Thank you to Jake Maia Arlow, BooksForward & Harper Audio for complimentary copies of the book in exchange for my honest review. 

 

This book was super cute! I really enjoyed it and thought it was a super fast listen via audio. 

 

Author Jake Maia Arlow had some disappointing support from Harper after the novel came out and then the strike and they were admit on it not being labeled a Christmas or Jewish book. And I was skeptical going into it but honestly it’s true. Both holidays are mentioned but neither are celebrated. 

 

The MC and her love interest do the typical Jewmas by having Chinese food and movie date. Which honestly sounds like a fabulous day for me. 

 

What I liked about this book is that Shani reminded me of myself and countless of other young adults trying to grow up and get over those messy first love breakups. We don’t learn until closer to the end what really caused Shani’s break up from Sadie (which even though Shani grieved it, it was for the best). 

 

I love how into fish Shani is! I thought that was such a unique internship & job that a person would want to do. Also this book made me want to take a trip back to DC and explore all the museums. 

 

I thought the pacing was really well & that it took place over a specific amount of time. Was it an instant love trope? Of course but I didn’t mind. I liked Shani and May together and how their relationship grew from slight enemies to friends to lovers. 

 

I highly recommend if you are looking for a wintertime YA romance with appearances from an adorable corgi!