This one was a bit off for me - felt at times too serious and simultaneously too funny. Interesting information about Jewish life and culture, but the story felt forced.

The Matzah Ball, by Jean Meltzer, is a entertaining, romantic holiday book, that is different than the usual Christmas book we’re all used to.

Rachel, the daughter of a famous Rabbi father, and her mother is a top fertility specialist. As a good Jewish girl, she hides her love of Christmas and especially her job as a Christmas Romance writer. Only her best friend Mickey knows her love of everything Christmas and knows her pen name is Margot Cross, the famous Christmas Romance author.

When her publisher tells her to write a Jewish holiday story, Rachel is distressed, as she loves Christmas and can’t find the magic in Jewish holidays that she finds in Christmas. But, when she sees an ad for a huge Matzah Ball celebration, she hopes she can find some holiday magic at the ball. The only problem is the event coordinator for the Matzah Ball is her old summer camp nemesis, Jacob Greenberg, who she hasn’t seen in over twenty years.

The Matzah Ball is a nice holiday story that is so different from the usual Christmas stories, and I enjoyed immersing myself in the different holiday traditions. The book started off a bit slow, there were a lot of explanations about the Jewish holiday traditions of Hanukkah and Rachels’ chronic illness. I only had a very basic understanding of the Hanukkah traditions the author does an amazing job explaining the traditions. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is one of those things that is sometimes brushed aside by doctor while I appreciated the explanations it does drag the story in the beginning making it hard to truly connect with the character.
Here is what bugged me with this story. Outside of having issues with connecting to the main character early on in the book, I wasn’t convinced that the events both Jacob and Rachel went through at 12 were impactful enough to have them realize it was still had feelings for each other. Sure enough, memories can still hurt—and leave their scars way into adulthood. However were these big enough to holding a grudge and carrying that all these years later when they meet as adults. I just feel like life and maturity would not have be this BIG of an issue.

This is a delightful and original book! Rachel, the daughter of a famous rabbi, has kept her career a secret from her family. She is, under an alias, one of the most famous romance novelists in the country -- and her books all focus on Christmas, secretly Rachel's favorite holiday. When her publisher demands that Rachel try her hand at a Hanukkah story for her next book, she is dubious as she is convinced that Hanukkah has none of the magic of Christmas. In her search for some inspiration, she comes across the Matzah Ball, a huge, swanky party that is planned for the last night of Hanukkah that is sold out.

This prompts Rachel to get back in touch with her former summer camp archenemy, Jacob Greenberg, who is organizing the event. After a magical summer 19 years ago, Rachel and Jacob had a falling out, both bitter at each other even all these years later. But as the two spend more and more time together, they are forced to reconsider their relationship with each other, just as Rachel must reconsider her relationship with Hanukkah after years of being devoted to Christmas.

This is a fun and interesting read. Rachel and Jacob are both wonderful and flawed characters. You cannot help but root for them, especially as their family and friends conspire to get them together. The book also contains important representation, which deepens an already great story.

Highly recommended!

I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers rom com. I liked learning about Jewish culture and the ME/CFS that Rachel had and publishing. I loved the humor and writing style. I wasn't exactly a fan of how pushy Jacob was. I kind of shrugged it off because of how it's a rom com. I can't wait to read more by this author.

Okay this is romcom movie adaptation perfection! I was literally laughing out loud more times than I could count. I also loved the witty one-liners and really authentic characters. In looking at a little backstory on the author it seems like she pulled in a lot of personal touches which made the book so much more relatable.
Rachel is a thrilling lead character she has drive, passion, and a spunky personality that allows her to maintain a grudge from childhood. Jacob is witty caring, and pushes Rachel to be the strongest version of herself. I loved their journey.
I also really appreciated that this is 100% a Jewish novel and while I am not Jewish I was able to follow along and learn some new things along the way. The author made all the characters relatable to any reader but kept the Jewish focus as well. Which is great because in many books I find that pushed to the wayside.
Mark your calendars because this is not one to miss.

A delightful rom-com that doesn't shy away from serious issues, this could be the holiday book everyone reads this season.

I love a good holiday rom-com and to see a rare one about Hanukkah and Judaism immediately piqued my interest. Here, Rachel is a Nice Jewish Girl (and daughter of an acclaimed rabbi) who secretly loves Christmas, who even authors several popular Christmas romance books. After her publisher insists she writes a Hanukkah romance next, she faces a bout of writer's block until she comes up with the brilliant plan to attend the glamorous Matzah Ball in the city. Except it's sold out. And run by her former summer camp nemesis, Jacob, who she hasn't seen since he broke her heart that one summer.

Told in dual perspectives, it's a quick read and a cute-enough romance that gives off wholesome yet pretty religious vibes. Like think of a Hallmark holiday movie and it's clean, precious romance: It's like that. It's easy to follow along as a reader and was enjoyable and fun.

Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt adores Christmas and she writes Christmas romance books which wouldn't be a problem except she is Jewish. Now her publisher wants a Hanukkah novel but Rachel does not find it magical. When her first love returns to throw a glitzy Matzah Ball Rachel is determined to attend to find inspiration and won't let anything, including her chronic illness, get in the way. Will Rachel find holiday magic to write about at the Matzah Ball.

Loved this!

It’s no secret I love holiday books. Every year, I spend a good chunk of November and December (and in the case of July 2021) reading holiday romances. Despite knowing Hanukkah isn’t actually a major Jewish holiday, I’ve always wished for more Hanukkah romances, so I was thrilled to discover The Matzah Ball. It sounded so fun and the cover is fantastic. The book started out strong - funny, interesting, compelling - and while there were things I enjoyed in the rest of the book, by about a quarter of the way in, I’d lost interest and never regained it.

What I did enjoy: learning more about Hanukkah and Judaism. I loved getting to see what Shabbot was like in the Rubenstein-Goldblatt household, and seeing some of the differences between how people choose to observe and practice. I found all of that truly fascinating and I learned a lot (and also made notes about things I was curious about and wanted to look up). I also appreciated the representation of Rachel’s chronic fatigue syndrome and the assumptions, stigma, and misrepresentations surrounding the disease. I knew a bit about CFS and how debilitating it can be, but I learned a lot about just how much the disease affects people’s lives. I also enjoyed how everyone came together to save the Matzah Ball, I liked the friendship between Rachel and Mickey, and I loved that Rachel was a romance author.

Where the story fell flat for me was largely in the two Rs: the repetition and the romance. This book was SO repetitive. Rachel and Jacob were constantly going over the same things from beginning to end. As for the romance...these two acted like they had some epic love affair at summer camp, but they were only twelve. Twelve! I’m not denying it’s completely possible they had a connection and felt something for each other, but it felt unrealistic. It didn’t help that in the present day, I didn’t feel any real connection or chemistry between them, and their antics were often juvenile and cringeworthy.

I really wanted to love The Matzah Ball. It started out so strong and had such a fun premise, but the whole thing fell apart and I ended up skimming huge chunks because it just wasn’t holding my interest. Despite this one not working for me, I genuinely hope there will be plenty of people who love it.

Melter managed to bring “Christmas magic” to Hanukkah!

Rachel is the daughter of a Rabbi who writes Christmas romances for a living under a pseudonym. Jacob is the summer camp love/arch rival she hasn’t seen since she was a kid. At the same time her publishers ask her to write a Hanukkah romance (as if that was a thing), Jacob just happens to come back in her life as the event planner for the biggest Hanukkah party New York has ever seen. She volunteers in order to get a ticket to the event, but it is problematic not only because Jacob is trying to humiliate her, but also because she has Chronic fatigue syndrome, which is an invisible illness that she tries to keep that way due to the horrible reactions she has always gotten from disclosure. There are lots of misunderstandings, but it all turns out great at the end as her book is released.

I appreciated seeing a protagonist with an “invisible disease” who was struggling with the social implications of it. And that someone so sweet could find her happy ending. Recommend for all fans of holiday romances.

Big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I should preface this review by saying that I do not identify as Jewish or as someone with a chronic illness. I grew up catholic, celebrate Christmas, and do not have a chronic illness. I mention this because I think it’s important for you to read reviews from people who see themselves in this book.

The authors describes this book as a “super-Jewy, chronically fabulous Hanukkah romance” and that it is.

What I loved: the Jewish customs, and the Yiddish language sprinkled through out the book that had me researching what words meant, the way Judaism is celebrated and as someone not too familiar with Jewish religion, it was a delight to learn. I loved the way the author acknowledges that even though this is her story, she acknowledges that other folks experiences are different than her own. She makes it clear this book does not speak for all members of its community. The ME/ CFS representation in this was eye opening to the hard and good days folks who have ME/CFS experience. I think this book will make folks feel seen and it will make folks like me who knew little about this illness aware of it, understand it a little better, and most important unlearn stigmas that we may have learned about this illness.

If you love hallmark movies I think you will love this book. I think some of the events in the book are kinda unbelievable, specially when it came time for the planning of the Matzah Ball and the event industry as a whole, so I think to enjoy it you really need to not focus too much on reality. I felt there was a lot happening plot wise and a lot wasnt flushed out. I didn’t really feel sparks between the two main characters so I don’t know, I wasn’t sold on their love.

Im torn because I felt that so many things in this book were well done, but the romance of it felt a bit flat. This is a very, very slow burn, and a closed door romance.

f you are looking for a fun holiday romance, I recommend The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer! Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is the daughter of a well-known rabbi. Rachel suffers from a chronic illness which makes having a regular life difficult. When she was younger, she discovered the magic of Christmas. Now she is the best-selling author of several Christmas romances. Unfortunately, she feels that she needs to keep this a secret from her family. When her publisher renews her contract, they ask that she writes a Hanukkah romance for her next book rather than a Christmas one. Rachel does not feel that Hanukkah is really magical like Christmas so she decides to help with The Matzah Ball in order to get some inspiration. Unfortunately, the individual who is in charge of the ball is Jacob Greenburg, who broke her heart at summer camp several years before. The Matzah Ball is humorous with just a touch of drama. Fans of Sheila Roberts and Debbie Macomber will enjoy this new holiday romance,

Overall, this was an interesting read. I sort of liked it. I didn't mind that I didn't know all the Jewish stuff and I probably missed a few things not knowing all the meanings behind holidays, food, and phrases. The characters themselves were missing something. There was anger, yes, which can turn into passion, but there was a definite lack of chemistry between them. I just didn't buy it.

The Matzah Ball is such a fun, zany and different read. Rachel loves Christmas. Who doesn’t? Does that make her special? Yes and no. Rachel is the daughter of a famous rabbi and a romance novelist of Christmas. She and the author suffer from the same medical issues, which borough a special angle to the story. There are so many great scenes in the book. The two that stand out are Toby giving Rachel a special gift and Rachel’s mad dash in an unusual costume and the fallout from it. I laughed out loud at the picture I was reading. This is a truly delightful read about the holiday season, from the Jewish perspective.

This book is very "Hallmark" - you will know what that means for you! For some, this will be perfect. For me, that means I didn't feel enough chemistry between the characters, and some of the plot felt forced or contrived. For example, basing all of your adult associations with someone on something that happened when you were twelve, without even considering discussing it (since it is still bothering you) or just giving them a fresh start because you recognize you were children then. The characters seem immature due to their lack of recognition that how someone behaved over a couple of weeks at summer camp when they were a child isn't going to be reflective of who they are as an adult, or encompass any of the things that have happened since then. Having their original meet-cute happen at an older age probably would've corrected for that. I also, overall, do not understand the appeal of Jacob... his personality isn't great! But... as I said. This is just me. Those arguments could probably be made about any of the wildly successful Hallmark movies made every year!

I loved the focus on Judaism, I loved the meta-ness of her being a secret Christmas writer, but the romance just wasn't there for me. I think the book did a great job of what it set out to do and contributes something significant to the genre, though, so I am giving it four stars for that. My personal interest in it was about a 2!

Jewish, NYC, romance, invisible-disability, relationship-issues, family-dynamics, friendship, writers, situational-humor, verbal-humor, laugh-out-loud, laugh-riot, love*****
If you're Jewish, have friends who are Jewish, love the energy and fun of Christmas, have friends who are outside of traditions, have an invisible chronic illness, or someone you care about does, or had a teenage crush that went badly, you'll love this book as much as I did!
Rachel hides things from the world, like her invisible chronic illness and her successful career as a Christmas romance writer and even her Jewish heritage.
Jason is a very successful entrepreneur originally from NYC where his paternal grandmother still lives (when she's not out traveling the world) but moved to France with his mother after his father deserted them. But he has developed his own way of hiding since his mother died. Now he has a brilliant idea of having a grand eight day Hanukkah bash in NYC and calling it The Matzah Ball.
Despite things having gone horribly wrong years ago at summer camp, the two are brought together again in a romantic laughfest that anyone can enjoy. You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy a good joke, just ask George Burns or Mel Brooks.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from HARLEQUIN – Trade Publishing (U.S. & Canada)/MIRA via NetGalley, Thank you!
I preordered the audio after I read it.

This book was a little hard for me to get through. I think I found it slow because the characters were lacking depth and connection.

The enemies-to-lovers trope written into a story centred around the expectations of being a 21st century Orthodox or traditional Jewish lady is one that’s new to me. And for this reason, this certain slant— there’s a lot of cultural context that Jean Meltzer puts in from the start—appealed loads because it was a dive straight into a world of Jewish lingo, terms and rituals that I’m only partially familiar with.

Needing to fulfil expectations of a certain kind because of her very prominent family, Jean Meltzer catalogues Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt’s struggles as a relatable one. Broadly speaking, it’s about trying (or rather, struggling) to live above reproach, aligning the way you conduct your affairs not because strict traditions dictate it, where going past and beyond them on your own terms is akin to defying societal and familial expectations of you that had been set in stone long ago. In Rachel’s case, it’s her secret love for Christmas, its paraphernalia and what it represents—an obsession that might seem insignificant and bewildering to the general non-jewish population at large, but one that’s as transgressive as it gets in her family.

All’s well and good however, until Jacob Greenberg—her first puppy love at age 12—returns as the host of the grand Matzah Ball. The ball and Rachel’s career dovetail into a giant mess, more so when feelings long forgotten return and some lies stay hidden way past their due date.

Now for the skeptical bit. I wasn’t convinced that the events both Jacob and Rachel went through at 12 were significant enough to have them realise it was still the love they remembered and had for each other. Sure enough, memories can still sting—and certain momentous or rather, traumatic storm-in-the-teacup events of childhood do leave their scars way into adulthood—but holding a grudge and carrying that in technicolour over to the time when they meet as adults over a teenage camp 18 years ago feels excessive.

The lead up to the Matzah Ball did feel farcical at times, the well-told story somehow devolving into a comedy (or tragedy?) of errors the moment Jacob tries to do things in a way that turns out to be a bit heavy-handed up to the crazy climax that slotted just shy of wacky endings.

Still, there’re faint but clever shades of biblical characters who have the same names, lending some aspect of kismet to Jacob’s and Rachel’s own relationship. In all, it’s still very much the rom-com—including its trappings and “chick-lit” appeal—with a cultural twist that helped lend the light-hearted tale a bit more weight.

*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley

It is rare you get a Jewish-themed romance. Meltzer weaves a truly believable tale, but it is too heavy on explaining the religion. The characters are great, the story is original, but could have a lighter hand on the explanations surrounding some of the cultural practices. If the target market is more religious readers it hits the spot, Taking some of that heavy hand away makes it a more readable and relatable story to less religious readers as well as non members of the tribe.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. I had high hopes for Jean Meltzer's "The Matzah Ball", finally a holiday romance that isn't centered around Christmas. I tend to really like books that give a peek into another culture, and this book didn't disappoint in that aspect.

Rachel comes from a high standing Jewish family, but she is secretly the author of several Christmas romance novels. At the beginning of the book her publisher gives her the challenge of writing a romance centered around Hanukkah. Rachel is not excited about this task, but if she refuses she could lose her publishing contract. As a sufferer of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, she needs work that allows her to work at her own pace, and on her good days, so she needs to keep her contract.

Jacob was Rachel's pre-teen first love, her first kiss, and she is still hurting from his betrayal. Jacob is back in town, now a successful party planner, he is throwing the seasons biggest party, the Matzah Ball Max. Rachel needs to attend to ball, to get inspiration for her book, and so, the two are thrown together.

The romance in this book just felt forced, who holds onto hurt from a "romance" when you are 12 years old? Have there been no meaningful relationships in the following 16+ years? I loved the explanations for the chronic illnesses mentioned in this book, how series they really are, and how people feel like they are not taken seriously because it is an "unseen" illness. I really enjoyed the family interactions, especially with Jacob's bubbe. I just wish the romance had felt more believable.