Eight Ways to Say I Love You by Amanda Elliot: Book Review

Eight Ways to Say I Love You is the newest release from bestselling author Amanda Elliot. Expected to be released on October 27, 2026, it takes readers to a small New Jersey neighborhood during Hanukkah. Shira and Leo have been neighbors and best friends their entire lives, until something causes Leo to move away when they are 14. After eight years apart, they find themselves back together during Hanukkah. They realize they have feelings for each other, but so much time has passed, and they’re in different places in life. Will they find common ground, or will they be friends, or only acquaintances, forever?

I want to thank Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Eight Ways to Say I Love You. However, all opinions expressed here are solely mine.

Synopsis from Goodreads

This Hanukkah, Shira Levinson is returning home to New Jersey riding the high of achieving major milestones. Though she only just graduated from college, she’s got her dream job and a perfect Los Angeles apartment—an actual miracle in the city of dreams.

Life has not been quite as kind to Leo David. Not only did he fail out of college, he was forced to move in with his estranged dad, who he still hates for cheating on his mom years ago. The only silver lining? Getting to see Shira, his childhood friend (and crush, though he’ll never tell her that) while she’s home for her family’s holiday party.

But that’s just the beginning. Over the next eight years, Shira’s and Leo’s lives spin them in all sorts of directions as they grow and change, taking them places they never imagined going. Sometimes those paths take them farther away from each other, and other times closer together. If they can only time it right, they might uncover a love that burns forever.

My Opinions

I added Eight Ways to Say I Love You to my TBR because the story sounds sweet, and I love that it isn’t just another Christmas rom-com. I was also curious how Elliot would tell a love story spread out over eight years. Thankfully, she didn’t disappoint! But it’s more like 16 years, with an eight-year gap at the beginning.

Reading Eight Ways to Say I Love You felt like being wrapped up in a warm blanket on a cold day. It was so refreshing to see Shira and Leo work on themselves and their friendship before focusing on the romantic side of the relationship. Sure, everyone else around them could see the love and pining, but they didn’t. They allowed themselves to grow, succeed, fail, and mature.

I also enjoyed learning more about the celebration of Hanukkah. It’s not a holiday that I know much about, and Elliot made learning more easy and accessible.

My only real issue with the book is that Shira and Leo tend to act a tad immature. Don’t get me wrong, I know that was on purpose; how do you expect characters to have growth? Oh, and in chapter one, they are only 22. Let’s face it, what 22-year-old is mature all the time? Who am I kidding? I’m in my 50s and don’t act mature all the time.

Overall, I think Eight Ways to Say I Love You would be a great read for anyone looking for a cozy holiday romance.

Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.