Eight Nights of Flirting

4.5 stars. <br /><br />First impressions: This made me so happy. At first I thought this was a standalone, but now I’m not so sure. It works better as a companion to THE SUMMER OF LOST LETTERS, especially if you want to fully understand the grandparent hostility storyline. RTC when it’s not midnight. <br /><br />***<br /><br />Okay, I was expecting to enjoy this because the previous installment (featuring Shira’s cousin Noah) was cute and because I love the author’s contemporary romance novels under a different pseudonym. But I was not expecting EIGHT NIGHTS OF FLIRTING to grip me by my heart and squeeze it tightly. I loved it all: Shira’s boisterous and loving Jewish family, the Hanukkah traditions, the practice flirting lessons, the mystery subplot about nineteenth century Nantucket whaling (yes, I’m serious), and just… everything. Reynolds just knows how to craft a well-paced YA romance with multiple storylines (this is rarer than it sounds, so I’ll give flowers where it’s deserved!). <br /><br />But the real reason this story resonated was Shira, a teenager who felt all too similar to my own teenage experiences. I’m not Jewish, but Shira’s anxiety surrounding friendship/flirtation is so relatable. It’s absolutely true that some people are experts at putting themselves out there in a social setting. And then some people, like Shira and me, struggle heavily and wonder if we missed the memo on how to be a teenager. Also: it is 100% possible to be lonely in a large family while still having a loving relationship with everyone. <br /><br />These aren’t perfect comps, but I’d recommend Reynolds for fans of Jenn Bennett and Sarah Dessen, even if HR doesn’t get as angsty. I semi-regret reading in June because this is SUCH a perfect winter read (seriously, they get snowed in and don’t have electricity for a night), but I guess that’s what audiobook rereads are for! <br /><br /><b>Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.</b>

Cute YA Hannukah Romance. I skimmed a lot of it. I have learned something about myself. Perhaps I kind of already knew. I am not a real fan of YA - unless its done very very well. Had this not been a Chanukah Romance, I probably would have dumped it. But it was cute and sweet, and well you know the cute story in advance, if not from the title, or the book jacket, simply from the trope. But I started it on Chanukah Day Five, Night Six, and finished it less than 24 hours later. By the time we light the Seventh Candle, Shira and Tyler will be long forgotten. Already forgotten. Do you know I had just closed the book less than ten minutes ago, and was already struggling to recall Shira, our main heroine's name? Halfway through this early morning finish, I was already planning my next book. Which will be.... Ta Da..... Other Birds, by Sarah Addison Allen. Its holiday and miracle time. Feels like the perfect end of the year book. <br /><br />Want to know what I have out here in Colorado? Other than the Winners and Eight Nights of Flirting?<br /><br />I have.... Other Birds, Dial A for Aunties, and its sequel Four Aunts and a Wedding. I got Dial A out of the library, because I already own FA and a W, and its actually high on my TBR so I knew I would have to get the first of the trilogy first. I like to bring books I own out to visit my parents, because I can give them away, leave them on the plane, and not have to bring them back, like I have to slog all the library books back. I also have the Messy Lives of Book People, which I already own. Its also a quickie and even with those three and Other Birds, I sort of don't see that one making it home. I have another library book out here too. Just in case. But I think I won't need it. Its Flieschman is in Trouble. Why? Because I think my husband and I are going to watch it on Netflix soon, and I kind of want to read it first or I won't. I have such wonderful books planned for January and I simply can't wait! Plus, I will be surprised by my two Subdue the Shelf books! So now its just knocking these out. I am on vacation with my family, this should be easy to do. Plus, there is a plane ride back, and an entire day of New Years Eve Day back home to work with. Completing the Year. <br /><br />Happy Holidays Everyone. This was my least favorite of the Chanukah Romances, and there are quite a few good ones. But it you like YA meet cute, Chanukah love for the 18 year old set, than this is certainly for you. One last note. I have always liked the name Shira - it means To Sing. There is a beautiful round called Hava NaShira (kind of have a little song) and my middle son's Hebrew Name is Chaim Shir - "Life of Song." Shain is named for my husband's grandmother Ida, who's Hebrew Name was Chaya (Life). Chaya/Chaim means Life. To Life, L'Chaim. Remember the famous Fiddler on the Roof song? We named him Shain, because he told us in a dream, before I got pregnant with my first Jaden. He literally told us that Baby Shain was coming after Baby Jaden, and at that point we were struggling so deeply with infertility, I didn't know that any babies would come at all. But the dream felt very real and gave us hope. When we woke up, I told my husband the dream and we immediately decided to spell it the way we do, which is sort a yiddish take on it, rather than Irish. Because Shain is "Beautiful/Darling" in Yiddish, and we came up with his name, Shain Jordan, that morning, long before any babies, and Jaden even entered the horizon. But when Shain was born, probably before even, we realized Chaim Shir was right, not just because of honoring Ida, with whom my husband was extremely close, but also for my grandmother Shirley, whose Hebrew name was probably her russian name, Sonya. So he is named for them both. So my husband was worried that his mother wouldn't like the name, because it wasn't close enough to Ida. She waited past our first baby to name for her mother. But when we told her, she had tears in her eyes. It was perfect. Because that's what she remembered her mother singing to her, her entire life. Shayna, Shayna, Shayna. And did she sing it at the Bris? (Public Jewish Circumcision Ritual) Why yes she did. Twice. That is the power of the dream. <br /><br />So why am I suddenly telling you all this, on this Christmas Eve Morning? We are not skiing today and I am about to go into the shower, before my family heads to the Hickory House for Breakfast. Why am I telling you this? Well I really have no idea. I started with the name Shira, which I have always loved because I am a singer. And I began thinking about Shain and the miraculous situation about his name. Maybe because I am less stressed when I am on vacation, and have more time to muse. But as I was writing and thinking about my Darling Shain, and Chanukah, I am reflecting that he is almost 18, the age of the characters in this little YA thing. He is graduating from High School and heading to college, as we await to hear from another six schools. My kid who is charming and headstrong, and smart, and a little bit reactive and overly certain. Who is lovely and conversant and joyful and funny. Who has an extremely strong Jewish Identity and emulates wanting to be a role model. Who is classic middle child, and has grown into adulthood before my very eyes. My West Wing, Big Brother, Survivor kid. Who doesn't read books, but can improv and fake his way through anything. Who can talk a dog off a meat truck. Somehow I am thinking about him this morning. And maybe saying a little prayer for when all my three beautiful children fall in love for the first time. At least the older two. My youngest needs to finish Harry Potter Seven (we are in the middle), re-watch all the Marvel and DC movies, learn his Hebrew for June, raise his grades in history and math, and he still swears he will have a girlfriend before the older brothers. Ya Never Know.... We will have to see what 2023 holds. A Bar Mitzvah, a High School Graduation, and now two kids in college. Its kind of a momentous time for me. Very profound and emotional. So why am I telling you this? Perhaps I find it more interesting in the moment than Eight Nights of Flirting. Perhaps you caught me in a sentimental moment. Perhaps.... In any case, wishing everyone a beautiful Seventh Night of Chanukah and a Merry Christmas. Me we all be about Families and Love and Miracles and everything good that comes with light. May we continue to be lights to one another and to know there is a light within us. May tonight feel holy to everyone - and may we carry that feeling forth. With blessings and love to all, from our home to yours.

Eight Nights of Flirting by Hannah Reynolds is about a young, socially awkward, still-trying-to-figure-herself-out Jewish teen, named Shira. In an effort to spark a relationship with an older boy named, Oscar, she enlists the help of Nantucket’s most popular hottie, Tyler. Tyler, unfortunately, also happens to be the person who humiliated her as a pre-teen. Over the course of the book, however—with both Hanukkah and a seaside mystery serving as the backdrop—Tyler and Shira must come to reassess who they are, and what they actually want in life, and love. <br /><br />Some Things I Loved About This Book: <br /><br />*If I could only use one word to sum up Eight Nights of Flirting by Hannah Reynolds, it would be windswept. Everything about this book, from start to finish, reminded me that I was on the shores of Nantucket. The characters and their growing flirtation. The mystery of lost love, and a sailor. The large mansion, on the shore, littered with visiting family and Hanukkah magic. All of this combined with Reynold’s writing style—truly elegant and lovely—made me feel like I was constantly crashing beside waves during some epic winter storm. <br /><br />*It’s unique! Truly, I haven’t really read any book quite like Eight Nights, yet—and I think that’s a good thing! And while I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t have as much experience with YA as other genres, I feel like Reynolds did an excellent job creating a Hanukkah romance for a younger audience. Also, the banter between Shira and Tyler is just adorable. I kept wondering what it would have been like for me, as a teenager, to be reading this book… and I think I would have been full-on obsessed with both Tyler and Shira. <br /><br />*I loved the little spin into genealogy, and a romantic mystery involving a sailor, that Tyler and Shira take together. It gives depth and flavor to the narrative, and also adds to that mysterious feeling of the setting. <br /><br />*It wasn’t afraid to tackle some difficult topics, including parental pressure, anxiety, homophobia, dating, and sexuality. In short, and despite the fact that the book feels magical, it doesn’t veer away from heavier topics. That being said, you never feel weighed down by the issues. <br /><br />*I adored how much effort, and energy, went into making Hanukkah a big family celebration for the Barbanel’s. It gave me all those typical Christmas feels, while still remaining remarkably centered in Jewish tradition. For that, I am very grateful that this book will be on our shelves! And I think fans of The Matzah Ball, searching for additional Hanukkah reads, will also enjoy this title.<br /><br />This book is perfect for any young adult who loves romance and holiday romances. For Jewish young adults, especially, this book is a definite must. Also, anyone looking for a sweet and charming Hanukkah romance will not be disappointed. I also think Eight Nights would be an excellent buddy read, either with a friend over Winter Break or between parent/child this holiday season. A great way to connect, through the power of books, and the romance of Hanukkah! <br /><br />All that being said, this is a book I am thrilled to recommend. Thank you Hannah Reynolds for writing it. I know that it is going to hold a special place in the heart of many readers. <br />

A fun read. Enjoyed the trope.

I enjoyed this so much, it's exactly the right kind of messy teens I can still read as an adult. I also really appreciated the presence of family in a mostly non-toxic way. So much YA fiction omits family or it is toxic, and I think a lot of us have different or more complicated experiences and it's kind of nice to see that on the page once in awhile. Really liked this duology, hope there is more coming. Either way, I have really enjoyed getting to read this author again and hope that they continue to tell stories be it for adults or teens.

Absolutely adorable YA! Huge Jewish family in a gorgeous old home on Nantucket celebrating the winter holidays. There’s a little bit of history, a lot of family fun and a delightful romance. Perfect for fans of a Morgan Matson and Ashley Elston.<br /><br />Librarian note: MC is a junior in HS and she’s crushing on college boys. Some alcohol and kissing.<br /><br />Source: purchased Kindle book

Reading other reviews most people really enjoyed this book. I did not. It seemed like from the beginning you knew what was going to happen but you just had to read the whole story to find out. There were no surprises in this book and it seemed like the author added a lot of Hanukkah information, some history of Nantucket, and a few plays performed by the families for entertainment.

DNF at 60%. I'm in the minority here, but I just wasn't invested in this story nor the characters.

<i>Thank you to Penguin Teen for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. </i><br /><br />I think the title is a bit misleading because this book isn't only set during Hanukkah but I might just be nitpicky. Regardless, this was such a cute and wholesome romance about two old family friends. I loved how Shira and Tyler's relationship developed. Definitely recommend this one!<br /><br />Also I headcanon Shira as demiromantic and demisexual because of the way she talks about attraction, her thoughts towards it and how much it matches my own experiences. <br /><br /><i>Rep: Jewish demiromantic demisexual cis female MC, Jewish gay cis male side character, white cishet male side character, various Jewish side characters, Asian American cishet female side character. <br /><br />CWs: Mention of past infidelity, alcohol consumption. Minor: antisemitism, discussion of sexual content.</i>

I loved this heartwarming, funny, and utterly charming holiday romance. While Christmas usually dominates the holiday romance genre, I loved that the MC in this story was Jewish, putting her and her big Jewish family and all their Hanukkah traditions are the forefront. I think it's smart that Reynolds had this Hannukah coincide with Christmas (which doesn't always happen at all) which I think helps make this appeal to anyone who celebrates, likes, or just appreciates that winter holiday magic. <br /><br />Shira is an MC you can really root for and who felt very similar to who I was at that age. Struggling to make true friendships or know how to banter and flirt with boys, despite nothing outwardly being missing or 'wrong' with me. I liked that although you might want to label her some naive hopeless romantic, that she sticks to her guns and has very real expectations for a romantic partner that focus on friendship and comfortability, not just some sweeping romance or lustful dalliance. In that way, her view of what she wants in a partner was really admirable and more mature than what I think I thought I deserved or could expect at that age, so I hope this is a good example for teens reading this. Now, does she have some perhaps unrealistic expectations of people coming to her, or realizing they love her and that's the start of connections...sure...but again...I felt like it spoke to how I was at that age. I kept hoping people would just see how awesome I was and want to seek me out because I was too awkward about going to them. The logic isn't sound but you know...teenagers.<br /><br />I also love that Shira provides readers with insight into other Jewish holidays, especially how Hannukah is actually one of the lower holidays, where the true Jewish high holidays, including our new year, are often completely ignored and unknown to others. While it's great to celebrate Hannukkah, there's no denying it's been elevated commercially and probably in family traditions so that Jewish families and children can still feel included in that winter holiday magic and celebration. <br /><br />Now for the romance, I thought it was so cute. Yes, it's a bit of a slow burn, but I loved how Tyler held to his guns and knew his self-worth as their "practice" began to escalate. Tyler is the character we as readers and Shira too probably thought would just be the ute and charming one-note boy next door that Shira eventually falls for but he came with a surprising amount of depth that I found myself connecting to. Despite his persona and history, I loved his maturity with his feelings as the book progressed and I liked how he was constantly an advocate for Shira, wanting more for her, especially in helping her see how much she has to offer on her own. <br /><br />I didn't realize this was a sequel of sorts to a previous book, so I will be picking up Noah's story ASAP to get the dish on the grandparents drama as that did feel a little confusing to pick up on here. Not confusing to the point where I couldn't follow Shira's story, but more so that I'm curious about the grandparent drama that we see on full display here that apparently began because of events in Noah's book. <br /><br />I can't stop recommending this to everyone as a great holiday romance read and I think Jewish and non Jewish readers alike will love this story and Shira. Huge thanks to Penguin Teen and Razorbill Books for my finished copy!