I loved this story.
I’m Jewish and often find Hanukkah stories schmaltzy. The characters in this book really touched me. It brought back memories of growing up and having family around and lovingly in all your business..

Eighteen years ago, Rachel had a summer camp prank romance with Jacob. They were twelve. Ketchup was involved. But it ended badly. Now chronically ill, Rachel writes romance for a living. But not just any romance... oh no.. the dutiful Rabbi's daughter writes schmalpy and sensual Christmas-themed romances. In fact, she's written 20 of them. She's even got 4 movie deals out of them. Now her publisher wants more diverse works and so they give her an ultimatum... Write a Hannukah-themed Romance or they won't renew her contract. Rachel doesn't know what to do, until she hits upon an idea. An idea that puts her squarely in the path of her summer camp nemesis - Jacob.

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This review is going to contain some spoilers. And there are some very frank discussions about difficult topics including bullying, chronic illness, ableism, and suicidal ideation. Also, as in many romantic comedies, there may be a lot of secondhand discomfort with the situations the characters find themselves in. Make sure you're in a good place before reading this.

I'm really quite torn in how I feel about this novel. Like seriously torn. I loved parts of it and hated others, so I'm going to explain why I think this book is really good and I'm glad it exists, but also why I don't love it fully.

On one hand, I absolutely loved the Jewish representation and the very excellent way that the author explained very Jewish concepts so that non-Jewish people wouldn't feel left out. I liked that there were people who had varying levels of observation. While the author didn't identify which sect of Judaism Rachel and her family practices, it felt like Conservative Judaism as opposed to Reform, Orthodox, or Reconstructionist. From my experience, there is definitely different levels of observance from people who will eat shrimp and definitely have a bacon pan to those who have wholly separate kitchens for cooking and at least 6 sets of dishes. It felt real. And I loved that.

On the other hand, I didn't love the Hero. His actions in many instances really landed wrong with me. For instance he treats Rachel very poorly refusing to listen to her when she says "No, I can't do something." and constantly pushes her to share her secrets with him without being willing to share his own. He does something to her that quite literally had me crying because what he did brought back memories of my own bullying both as a child and later as an adult. Then, once his prank backfires, he does performs a sweeping gesture that removes a lot of her agency and doesn't give her a way out. (I'm going to come back to this) Even later still, he violates her privacy in her home reading a document that is confidential... and then doesn't even apologize for that. I didn't like him. Rachel deserved better.

I did like Rachel for the most part. In fact, my biggest complaint with her is something wholly personal--she doesn't stand up for herself--but it's part of her storyline so... I did like that Rachel is chronically ill and her feelings about it echo my own as a spoonie. Rachel lives with ME/CFS and the author nails what that is like -- likely because she has lived it.

That said (and here's your second spoiler alert) when the hero hires an executive assistant to oversee cleaning up Rachel's apartment, cooking her food, and caring for her while she is recovering from a series of triggered bad days brought on by the hero's bullying -- I told you I'd get back to this -- he does so without checking with her first. Worse, the executive assistant doesn't take her no as an answer. And while in the story it is presented with kind intentions there's a problem with this and how it's handled in real life. So yes, Rachel is overwhelmed. Yes, she is having a bad day to the point that heating up soup isn't possible. But she's the one who needs to decide what she can live with. It's like grabbing the handlebars of a disabled person's wheelchair and pushing them... the intentions are pure but they are often misguided. Worse, it builds into the very damaging real world consequence that disabled voices are ignored and infantilized. The way that Jacob and the Executive assistant treat Rachel is infantilizing. They are overriding her wishes. They aren't talking to her. They are treating her like a child. I really, really, really had issues with this whole scene and what it stood for. And while in the end, Rachel was okay with the help... it's bad consent. Really bad consent. And people learn from fiction and I feel like this is modeling bad behavior and rewarding it narratively.

I really adored how the publishing industry was portrayed. Especially the big push by publishers to have their authors out themselves as ownvoices and to write about their lived experience.... often when they aren't ready.

I didn't like how the event planning industry was portrayed. Some of the things that the author had volunteers doing would never be allowed in a union town like NYC. Look, I work in the convention industry. Teamsters or Hotel employees set up tables, chairs, etc... They also don't tend to allow things to be hung on the walls. or have things dangle from the ceiling. While I'm letting this go and it didn't affect my rating of the story, it was something I noted. There was a lack of research done.

What I did like was that at the end the author acknowledged that their experience isn't a universal experience. No marginalized person is a monolith. And that was actually lovely to see.

So yeah, I was torn.

I liked this, but I didn't love it. Parts of it really bugged me. It's got great character voices and wonderful representation. This is a nice sweet romance with no sex and very minor swearing. But because I'm so torn I'm going to rate this:

Three Stars

Rachel and Jacob really take Chanukah to a new level. Romance doesn't always have to be Christmas. Some really funny moments especially getting past childhood revenges.

First, praise: Rachel's secret life as a Christmas Romance writer pays for her Upper West Side two-bedroom and allows her a work-from-home career that helps manage her Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, keeping stress at bay. And it has been years of this Hallmark movie life - except Rachel's dad is a Rabbi, a major player in the world of Torah scholars and overseers of Jewish law. So, Rachel's work life is kept behind a closed door of her apartment, which means she has secrets and not much of a dating life. But then her publishing contract is challenged because, after ten years of Christmas, her publisher wants a Hanukkah story. And despite the candles in the menorah, Hanukkah just doesn't have the sparkle of Christmas, Rachel's trapdoor to happiness when she needs to escape her pain and discomfort from her illness.
Now, Jacob is coming back to New York for the first time since he was at Camp Ahava - where he and Rachel had a prank war, a first kiss, and a falling out that has left them both reveling in the mishegas of young love. Jacob, now a world-renowned party planner, is hosting an epic Hanukkah party at the Four Seasons and he needs a big-name Rabbi to light the candles on the last night of Hanukkah. So he plays everyone's favorite game of "Jewish Geography", and asks Rachel's parents to do the honors. Which puts Rachel and Jacob back together. And now, Rachel needs a favor from the boy who broke her heart - she needs to go to his party to keep her career on track. He agrees to give her ticket, but she has to earn it by helping. CFS be damned, Rachel is doing it. But of course, eight crazy days lights a path to each other. And it's a fun romp through the holidays in New York - pure holiday magic!

Okay, now I'm getting out my soapbox, so don't read if you are avoiding spoilers. 1. I appreciate the consideration for autoimmune disease, but OMG - Rachel is the poster child for a flare-up. Manage those symptoms - watch what you eat, girl! And that last email to her mother - No. Nope. It is not that easy to get pregnant. That is a dagger in the heart of all the women out there who struggle. Ouch.
2. The world needs more Jewish stories like this - but this shiksa needs to remind everyone that Christmas is a season and all of the Santa Claus artifice and magic that Rachel likes is secular. So, for that reason, this story needs a bit of a pivot. Christmas in New York is great, magical, wonderful, and full of sparkling sites. But if you want "Real Christmas" maybe go with a Manger and some wise men, and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" (and not just Macy's in Herald Square). Just saying.

I very much enjoyed reading "The Matzah Ball"! It resonated with me on a few levels- I enjoyed the opportunity to read Jewish fiction, and also because the main character, Rachel, deals with a chronic illness that is familiar to me as my older daughter deals with the same- chronic fatigue syndrome. I could really empathize with Rachel's struggles, knowing what my daughter has experienced. Jean Meltzer tells a lighthearted at times, and at times deep, enjoyable story about Rachel trying to write a Hanukkah romance, and being thrown together and reunited with a summer camp love. One of the aspects I truly enjoyed was reading about her loving family and their Shabbat and holiday observances. It felt so familiar and comfortable, as I grew up Jewish and my husband and I have created a loving Jewish home for our family. I heartily recommend "The Matzah Ball, and look forward to more novels by Jean Meltzer.

Rachel is Jewish but she loves Christmas. Not only does she have a room dedicated entirely to Christmas but she writes Christmas romances under another name. Her publisher wants her to write a Hanukkah romance but she has no inspiration to find the magic. Jacob and Rachel spent time together at a Jewish summer camp. He was her first love. Rachel believes he let her down and Jacob believes Rachel is responsible for their break up. Years later Jacob, now living in Paris, is coming to New York to put on the Matzah Ball. He is a wealthy party planner. Rachel thinks if she can get a ticket to the ball, she can find some inspiration to write and save her career. Even though they resent each other, when together there is still a strong force igniting feelings from long ago. I really like this book. Rachel and Jacob share times of fun and times of anger and tears. I gained insight into Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as Rachel struggles to keep her illness private and continue to work and volunteer for the ball with Jacob. I also appreciated learning more about the traditions of the Jewish faith. Great characters who are creative, smart, and loving. Scenes that are fun and bring the community together. I felt like I was a part of all the festivities.

Cute book! Leans heavily into Jewish archetypes, which was challenging for me as a Jewish person trying to fight against those. A good read for a rainy day.

The Matzah Ball, a fun, romantic, holiday book. The heroine has a chronic disease but she doesn't let that define her. The heroine is a Jewish girl who has a secret fascination with all things Christmas. Such a good twist and a joy to read.

Being Jewish, I could not resist a book called The Matzah Ball even though I don't normally read chick lit. But this is a cut above just chick lit as it explores Jewish traditions and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with real authenticity due to the author's background. If an author should write what they know, Jean Meltzer has certainly done that. The story itself is very predictable, but it is a nice addition to the genre of holiday stories and readers will enjoy it.

What a good slow burn story! Its nice reading about different backgrounds! And this was a hit with me!
This was a cut, funny, heartwarming story! And I devoured every second of it!
What I loved most was reading and learning more about Jewish culture and traditions.
This was a fun book! Y'all will enjoy it!

Do you like Hallmark movies? If so, this is the book for you! It's very fluffy and sweet (other than the main character's chronic illness) and a quick easy read. I loved learning more about Jewish traditions and some of the descriptions of the food had me drooling. I also liked Mickey and Toby's characters a lot and they really added to the story.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is about a young woman from an Orthodox Jewish family. The conflicts she faces with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and her career as an author of Christmas romances, (which she keeps from her family) makes for interesting reading.

Rachel Rubinstein-Goldblatt, daughter of a famous rabbi and fertility doctor has a secret. She’s crazy about Christmas and under a pseudonym has published 20 Christmas romance novels and 4 TV movies. She can’t let her parents and anyone else know because that would shatter the image of the perfect Jewish daughter she feels compelled to live up to. When her publisher demands she write a Hanukkah romance under her real name or not be renewed, her life as she knows it is threatened. With a chronic illness that daily impacts her life she needs this career. Enter Jacob, the boy she liked at middle school summer camp, the one who broke her heart. He’s throwing the hugely anticipated and completely sold out Matzah Ball that Rachel desperately needs a ticket to so she can find Hanukkah inspiration. Only he remembers that summer very differently insisting Rachel broke his heart. A perfect rom com.

The Matzah Ball, by Jean Meltzer, is a fun, romantic holiday book, that is different than the usual Christmas book we’re all used to. The heroine, Rachel, has a chronic disease, but she doesn’t let it define her, and she’s one tough cookie.

Rachel, the daughter of a famous Rabbi father, and her mother is a top fertility specialist. As a good Jewish girl, she hides her love of Christmas and especially her job as a Chrismas Romance writer. Only her best friend Mickey knows her love of everything Christmas and knows her pen name is Margot Cross, the famous Christmas Romance author.

When her publisher tells her to write a Jewish holiday story, Rachel is distressed, as she loves Christmas and can’t find the magic in Jewish holidays that she finds in Christmas. But, when she sees an ad for a huge Matzah Ball celebration, she hopes she can find some holiday magic at the ball. The only problem is the event coordinator for the Matzah Ball is her old summer camp nemesis, Jacob Greenberg, who she hasn’t seen in over twenty years.

The Matzah Ball is a nice holiday story that is so different from the usual Christmas stories, and I enjoyed reading about a different holiday tradition. The book started off a bit slow, there were a lot of explanations about the Jewish holiday traditions of Hanukkah and Rachels’ chronic illness. I didn’t know much about Hanukkah traditions, nor Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and I appreciated the explanations, however, it did drag the story down a bit at the beginning.

At first, I didn’t think much of Rachel and thought she was very defensive and somewhat whiney. But, after a bit, she found her zip and her voice and she was fearless. I enjoyed her growth during the story and found myself liking her and rooting for her happy ending.

Jacob was perfect for Rachel, he knew how to deal with her illness and yet force her to see herself as a fearless woman who should demand more of herself.

I recommend this delightful holiday story to anyone and everyone who loves a good holiday story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

In what could be a Hallmark answer to Chanukah, this book will make you laugh out loud, and cry along with Rachel, every step of the way! The characters are fabulously flawed and perfect just as they are, and the story line is so inconceivable at times that it feels like a truth-is-stranger-than-fiction moment. I loved this book so much, I've already made up Instagram graphics with quotes to promote it this fall! Cannot wait to see what the author produces next....

This book is adorable, I felt very bubbly and smiley reading through it. I was a little frustrated because it suffered from the tried and true “WHY DON’T YOU JUST
TALK ABOUT IT?!” romance novel method of conflict - but other than that, it’s a great holiday read. I also loved seeing a heroine with a chronic illness.

It almost lost a star for how hungry it made me, but it isn’t Meltzer’s fault I don’t have a rugalach recipe! Fair warning, enter on a full stomach, or with munchies near by!

This is a light, laugh out loud funny, intriguing read all rolled into The Matzah Ball!
I related to Rachel the main character, as someone who also absolutely loves Christmas and would be thrilled if everyday was Christmas!
Rachel's dilemma is that she is Jewish and is a best selling author of Christmas novels.
She writes under a secret alias!
Why? Because her family who is very strict about their faith would never understand their daughter loving Christmas.
Life is about to change for Rachel when her publisher has a new request for a Hanukkah book. What?? Hanukkah is SO boring and not a big holiday!
This is the story about how it all comes about and all the research needed to get this book finished.
This is definitely a wonderful novel! I really enjoyed it!

I was in the mood for something light and easy, and with my husband being Jewish while I am Christian, this book was a must for me.

This was an easy, fast read. In some ways it was the typical friends to lovers romance. But it added more - it added some interesting facts about being Jewish and the traditions. It added family relationships, and friendship and the power of accepting yourself. I really liked all of the characters and the story.

All that being said, it was perhaps a little TOO sweet for my taste. One reviewer wrote that this read like a Debbie Macomber book and I highly agree. If that's your kind of book - you will love this. If, like me, you need a lttle more "zest" or tension in your books, this might not be for you. It depends on how sweet you like it.. :)

I do want to thank the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC which did not impact my review.
I think it is a 5 star read for those who love these cozy books. It was a 3 for me.personally. So I am compromising with 4 stars..

This book was so so so sweet. Yes, I am reading a holiday book in the dead of spring, but I am living for this!

I will preface this by stating that this book gave me major Debbie Macomber vibes, so if you're a fan of her wholesome holiday novels you'll love this! Our book begins as Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is reunited with her childhood first love/ mortal enemy Jacob Greenberg. Things get heated as old misunderstandings are resolved, and they come together to create a holiday fundraiser event everyone is sure to remember.

At first glance, this book could be misconstrued as a fluffy holiday piece, and it does have those elements. However underneath the holiday sparkle, is a surprising depth into a holiday we seldom hear about. I am not Jewish, However, I love hearing about this holiday, a well as understanding the meaningful philosophy that comes with it. It was these elements that morphed this book into more than meets the eye.

As for the characters, if you have read any of my other reviews, you know I LOVE the quirky heroine. Rachel fits this to a T. Fuzzy socks and sneakers with a ball gown? Yes. Besides her quirky personality, I liked the fact that this book chose the opportunity to explore the stigma behind chronic illness. She is more than her illness, and there is no shame behind embracing a moment of weakness. Having a moment does not mean you are weak.

Jacob, our hero was equally as wonderful, as we explore the beta hero. I love when an author paints the traditional hero in such a loving light. Jacob allow Rachel to help him (even though this is something he clearly had trouble doing). Additionally, he was obviously smitten, and his gushy head over heels actions was adorable.

Overall, this book was a sweet holiday read, with surprising depth. Go out of your comfort zone, read something different this holiday season, Christmas shouldn't have all the fun.

Heat Level: 🔥

I devoured this in one sitting the second I got it approved on netgalley! I absolutely adored this book. The own voices representation was brilliant and much needed in a publishing world that typically only publishes these stories from outside perspectives. I love learning about the different Jewish cultures that both characters came from. The romance was also great! It was wonderful to see ME/CFS incorporated into the whole story and see how it affected her life, without the typical twist of the character dying or ending up heartbroken. A favorite breed of the year!