About Jennifer
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.
Jennifer is an award-winning contemporary romance author for readers who are passionate about love, laughter, and happily ever after. Known for writing both Jewish and non-Jewish romances, her books feature damaged heroes, sassy and independent heroines, witty banter and hot chemistry. Jennifer’s ability to transport the reader into the scene, create characters the reader will fall in love with, and evoke a roller coaster of emotions, will hook you from the first page. You can find her books at all major online retailers in a variety of formats.
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.
Jennifer's Hanukkah Celebrations
In our house, we celebrate Hanukkah. Through the years, many things about our celebration have changed. When the kids were young, we of course made a big deal about the holiday. We’d play music, serve latkes (potato pancakes), play dreidel and on a few of the eight nights, give presents. As the kids have gotten older, our traditions have changed.
The entire family gets together one night to exchange gifts with the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. We all bring our menorahs—candelabras with room for nine candles—and we take big group photos of everyone lighting the candles.
We get together with friends one night and our photos over the years show how much the kids have grown (and how willing or unwilling they are now to smile).
One of the eight nights is dedicated to giving back. Instead of presents for ourselves, we donate to a charity. Some years we’ve made blankets and quilts for our local animal shelter. Other years we’ve sent money to a charity we all agree on—a small miracle in and of itself, since we rarely all can agree on anything. Once when the kids were little, we went to the toy store, bought toys and games for kids who didn’t have any, and brought them to a local preschool.
My specialty for Hanukkah is making fried Oreos. The holiday celebrates the miracle of the oil lasting for eight nights, so our traditional foods are those made with lots of oil, like donuts. Several years ago, my husband and I went to a county fair in the summer and had fried Oreos. We loved them, and since they are deep fried, they fit the holiday perfectly. I found a recipe online to make them and ever since then, family and friends have demanded them every year.
Now that my daughters are away at college, I mail their gifts early, trying to figure out the exact right time so that everything arrives on time and we can celebrate with them over FaceTime. Technology is terrific for that, but I confess to missing having them home and celebrating in person.
So whatever you celebrate, and however you do so, I wish you
and your family happy and healthy times together!
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
Six-year-old bodies
were good at many things— bouncing, hugging, and racing. Rachel was thankful
they were also good at hiding her surprise. Never in her wildest dreams did she
imagine her favorite student, and her student’s father, would be at her
neighbor’s house the same night she was invited to celebrate Hanukkah.
She met the hard gaze
of Jessie’s father across the room. Eyes narrowed as if he suspected her
reasons for being here. His broad shoulders were stiff. His jean-clad muscular
legs were spread apart in a solid stance. Square hands fisted at his sides, and
one of them held a menorah. Did he plan to throw it or club someone with it?
Giving Jessie a last
pat, she rose. With an arm around Jessie, she extended her other hand to her
father. “Happy Hanukkah.”
“Ms. Schaecter.”
“Mr. Cohen.”
“Oh, please,” Harriet
said, “Such formality between you two. Rachel, this is my son Benny. I mean
Benjamin.”
Benny. Rachel filed the
information away for later, along with his flushed skin at the nickname. Interesting.
“And Benjamin, this is
my neighbor, Rachel. We’re not at a school event. You can call each other by
your first names.” Harriet pointed at Jessie, who gripped Rachel’s hand so
hard, Rachel’s fingers lost their circulation. “Except for you,” Harriet added.
“You have to call her Ms. Schaecter.”
Jessie giggled. “Yes,
Grandma.”
Purchase WAITING FOR A MIRACLE
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