I can't believe I'm writing this but this was a DNF for me. I love Jean Meltzer's books and I was counting down the days until I could read this one but the magical realism was not for me. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next and I might pick this one back up and try to finish it at some point but I just could not get into this book.

This was my first book by Jean Meltzer and I throughly enjoyed it. It kind of reminded me of the hallmark movies I really enjoy watching. While I love Rom coms there were so parts of the book did not capture my attention.

Pure Magic

Magical Meet Cute by Jean Meltzer is a whimsical blend of romance, magic, and cultural heritage. As my first experience with Meltzer’s storytelling, I found myself so engrossed that I finished the book in a single day—a true testament to its engaging narrative.

The story follows Faye Kaplan, a former lawyer from New York City who trades her high-powered career for a peaceful life in Woodstock as a pottery shop owner. This tranquility is disrupted by a series of antisemitic incidents in her town. One evening, after a bit too much wine, Faye crafts a clay figure of her ideal man, whimsically naming him Greg. The next day, she crashes into a redheaded stranger with no memory of his past, and to her surprise, he looks just like the man she sculpted.

Meltzer weaves Jewish culture and history into the narrative, adding depth to the romance while educating readers. Faye’s journey of self-discovery, paired with Greg’s mysterious background, keeps the story intriguing. Their relationship is heartfelt, though at times the chemistry between them feels a bit understated.

The book tackle’s themes of love, identity, and resilience, addressing the impact of antisemitism and promoting inclusivity by featuring characters with disabilities. This thoughtful representation adds meaningful layers to the story, fostering empathy and awareness.

While the magical elements and cultural richness are standout features, the plot has some inconsistencies, and the romantic connection between Faye and Greg could have been more dynamic. However, Magical Meet Cute remains a charming read that blends enchantment with real-world issues, offering valuable insights into embracing one’s heritage. For readers who enjoy heartwarming tales with cultural depth and meaningful representation, this novel is a delightful addition to their bookshelf.

I had a hard time getting into this book. Some things the main character did just didn’t sit well with me.
I would like to reread this at a later date.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Romance. Magic. Rom Com cuteness, what more could you want? Loved this, fast paced romance. Will look for more from Jean!

I really tried to like this book, but I just didn’t enjoy it at all. There were too many weird aspects going on and I didn’t like the characters at all. It didn’t really feel like a rom com.

I really liked this one, although the element of a magical being threw me a bit. Like I want a happily ever after, not a creature that would go insane. But thankfully it worked out in the end and I really enjoyed this one. Jean Meltzer is going to go onto my always read pile.

thank you to netgalley for the e-arc. i am not a fan of the magical realism but i guess this was done well enough. i thought the inclusion of jewish and disability representation was done wonderfully. while some serious issues were brought about, it wasn't so heavy that it makes you dislike the overall lighter tone of the book.

✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Jewish/Jewitch Rep
✨ Slow Burn
✨ Found Family
✨ Small Town

This one was super cute. A charming slow burn rom com with a slow burn and cozy vibes. There is a lot of focus on Judiasm, antisemitism, and a little witchiness and romance tossed in for good measure. You kinda know what's going to happen until you don't and then it just gets good all over again. Thank you for letting me read this one early in exchange for my review!

Jean Meltzer does it again!

After being dumped by her fiancé, Faye is living in Woodstock, NY and owning her own pottery studio. When Faye creates a golem, a legendary Jewish creature to be the perfect guy she wants.

Greg immediately stole my heart as the MMC, and I really enjoyed this story!

There were many things I greatly enjoyed about Magical Meet Cute, even as the concept of Jewitch was a bit too new age-y for me. (Not to say that it is wrong, just not my belief system!). I loved the concept of a golem in modern day, which oddly enough is anchored in enough legend and folklore for me to be willing to believe in, and the way Greg's character appeared and was developed fit in beautifully. Another thing I greatly appreciated was the different reactions to the anti-semitic incidents that take place during the story. There is no one way that Jews respond, and whether it is with appeals to love, or by becoming a "Nazi-hunter," hiding one's faith or publicly displaying it, all are reasonable responses, and were all demonstrated throughout the book.

I found the characters generally likable, even if I could predict the villain a bit earlier than perhaps we were supposed to. It's also a marvelous story of the strength of, and drawing strength from, one's chosen family.

Jean Meltzer does a great job capturing the variety of Jewish life throughout her novels, and I look forward to reading more from her.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Absolutely joyful, magical, and heartwarming story about finding love in the unlikeliness of places. Jean Meltzer does an amazing job of highlighting what it is like to be Jewish in our current world; the beauty, the community, and unfortunately the fear. As a non-Jewish person, I really appreciated the lens through which I could learn and empathize. Additionally, the who-done-it aspect of the story kept the reader guessing and was a great addition to this romance.

Highlights:
✨Magical Realism
✨Small Town
✨Lost Memories
✨Disability and Diversity Reps
✨Poignant and timely topic

Favorite Quotes: “Just because a book is fun and fictional . . . doesn’t mean there’s nothing real to learn inside of it.”

“A Hasidic proverb teaches, ‘Love is the most reliable cure for wounds of the soul.’”

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this review copy. My opinions are my own.

This book had a super-cute premise and sounded both zany ad heartfelt. Unfortunately I felt that the serious issues it raised of anti-semitism and trauma survival didn't mesh well with the really bonkers behavior of the protagonist.

Thumbs up for giving us an MMC with long red hair and thick thighs who's literally described as belonging on the cover of a romance novel.

Thumbs down for writing out "hard kosher salami" about 40 times (it's only ever just "salami" in one scene, and I'm still not sure why that one didn't get the full treatment).

Obviously you can choose for yourself when deciding whether to read this one. Just brace yourself for a lot of hard kosher salami in your future if you do.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

Magical Meet Cute by Jean Meltzer had the makings to be a very important book. Much of the book chronicles the history of Anti-Semitism and its current climate in our world today. And because the book is a contemporary romance, this topic is accessible to a wider audience.

The book centers on Faye, a trauma survivor who owns her own ceramics shop. After a drunken night in which she creates the man of her dreams in clay, a stranger shows up the next day. Faye becomes convinced that the stranger is a golem of her own creation.

I really enjoyed the book until I didn’t. The book, which was teetering on is the real or is it magical realism, became a ridiculous mess that wrapped up too neatly at the end with a perfect bow. I think if the author had decided to go in a different direction with the book, it could have been a great, fun and educational read.

Side note: I loved the character, Nelly. We all need a Nelly in our lives!

I really enjoyed this story. Faye is a former lawyer who left her career, was dumped by her fiancé and moved to Woodstock to open a little pottery shop. Faye is a Jewitch, which is something I’ve never heard of, but found very interesting. I went into this book blindly and found it very refreshing and loved how it portrayed and gave us a little insight into how the Jewish have been and are still treated in some instances. It’s a great little rom-com with a little learning for some. I personally enjoyed it and would like to thank NetGalley and the Author for allowing me to read an Advanced copy of this great book!

This is a delightful romance. Jean Metlzer coming current political issues, past trauma, and the desire to be loved.

Honored to share a birthday with this oh too timely, educational and and sweet read.

Jean Meltzer's books are full of Jewish rep, history and joy and this one is no exception. The themes were what I loved most about this one, from antisemitism to all the different ways of connecting to your Jewish identity to the power of stories passed down through generations. I especially loved learning about Jewitches and golems. And the closed door romance was very charming - and very funny at times. Overall, another cute one and I look forward to Jean's next book - The Eight Hearbreaks of Hanukkah, coming October 2025.

This is the first romance I’ve read where we ask - is the hero a golem? Potter Faye is happy with her life and her town - except the anti-Semitism she’s seeing by way of posted flyers.

After getting a little tipsy, Faye creates a clay golem to protect the town, and maybe be her perfect man. Enter Greg, who seems like he’s simply made for Faye!

Add in an accident, amnesia, and an investigation into a hate group, and we have a cozy, sweet love story between Greg and Faye.

Except Greg can’t remember his past, and Faye can’t help but wonder, did she make him out of clay?

This story had silly and serious moments, humor and love, and most of all, characters whose personalities flew off the pages. I always love this authors’ characters, and this was no different. Am I Faye? Because I think so many of us can relate to her.

This is a highly recommend from me! From the Queen of Jewish romances, this was such a perfect mood read for me that I was sad when the story ended.

Such a cute book and should be a definite read for anyone who likes a cute, fun book to read! I enjoyed the characters and could relate to them more than I wanted to!

I don’t think the cover matches the story. While this is a romance, the themes of Jewish folklore, Anti-Semitism, and Jewish magical realism are more prevalent than the romance.

This book was not what I thought it would be. While I did learn a lot, this wasn’t a lighthearted romance by any means. Faye is a Jewish witch that is afraid to live her life out loud after being abused as a child. And Greg is the embodiment of old Jewish folklore for 90% of the book. I enjoyed the Matzah Ball, but this book missed the mark for me.