Contemporary Fiction

Ordinary people, extraordinary lives

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The Librarian’s Son

When a librarian’s preschooler begins recalling the life of a firefighter who died on 9/11, it ignites a storm of threats and bigotry that divides their small, conservative town.

The Hand of Miriam

An elderly woman known in her Brooklyn neighborhood as “The Iceberg” persuades 12-year-old Miriam that they are both part of an ancient line of women – descended from the biblical Miriam – who can protect others from the Evil Eye. Miriam’s mother and grandmother disapprove of what they see as superstitious nonsense, but Miriam becomes determined to claim her legacy.

The Book of Hannah: A Tragicomedy in Three Trimesters

Hannah Murrow, infertile her whole life, finds herself pregnant as she approaches her 55th birthday. No one seems to share her excitement, least of all her husband and adopted daughter Natty. Everything changes when Natty and her boyfriend turn Hannah’s improbable pregnancy into a marketing opportunity, and Hannah into an unlikely social media star.

Hannah and Her Daughters

Infertility put Hannah Murrow’s dearest wish out of reach. But now, at 55, she has a newborn, fame as social media star “St. Hannah,” and an additional complication in her life: the appearance of adopted daughter Natasha’s long-lost Russian birth mother, who threatens the delicate balance between them. How can she possibly cope with it all?

The Detroit Jewish News Features
The Hand of Miriam (July 6-12, 2023)

With many ancient traditions — and superstitions — fading with each generation, [Gelerman] hopes Miriam can teach younger audiences about their heritage and history.

“Young Jewish readers are one or two generations removed from those superstitions,” Gelerman explains. “There are numerous books about shtetl life and biblical life, but the availability of books for young people that aren’t about struggles and trials [is limited].”

She calls The Hand of Miriam an “uplifting and empowering” book.

“I think it’s exciting for young women in particular to know they have that power,” she says.

The Book of Hannah: A Tragicomedy in Three Trimesters was named the WINNER of the Chick-Lit category in the 2021 NYC Big Book Awards!

Hannah was also honored as a Finalist in the Women’s Fiction category of the 2021 American Fiction Awards, a Finalist in the 2021 Independent Author Network Book of the Year Awards (First Novel 50k-80k Words category), and an Honorable Mention in the General Fiction category of the 2021 Hollywood Book Festival.

Featured Local Author at the 69th Annual Detroit Jewish Book Fair – Thursday, December 3, 2020
“Mitten Mornings” at the Detroit Jewish Book Fair
Ellen discussed The Book of Hannah as part of the 69th annual Detroit Jewish Book Fair. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Book Fair was held virtually, but Ellen’s talk can be accessed through the link above.