The story follows Faye, a former lawyer from
NYC who has uprooted her life, moved to the small town of Woodstock and opened her own pottery studio after being dumped by her long time fiancé. Faye considers herself to be a “Jewitch”, and one night following an anti-Semitic attack on her town she gets drunk and creates her own Golem to match what she considers to be the perfect protector….

I struggled to be drawn into this story, I made it to 18% before deciding it wasn’t for me and DNF’d. I do think it has its place for a particular audience but I didn’t fit the bill.

Although I am not Jewish and know very little about the religion/culture, I was intrigued to read a story with this background, the problem for me arose when there was a constant use of “Yiddish” terminology. It took me out of the story every time I had to google a term to understand what it meant. I also felt as though Faye was a difficult character to connect with. She clearly had suffered a lot of trauma at a young age, and the hits just kept coming, but I felt she was going to continue playing up her “victim” mentality to a fault. I thought the golem could be a fun, whimsical premise, but as soon as we met Greg I was quickly distracted by his lack of personality and primary focus on Faye’s physical attributes. I didn’t feel a spark between them and just felt I wouldn’t enjoy continuing this story.

I sincerely hope others can read and find enjoyment from this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to share my honest opinions on this ARC.

I wish this book had had a content warning for child abuse. I wasn’t prepared for that. This book is not for me.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

When Faye is dumped by her fiancée, she sells her law firm and moves to Woodstock, NY to start a pottery store. Unfortunately, a wave of antisemitism in the town causes Faye to feel unsafe, so she creates a golem with features she is attracted to, including red hair. The next day, when Faye mows down a hot red-head who gets amnesia from the accident, Faye takes him in and promises to take care of him and help him figure out who he is. He ends up staying a lot longer than expected, and the two form a bond that they both know can't be anything more than friendly for various reasons. Eventually, the antisemitic acts escalate and Greg vows to keep Faye safe at any cost.

This was my first time reading something by Jean Meltzer, and from other reviews I'd read, I thought I was really going to enjoy Magical Meet Cute. I was surprised by how many heavy topics were covered in what looks, by the cover, to be a light-hearted rom-com. There were a few funny moments, but a lot of the humor felt forced and cringy. I didn't love the book excerpts thrown in and found myself skimming a lot of the book.

I loved the setting (Woodstock is such a fun little town), Faye's back-story was interesting and complex, and Greg had big golden retriever energy - I could understand why Faye thought he wasn't a real man because the things he said were so sweet, understanding, and delightful.

The plot had a lot of potential but it didn't quite live up to the promise. I was interested enough that I'd like to go back and read Jean Meltzer's previous titles.

Thank you Harlequin for the ARC. I received on Netgalley.

The story follows Faye, who has been operating the Magical Mud Shop, a pottery store in Woodstock, where she is surrounded by wonderful, supportive friends. Faye moved to Woodstock after a traumatic breakup with her fiancé. One day, while cycling to an event, she accidentally knocks over a man who ends up with a concussion and amnesia. Feeling guilty and concerned for his well-being, she decides to invite him to stay at her home for a few days to help him recover his memory, rather than letting him end up in a shelter.

This book is more than just a romance; it delves into serious topics, such as the increase in antisemitism that Jews have been facing over the past few years. This troubling trend has escalated, making many people feel uncomfortable within their own communities, both in person and online. The book also addresses childhood trauma and its lasting impact on individuals later in life, exploring these issues with care and depth.
I particularly enjoyed the book's exploration of Jewish mysticism, especially the intriguing concept of golems, which I've always been curious about. The banter and friendship that develop between Greg and Faye throughout the story are delightful, and the elderly neighbor, Nelly, is such a wonderful character—she truly deserves her own story.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it. It offers a touch of romance, a bit of magic, and plenty of humor.

2.5/5 - Felt kind of long. I really appreciated the discussion on anti-semitism, but outside of that, it just wasn’t my favorite story overall.

Note: I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The description of this book sounded very interesting and I was looking forward to reading it. But then in the very first chapter, the main character mentions a trip to the Sápmi region (Northern Europe - Norway/Sweden/Finland/Russia) by using an outdated term that is considered to be derogatory by the Sami people. Clearly the author did not do enough research on this area before choosing to include it in the book. It especially didn't fit in a book where anti-semitism is a big theme. I decided to keep reading, to see if the book had any redeeming quality, but the writing was just not that good. I had to give up at 20%.

I received a digital ARC thanks to the publisher and Netgalley.

As a Jewish reader I love reading Jean's books and was so excited to be granted the chance to read MMC early

Jean Meltzer conjures up another winner with Magical Meet Cute, blending humor, heart, and a dash of the supernatural in her latest delightful romantic comedy. Meltzer is a master at writing lovable, charmingly chaotic characters while keeping me laughing out loud with her banter and wit (seriously, just read that first line!) Faye's journey from heartbreak to hope is as relatable as it is hilarious, and her love story with Greg is layered, emotionally satisfying, and of course, *magical.* Meltzer incorporates timely, relevant issues into her stories in a way that still feels light and balanced, and just as with her previous novels, the heavier topics (trauma, anti-Semitism) are handled with depth, insight, and care.

DNF at 7% wow, how am I already tired of Faye mentioning her fiancé dumped her. Truly sorry but I do not want to read more and I cannot continue with the current state of my brain.

I live for Jean Meltzer's books and this one was no different. My only qualm was that I felt like the first chunk of the book was a little slow to get into. I also would have loved a smidge more romance but that's just me. But other than that the Jewish representation was incredible, the characters were important, and the heavy topics were discussed gracefully and meaningfully. I thought Faye's disability was significant as well and I liked how it translated into her art. This cast of characters was funny, entertaining, and full of heart. Shout out to Nelly for being a badass and Shulamit and Miranda for their unwavering friendship. I loved how Jean touched on many relevant and important real-world events. The anti-semitism was heavy throughout this story, but I think it was important to bring it up as well—especially as a Jewish person living in America. I loved how Greg and Faye developed and grew with each other. Their friendship was really nice to witness and I liked watching it turn into something more. Overal, I'm always here for Jean's stories. Thank you to Mira books for sending me and ARC to read and review!

This book was full of magic and heart. I quite liked The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer and was thrilled with an idea of a jewitch rom com. But this was so much more. It was a story of healing, recovery, and found family. And a splash of romance. Though, be warned, there are antisemitic acts that happen throughout, which are hard to read at times, so take care when reading this book. Overall it was lovely and I would recommend to anyone looking for a beautiful story.

Super fun supernatural romance that I wish I read in October, this feels a little too
Supernatural for the summer but nevertheless I enjoyed this one a lot !

Faye Kaplan prefers her life as a potter in Woodstock, New York to the engaged lawyer she used to be. She's missing a man in her life, but it doesn't seem to matter until she sees anti-Semitic flyers in town. Upset, Faye drunkenly creates a golem protector for her town that looks like her ideal man. The very next day, she hits a gorgeous stranger named Greg with her bike. He lost his memory, but that is exactly what she hoped for in a man. Is it a coincidence, or has her golem come to life?

Faye completely changed her life after her ex unceremoniously dumped her three months before the wedding, leaving her to tell everyone it was canceled. After an abusive childhood, this confirmed the belief she's unlovable and too much. Woodstock is a welcome harbor afterward until the flyers show up. She truly believes that she created an actual golem, as Greg seems too good to be true. He reads her books, helps her in her shop, understands her, thinks she's wonderful, and is incredibly easy on the eyes. They're attracted to each other, her friends like him, and he's protective as the dangers in town escalate. The actual threat is someone she doesn't expect, and in addition to the external dangers are the internal fears that Faye deals with. Greg has his own journey to go through, trying to regain his memory, protect Faye, and find a future. The happily ever after is earned and well-deserved, and I enjoyed the story.

I enjoy reading about cultures other than my own. However, there were so many words I did not know that I basically had to keep google open. This really took me out of the story and distracted from the characters.

I knew I had to read this once I read the synopsis. It sounded so unique.

I liked the magical realism here. I think the author did a great job with the golems and how they were relevant to the story and Jewish community. This reminded me a bit of the Hallmark movie called Made for Each Other. It has a similar premise but Magical Meet Cute has a more serious tone since it deals with anti-Semitism. I felt the author did a wonderful job handling the more serious topics. She was able to balance serious issues with humor well.

The characters were fun. I really enjoyed Faye's character a lot. I found her to be relatable and quirky. A heroine I could root for. The romance was sweet and had its romantic moments.

A unique romcom. Would recommend!

Jean has quickly become an auto-buy author for me in the genre of Jewish romance. This book was written a bit differently than her 3 prior books and I’d argue this one borders on Women’s Fiction as well. There are parts of the book where I felt the romance plot was more secondary but still a well developed love story if that makes sense.

That said the story was well written and fast paced. I was hooked quickly and the book was also quite suspenseful and full of twists and turns. I don’t want to spoil anything but there were parts I guessed at and other parts that surprised me.

Jean has managed to write a love story that’s set against the backdrop of a very serious and timely topic: antisemitism. Again, this definitely has a more serious tone than her prior romance books but I also found it to be fun and also educational. One of my favorites of the Summer so far!

Thank you MIRA and NetGalley for the ARC!

This was such an interesting read!

Faye swapped her high-powered legal career for a quieter life as a potter, but things get messy when anti-Semitic flyers start appearing in her town.

Desperate for comfort, Faye decides to create a golem—a mythical protector—only to wake up to find a seriously hot guy named Greg, who checks all her boxes, mysteriously in her life.

This was a cute and quirky story! It’s unlike anything I’ve read before, and it was a nice change of pace!

It’s perfect for readers who love romance stories that are a little different and care about different religions.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A great read, the story of Faye and Greg. Some great characters and I liked learning more about Jewitches too.

Magical Meet Cute by Jean Meltzer is not your typical romance. Girl meets boy, girl thinks boy is a golem set to help protect her town. Thrown in some meddling neighbors, jewitch magic, and some accidental amnesia and you have this thought provoking piece of writing.

I love this new take on Jewish books. Our lead is not the most religious or traditionally knowledgeable about her faith and identity, but she uses what she knows to make deeper connections to herself and those around her. The addition of her being a Jewitch was a fascinating choice since it gave another dimension to her identity and the story. This book takes traditional Jewish folklore and traditional, then makes it modern and accessible to those unfamiliar with this culture. Romance is not the main part of this novel, but rather how these two characters grow together to become the best versions of themselves.

As a Jew myself this book was humorous, but at the same time it was a difficult read. The theme of this book is antisemitism, both surviving and experiencing it. In a politically charged climate full of antisemitism, such as one we have today, this book should be read by many. This book addresses antisemitism in a way that does not put blame, but rather seems to educate. There was such real emotion tied up in this romance that highly impacted me.

Rating: this books was a great read with humor, great friendships, and some light romance that also talks about conflicts in our real world. This book was much needed after the raising tensions involving antisemitism in our real world. The folklore and traditions surrounding what it means to be a Jewitch was also a unique way of framing this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jean Meltzer, and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 20%

I’m not sure what it is about this book that’s not clicking for me, but something just isn’t working. The writing is good and the setup of the conflict and romantic action is what drew me to the book in the first place, but something is lost in translation for me. I think it has a lot to do with how the FMC talks to the MMC while he is recovering from amnesia. Granted, I don’t have a full working medical knowledge of how to treat it, but she frequently talks to him like he’s a child and that’s rubbing me the wrong way.

I might try again at some point but for right now, it’s a DNF. I read 2-3 books while trying to slough my way through this book. So that’s a sign that it’s got to go for right now.

Thank you to Jean Meltzer, MIRA and Netgalley for an advanced e-arc.

Faye used to be a lot of things... a promising artist, a lawyer, engaged and hopeful.
Now she finds herself, once again under attack. This time from antisemites who are attacking her small-town safe haven and livelihood with flyers, bricks and fear. Desperate for some semblance of peace (and drunk off left over wedding wine) she creates a golem - who happens to also represent her dream man. When a mysterious red headed stranger steps in front of her bike, Faye feels responsible to care for him. As time passes, she cannot help but wonder if her Jewitchy nature actually created her perfect Gregolem (Greg + golem) or if something else is a foot.

Like all of Jean Meltzer's books I truly enjoyed learning new things about Jewish culture and lore. Especially about the history of golems and well as Jewish witches. I realize that many Jewish people in America and around the world experience real generational trauma and fear - and that it is not a Jewish authors responsibility to create a balanced view, and it's probably because of current political events but, this one felt a little heavy handed in its presentation of Jewish victimization and the us against them mentality that is breed within the FMC. Faye is indeed a life-long victim, suffering not only from being othered through her ethnicity and religion but also by being abused by her mentally unstable mother. I just wish that her <spoiler> only non-jewish friend, hadn't ended up being the leader of a local antisemitism cell </spoiler> in her town. It felt a little like being bludgeoned by a retelling Faye's reality instead of being able to see and experience it.

What to expect: small town, forced proximity, amnesia, closed door, slow burn, black cat FMC vs cinnamon roll MMC

Representation: c-PTSD, chronic pain, Jewish/Jewitch

3.5/5 stars rounded to 4/5 stars
1/5 steam

TW/CW: toxic parental figure, physical and verbal abuse by parent, absent parent, antisemitism, vandalism, amnesia

This book will definitely appeal to readers who enjoyed Sally Thornes Angelica Frankenstein Makes her Match and those who enjoy stories that are inspired by magical realism and the "monsters" humanity creates.