Melissa W. Hunter
Synopsis
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Talia Green appears to have it all. She is a successful wedding coordinator, has a seemingly flawless relationship with her boyfriend Xander, and is a popular social media influencer who shares her perfect life online. But when she walks in on Xander with another woman, her entire world comes crashing down - LIVE! Heartbroken and humiliated, Talia returns to her family's home for the holidays, hoping to hide away from everyone. As she navigates the familiar traditions of Hanukkah and reconnects with her family, Talia embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing. And when she runs into Daniel Cohen, her childhood rival, at a Hanukkah party, new feelings ignite like the candles on a menorah.
Daniel has always been Talia's polar opposite. Their rivalry dates back to their school days, when they were often stuck together at family events, and competed for academic excellence in all their classes. Yet Daniel is no longer the quiet, self-conscious, awkward boy Talia remembers. As they spend more time together, Talia is inexplicably drawn to him. Together, they discover a deep connection rooted in their past. And the box Talia finds in the back of her closet containing a gift from her beloved grandmother helps her realize what is truly important in life, and teachers her the meaning of family, love, and Hanukkah.
Set against the backdrop of the Festival of Lights, Eight Wishes is a heartwarming tale that explores the hope of second chances, the transformative nature of family and tradition, and the promise of new love.
Now Available!
Recipes
Gigi's Cheese Pie Ingredients for Pie: • 3 eight oz. cream cheese packages • 5 eggs • 1 cup sugar • 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla • 1 wrapped package graham crackers (finely crushed) • 1/2 stick butter, melted Ingredients for topping: • 1 pint sour cream • 4 tablespoons sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla Directions: Combine graham crackers with melted butter to form a crust and spread on bottom of a 9-inch spring-form pan. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together and add eggs one at a time. Pour mixture on top of crust and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Let cool. Mix topping ingredients until smooth and spread on cooled cake. Bake at 475 degrees for another 5 minutes. Let rest and keep refrigerated. Once ready, release from spring-form pan and serve.
Gigi's Carrot Cake Ingredients:
Friday Night Spaghetti Ingredients:
Gigi's Nuthorns Ingredients:
Ingredients: Ingredients for Pie: • 3 eight oz. cream cheese packages • 5 eggs • 1 cup sugar • 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla • 1 wrapped package graham crackers (finely crushed) • 1/2 stick butter, melted Ingredients for topping: • 1 pint sour cream • 4 tablespoons sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla Directions: Combine graham crackers with melted butter to form a crust and spread on bottom of a 9-inch spring-form pan. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together and add eggs one at a time.
(cont.) Pour mixture on top of crust and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Let cool. Mix topping ingredients until smooth and spread on cooled cake. Bake at 475 degrees for another 5 minutes. Let rest and keep refrigerated. Once ready, release from spring-form pan and serve.
(cont.) Directions: With pastry blender or 2 knives, cut Crisco into flour until oil is mixed in. Add rest of ingredients, mix together to create dough, and chill for 1 hour before rolling out. Once rolled, cut a portion of dough to create bottom crust and line a pie crust tin. Peel and slice apples. Mix with cinnamon and sugar. Fill pie crust with apple slices. Place remaining dough on top to create top crust. Brush with egg yolk or water to add a glaze and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Ingredients: Ingredients for Pie: • 3 eight oz. cream cheese packages • 5 eggs • 1 cup sugar • 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla • 1 wrapped package graham crackers (finely crushed) • 1/2 stick butter, melted Ingredients for topping: • 1 pint sour cream • 4 tablespoons sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla Directions: Combine graham crackers with melted butter to form a crust and spread on bottom of a 9-inch spring-form pan. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together and add eggs one at a time.
Visit the Sites!
Eight Wishes takes place in Cleveland, Ohio . . . a city I've always considered my second home. Many of the locations are real, and I invite you to learn more about them! Next time you're in the area, why not check them out for yourself?
Restaurants
Chagrin Falls
I was so sad to learn that Corky and Lenny's, one of my favorite delis ever, closed their doors this past year. However if you're in the area, be sure to visit Jack's Deli, another family favorite! And read up on this restaurant's amazing history here.
Book Trailer
Talia's grandmother is based on my own Grandma Evie. So many of my favorite memories are of sitting around her large dining room table with family, enjoying conversation and her amazing meals and desserts. I've included many of the recipes to those culinary gems in Eight Wishes, and here I include even more! Simply click below the picture to see the full recipe and enjoy with your own family!
Find it on:
In the News
Holiday Playlist!
Podcasts and Interviews
Coming soon:
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If You Liked Eight Wishes . . .
Find these similar Hanukkah holiday romances, available on Amazon now!
What Readers Have to Say
LOVED this book. A great love story. You can feel the emotions as you read about each character, but especially Talia. It's such a 'real' story that so many could probably relate to. Anyone wanting a feel-good, light story, this is PERFECT!!
"It was a great story and it really sucked me in! I also cannot wait to try making some of these recipes!!"