I love books that have anything to do with Orthodox Judaism. The Unorthodox match is so beautiful, I had tears in my eyes more than once at the decriptions of Orthodox Judaism by one of the main characters Leah, a Baalas Teshuvah (a newly observant jew) as well as those from a widowed man wth five children Yakov. I devoured this book, it has such a beautiful message. I loved that there were Hebrew words in this book just like in real life. I think perhaps a glossary at the back might be helpful. I simply loved this book. I felt the cover however, was a bit off for this book as Leah, as a baalas teshuvah, would never wear a dress like the one depicted. I'm so glad I read this book. Baruch Hashem. It was beautiful in more ways than one.

I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

This story has some terrific humor! I loved when Leah was visiting the Matchmaker and the dates she went on were so funny! She met some real characters! Leah had had a tough life so far and felt lost. Her boyfriend had died in a tragic accident and she felt to blame. She had also lost her job. She converted to Judaism, orthodox. Yaakov’s wife died recently and he was struggling with his five children and looking after the house. Leah was looking after his house as a volunteer, but Yaakov had not met her first. Yaakov’s experiences with the Matchmaker were also humorous. I also learned much about Judaism which I appreciated.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Both Leah and Yaakov have experienced the tragedy of losing a partner, both have turned to G-d to help them cope. Leah has recently moved to Brooklyn's Boro Park to transition to an orthodox life. While she navigates her new community, struggling to find her place, Yaakov struggles to raise five children and continue his Torah studies. When Leah volunteers to watch Yaakov's children during the day, she forms a bond with the two youngest, finally finding hope in the future again. Yaakov falls in love with Leah through her kind actions, but there are women in his life who want to keep them apart. Can Leah and Yaakov find a way to be together? And will the community accept them as a couple?

The good: I learned so much about a community I have grown up near and around half my life. As a Jewish woman I understand the divide between sects -see how orthodox and secular communities operate wholly apart from one another and avoid interaction. Reading this book gave me insight into the whys of this complex relationship and I truly enjoyed being submersed in a culture that is my own but not mine. I also felt the romance was genuine and sweet and it made sense that these two grew to love one another before ever having met in person. Much like the match making that happens in the book, these two were brought together by a G-d, the ultimate matchmaker, who highlighted their shared values rather than their wealth, looks, and the age of her womb.

The bad: I feel this book is intended to target readers who are curious about the orthodox community, who enjoy learning about cultures and religions different from their own, maybe even orthodox women who want to safely venture into mild romance territory. So what's with the cover? Leah does not have a back tattoo! She does not wear dresses that show off her skin (it distinctly says she buttons her dress up under her chin!) And their romance is not steamy or forbidden in any way. The cover, I assume chosen by the publisher, is totally offensive and the intended reader will NOT pick it up based on that alone. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the publisher do two things: first is to change the cover to something that approaches the gentle romance category (think a prayer shawl with two gold rings on it), second, write all instances of the work G-d this way: with a capital G and a dash in place of the "o". Orthodox Jews do not write the name of G-d in it's entirety and the word is capitalized out of respect. Readers unfamiliar with this practice will quickly get used to it, but it would go a long way with orthodox readers as a an intentional act of respect.

Also, the writing didn't always have an excellent flow, and sometimes wandered into melodramatic territory. But that aside, it was a great story, I was invested, and I rooted for Yaakov and Leah to give in to their love at the end. Very uplifting and educational.

Very interesting read, as it gave a unique insight into the orthodox Jewish lifestyle and beliefs. The characters were people you could care about and can become invested in their search for happiness. Good to see the growth of many of the characters. I do wish, however, that it had been clear at the beginning that there was a glossary od orthodox terms in the back of the book.

Author Naomi Raven has written a modern-day Cinderella but our Prince is a widower with 5 children living in an isolated religious community with strict rules and a penchant for welcoming converts while secretly excluding them from the heart of communal life. And Cinderella has a backstory that is laden with personal tragedy and a mother, rather than a stepmother, who trivializes her heartfelt desires to pursue a life with greater depth and meaning. Raven creates a world that most readers have never visited and will find fascinating. The various characters and their many desires are compelling and often contradictory. There’s no question that the book serves as both a great story and a bit of a nudge to the reader to pause and reflect. Which of these characters makes sense in this story? How might I act? Could I see myself in this world? I admit to wanting a second book. I want to know what happens next. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of An Unorthodox Match.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this novel. the determination of Leah was simply amazing. I loved her strong will and devotion to her beliefs. I was engrossed in the long and imperfect road to happiness for Leah (and her match)! As a bonus, I learned so much about Orthodox Judaism.
This book was a peek into a seemingly very private and much misunderstood way of life. I will very definitely read from this author again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Naomi Ragen for the ARC!

Already a fan of Naomi Ragen, I was thrilled to receive this ARC from Jordan Hanley at St Martin's Press - and this new novel aptly titled about finding love in the Orthodox Jewish community did not disappoint. This is a multi-layered novel that goes way beyond the basic question of how a Talmud scholar and Orthodox widow, Yaakov, can find a future with newly converted woman, Leah - who is Jewish by heritage but is seeking to find her own sense of identity through conversion to this most devout sect of Judaism. In this world, which still follows practices that seem highly outdated in the "modern" world, love is not a factor in the traditional matchmaking which brings two individuals - and their families - together for a committed life of marriage and building a family of their own.

This well researched novel will give the reader an insightful view into Boro Park and the insular, religious and cultural practices of this Orthodox Jewish community and the challenges of trying to "break in" to this community as a deemed outsider, no matter how devoted that outsider is to making this traditional life her own. The descriptive details about the daily life, traditions and rituals - and more importantly - the worldview of this community was vividly portrayed and provides tremendous depth and backstory. Clearly the novel becomes more of a page-turner the deeper you get into the story.

At a high level, this novel compels the reader to think about what love means within the context of one's upbringing, religion and cultural norms. At a deeper level, it is a multi-generational story about how no matter one's religion and beliefs, the power of family love can be a foundation for understanding and acceptance. I appreciate the ARC from St. Martin's Press and Net Galley and highly recommend this novel. You will think about the deeper relationships and their implications for greater understanding in our current world long after you read the last page.

An Unorthodox Match was a good read. It was a little slow at times but I did like it for the most part. I am giving it three and a half stars.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book. To be honest I've never heard of this author before. I was surprised how the story explored the faiths in combination with two people of totally different backgrohnds falling in love. For sure I will recommend the book to my family and friends. Sadly enough I discovered the glossary explaining the jewish words / language to late.

I didn’t love this as much as I wanted to, but found the story intriguing. Lola, now called Leah, is looking for ‘more’. Raised by a defiant Jewish mother who vows to parent Lola with freedom, Lola has been hurt and searches for comfort in the orthodox community. There she meets a man who has recently lost his wife and is also grappling with trying to find comfort, and a new mother fir his young children. A peek into the sometimes complicated and complex rules of the orthodox life.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This story draws you into the world of Orthodox Judaism. I have to say that it is a fascinating culture and one that I greatly respect. I learned so much about the inner workings of this society and how they deal with death and courtship and marriage.

A subtle love story written with respect for the Orthodox culture. And a woman's spiritual journey. I really enjoyed it.

Interesting story of a Jewish man who loses his wife after their 5th child is born. His teenage daughter and mother-in-law try to help out but he really needs a wife. The matchmakers try to set him up but he's not interested in those women. Meanwhile Leah volunteers to help with the children and household and is doing a great job. Leah meets the man and they fall in love. But things are not so easy in the Jewish world.

An Unorthodox Match by Naomi Ragen
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I have read and enjoyed other books by Naomi Ragen and was looking forward to this one. I was not disappointed.
The story is about Lola (now Leah) and Yaakov and much more about religion, traditions, diversity and inclusion.
Leah had a tragic event in her life and several broken relationships, lost job and now finds herself in the orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn. She was born Jewish to a single mother who did not observe any of her religion and does not approve of Leah’s joining the orthodox community.

Yakov, a Talmud scholar and widower with 5 children, lost his young wife recently. He is trying to cope as best he can with his studies, school and raising his children. Leah is a volunteer babysitter in his household.
Both Leah and Yakov are looking for a life partner in marriage through a perfect match by a traditional matchmaker. But it turns out, Leah as a recent entrant to orthodoxy is not a desirable match . Neither is Yakov with 5 children. Although there is instant chemistry between Leah and Yakov, a relationship and marriage is unheard of without a matchmaker.
I loved this novel, it addresses serious issues about religion, traditions and inclusion. I took away one star, because I felt, it was a little slow in the beginning, maybe too much background information about many of the characters. It’s in the second half of the book when it really picks up. Overall 4 stars.
Thanks NetGalley, St Martin’s press and Naomi Ragen for the advanced copy.

An Unorthodox Match by Naomi Ragen is a fabulous novel about Leah (Lola as her name was that was given to her at birth) a 34 year old female and her trials, tribulations, and quest to find herself, her way in the world, and to find where she belongs.
It is a story of her transition from raised to believe in nothing, to her transition into a conservative Orthodox community in New York City. Here she meets a few friends/allies amongst a whole new community that isn’t as perfect as she had expected. She meets a 41 year old widower, Yaakov Lehman, his family, and learns of their own problems and struggles in life.

The supporting characters add depth and passion to this transitional tale, and I immensely enjoyed reading their thoughts and insights and the complexity that this added to the novel.

Obviously I initially became interested in this novel due to being Jewish (however not Orthodox), but as I read on, I learned so much more about this specific community, its culture, and the main theme: that no matter who you are, where you live, or what religion you may be, you will experience mountains and valleys. Struggles are inherent to everyone and know no boundaries. It is what you do in response to these challenges that decides what kind of person you will become.

This is a gem of a novel and I have already checked out to read several more books that are written by Ms. Ragen.

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley for this most excellent advanced read and in return I am submitting my unbiased, voluntary, and heartfelt review. Please read this book!

The author takes us on the two separate journeys of Leah and Yaakov and we dive deep to their individual backgrounds and stories. At times I found this serious novel to be too didactic and narrative instead of active and moving forward with dialogue. But I learned a lot about Judaism and found all of the characters interesting.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

After losing her fiance to an accident Leah Howard decided to turn to faith looking for a healing, she wants to become an Orthodox. This book follows Leah all the way to the assimilation process, and for us the readers we get to understand a little more about this religion. As soon as she is settled in Boro Park, Brooklyn, she begins doing work for the community helping a recent widower named, Yaakov Lehman, when the two finally met the connection between them is instantaneous. But how could they be together, being her an outsider?


This is a beautiful love story, a story about a woman looking for faith. Its a book about acceptance. I learned a lot about Orthodox Judaism. I really enjoyed.


Thank you St. Martin Press and NetGalley for providing me with this E-Arc in exchange for my honest opinion. #AnUnorthodoxMatch #NetGalley

Leah Howard has changed her life and become “Baal teshuva” leaving her life as a non-religious Jew to move into Brooklyn’s ultra-orthodox community. Leah believes that this cleansing of her soul will bring her the things she has not found in her secular life. Despite the disdain of her mother, Lola, now Leah, is dogged in her pursuit of love, marriage and motherhood within this alien community.

Of course, she finds that people are people and the community is very insular and shockingly rejecting. But, her path is clear and she begins to seek a husband within the confines of this community. She also takes very seriously the concept of doing good works. By helping a widower care for his family, despite the myriad difficulties, she finds herself in love with his two youngest, motherless children.

Ragen takes us on Leah’s journey in finding a husband via the machinations of the community matchmaker who looks down at her because of her background. At the same time, the young widower is searching for a new wife, while dealing with incredible chaos in his home. The dates provide a comic relief in this serious novel.

Yes, a match is made. Sure, this was easy to predict but this truly charming story in an unlikely setting brought me lots of nachus (joy) in reading this novel. The characters are well developed, extremely likable. As a reader, I wished them a beautiful life despite the fact that I recognized the level of difficulty the couple will face.

I truly enjoyed this novel and am excited about recommending it to reading groups. All the issues that are evident will lead to rich discussions in book clubs and seminars. Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and enjoy this lovely book.

In An Unorthodox Match Naomi Ragen reveals Boro Park’s Orthodox insular community. She delves into how unwelcoming this community is to a woman Jewish by birth but previously non-observant who now seeks to be a part of this community. It was an interesting and enlightening book. My only issues were with its repetitiveness and predictability.

This is the first book I’ve read from Naomi Ragen and I’m so glad I did. Thank you to Jordan Hanley from St. Martin’s press for putting this wonderful gem in my hands and introducing me to this wonderful author. In the first scene, Leah (formerly Lola) Howard is sitting in a Rabbi’s office. After losing a fiancé to a freak accident and a serious boyfriend to infidelity, she has turned to faith for healing, decided to become Orthodox. The story immediately takes off as we follow Leah through the difficult assimilation process. Soon after she arrives in Boro Park, Brooklyn, she begins volunteering to help the family of Yaakov Lehman, a recent widower, tidying up his home and caring for his smaller children several times a week. Learning about him only through clues she finds in his home and things his children say, she becomes intrigued about who he is. When Leah and Yaakov finally meet in person, they both immediately deny their instant connection. How could they possibly be a match? He is a from a well respected family in the community and she is an outsider who has eaten forbidden foods, caroused on Shabbat, and slept with numerous men. At its heart this a romance story—there’s no questions about how the story will end—but getting there is immersive and completely enjoyable. I loved reading about all of the details of the Boro Park Haredi community. Ragen has done enormous research to make sure she gets the details right and it shows. Her running commentary and observations about the ways and traditions of the insular community are insightful, intriguing and balanced. The shifting perspective also allows the reader to see different sides of the same story and come to their own conclusions. I will definitely be picking up some of Ragen’s other books in the near future.

Naomi Ragens new book based in the world of Orthodox Judaism a world most people know little about .She shares with us through Leah’s story and her search for faith the. World of Judaism it’s a moving emotional novel that kept me turning the pages..Will recommend to my book club.#netgalley #st.martinsbooks.