The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer

Disclaimer: I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

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I have to say this book is one of my favorites. I totally got Rachel on so many levels. I could even relate to how she dealt with her illness. She is someone I could be friends with. 

Book Description

Oy! to the world

Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is a nice Jewish girl with a shameful secret: she loves Christmas. For a decade she’s hidden her career as a Christmas romance novelist from her family. Her talent has made her a bestseller even as her chronic illness has always kept the kind of love she writes about out of reach.

But when her diversity-conscious publisher insists she write a Hanukkah romance, her well of inspiration suddenly runs dry. Hanukkah’s not magical. It’s not merry. It’s not Christmas. Desperate not to lose her contract, Rachel’s determined to find her muse at the Matzah Ball, a Jewish music celebration on the last night of Hanukkah, even if it means working with her summer camp archenemy--Jacob Greenberg.

Though Rachel and Jacob haven’t seen each other since they were kids, their grudge still glows brighter than a menorah. But as they spend more time together, Rachel finds herself drawn to Hanukkah--and Jacob--in a way she never expected. Maybe this holiday of lights will be the spark she needed to set her heart ablaze.

About Jean Meltzer

Jean Meltzer studied dramatic writing at NYU Tisch and has earned numerous awards for her work in television, including a daytime Emmy. She spent five years in rabbinical school before her chronic illness forced her to withdraw, and her father told her she should write a book--just not a Jewish one because no one reads those. The Matzah Ball is her first novel.

My Thoughts

Let me say this right from the start I get Rachel. As someone who has lived her entire adult life from age 17 with a chronic illness, I got her on so many levels. She is my hero being able to make a career for herself as a writer and okay maybe being a Christmas Romance novelist isn't the most dramatic secret but I got her fear in telling people. 

That said I loved the story behind these two characters. They each had things to overcome and I loved that their relationship was based on a friendship first. 

I must say too I loved Rachel's friend Mickey. I have wished more than once in my life to have someone like that to count on and tell my darkest secrets too. He was an amazing friend and a wonderful bright spot t this story. 

As for the whole Matzah Ball event and the things that surrounded it I was a little out of my league as I do not know much about the Jewish religion though I have wanted to learn. 

Overall I loved this story. I really loved the character and I totally want to be friends with Rachel.