Fun book about Jewish families and their relationships with one another. Explores navigating dating and romance with chronic illness .

Another charming novel by Jean Meltzer that really highlights a topic that I haven't read in a romance novel before — a heroine with chronic pain (in this case, interstitial cystitis) in a way that feels so personal and intimate that there's no possibility that it isn't a lived experience. It's less enemies to lovers and moreso "our grandfathers are enemies but what if we want to be lovers?", especially since Avi and Ethan work past the lies of omission fairly quickly in favor of, well, trying to repair the rift between their families. Funny, a little sexy, and ultimately lovely.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have absolutely adored everything Jean Meltzer writes but Kissing Kosher was her best yet (and that is saying something because the first two were also fantastic) - the Jewish representation in this novel was phenomenal while also being educational which is wonderful for those less familiar with the Jewish faith who pick up this book. There is romance, humor, wit and the struggles of family and chronic illness - contributing to so much heart in this wonderful book - I highly recommend pre-ordering this one before it releases in August - you are definitely going to want to get to know Avital and Ethan!

Jean Meltzer has become one of my very favorite authors in the past year, and with each subsequent novel she just keeps getting better. As a former rabbinical student, she often writes reflections for Shabbat that deal with a particular Bible or Talmudic passage and applying it to modern life. I love those posts on Instagram because they make me think and they give me insight into understanding Jewish faith in the 21st century.

Meltzer does the same sort of thing in her novels--she deftly weaves her Jewish faith into her novel storylines, in a way that reaffirms the Jewish reader, and informs non-Jewish readers without being didactic.

"Kissing Kosher" is her third novel, and in it she writes about the reality of living with chronic pain and inflammation. She writes about something I really did not know about, but once it was explained in the book it made sense: generational pain being passed down from parent to child to grandchild. She writes about families and love and loss and loyalty (and yes, this is a kissing book).

Avital and Ethan are well-developed and sympathetic protagonists, and this reader was rooting for both of them to find their footing and their calling. I won't spoil the plot or the ending, but the primary and secondary characters are amazing, the dialogue is both snappy and honest, and I really wanted to drive to Trader Joe's for some babka more than once (if I hadn't been on a road trip while reading this novel, I just might have).

Five stars, definitely recommend.

Thank you to Jean Meltzer, her publisher MIRA, and NetGalley for an advanced ebook to read and review. All opinions (and all the gushing) are my own.

This was not Meltzer's best book thus far. I absolutely loved The Matzah Ball, and Mr. Perfect on Paper was cute, but this one was hard to slog through. I understand Meltzer's personal connection to the chronic pain storyline, but it was just overkill in this book. I could understand the main character having chronic pain, and the negative impact on her life, without the two to five references per page to he pelvic floor pain, bathroom discomfort, etc. As a person with Celiac Disease, I can relate to sudden flare ups and symptoms, but this was excessive and distracting from the storyline and characters' connections. I really thought about giving this book two stars, but the author's note helped change my mind. Also, despite it being really goofy, the pot farm storyline helped redeem the book because it was a nice break from the chronic pain talk. I look forward to the next novel by Meltzer, but I do hope it is a little more balanced than this one.

Kissing Kosher was another well written, emotional, and heartfelt read from Jean Meltzer. I will say that of her books so far, I think this is the one that surprised me the most. Though it still keeps with many of her mainstays – I also felt this one erred more to the serious side of things. Each of her books tend to explore heavier topics within, but this one I would classify as less of a rom-dramedy and more in line with a Women’s Fiction or literary drama. While there is a romantic component, it did not feel as central to the story for me.

In seeing the cover art, reading the blurb, and based on past experiences with her books I did go in expecting more of a classic enemies to lovers romcom type read. Again, while there are moments of levity, I really felt this was a more serious read. I wasn’t quite prepared for all I encountered or how that impacted the structure of the story. All this to say, I thought it was really well written, thought provoking, and overall a very good book – but I would advise not to go into this expecting a traditional romcom or romance, there are romantic arcs. I want to make this clear up front, because I think for me – knowing what to expect impacts my ability to enjoy and appreciate a read.

Some things to note, given the nature of the story, the build at the beginning of this one felt a bit slower in pace. There was a lot to set up and unpack, the first half of the story was where I felt this more as these pieces and backstory were woven in. The second half of the story picked up a bit for me, and definitely featured more of the romantic arc as it was as well.

I appreciated both of our main characters and their unique experiences, traumas, and journeys that they were navigating. Both had so much going on, I loved that Ethan in particular was finding his way and finding a way to look for the positive despite a lot of hardship. Avital’s journey was so hard and definitely hard to read about, I really felt for her – the frustration and agony of living with a chronic illness day in and out. I was so happy to see her find her own way forward. Chronic illness, as much as we might all wish, isn’t something that magically goes away, but Avital’s journey really highlights how to find the joy and contentment in life.

To be honest, I tend to go for lighter reads or reads that are more lighthearted overall. It’s just my comfort zone and preference. While this one wasn’t exactly what I had expected or hoped for, it was still a very moving story and one I’m glad I experienced.

All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Thank you to HTP Books, Mira Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of this book.

Avital co-owns a kosher bakery in Brooklyn with her twin brother Josh. She has a health condition which keeps her in almost constant pain, and gave up her dream of being a photographer when she needed more flexible hours. She advertises for help, and a really handsome applicant, Ethan, comes in for an interview. He claims to have gone to culinary school, but his true motive is to get the bakery's secret recipe for pumpkin spice babka. His crochety old grandfather had a falling out with the bakery's founder many years ago, and claims the recipe was stolen. Will Avital and Josh find out who Ethan really is? Can a Romeo and Juliet romance work when the families have been feuding for so long? This is a cute bakery romance--I'm just sorry that it didn't include recipes. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

The first half of this book did not work for me but I’m glad I didn’t put it down because it turned out the majority of my issues with it were neatly resolved. I loved and related to the chronic pain rep. My dad has chronic pain and the first half reminded me of the early days of his experience and diagnosis. In the second half of the book, Avital and Ethan learn more about the use of medical cannabis and this really reminded me of my dad’s experience as well. A big issue I had with the first half was how Randy is just a stereotypical stoner, but that was all resolved when Ethan changes his way of thinking and realizes there is so much more to his brother. I did have some issues with the book that stopped it from being perfect - seeing a number on the scale when Avi visits the doctor (why did we need that?), maybe I missed something but I’m not sure about all the logistics of the business at the end of the book, etc. But overall it was a representative read on a number of levels and I liked the romance between Avi and Ethan too.

With her upcoming third novel (due out in August 2023), Jean Meltzer again delivers an entertaining, heartfelt story populated with likeable, relateable characters and filled with sexy, steamy, raw romance. Plus, the authentic, positive and joyful Jewish content is once again overflowing. But, like with The Matzah Ball and Mr. Perfect on Paper, Kissing Kosher isn't all fluffy, feel good romance. Her female lead, Avital, suffers from chronic pelvic pain and Meltzer does not shy away from portraying her frustration and despair. Meltzer also doesn't shy away from depicting the benfits of medicinal cannabis use. As she writes in her acknowledgements, ". . . chronically ill people deserve their own types or romantic fantasties," making Kissing Kosher an important and needed addition to the genre.

Jean Meltzer is a force when it comes to Jewish representation. I love her books and this one did not disappoint.
Avi deals with chronic pain and as we learn more about what she goes through we learn more about her. It is a hard topic at times to she her struggling, but I think it added a good and real depth to the story.
I love all the talk of the baked goods!
A cute romance, with baked goods, family feuds, and so much more.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

Meltzer writes really meaningful romances that explore Jewish tradition, spirituality and family relationships. She also gives her characters dimension by exploring narratives with real problems and medical issues. Avi's journey with chronic pain is well written and creates a bond with readers who experience similar issues or no others also on that journey. Ethan's character is also well developed and just the sweetest.

First off as a Jewish woman, representation in novels is just the best and it's great when it's not just historical fiction (though those books I read all the time too!). I am a huge Jean Meltzer fan (I mean The Matzah Ball is SO GOOD!). Her ability to write such witty, funny dialogue is so gorgeous and lovely. Jean has represented Judaism and Jewish traditions so well that I am just so proud and thrilled by this book.

This book. Get it. You will laugh. You will cry. You will swoon! This book is going to be my Hanukkah gift for my friends FOR SURE!

This was a fun little romance. It also gave me lots of inspiration for some Jewish baked goods. I loved the characters and their romance. They each had unique stories and I felt like they really grew a lot as individuals over the course of the story.

This was such a quick read because it is witty, funny, fun. Not a deep read but so enjoyable. Loved the main characters and their chemistry

I first stumbled upon this author last year when I read “Mr. Perfect on Paper.” It was a stunning surprise, a dark horse of a book, if you will. I was thrilled to get my hands on Meltzer’s upcoming book, “Kissing Kosher.” Meltzer writes wonderful, authentically Jewish fiction. You can tell the subject and content of her writing is near and dear to her heart. It is well-researched and planned.

In this book, our female MC struggles with a chronic illness (interstitial cystitis). I felt Meltzer did a great job showcasing what daily life is like living with a chronic illness. Our male MC struggles with being a disappointment to his grandfather (though, spoiler alert, he really isn’t). Both of the main characters have a strong challenge to overcome. Not to mention, they fall for each other along the way (a lá Romeo & Juliet). They are up against so many roadblocks, though…health, family, careers.

I landed on three stars for this book. It may be because I wasn’t prepared for the seriousness of the story line. At times, it felt heavy because of the family struggles & health issues. I do believe this was intentional & deeply personal to the author. In that regard, I hate giving ratings. When a book and story line is so personal to an author, giving it anything less than 5 stars hurts my heart. But I have to be honest in my review. Yes, there’s a love story, but there’s also so much (realistic) sadness that I wasn’t mentally prepared for going into it. I appreciate that Meltzer wrote about something that is so important to her. For that, I give her 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and MIRA for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This book will be released August 29, 2023!

I continue to love Jean Meltzer's books and how she shines a light on invisible chronic illnesses. I loved this story of feuding families, romance, and history. It also made me want to run to my local bakery and buy all the treats.

Loved this book! I started reading last weekend and couldn’t stop until I finished. Jean Meltzer delivers a fun and spicy romantic tale intertwining jewish culture, family drama, and the curveballs of chronic illness. Suffering from autoimmune disease myself, it was comforting to read about characters navigating everyday life with the flare ups these conditions can bring. Kissing Kosher is an inspiring read about a young woman named Avital who is torn between running the family bakery and meeting her personal needs, as she battles chronic pain. JM does a wonderful job of creating a diverse set of three dimensional characters who find themselves on a path of acceptance and self discovery. Sometimes it takes the kindness of another to find what your heart truly kneads. I “knead” Jean to keep writing. Can’t wait for what’s next !

4.5 stars. Ethan has just been hired at Brooklyn’s most famous kosher bakery, but he has a secret: he’s a corporate spy, sent by his grandfather to steal a well-guarded recipe so that their baking company can mass produce it. But Ethan wasn’t counting on Avital, the beautiful but complicated bakery owner who’s making it harder every day for Ethan to want to carry out his covert mission.

The love story here is sweet and full of honest communication about everyone’s needs. Avital has a chronic pain condition that sounds frankly awful, and her quest to find relief brings her and Ethan closer together. I found some of the conflict resolution at the end of this book a bit too neat, but otherwise it was a lovely book and I wish I could spend more time with these characters, eating babka.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

Jean Meltzer has once again found a way to both educate and entertain her readers. Avi emphatically disagrees with the statement "Don't make your disease your identity" because as any chronic pain sufferer knows, it is an overwhelming part of who they are. Kissing Kosher weaves a story of two young people discovering not who they are but rather who they ultimately truly want to become.

My favorite Jean Meltzer rom-com yet. Ethan is the perfect love interest for our heroine, Avital, who struggles with intense and personal chronic pelvic pain. As they slowly learn each others' secrets, these Romeo-and-Juliet-fated family enemies help each other through emotional, physical, and familial pain.

Meltzer writes chronic illness with raw vulnerability because she experiences it herself, and as a reader who shares some of her diagnoses, I appreciate the representation and honest look into our daily lives. There is a conversation that Avital has with her brother about ableism and how chronic disease is every day, it's a part of our identity. That made me cry -- in a good way. It means so much to have our experience articulated so well.

There's also lots of great (hunger inducing) baking scenes, steamy and intimate sexy scenes, heart-melting caregiving scenes, interesting insights into Judaism, relationship boundaries, and medical marijuana, and funny and sweet families and found families.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.