I tend to read mostly realistic fiction but I really enjoyed this story. The characters were kind of caricatures of themselves. The fantasy part was not so way out there so that it was enjoyable for someone who doesn't really like fantasy/sci fi. There was some comedic relief also.

I got this as an arc on Netgalley and it will come out in January. I wanted to love this and the writing itself was not bad but it just had too much elements that kept pulling you out of the story. It was not for me.

Magic Maker is a delight; a fast-moving, warm-hearted mix of historical fiction, time-travel fantasy, and Judaica that's welcoming to all readers. The Rosenfeld family feels so real, and Meir Popper's struggles to release them from a random act of mystical entrapment kept me enthralled.

In The Magic Maker, Mickey Dubrow crafts a captivating tale set in early 20th-century New York City. The story revolves around Baruch Rosenfeld’s family, who are mysteriously trapped in their apartment after a good deed goes awry. As time stands still for them, their individual ways of coping with their confinement add depth to their characters.

The modern-day aspect introduces Esther Luna and magician Meir Poppers, who team up to unravel the mystery behind the Rosenfeld family's predicament. Dubrow’s rich storytelling and the enchanting blend of magic and realism create a compelling narrative, though the resolution could have been more drawn out. Overall, it’s a charming and imaginative read that engages with its magical premise and heartfelt moments.