What a fabulous book to read in the lead-up to Passover! I loved everything about it.

First off, this is a lovely second chance contemporary romance. It’s set in a Jewish community in a New Jersey suburb, where community life revolves around the JCC (Jewish Community Center), synagogue, and Jewish holidays. This one is set before, during and after Passover. We have a young woman, Caroline, who is finally getting on her feet, emotionally, financially and professionally, three years after her mother died. She was the sole caregiver and is relishing her independence now. Her high school boyfriend, Jared, went off to college and law school and is now an entertainment lawyer in California. She hasn’t seen him in years. He has now come back to NJ for an extended visit, his toddler niece in tow, for whom he is now guardian, after a tragedy with his brother and sister-in-law.

I loved Caroline. She leads exercise classes at the JCC and is so wonderful with the seniors she teaches. She has been working to expand her role into program director. Jared is at a major crossroads in his life, as he comes to terms with his brother’s death and the responsibility he has now for little Becca. He has matured and regrets how badly he dealt with Caroline.

In addition to the second chance romance, we have a subplot about possible financial skullduggery at the JCC. Having been a business manager at a university and being familiar with how non-profit organizations work, I could totally relate to Caroline’s frustrations and concerns. After she is called upon to step in to helm a big event (the titular Matzah Ball) at almost the last minute, I was delighted with how Jared used his contacts to help. There’s a whole lot of Jewish celebrity name dropping in relation to this, and I loved it all.

As I said above, this is a great seasonal read. I empathized with Jared’s parents, as they did their extensive Passover prep. I refer to it as “spring cleaning with a deadline!”

There were so many totally Jewish things in this book! How many books have you read that compare sweating this way: “like a Bar Mitzvah boy before being called to the Torah.” Or how about this? “I’m your mother. Telling me not to worry is like trying to break a piece of matzah without making any crumbs. Impossible.” Love! 💕

Warning: a couple of very steamy scenes

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Special Edition for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

A second chance, jewish holiday romance that is during Passover.

When Jared Leiman returns home with his neice to spend a few weeks with his parents he will need to face his past. Will Caroline Weiss give him a second chance or has too much time passed between them?

A tragic accident left Jared as the guardian of his brothers kid, will he find a way to put family first or continue to be married to his job?

A layered story for those looking for a story that has packed it all in. While I found at times the author tried to pack it all in with with sayings and such it is nice to read a story that is written with accurate representation. While not everyone who celebrates the holiday will be able to connect with certain sayings or holiday traditions, there will be plenty who do and are excited to read this.

So, if you're looking for a romcom for passover this might fit the bit. After you've cleaned your house of all the chametz grab a cuppa and dive in.

"Matzah Ball Blues" follows entertainment lawyer Jared Leiman as he returns home for Passover, grappling with his brother's death and newfound responsibility as a guardian to his niece. During his visit, he reconnects with his high school sweetheart, Caroline Weiss, reigniting old feelings. As they navigate their rekindled romance, Jared confronts his past mistakes and Caroline embraces newfound freedom. While their love story unfolds amidst Passover traditions, a secondary plot involving potential fraud at Caroline's workplace adds intrigue. Despite a slower pace and some repetition, author Jennifer Wilck's excellent representation of Jewish traditions adds depth to the story. Though the romance may feel somewhat lacking in foundation, Wilck's attention to detail makes "Matzah Ball Blues" engaging for readers interested in Jewish culture and traditions.

Passover gives a second chance to former high school sweethearts in Matzah Ball Blues. In the year since his brother’s death, entertainment lawyer Jared Leiman hasn’t quite come to grips with the loss or being a father to his toddler niece. Taking a break from the high pressure and long hours of his job, he returns home to visit his parents for Passover and runs into – literally – his ex-girlfriend Caroline Weiss.

Jared and Caroline broke up when he went to college and she stayed home to care for her terminally ill mother. Jared broke her heart all those years ago, but he was a kid afraid of responsibility. Now he’s a man coming terms with loss and caring for others. I liked watching Jared grow over the course of the story, to take care with others and recognize that the life he’s living no longer suits him or his niece. Coming home brings it all back to him and his feelings toward Caroline come rushing back. Caroline is finally free of responsibility and she wants to live her life, to experience the things she put on hold. Jared should be the opposite of what she wants now, but old feelings come rushing back quickly. Their romance was both a slow burn and a surprisingly fast trip into feelings. I felt like them falling back in love was heavily built on a foundation we didn’t see and it didn’t always feel earned.

A secondary plot involving potential fraud at Caroline’s work adds some intrigue to the story but overall this was a slower paced book. I liked the romance well enough and I enjoyed seeing Caroline actively work to grow her career, but it felt like something was just missing from Matzah Ball Blues to keep me entertained. The conflict may have worked better in a shorter format where there wasn’t as much repetition.

One thing I really enjoy about the Holidays, Heart and Chutzpah series is author Jennifer Wilck’s excellent Jewish representation. Passover traditions in particular are highlighted in this book and Wilck does a great job of bringing them to life. While I was so-so on the story overall, Wilck’s care and attention to Jewish traditions engaged me and definitely made me want to read more of her work.

Good second-chance romance. Jared and Caroline were high school sweethearts who were reunited when Jared returned to their small New Jersey town. Jared broke up with Caroline, leaving her behind to deal with her terminally ill mother, and never contacted her again. In the ten years since then, he has become a successful entertainment lawyer and recently became his niece's guardian. Caroline stayed home, cared for her mom, and did her best.

The story opens as Caroline celebrates booking her dream vacation. After paying off her mother's medical bills and being free of responsibilities, Caroline can't wait. The last thing she expected was to run into Jared. It is a shock and brings back bitter memories of how he left her behind and basically abandoned her. While Jared feels guilty about how he treated her back then, he's ready to pick up where they left off.

I enjoyed the rekindling of Caroline and Jared's relationship. I liked that he had the guts to apologize for his earlier behavior, but he seemed to think that was all that was needed for everything to be fine and dandy. Jared's life is in a state of flux. He is grieving the death of his brother, adjusting to being a dad to his two-year-old niece and trying to figure out why his job isn't as satisfying as it used to be. Spending time with his family, away from the pressure of his career, gives him a new perspective, but he isn't sure what to do about it. There are some sweet scenes with Jared and Becca as he grows into his new role.

Caroline is wary of spending time with Jared. She doesn’t want to risk falling for him again and being hurt when he returns to California. She has also waited so long to be free of responsibilities that she can't see a way to fit Jared and Becca into her life. However, neither can they stay away from each other. I liked the support Jared gave Caroline for the fundraiser.

I got a little frustrated with both Jared and Caroline. They are clearly in love, but neither seems interested in finding a way to be together. Jared is determined to make Caroline see that he has changed from the inconsiderate jerk he used to be, but he spends a lot of time thinking about himself and how things affect him. Caroline can only focus on how different their lives are and that she doesn't want to lose the independence she's earned. It takes parting again for each to see what is important and how they can be stronger together.

There is also a bit of mystery in the story. Caroline's long-awaited raise and promotion are on hold because of a budget shortfall. She becomes suspicious when the numbers don't seem to add up. I liked her determination to uncover the truth and enjoyed watching her efforts.

Jared and Caroline’s love story in Matzah Ball Blues by Jennifer Wilck, book two in her Holidays, Heart and Chutzpah series, is a wonderful second chance romance that proves people can change when life places obstacles and hurdles along their journey. This story deals with grief, growth, fear, love, and a little bit of embezzling on the side.

Jared Leiman left New Jersey for the glitz of Hollywood as a high powered entertainment lawyer for some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. The high school sweetheart he left behind, Caroline Weiss, had to put off her dreams to take care of her terminally ill mother and became a fitness instructor at the local JCC. After her mother's death, Caroline is free to finally take the trip to Europe she always dreamed of while Jared is home with his niece after a tragic accident suddenly made him a parent; having him rethink what he values in life.

Ms. Wilck has written a story filled with tradition, personal growth, understanding, forgiveness, and a decade long attraction. There was so much that I enjoyed about this book: it was a quick read with wonderful secondary characters, Jared's parents and Caroline's best friends, adding to the story. The modernizing of the Matzah Ball was fun to see; bringing younger members into the fold. There was a definite Jewish representation in the story, with a wonderful explanation of Passover and the Seder.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

This second chance romance follows two high school sweethearts who took opposite paths in life. Caroline had to stay home and take care of her dying mother and Jared became a big city lawyer. Ten years later, Jarod is home visiting his parents for Passover. Now as Guardian of his orphaned niece, Jarod has the responsibilities and is a different man than the callous teen who left her. It was fun to read a romance set in a Jewish community. Jarod's parents were very true to life, I could see myself in his mom. Carolyn works with the senior activity program at the Jewish Community Center and I loved all the colorful characters. The simple single Dad romance story is rounded out with a mystery when Carolyn sets out to discover what happened to some missing funds. for a romance reader who happens to be Jewish, this story is better than bagels! If you aren't familiar with Jewish traditions, there is enough background and explanation to make the story accusable and you will still love the book. Only one word of warning: At first glance this book seems as sweet as chlorosis. But, If you are expecting a sweet second chance romance, be aware that the book does get a bit spicy. I give this novel 5 stars and 4 horseradishes.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun book. I enjoyed it a lot!

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin for access to this arc.

After loving “Home for the Challah Days” last year, I was really looking forward to the next installment of this series. Jared and his orphaned niece Becca are coming home for Passover with his parents as he tries to work out what he wants in life. Meanwhile, his old high school flame Caroline, yeah the woman Jared basically ghosted when her mother was diagnosed with cancer, has finally paid off the medical bills, carved out a life and a job, and plans to start doing all the things she’s longed to for years. Is the past the past or might they have a second chance to work out a future for themselves.

Let me just be honest and admit that I’m sad to say this one didn’t work as well for me. Yay that Jared already knows he acted like a shit all those years ago and that he plans on apologizing to Caroline. But dang despite the fact that he has matured a lot over the years, he can still act like a shit at times.

It also doesn’t help that much of the relationship time between Jared and Caroline kept rehashing what we’d already seen. Much of Caroline’s discussions with her besties about her relationship time with Jared was also rehashing. The plot felt as if its wheels were spinning in the mud and things dragged. And dragged.

I liked Caroline’s job and competency. She has worked hard to finish her education and after losing her mother, gotten a job at the JCC, and has plans and ambitions. When something spikes part of her plans, she doesn’t just sit back and say “Oh, well.” No, she starts to look into it and sees this through to a conclusion. When her boss hands her a “gotta get it done fast” project, Caro rises to the occasion and pulls something spectacular out that wows people.

The family relationship stuff is great, too. When Jared’s brother and sister-in-law died and left him as guardian of Becca, Jared was out of his depth. But he tries, he learns, and he adores his niece. It’s great that his loving parents are there for them both and unobtrusively ready with advice when he asks for it. Mrs. Leiman is fiercely protective of Caroline as well and warns her son not to mess with Caroline.

Passover preparation is something the Leimans take seriously and woe betide anyone who gets in the way of Harriet Leiman’s cleaning (which she ropes the whole family into), shopping, and cooking plans. Watching them carefully, thoughtfully (not too much horseradish for Becca so she won’t associate Passover with yucky tastes), and lovingly celebrating the Seder with their granddaughter was delightful.

So this ended up being a bit of half and half for me. There was a lot that I really did like and enjoyed. But the romance just didn’t work as well as I would have liked to have seen. Overall, C for the romance and B for everything else.

4.5/5 stars

Matzah Ball Blues is the second book in the Holidays, Heart and Chutzpah romance series.

This is my first book by this author. And I really liked it. This book has different narrators than the first book (they are interconnected standalones). I was easily able to read this without having read the first book (which I definitely now want to read).

This book has a lot of Jewish rep and takes place during Passover. The heroine is Caroline. She works at a Jewish Community Center in a fictional New Jersey town. Ten years ago she had turned down an athletic scholarship to take care of her sick mom.

The male narrator is Jared, an entertainment lawyer, who has returned home with his 2 year old niece. Jared and Caroline had been high school sweethearts.

There was so much that I enjoyed about this book. It was a quick read that made me happy. I loved the Jewish characters. And I really loved how Passover was represented in this book. I really liked Jared's parents, and Caroline's best friends. And there is a Matzah Ball that was so fun. There is also a mystery.

I definitely related to Caroline losing her mom and thought that part of the story was handled very well.

Overall this is a wonderful romance with incredible Jewish rep. However it did end a bit too abruptly. But still a beautiful book.

I love a good hallmark movie story, and this hits all the boxes. Small town, 2nd chance romance, single dad set at holiday time equals a recipe for a wonderful book. I really loved Jared's story of taking custody of his niece after the death of his brother. It was a tragic story but sets him up for a major redemption story. I love the dual point of view, so we get to hear both Caroline and Jared's feeling. We can see them getting close to each other. They spend most of the books not sure how they fit into each other's lives but they can't stay apart.
I love the family dynamic and the friendships that are interwoven throughout the book.
I always love a quick easy read like this and I especially like it when I match it up with the current season. There was a ton of preparation for the Jewish Holiday that takes place in the Spring, and I found myself really enjoying the talk of the religious holiday and how they were celebrating and passing on family traditions. I love the close-knit culture that this town has.
I would recommend to any that likes small town romances with great family dynamic and a super cute happily ever after.

Jared has unexpectedly become a family man after inheriting custody of his niece. He’s reunited with his former high school sweetheart, Caroline, in their hometown. Can they put their past hurts behind them to build a future together?

I enjoyed this second-chance, found-family romance. The characters are fun, the conflict is realistic, and there’s also a bit of a mystery at Caroline’s workplace. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

3.5 stars

This was a cute slooooooooooooooooooow burn, second-chance romance with Passover at the center. I feel like Jared did most of the growing and Caroline was just along for the ride. I get her motivation as to why she didn't want to let Jared in (anyone would've been wary of it), but there was something about Caroline that didn't sit right with me. Jared also seemed a little too obsessed with making sure everyone saw him a certain way (Caroline included).

The fundraiser and JCC stuff was a fun and gave a slight mystery feel to parts of the book that were also a little slow. Jared's struggles with being uncle/daddy were so cute and so relatable.

Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.

Jared Leiman left his hometown and became a high powered entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles. The high school sweetheart he left behind, Caroline Weiss, took care of her terminally ill mother and became a fitness instructor at the local JCC. After her mother's death, Caroline is free to finally take the trip to Europe she always dreamed of while Jared is home with his niece after a tragic accident suddenly made him a parent. This is a sweet, second chance romance with some heat. The book should be accessible to romance readers, even if they are unfamiliar with Judaism.

Jewish rep + Passover + second chance + small town + supportive families + guardianship + he falls first

10 years have passed since Caroline and Jared last saw or spoke to each other and that was when they were breaking up in college. A lot has happened in those 10 years - Caroline's mom died, Jared became a successful lawyer and guardian of his niece after his brother and sister-in-law died in a car crash.

They tentatively start going out together, Jared is determined to win her back but his life looks so different.
They cross paths frequently at the JCC where Caroline works and she employs him to help solve the mystery of where the budget went while helping her plan the annual Matzah Ball using his connections.

Overall a sweet yet somewhat predictable story but that doesn't take away from the overall plot. Great secular Jewish rep!

I am so happy we are seeing more Jewish romances and this book was so much fun. I am not Jewish myself, but I love reading about other cultures and religions and their holidays. Looking forward to more in this series.

DNF at 18%

There was a lot of things that I didn’t like.
This is a second chance romance so I’m already really picky with those.
And the way things were going in this one…doesn’t make me feel like either party has the maturity to try this relationship again.

Then after he bumps into her twice…literally bumping into her…he goes home and thinks he’s falling for her again?

I'm a sucker for Jewish romances and rom coms. Because quite frankly I love reading books that focus on Jewish joy. Not their sorrows or tragedies as we have so many of those. I look forward to more books by this author.

A sweet second-chance romance with some spicy scenes. An adorable child and family issues add to the story. I am not Jewish, but that did not prevent me from enjoying the tale. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC.

Typically not my type of book, but can’t resist a Jewish romance. 3 stars

This was an easy, fun, predictable, happily ever after, second chance romance with a few spicy scenes. I enjoyed the development of the romantic leads and the honest Jewish representation, though sometimes it was a bit too much. The analogies (sweating like a bat mitzvah boy, etc) made me roll my eyes but I appreciated the author’s efforts. 😀