, MO

  • Dec 4, 2025 –  JCC of Greater Kansas – Kansas City, MO

  • Dec 7, 2025 –  Tampa JCC and Federation – Tampa, FL

  • Dec 9, 2025 – (Virtual) IWIRC Literary Society Meeting (12:00–12:30 PM ET)

  • Dec 9, 2025 – (Virtual) Jewish Federation Greater Fairfield County (7:30PM ET)

  • Dec 10, 2025 – (Virtual) Charlotte Book Club – Charlotte, NC

  • Dec 10, 2025 – Washington Hebrew Congregation – Washington, DC

  • Dec 15, 2025 – (Virtual): Worcester JCC & Falmouth JCC

  • Dec 18, 2025 – (Virtual): Makom Solel Lakeside – Highland Park, IL

  • Jan 28, 2026 – Temple Sholom of Boomall – Broomall, PA (Philadelphia) 

  • Feb 24, 2026 –  Sid Jacobson JCC – East Hills, NY (Long Island) 

  • Mar 13-15, 2026 – Jewish Joy Con – Fort Lauderdale, FL 

PRAISE FOR EIGHT HEARTBREAKS

“Meltzer blends the deep, somber emotions of heartbreak and loss with moments of pure hilarity and adds a dash of holiday-season magic to create an affecting, heartfelt story.... A moving, magical holiday romance.”
- Kirkus Reviews
"A tender second-chance romance bursting with Jewish joy, The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah shines as bright as a fully lit menorah."
Amanda ElliotUSA Today bestselling author of Love You a Latke
"Jean Meltzer will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for a hard-won happy ending in her triumphant return to Hanukkah romance."
Chayla Wolfbergauthor of Late Night Love
“The pickles and smoked fish might convince Evelyn and David to temporarily keep their distance, but readers do not want to let anything get between them and this funny, heartwarming and sexy Hanukkah retelling of A Christmas Carol.”
Jennifer Wilckauthor of The Perfect Match Series
“Jean Meltzer has a rare gift for crafting love stories that are as profound as they are joyful, and this novel is no exception. In her most beautiful story yet, she delivers all the fun and sexiness of a second-chance romance while weaving in an emotional depth that lingers long after the final page. The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah is a beautifully crafted reminder that love’s unexpected strength can shine bright, even when all hope seems lost.”
Arden Joyauthor of the Much Ado About Love series
"Fans of Jean Meltzer will devour her latest The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah. This holiday romance sizzles when Evelyn and David, a divorced couple thrown together on the set of A Christmas Carol, wonder if they can recapture that second chance. If you love a taste of Christmas with a golden Hanukkah miracle, Meltzer delivers a heartwarming novel that proves that while life is full of heartbreak, there's light and magic to be found. I loved this deeply moving story, and I love Jean Meltzer. Five, big and beautiful stars for the queen of Jewish Romance."
Rochelle Weinsteinbestselling author of This Is Not How it Ends
"Jean Meltzer once again showcases her talent for using romance as a vehicle to explore difficult topics, which she does with the utmost care and sensitivity. I tore through this book, which had me laughing, crying, and nodding my head in solidarity. The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah is a testament to real love, which has the power to shape the course of our lives, break our hearts, and then put them back together again. It reminds us that love is about more than grand gestures; rather, it’s found in all the tiny ways we show up for each other. This is a triumph in storytelling that I’ll be thinking about for a long time."
Lindsay Hameroffauthor of Never Planned on You
"Jean Meltzer has done it again. I couldn’t put The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah down! Just as readers have come to expect from her, Jean delivers a heartwarming, funny, and utterly swoon-worthy read. The chemistry between Evelyn and David will have you rooting for them every step of the way. Prepare for a perfect blend of holiday magic, romance, and Jean’s trademark humor. This story of second chances during Hanukkah is an absolute must-read."
M.A. Wardellauthor of Teacher of the Year
"Touching, timely, and poignant, Jean Meltzer’s The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah will break your heart, then fix it in the most unexpected of ways. Framed in the timeless comfort of Dickens, Evelyn’s journey toward a fulfilling happy ending will resonate with women who struggle to ‘have it all’ in a world that expects women to simultaneously work like they’re childless and be a mother like it’s their only job. This is Jean Meltzer at her finest!"
Sara Goodman Confinobestselling author of Don’t Forget to Write
"A poignant tale of growth, change, and of course love, honoring its past, present, and future as only Jean Meltzer could do."
Felicia Grossmanauthor of Marry Me By Midnight
"The Eight Heartbreaks of Hannukah gives us the heartbreaks, but with an immense amount of hope. It's a reminder that facing the hard pieces of our past can sometimes lead to even more joy in our future. Jean Meltzer gives us the most perfectly Jewish twist on A Christmas Carol and shows us that second chances can come in the most unexpected ways.”
Ali Rosenbestselling author of Recipe for Second Chances
"Besides the brilliant premise of a Jewish retelling of A Christmas Carol, The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah is zany in the best ‘snort with laughter’ way but also a stunning portrayal of the enduring power of love in the aftermath of unfathomable grief. Evelyn and David sparkle with chemistry as exes whose passion and commitment are rekindled with the help of ghosts of heartaches past and a quirky celebrity with boundary issues. As always, the chronic health and Jewish representation is bar none. This second-chance romance might be my new favorite Jean Meltzer book."
Meredith Schorrauthor of RoomMating
"Meltzer may draw readers in with humor and romance, but she leaves them with a satisfying and poignant story of the power of love and forgiveness to overcome even the most profound of losses.”
Lynda Cohen LoigmanUSA Today bestselling author of The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern and The Matchmaker’s Gift
"Full of quirky holiday spirit(s), second chance romance, and Jewish joy, this just might be Jean Meltzer's best book yet."
Beth KanderUSA Today bestselling author of I Made It Out Of Clay
“Jean weaves wit and wonder into this steamy, romantic story of resilience and unbreakable bonds. You’ll laugh, cry, and devour this book in one sitting!”
Dara Levanauthor of It Could Be Worse and host of Every Soul Has a Story
“A vivid and heartfelt romance with a delightful Chanukah twist to A Christmas Carol.”
Miri Whiteauthor of Eight Nights to Win Her Heart
“Jean Meltzer’s second-chance romance is funny, tender, and sprinkled with magic. Reading this book felt like indulging in a delectable holiday treat.”
Lauren Appelbaumauthor of An Introvert's Guide to Life and Love
"Jean Meltzer has once again proven herself to be the reigning Queen of Jewish romance! A master storyteller, her ability to weave complex emotions and real-life experiences are unparalleled. Meltzer is a genius, a manipulator of hearts, and her writing captures mine every single time."
Heidi Shertokauthor of Unorthodox Love
“A second chance in love and the difficult emotional work that requires...wrapped up in the most magical of circumstances, during the brightest of holidays. This is a must read.”
Stacey Agdernauthor of The Dreidl Disaster
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