An Unorthodox Match

I love books that have anything to do with Orthodox Judaism. The Unorthodox match is so beautiful, I had tears in my eyes more than once at the decriptions of Orthodox Judaism by one of the main characters Leah, a Baalas Teshuvah (a newly observant jew) as well as those from a widowed man wth five children Yakov. I devoured this book, it has such a beautiful message. I loved that there were Hebrew words in this book just like in real life. I think perhaps a glossary at the back might be helpful. I simply loved this book. I felt the cover however, was a bit off for this book as Leah, as a baalas teshuvah, would never wear a dress like the one depicted. I'm so glad I read this book. Baruch Hashem. It was beautiful in more ways than one.

I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

This story has some terrific humor! I loved when Leah was visiting the Matchmaker and the dates she went on were so funny! She met some real characters! Leah had had a tough life so far and felt lost. Her boyfriend had died in a tragic accident and she felt to blame. She had also lost her job. She converted to Judaism, orthodox. Yaakov’s wife died recently and he was struggling with his five children and looking after the house. Leah was looking after his house as a volunteer, but Yaakov had not met her first. Yaakov’s experiences with the Matchmaker were also humorous. I also learned much about Judaism which I appreciated.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Author Naomi Raven has written a modern-day Cinderella but our Prince is a widower with 5 children living in an isolated religious community with strict rules and a penchant for welcoming converts while secretly excluding them from the heart of communal life. And Cinderella has a backstory that is laden with personal tragedy and a mother, rather than a stepmother, who trivializes her heartfelt desires to pursue a life with greater depth and meaning. Raven creates a world that most readers have never visited and will find fascinating. The various characters and their many desires are compelling and often contradictory. There’s no question that the book serves as both a great story and a bit of a nudge to the reader to pause and reflect. Which of these characters makes sense in this story? How might I act? Could I see myself in this world? I admit to wanting a second book. I want to know what happens next. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of An Unorthodox Match.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this novel. the determination of Leah was simply amazing. I loved her strong will and devotion to her beliefs. I was engrossed in the long and imperfect road to happiness for Leah (and her match)! As a bonus, I learned so much about Orthodox Judaism.
This book was a peek into a seemingly very private and much misunderstood way of life. I will very definitely read from this author again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Naomi Ragen for the ARC!

Already a fan of Naomi Ragen, I was thrilled to receive this ARC from Jordan Hanley at St Martin's Press - and this new novel aptly titled about finding love in the Orthodox Jewish community did not disappoint. This is a multi-layered novel that goes way beyond the basic question of how a Talmud scholar and Orthodox widow, Yaakov, can find a future with newly converted woman, Leah - who is Jewish by heritage but is seeking to find her own sense of identity through conversion to this most devout sect of Judaism. In this world, which still follows practices that seem highly outdated in the "modern" world, love is not a factor in the traditional matchmaking which brings two individuals - and their families - together for a committed life of marriage and building a family of their own.

This well researched novel will give the reader an insightful view into Boro Park and the insular, religious and cultural practices of this Orthodox Jewish community and the challenges of trying to "break in" to this community as a deemed outsider, no matter how devoted that outsider is to making this traditional life her own. The descriptive details about the daily life, traditions and rituals - and more importantly - the worldview of this community was vividly portrayed and provides tremendous depth and backstory. Clearly the novel becomes more of a page-turner the deeper you get into the story.

At a high level, this novel compels the reader to think about what love means within the context of one's upbringing, religion and cultural norms. At a deeper level, it is a multi-generational story about how no matter one's religion and beliefs, the power of family love can be a foundation for understanding and acceptance. I appreciate the ARC from St. Martin's Press and Net Galley and highly recommend this novel. You will think about the deeper relationships and their implications for greater understanding in our current world long after you read the last page.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book. To be honest I've never heard of this author before. I was surprised how the story explored the faiths in combination with two people of totally different backgrohnds falling in love. For sure I will recommend the book to my family and friends. Sadly enough I discovered the glossary explaining the jewish words / language to late.

This is the first book I’ve read from Naomi Ragen and I’m so glad I did. Thank you to Jordan Hanley from St. Martin’s press for putting this wonderful gem in my hands and introducing me to this wonderful author. In the first scene, Leah (formerly Lola) Howard is sitting in a Rabbi’s office. After losing a fiancé to a freak accident and a serious boyfriend to infidelity, she has turned to faith for healing, decided to become Orthodox. The story immediately takes off as we follow Leah through the difficult assimilation process. Soon after she arrives in Boro Park, Brooklyn, she begins volunteering to help the family of Yaakov Lehman, a recent widower, tidying up his home and caring for his smaller children several times a week. Learning about him only through clues she finds in his home and things his children say, she becomes intrigued about who he is. When Leah and Yaakov finally meet in person, they both immediately deny their instant connection. How could they possibly be a match? He is a from a well respected family in the community and she is an outsider who has eaten forbidden foods, caroused on Shabbat, and slept with numerous men. At its heart this a romance story—there’s no questions about how the story will end—but getting there is immersive and completely enjoyable. I loved reading about all of the details of the Boro Park Haredi community. Ragen has done enormous research to make sure she gets the details right and it shows. Her running commentary and observations about the ways and traditions of the insular community are insightful, intriguing and balanced. The shifting perspective also allows the reader to see different sides of the same story and come to their own conclusions. I will definitely be picking up some of Ragen’s other books in the near future.

Naomi Ragens new book based in the world of Orthodox Judaism a world most people know little about .She shares with us through Leah’s story and her search for faith the. World of Judaism it’s a moving emotional novel that kept me turning the pages..Will recommend to my book club.#netgalley #st.martinsbooks.

In An Unorthodox Match Naomi Ragen reveals Boro Park’s Orthodox insular community. She delves into how unwelcoming this community is to a woman Jewish by birth but previously non-observant who now seeks to be a part of this community. It was an interesting and enlightening book. My only issues were with its repetitiveness and predictability.

Leah Howard has changed her life and become “Baal teshuva” leaving her life as a non-religious Jew to move into Brooklyn’s ultra-orthodox community. Leah believes that this cleansing of her soul will bring her the things she has not found in her secular life. Despite the disdain of her mother, Lola, now Leah, is dogged in her pursuit of love, marriage and motherhood within this alien community.

Of course, she finds that people are people and the community is very insular and shockingly rejecting. But, her path is clear and she begins to seek a husband within the confines of this community. She also takes very seriously the concept of doing good works. By helping a widower care for his family, despite the myriad difficulties, she finds herself in love with his two youngest, motherless children.

Ragen takes us on Leah’s journey in finding a husband via the machinations of the community matchmaker who looks down at her because of her background. At the same time, the young widower is searching for a new wife, while dealing with incredible chaos in his home. The dates provide a comic relief in this serious novel.

Yes, a match is made. Sure, this was easy to predict but this truly charming story in an unlikely setting brought me lots of nachus (joy) in reading this novel. The characters are well developed, extremely likable. As a reader, I wished them a beautiful life despite the fact that I recognized the level of difficulty the couple will face.

I truly enjoyed this novel and am excited about recommending it to reading groups. All the issues that are evident will lead to rich discussions in book clubs and seminars. Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and enjoy this lovely book.

The author takes us on the two separate journeys of Leah and Yaakov and we dive deep to their individual backgrounds and stories. At times I found this serious novel to be too didactic and narrative instead of active and moving forward with dialogue. But I learned a lot about Judaism and found all of the characters interesting.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

An Unorthodox Match by Naomi Ragen is a fabulous novel about Leah (Lola as her name was that was given to her at birth) a 34 year old female and her trials, tribulations, and quest to find herself, her way in the world, and to find where she belongs.
It is a story of her transition from raised to believe in nothing, to her transition into a conservative Orthodox community in New York City. Here she meets a few friends/allies amongst a whole new community that isn’t as perfect as she had expected. She meets a 41 year old widower, Yaakov Lehman, his family, and learns of their own problems and struggles in life.

The supporting characters add depth and passion to this transitional tale, and I immensely enjoyed reading their thoughts and insights and the complexity that this added to the novel.

Obviously I initially became interested in this novel due to being Jewish (however not Orthodox), but as I read on, I learned so much more about this specific community, its culture, and the main theme: that no matter who you are, where you live, or what religion you may be, you will experience mountains and valleys. Struggles are inherent to everyone and know no boundaries. It is what you do in response to these challenges that decides what kind of person you will become.

This is a gem of a novel and I have already checked out to read several more books that are written by Ms. Ragen.

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley for this most excellent advanced read and in return I am submitting my unbiased, voluntary, and heartfelt review. Please read this book!

An Unorthodox Match by Naomi Ragen
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I have read and enjoyed other books by Naomi Ragen and was looking forward to this one. I was not disappointed.
The story is about Lola (now Leah) and Yaakov and much more about religion, traditions, diversity and inclusion.
Leah had a tragic event in her life and several broken relationships, lost job and now finds herself in the orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn. She was born Jewish to a single mother who did not observe any of her religion and does not approve of Leah’s joining the orthodox community.

Yakov, a Talmud scholar and widower with 5 children, lost his young wife recently. He is trying to cope as best he can with his studies, school and raising his children. Leah is a volunteer babysitter in his household.
Both Leah and Yakov are looking for a life partner in marriage through a perfect match by a traditional matchmaker. But it turns out, Leah as a recent entrant to orthodoxy is not a desirable match . Neither is Yakov with 5 children. Although there is instant chemistry between Leah and Yakov, a relationship and marriage is unheard of without a matchmaker.
I loved this novel, it addresses serious issues about religion, traditions and inclusion. I took away one star, because I felt, it was a little slow in the beginning, maybe too much background information about many of the characters. It’s in the second half of the book when it really picks up. Overall 4 stars.
Thanks NetGalley, St Martin’s press and Naomi Ragen for the advanced copy.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This story draws you into the world of Orthodox Judaism. I have to say that it is a fascinating culture and one that I greatly respect. I learned so much about the inner workings of this society and how they deal with death and courtship and marriage.

A subtle love story written with respect for the Orthodox culture. And a woman's spiritual journey. I really enjoyed it.

Interesting story of a Jewish man who loses his wife after their 5th child is born. His teenage daughter and mother-in-law try to help out but he really needs a wife. The matchmakers try to set him up but he's not interested in those women. Meanwhile Leah volunteers to help with the children and household and is doing a great job. Leah meets the man and they fall in love. But things are not so easy in the Jewish world.

This is the first book of Naomi Ragen that I have read but it won’t be the last. It was a story of love, acceptance, faith, and culture. I learned so much about Orthodox Judaism. Leah was such a strong character and I enjoyed her journey and her devotion to her religion. Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I had never heard of this author before and didn’t quite know what to expect. I was so pleasantly surprised by this novel of faith, love, and acceptance. While Leah and Yaakov were wonderful characters, to me the minor characters were where the writer’s talent shone. I love how thoughtfully written this was, and I learned so much about Orthodox Jewish faith and culture. At times humorous, compelling throughout, and often encouraging of my own reflection, this was a five star read for me!

Thank you Netgalley for a complimentary advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I will definitely be reading more by this author.

An Unorthodox Match By Naomi Ragen

An interesting story involving a Jewish girl from New York who falls in love with an Orthodox Jewish widower’s struggling family as she volunteers to help them out in a rough patch. It is her mitzvah.

Lola,now Leah, a new Orthodox convert, comes from a quasi Jewish family herself and has found solace in the orthodoxy of her faith. She likes the clear cut rules and boundaries set within. Leah also wishes to find a mate to leave her former unfulfilling life behind.

There is much for the reader to discover here about Orthodox Judaism and its tenets, customs, holidays, ups and downs. There is plenty of Hebrew and Yiddish to be learned in this book. Leah loves Yaakov’s children and the Orthodox life more and more everyday.

This well written and informational tale will widen your scope about the life of Orthodox Jews. You will feel for the family and Leah as their conflicts turn into triumphs and Leah prays to find the love she was hoping for in this tight knit community.
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I do not give five stars easily but “An Unorthodox Match” earns each of those five stars! At its simplest, it is the story of Leah a women recently converting to Orthodox Judaism, and Yaakov, a Talmud Scholar, and recent widow. The book explores the challenges they face in searching for a meaningful relationship while honoring the tenants of their faith. The book takes nothing for granted, however, and there is not simply one right answer on how to live. The grace of this book is that it takes the assumptions we make not only about our own religion but others’ religion and holds them up to examination and light. As the characters struggle to be true to their faith in a rich and meaningful way we are taken on a journey that allows the reader to explore their own spiritual choices. And while the focus is Judaism, the book touches Catholicism, Buddhism, and Sikhism as well. Reading “An Unorthodox Match”, left me feeling like I had just taken a wondrous adventure to a foreign country! And like all foreign travel, it expanded my knowledge and challenged my own beliefs. I thoroughly recommend this book! It was the first time I have read Naomi Ragen, but it certainly will not be the last! I was honored to receive a free advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.

Yaakov is a father, a widower and a Talmudic scholar. As a widower with his wife now gone for a year, he alone is responsible for his five children. He alone has a home to put in order, children to raise and overwhelming challenges, both financial and spiritual. How will he go forward, how will he provide for his family?

Lola/Leah is a secular Jew who at the age of 34 is disappointed with her life and is now gravitating towards a more spiritual life, turning to the Orthodox community in Brooklyn. She is now converting to become an Orthodox Jew, which is no easy feat. Will the religious community accept her, will she fit in and accept their reality which is so different from her own background? Added to all of this, is her mother who is pulling her in the opposite direction, not accepting her daughter's decision to "convert" calling her a "born-again Jew." Yet, Leah's spirituality far exceeds her mother's expectations of her
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This book was an amazing read, in that I learned so much more about my own religion. While I am a "secular" Jew, there is a great difference between how I look at Judaism as opposed to how the Orthodox view it. Reading the novel, it does provide "food for thought" (kosher no doubt). How they resolve their different points of view and blend with each other has made this a beautiful story.

My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lola born a Jew, but is not and has never been a practicing one. As she become more spiritual she wants to be known as Leah and eventually hopes to be accepted by a orthodox congregation in New York, far from the hustle and bustle of California where she was raised. She wants a family - to be a wife and have children. Even though her mother is completely against her, Leah continues her journey to happiness. The book provides a window into the Orthodox way of life, the language, the customs are all there. They add very nicely to the story. For non-Yiddish speaking people there is a very nice glossary at the back - thank goodness. This book would be a wonderful addition to any library.

At first, I thought this book was going to show, how the secular world is bad, and Jewish Orthodox is good. However, it turned out to be a very honest insight into both worlds. There is a lot of soul searching, looking for what matters, finding an anchor, dealing with loss, and loneliness. The author is not hiding any flaws of the religious community, she is exposing the hypocrisy, but in a kind and humorous way. The story is not heavy on tradition or kosher laws, but rather on human heart, and doing what is right.

The characters are well developed, we get to know everyone, and can sympathize. The cover of the book does not do it justice. Leah is a lot more modest than the pictures shows. Also she has a small tattoo on her wrist, and not a huge one on her back. There is neither huge contrast between them, nor scandal. Both Yaakov and Leah are very proper characters.

I really enjoyed diving into the Orthodox world of New York, which felt like a completely different place and time, and getting to know these characters. The author does a great job with backstory and character development, making you feel as though you're voyeuristically observing them, and also really takes care to add lots of little details and Yiddish to educate the reader (who may not be familiar with the subject) about Judaism and orthodoxy. There were parts that moved a little slow for my tastes, but the last 10% of the book made up for it, with some surprise twists and a sweet ending.

This special book will stir all your emotions - it is a story that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The author has managed to shine a light on a community that seems to be so different but learning about this community shows us that we are all alike, that we all have similar thoughts, feeling and emotions. This book and these characters will stay with you long after you have finished the last page.