Leah’s Choice

Romance, secrets, and corporate sabotage combine in this heartwarming story about keeping things in the family. When Leah Loven’s grandfather Morty dies, she’s shocked by the terms of his will, disclosed in a video that his lawyer shows only to her. In order to inherit Morty’s Jewish bakery in Philadelphia, Leah is required to serve as CEO for 12 months, turn a profit, and be happily married before that year is up—ideally, Morty suggests, to operations officer Ben Stratton, who is conveniently handsome and kind. Leah is also required to keep these terms secret from everyone, including Ben. If she refuses (which her grandfather, unabashedly guilt-tripping, refers to as “throwing away [her] heritage”) or fails, the bakery will be sold and closed, with proceeds going to charity rather than Leah’s beloved grandmother. Ben helps Leah with the company, unaware that Morty is trying to matchmake from beyond the grave. Enhancing a touching portrayal of grieving, Jackson smoothly includes details of Jewish rituals and traditions around death. Many side characters lack development or consistency, but there are enough plot twists and sexual tension to keep the narrative moving. The dynamics among Leah, her mother, and her Italian mobster stepfather are clichéd but effectively portray the complications in blended families. This is an enticing story about love, family, and tradition. (BookLife)