If you are looking for a cute romcom that brings a little Jewitch magic and humor, you've found your next read. Sometimes love is found in the most unexpected ways that make us question if it is too good to be true. Societal problems contribute to the skepticism of our leading lady Faye, who has turned to jewish folklore to answer some of the questions she has about this mystery man. As she uncovers the truth about this man that seemed to enter her life out of the blue, she learned more about herself as well. Also, Fans of the movie Teen Witch or Mannequin, I think you would enjoy reading this!

Wonderful story, great character development, great writing! Highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it

Unfortunately, this was not for me. I wasn't feeling the characters or the romance. I do appreciate the representation though. I have enjoyed Jean Meltzer books in the past and I'm sure I will again - but this was not my cup of tea. thank you to the publisher for the free copy!

This book had its ups and downs. I loved the aspect of the magic and the golem arc was a fun twist. The only thing is I didn’t understand the ending. Like he wasn’t a golem but he was? I also very much predicted the plot change at the end of the book with the paper boys. Eric was very much a predictable character, but nonetheless, it was a quick and easy read.

In Magical Meet Cute, Jean Meltzer, author of the hysterical The Matzah Ball, proves she can tell a story a bit out of her rom-com comfort zone by creating an amazing, haunting, funny romance/thriller which will tug at your heart but also emphasize what is happening in today's world.

Faye Kaplan has a broken heart. Once engaged but that went south, she decides to leave her law practice and create a new life in Woodstock, New York doing something she always loved as a child. Create art through pottery.

Faye's childhood was perfectly imperfect with a horrible mother and what she ended up getting out of that life was she always needed to be perfect in everything she does, which includes if there is one mistake while creating her art, means it gets dumped.

Now, lonely and feeling like she will never find someone, she goes to a mixer and discovers someone is putting anti-semantic flyers everywhere. This on top of her loneliness (and perhaps because she was a bit drunk, she decides to create a "golem" a being from Jewish folklore which is made from bits and pieces of whatever you have around, like clay for example, and once buried you make a wish. She buries it in the backyard. She hopes it will protect her.

But unfortunately, the very next day while riding her bike she accidently knocks down a very handsome man who is rushed to the hospital. He can't remember anything about himself. Faye, who feels terrible and because no one has claimed him decides he needs to come home with her and recuperate, much against the advice of all her friends who think she will now be murdered!

They come to the decision together that his name should be Greg. Unfortunately for Greg, he remembers nothing not even how to do the simplest things. So, he begins reading books on just about everything. He does become a pretty good cook, and a great listener for Faye. As they begin to spend more and more time together, they both feel the start of something, but for Faye, she starts to believe he is the golem in human form she buried in the backyard and is now waiting for the right moment to make her life miserable.

And then it does. As the antisemitism begins to increase, a brick is thrown through the window of her pottery shop. The community doesn't understand why this is happening, or maybe they do. Faye decides to take a stand and puts a pro-Jewish display in her window trying to lure whoever the beasts are who hate them so much.

As for Greg, she believes he is a bad golem and tries to do everything in her power to get rid of him. But he won't go! She is so scared to fall in love, she's willing to believe the worst of man she thinks she conjured.

But terrible things are brewing in this small town and trying to discover who and what are causing the violence will take the whole community banning together. As for Greg? Well, you'll just have to read the book...

Magical Meet Cute is a fun book with very serious issues, which is trademark Meltzer, which melds romance with ripped from the headline problems, with a touch of mystery and of course, magic!

Thank you #NetGalley #MiraBooks #MagicalMeetCute #JeanMeltzer for the advanced copy.

I'm here for the cuteness of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I read it in one day! Great for a rainy day read ❤️

This was a lot heavier than I expected so I would definitely check TW before picking it up. I still enjoyed the book but it was a lot less romance than Jean Meltzer’s other books. It definitely kept me interested in where the story was going and how the characters were going to work through their issues. There were also some pretty funny parts, like Hillel (my favorite character).

This was just painful to read. I am sure how far I got in but it was too far either way. the religion lore mixed in with magic was so heavy-handed that it took over the whole story and seemed to be the FMC only personality trait. I understand that the MMC has amnesia -- maybe? I still don't know -- but he just seems a little daft. I just didn't want and just simply couldn't stick around to find out whether he was a real person, if there was a twist worth all that stupidity, or if he was indeed a magical being... DNFed.

TOTALLY hoped I'd find some magical realism in this book but... it just wasn't really there! Like, some of it was there, but it wasn't a heavy premise so that was kind of disappointing. However, there was definitely a heavy presence of antisemitism, which is GREAT, but not something I expected when I picked up a story hoping for a romance. There were also a ton of Jewish and Yiddish references, which was neat, but many flew right over my head since that is not something I have a background in. Such a neat premise, but it just wasn't it for me - struggled getting into the storyline and following the leads as they developed a relationship with one another.. felt overshadowed and focused on the heavier topic at hand, but still appreciative of the read.

I liked the Jewish representation in this book and the blend with Wicca, and though I really enjoyed Nelly as a character, this book just wasn't my cup of tea. I just didn't feel totally connected to the characters, and there were some things that I just couldn't suspend my belief (I can't imagine a hospital just releasing a patient to some random person and taking their word for them knowing each other).

This book highlights the heavy issues of antisemitism and issues of the American Healthcare system, but also adds the lighter humor and ridiculousness of magical realism in supposing that Greg is actually her golem come to life. Even their meet cute was a bit ridiculous with Faye mowing him down with her bicycle. I really enjoyed the humor in the story and learning more about Judaism. Overall I thought the story was cute and funny.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love Jean Meltzer. I really enjoyed Matza Ball when it came out, and I was really intrigued by the premise of Magical Meet Cute. Mostly, the story suffers from pacing issues. It's far too long for a romance. Our main plot and b plot tie together too late in the game for me to enjoy the storytelling. My biggest issue is though is the idea of the golem. Not knowing if our main love interest is an actual person or a golem come to life for about 80 % of the book I enjoyed. I know he finds that hotel room where he was apparently staying, but we don't find out enough in that moment to definitively be like yeah no he's a real person. It's just frustrating because I think this book could have been really great if we just dropped the whole is he or isn't he a golem thing.

Magical Meet Cute blends romance with a touch of magical realism (but not as much as you may have hoped for). Faye’s growing bond with a mysterious stranger kept me hooked, while I also appreciated the exploration of very real problems that Jewish communities face today as anti-semitism is on the rise again. Overall, I loved the unique premise and found family vibes.

Jean Meltzer's Magical Meet Cute is a novel that pairs an enchanting romance with the powerful exploration of a serious subject. From the very first page, I was captivated by Faye Kaplan's quirky charm and her quest for love—despite her insistence that she's happy alone.

Set in Woodstock, New York, the story weaves Faye’s personal growth with her community’s response to a disturbing wave of anti-Semitic incidents. Meltzer masterfully balances these emotional challenges with comedic relief, especially through Faye's drunken attempt to summon a golem protector, only to wake up to the impossibly perfect Greg.

The chemistry between Faye and Greg is sizzling and sweet, filled with witty banter and moments of tender vulnerability. Greg’s mysterious arrival and his too-good-to-be-true nature add a magical twist that kept me guessing, while Faye’s journey toward reclaiming her confidence and addressing the wounds of her past felt authentic and inspiring.

What truly sets Magical Meet Cute apart is Meltzer’s fearless approach to confronting anti-Semitism with her honest, authentic voice all while wrapping the story in an entertaining rom-com. It’s truly a testament to her skill as a storyteller.

This novel is perfect for readers who want their romance with a dash of magic, a sprinkle of humor, and a whole lot of heart. Jean Meltzer has written a story that’s not only swoon-worthy but also thought-provoking, and I highly recommend Magical Meet Cute to anyone looking for a feel-good read with depth.

A cute romance story with a little more depth than many, thanks to NetGalley for the ARC; fans of the author will enjoy this one as well.

I loved the culture within the pages of this book and how the author took such care writing. The book delves into some heavier topics and isn’t the light fluffy rom com we all know and love the entire way through.

Our FMC Faye is relatable — I feel her pain as I also have dealt with a lot of the same issues and traumatic experiences and it made the book feel a little more special.

This book had just the right touch of magical bits and pieces throughout and the supporting characters were so lovely and endearing.

This was my first read by this author.

I was surprised at how much i loved this book. I loved everything about it and the characters were so easy to like.

The writing was easy to follow and i did not want this to end. I cannot wait to read another book by this author.

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

Jean Meltzer’s Magical Meet Cute is a captivating blend of contemporary romance, Jewish culture, and just a touch of magic. As with all of Meltzer’s books, this novel is deeply rooted in Jewish heritage and traditions, yet it also explores universal themes of healing, trust, and self-empowerment. While it’s billed as a contemporary romance with a sprinkle of magic, I would argue that Magical Meet Cute feels more like a romantic suspense novel, as it delves into some heavy, poignant topics and builds tension with a good dose of mystery and danger. It’s a story that keeps you turning the pages, not just because of the romance, but because of the emotional depth and the stakes at play.

At the heart of this story is Faye Kaplan, a woman who’s spent much of her life recovering from emotional and physical wounds. Faye’s past is marked by betrayal and hurt—from her emotionally distant parents to a toxic engagement that left her questioning her own worthiness of love. This lack of self-trust, combined with her painful past, has led her to create walls around her heart. Faye’s decision to leave behind a high-powered career as a lawyer in New York City and settle in Woodstock, New York, to open a pottery shop—Magic Mud Pottery—is part of her journey to heal and reclaim her life. As a ceramicist, she pours her soul into her craft, but her relationship with herself and others remains fractured.

Faye’s complexity as a character is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. She’s an imperfect yet relatable heroine who’s trying to rebuild her life after years of emotional turmoil. It’s clear from the outset that she doesn’t believe she deserves love, and she’s tentative about taking risks—both in her personal life and in her faith. What I found particularly fascinating was Faye’s identity as a “Jewitch,” a term I had never encountered before. It describes someone who blends the mystical and spiritual aspects of Judaism, particularly in relation to feminine spiritual practices and rituals. Faye’s journey into this unique spiritual space is both compelling and educational. Meltzer’s research into Jewish spirituality is evident, and I found myself captivated by the rituals and practices that Faye uses to heal, as well as her connection to the history of Jewish mysticism. It’s an aspect of the book that adds layers to the story, and it made me reflect on how faith and healing intersect in different cultures.

However, Faye’s peaceful, newly minted life in Woodstock is shattered when her small town is hit with a wave of anti semitic attacks. Flyers are distributed throughout the town, containing hateful rhetoric and listing the names and addresses of Jewish residents, including Faye and her shop. The discovery of these flyers forces Faye to confront the realities of hatred and prejudice in her community, reminding her that no place is immune from the damaging effects of bigotry. This moment serves as a catalyst for the book’s central plot. Faye’s distress is palpable, and it’s clear that the attack shakes her deeply—not only because of the danger it represents but because it stirs up painful memories of her past.

In her emotional turmoil, Faye turns to her craft and, after a few too many drinks, decides to create a clay figure. She envisions this figure as a “golem”—a mythical, clay creature in Jewish folklore that is brought to life to protect and defend the Jewish community in times of danger. The next morning, Faye is surprised to find that the figure has taken on a life of its own in the form of Greg, a handsome, red-haired man with no memory of his past. The meet-cute that follows is less of a traditional romantic comedy moment and more of a shocking twist of fate, as Faye literally collides with Greg while riding her bicycle. From there, the story unfolds in unexpected ways. Is Greg truly the golem she inadvertently created, or is he simply a man with no memory trying to find his place in the world? The tension around Greg’s origins and purpose is what makes the plot so gripping. Is he just a manifestation of Faye’s wishful thinking, or does the magic run deeper than either of them understands?

The supporting characters in Magical Meet Cute are equally rich and endearing, contributing to the story’s warmth and emotional depth. Greg is a fascinating figure—his blank slate of a past makes him an intriguing mystery, and his growing connection to Faye is one of the book’s highlights. As their relationship develops, it’s clear that Greg offers Faye not only the chance to love again but also to confront her own fears and insecurities. Another standout is Miranda, the local synagogue cantor, and her wife, Shulamit, who become integral parts of Faye’s chosen family. In a world that often tells us we must rely on blood relations, Magical Meet Cute celebrates the concept of chosen family, showing how the bonds we form with others can be just as powerful and meaningful as those we are born into. One of the most touching aspects of the book is Faye’s relationship with her elderly neighbor, Nelly. Nelly is a wise and kind presence in Faye’s life, offering both emotional support and a sense of belonging in the small community.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed the magical elements of the story, I do wish there had been more exploration of the mystical aspects throughout the narrative. The concept of the golem and the magical realism that runs through the book is fascinating, but it sometimes takes a backseat to the more conventional elements of the romance and drama. That said, Magical Meet Cute is more than just a romance with a dash of magic—it’s a deeply emotional story about overcoming trauma, finding self-worth, and learning to trust again. Faye’s personal growth is at the core of the novel, and it’s incredibly satisfying to watch her evolve from a woman who believes she’s unworthy of love to someone who is willing to embrace vulnerability and open her heart to new possibilities.

There is also a layer of suspense that adds an intriguing edge to the story. As the mystery surrounding Greg deepens and the danger from the anti semitic attacks escalates, the book shifts from being a light romance to a more intense, suspenseful narrative. The stakes are high, not just for Faye and Greg’s burgeoning relationship but for the safety of the community as a whole. This tension adds a sense of urgency to the story, propelling the reader forward as they try to unravel the mystery of Greg’s identity and the true nature of the threats facing the town.

In conclusion, Magical Meet Cute is another triumph for Jean Meltzer, combining romance, magic, and emotional depth in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. With well-developed characters, a compelling plot, and a rich exploration of Jewish culture and spirituality, this book will resonate with readers looking for more than just a lighthearted romance. It’s a story about healing, finding strength in the face of adversity, and learning to love again—not just others, but ourselves. While I would have loved to see more of the magical elements explored throughout the book, the emotional depth and rich character development make this a highly enjoyable and memorable read.

This was a super cute read! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved the characters and found myself very much enthralled with what happens next!

Magical Meet Cute blended magical realism and Jewish folklore with a hint of suspense and traditional rom-com tropes to create an engaging read that did not shy away from current events. Faye Kaplan has dealt with a lot of hurt in her past, including abuse that led to her needing to change her career, which understandably leads to difficulty trusting others. Safety becomes an issue after antisemitic papers are left all over town. Enter Greg, who Faye accidentally runs over with her bike, and he's good-looking, protective, and - uh oh - amnesic. Since no one has come forward looking for him - and his memory is still non-existent - he stays with Faye temporarily and is determined to keep her safe. I enjoyed this read, and recommend it to those who enjoy some magical realism within their romance reads, and aren't going to shy away from a read with real-life current issues. Note: I received an advanced reading copy, receipt of which did not impact my review.