While very cute and funny, this book dealt with a much heavier subject matter than I had anticipated. It was very clearly written in response to the tragedy on October 7 of last year, and understandably so, but also to the entire history of anti-Semitism. I can’t relate to the MCs experience of being Jewish in America, but I can relate to her fear of taking chances and feeling of inadequacy and imperfection. I can also relate to her appreciation of hot, hulking red-headed men - yum. 3.5 stars.

After an antisemitic attack in her neighborhood, ceramicist Faye Kaplan is shaken. Having found her connection to her faith through magic, Faye is a practicing Jewitch. On a drunken night after the attack, Faye crafts a golem to protect her…one that happens to have all the qualities of her dream man inscribed on it. The next day, she accidentally runs into a guy with her bike. The man hits his head and awakens in the hospital with no memory. What’s a girl to do but take him home and help him recover? Greg turns out to be a great houseguest; he’s protective, funny, intelligent, kind, enjoys Scrabble…all the things Faye inscribed on her golem. Could it be coincidence or is magic at play?

Magical Meet Cute is a mix of fluffy magical romcom and serious, realistic trauma. It sounds like it shouldn’t work, but Jean Meltzer balances things fairly well, though for me – someone who actually enjoys fluff more as a rule – the heavier topics were more interesting.

Faye is a trauma survivor. She came from an abusive household and though she’s caring and loving, she has high walls to protect herself. She lives with a disability that is a constant reminder of what she survived, and the disability rep is well done. With the rise in antisemitism her trauma response is triggered, and Meltzer handles this heavy topic very well. I really connected with this part of the story, of the small and large ways antisemitism affects people. It’s not something you see in romances and generally not something covered in-depth and I really appreciated the time and care Meltzer took with this topic.

Magical Meet Cute is also a romcom with a quirky dog, nosy friends, and hijinks. For the most part the blend of the heavier and lighter moments work, though I will say that the book isn’t quite as light as the cover and blurb make it out to be. I enjoyed the mystery of whether Greg was a man or a golem, but I do wish it had been resolved a bit earlier to give the romance more time to breathe and develop. The rom of the romcom could have used a bit more work because the chemistry wasn’t as strong as I would have liked. Greg was a wonderful hero, protective and caring to the max. Faye was an interesting heroine, complex and skilled both as a ceramicist and Jewitch. But she also has a few traditional romcom heroine quirks to her that didn’t always work for me.

I struggle with rating Magical Meet Cute because I was so-so on the romance. However, the parts of the book that work really work. The Jewish, Jewitch, and disability representation are solid and the examination of antisemitic attacks through the eyes of the victims really meant something to me. There’s emotional honesty in these plotlines that really stand out and make me recommend this story.

Self-proclaimed “Jewitch” Faye Kaplan sold her law practice and moved upstate to open a pottery shop after her engagement ended. A new start was just what Faye needed, and her shop Magic Mud Pottery in downtown Woodstock felt like the culmination of a long forgotten dream. When her town is covered with anti-Semitic flyers, Faye decides to create a clay golem to protect her home. The next day Faye hits a stranger with her bike and can’t help but wonder if he’s her golem come to life.

This was a very unique romance that wove in some magical realism. When Greg first appeared after the accident, it truly reminded me of Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match as he began to regain speech and was *possibly* a golem come to life. This book is much less silly than that one but the romantic storyline definitely added levity throughout.

There are some very heavy topics in this book, including graphic anti-Semitism and past childhood abuse. The author deftly handled both in my opinion but please be cautious if these topics are triggering for you.

MAGICAL MEET CUTE – Jean Meltzer
Mira
ISBN: 978-0-778-33441-5
August 27, 2024
Romantic Comedy

Woodstock, New York – Present Day

Potter and gift store owner Faye Kaplan is Jewish and discovers that she has become the target of a mysterious White Supremacist group. Upset, she creates a golem doll made of clay in hopes that it will ward off evil spirits. Riding her bicycle late one night and in a hurry, she literally runs into a strange man and knocks him out. At the hospital, Faye overhears the nurses talking about how the man has amnesia. A sudden decision is made on her part when Faye lies to the nurses and claims to be his wife. She is going to take him home with her. Has she made a mistake? Is guilt the only reason she wants to take care of him, or is it something else?

Faye names him Greg and nurses him back to health. Unfortunately, he still has no memory and needs to relearn tasks and speaking. A few incidents will have readers laughing as he struggles with talking and doing things. She lives above her business, and a brick is thrown through the front window one night. Faye is saved from being hurt by Greg, who instinctively tells her to duck. Greg, with the help of Faye’s neighbor, Nelly, decides to investigate who is behind the attacks.

MAGICAL MEET CUTE may be a difficult read for some as it deals with antisemitism and White Supremacy. Someone passed out a bunch of flyers in Woodstock and Faye and her business was not only named, but pictures of her included. She naturally feels like a target is on her and she reacts by creating the golem doll. Golem refers in Jewish folklore to an artificial humanoid being endowed with life. She soon begins to wonder if Greg is her golem. Will he be good or bad? The man is sleeping under her roof, and she isn’t sure if she can trust him. Yet, she can’t turn him out into the streets, especially when she finds him attractive.

With a touch of magical vibes and comedy, MAGICAL MEET CUTE is a fun read despite being an emotional tale. Faye and Greg are the main characters, but they are surrounded by several other minor characters who give us plenty of chuckles. Faye’s neighbor across the street is Nelly, who takes a shine to Greg and encourages him to help her investigate the White Supremacist group called The Paper Boys. Readers may end up surprised to learn who is behind the racist attacks. I know I was!

The chemistry between Faye and Greg is slow to build in MAGICAL MEET CUTE as they have to feel each other out. But once they spend weeks together, she finds herself protective of him, as he does of her. Will Greg turn out to be her hero? Will he learn who he really is and why he is in Woodstock? Readers will laugh and cry at the interaction between Faye and Greg. It’s all in fun. If you love a romance that will leave you with a smile on your face, then look no further than MAGICAL MEET CUTE.

Patti Fischer
Roamnce Reviews Today

I am so so sad to say that I am DNFing this book. Personal preference, I don’t like reading about witches. I knew that there was a magical realism element to this book which I love, but I don’t remember the synopsis saying anything about a witch.

I’ll absolutely read another title by this author because I did enjoy the writing. I don’t rate books I DNF but I guess I have to here. So take that with a grain of salt! I just wasn’t the right audience for this title.

I am so privileged to receive an ARC of this book because it was so amazing. I am going to be doing a deep dive on Jean Meltzer's backlog of works because the way she was able to write a beautiful romance while showcasing what modern antisemitism looks like was insightful. There is no correct way to practice religion and Faye was in tune as to what Judaism meant to her and how she wanted to practice her faith. Since I do not practice Judaism, I loved reading this book because of what I was able to learn from it, even the goofiness of creating a golem in her pottery studio.

Another great novel by Ms. Metzler. It is definitely a romance but with more important messages about self love, self worth and standing up for who you are.

Um. I wanted to love this, because it was so cool and it was kind of original, but I just kept picturing a weird looking golem the whole time. That might've been just my only problem...
I heard there was Jewish Folklore that was highlighted in this book, but I was unfamiliar and unaware of what made it as such. Maybe then I would've enjoyed it more as well. I did love that it was a story outside of my comfort zone and gave me insight & a learning experience on Judaism.
I did enjoy the characterization and details, along with some of the fun dialogue.
Though it all came back to some minor plot holes and lack of chemistry.
Overall, I give this book 3 stars.
I want to thank NetGalley & Harlequin Trade publishing/Mira for providing me with this digital copy 🫶🏼

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This books got the perfect witchy feel. I also thought that the setting of Woodstock worked really well for this quirky story.

I only gave this book 3 stars though because to me the characters seemed very unrealistic. Faye was very over the top and I had trouble believing that anyone would actually act like her. I also couldn’t really enjoy the romance because it felt forced. I didn’t feel any chemistry between Faye and Greg.

It is a quick read though with some nice witchy vibes.

This was my first dive into Jean Meltzer’s world, and I’m hooked! Magical Meet Cute is a quirky rom-com with a deep heart, tackling the weighty issue of modern antisemitism while still making you laugh out loud.
Some takeaways that got me in my feelings.
The golem plotline? Utterly hilarious in the best way. Faye’s eccentricities had me giggling one moment and marveling at her unique approach to her culture the next. While the book doesn’t shy away from serious topics like familial abuse, the humorous, offbeat moments create a perfect counterbalance, making it both a delightful read and a thought-provoking exploration of identity.

This won’t be my last Meltzer read for sure—her storytelling has sparked a new curiosity in me, and for that, I’m truly grateful! Big thanks to NetGalley for letting me review this gem.

Faye Kaplan used to be a lawyer, and she used to have a fiancé. Now she is a Jewitch who runs a pottery shop in Woodstock, New York and lives with her neurotic rescue dog. She also may have accidentally created a Golem – a handsome one who she may be falling in love with.
I found the setting of this story to be engaging. The fictional version of Woodstock came across just as quaint and quirky as I imagined it to be. The cast of characters were charming, particularly Faye’s busybody neighbor. Faye’s “Jewitchness” and the elements of Jewish folklore were interesting components to the story; particularly as a reader who is not well versed in this.

There was also a subplot of anti-semitism. Again, as a reader who is not well versed in this, I appreciated learning more about the impact of this on Faye and the others living in the Jewish community. Given that this book is, at its heart, a romance, I did at times find that storyline to be a bit heavy-handed in its treatment.

There are a few mystery elements as well that I was not expecting and which added another layer to the overall story – Did Faye really create a Golem? How does she banish it? Who is responsible for the organized racist vandalism targeting local businesses?
Overall I did enjoy this book and think it is a great read for anyone who enjoys their romance mixed with a smattering of magic and mystery.

Meltzer's story of a Jewitch woman (Faye) who creates a golem in her pottery studio one night after anti-Semitic attacks in her neighborhood had me hooked from the beginning. When Greg shows up on her doorstep (or, rather, in front of her bicycle) with amnesia, Faye can't help to notice how many characteristics he shares with the anthropomorphic clay figure she crafted specifically for protection. Did her Jewitch magic really create a golem or is it a crazy coincidence?

I liked the romance between Faye and Greg as well as the mystery about whether he really was a golem. The ending caught me by surprise. It was a fun twist but also believable. My preferred ending didn't happen, but I did enjoy the author's choice.

Despite what the title suggests, this is not a "cutesy" romance. There are some difficult themes in this story, including anti-Semitism and hate speech, child abuse, fear, and violations to personal safety. Meltzer dives deep into these themes and doesn't shy away from tough conversations between the characters. Sometimes I wanted a reprieve from the heaviness, and the discussion of safety also seemed repetitive. I must admit that it contributed to a sense of authentic growth for Faye and Greg but, overall, I think the story could have been a bit more concise. It started feeling long toward the end.

I would recommend this book to others. It's hopeful and romantic with good character development.

I was really excited to read this book and while it had a lot of things I enjoy in fantasy books like magic and the world building, the romance fell a little flat for me. The main characters were funny at times and I liked their dialogue throughout the books, this just wasn’t my fav compared to her other books.

I read The Matzah Ball a few years ago and liked it! And the cover is so cuuuute, so I was happy to request this one! I loved the little parts of this book: Scrabble, her pottery. Greg reading all the books she owned (even her romance books), and Nelly <3

I feel that this book was more a lesson on Jewish history and Jewitchery and anti-Semitism and golems and overcoming the trauma from your past first and romance second. I felt like the author putting this story out in the midst of the current political climate was similar to Faye's new window decal during the Paper Boys' anti-semitic attacks: a stand of bravery and pride of her heritage!

Some stand-out quotes:
"You deserve to be with people who bring out the softness in you, not the survivor in you. You deserve to be in relationships where you are safe, where you have clear boundaries, and they are respected. You deserve to be in relationships where your needs are met. But first, you must untangle the unhealthy knots that have bound you to these patterns."

"Language. The thing that separates us from all the other creatures. The ability to name. The ability communicate, tell stories, transmit those stories to others. For Jews, language is creation.”

"He read all my books… which really, when I think about it today, is its own special and unique type of love language."

"It was the most remarkable type of magic—falling in love, finding your person, crafting your own life, writing a story where you deserved to be valued."

When I tell you I freaked out upon finding out I was approved to read this ARC...it's not an understatement. When I tell you that this book seriously disappointed me...it's also not an understatement, unfortunately.

This book had so much potential - but I'm honestly not sure why this is considered a "romance" novel. The amount of "romance" in this book could have filled a chapter, and that's about it. We are supposed to be convinced that the connection between Greg and Faye is deepening with every page (along with the tension)...but I'm not buying it. It felt forced, and unrealistic.

Another thing that I wasn't sold on was Faye as an FMC. For someone who had been an attorney, she felt really gullible, and insecure. I understand that she went through some SERIOUS trauma when she was younger (and really, no one should ever have to go through something like that), but it almost became her entire personality. The amount of times we went from "Greg is definitely a Golem, and I must destroy him" to "Greg might be a golem, but I really like him" - it gave me whiplash. And the "romance" with Eric - what was the point?

I don't know; I appreciate Jean's books and the history of Judaism and culture of the Jewish people, but this particular book felt like that was more the focus of the book than anything else. This wouldn't have been a big deal except for the fact that this is supposed to be a book about romance, and there was really none of that to be found. Honestly not sure if I'll be recommending this book to any of my friends.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Jean Meltzer for giving me the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I don't know if running someone over with your bike can be described as meeting cute but that's what happens to Faye and the man she names Greg. Faye's a Jewitch ceramic artist living her best life-or the best life she thinks she can have- in Woodstock when the anti-Semitic Paper Boys come to town. Is Greg, who has amnesia as a result of the accident, the golem she made and buried in her rose garden after a drunken night? Or is he someone else? I'm a fan of Melzer and while this isn't my favorite of her books, I do like how she blend topical themes (including the lingering trauma of abuse) with Jewish history and culture with a love story. She also writes great friends for her characters (Nelly is a hoot). And, best of all, I was surprised at the end. Thanks to the publisher for the arC. A good read with a bit of spice.

Faye was a successful lawyer, engaged to her longtime boyfriend Stuart who shy months from their wedding day, called off their engagement while on a snowmobiling trip. Now Faye owns a ceramics storefront where she displays her pottery. And she practices Jewish Magic. Her town becomes littered with antisemitic flyers, naming Jewish business owners. To deal with the stress Faye turns to her pottery, and creates a golem to protect her and the town.

A seemingly perfect red-haired beast of a man, Greg, gets hit by Faye as she was riding her bike and now has amnesia.. He seems too good to be true and Faye begins to wonder who or what he really is! Could Greg be the result of her Jewitch Magic!?

This was a funny read that focused on some very serious notes including: fighting antisemitism, real journalism and not spreading propaganda, and discovering your worth.

Read if you love:
Jewish Representation
LGBTQ Representation
Diverse Reads
Allyship

Thank you @netgalley and @harlequintradepublishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Magical Meet Cute is set to be published August 27, 2024.

3.5 Stars. There were many things I liked about this book. Faye had a lot of growing and understanding of herself to do, plus gaining back her confidence. I do think there are many a trigger warning for parts of this book, so be sure to look those up. Overall I liked the main love interest and the idea she thought she created him since he kind of showed up out of nowhere. The ending was cute. For a rom com there were a lot of heavier themes that I think were done well.

I thought this was really cute! I loved the idea of the golem and creating your perfect man from scratch. The characters were well developed and had good chemistry, and I enjoyed how the plot unfolded related to the amnesia. I struggle in books both when characters seem to be unable to talk to one another and can’t seem to get out of their own way (just talk to each other people!) and this book definitely had both of those issues for me. I felt that the pacing was off and that some things were really drawn out and others resolved too quickly. Overall, I thought it was a solid romance and I enjoyed. I have not read a primarily Jewish focused story before in a romance and really enjoyed that aspect as well

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis: After Faye’s broken engagement, she has sworn off men, and she is happily living on her own in Woodstock, NY, running her own pottery shop. When antisemitic fliers start appearing around town, though, she begins to feel unsafe and drunkenly created a golem out of clay, giving it all the characteristics of her perfect man. When she just so happens to meet the perfect man the next day, it seems too good to be true - is it a coincidence or did she really magic him to life?

Thoughts: I always enjoy how Jean Meltzer has a talent for combining sweet romances with more serious issues. She tackled the relevant and timely topic of antisemitism well, and the Jewish representation was great. I adored the characters in this one - Faye is delightfully charming and chaotic, her friends are lovely, and Greg is such a hulking golden retriever of a man. The romance was lacking a little chemistry for me, but honestly that made sense within the story so it’s fine. I flew through this one with its surprisingly suspenseful storyline. Definitely recommend!

Read this if you like:
🧙 learning about Jewish culture
🧙 folklore
🧙 badass female main characters
🧙 magical elements
🧙 self-discovery and character growth
🧙 contemporary romance
🧙 low spice level