The Matzah Ball

Coming September 28th, 2021

Chronically-ill Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is a “nice Jewish girl‚” with a secret: she loves Christmas. As the best-selling author of over twenty Christmas romance novels, and four made-for-TV movie spin-offs, she’s kept her stellar career secret from her observant Jewish family for over a decade. But when Rachel’s publishing house tells her they won’t renew her contract unless she writes them a Hanukkah romance, she’s desperate for inspiration. She finds it in the form of the Matzah Ball, a high-end Jewish music celebration scheduled for the last night of Hanukkah. There is only one problem: tickets are sold out and the only way to get one is direct from the ball’s creator, who just happens to be Jacob Greenberg, her summer camp arch enemy.

Advanced Praise for The Matzah Ball

"A sparkling holiday romance told with both honesty and heart."

Kirkus

“A charming holiday romance… This heartfelt rom-com should be unwrapped by people of all faiths this holiday season.”

Publishers Weekly

"So delightful!... If you love charming romance novels, or just like fun, this is a wonderful book for readers year-round."

BookRiot

"The Matzah Ball had me laughing out loud. It’s witty, funny and an all-around terrific read."

Debbie Macomber #1 New York Times bestselling author

“A love letter to Judaism and an utterly charming romance. With two irresistible leads, a scene-stealing bubbe, and plenty of holiday magic, The Matzah Ball is a luminous celebration of all types of love, threaded with the message that everyone is worthy of it.”

Rachel Lynn Solomon Author of The Ex Talk

“Funny, bright, and lovingly crafted! The Matzah Ball healed a piece of me I didn’t know was hurting.”

Rosie Danan Author of The Intimacy Experiment

“I devoured this book like a batch of Jacob's Bubbe's Rugalach. It is the perfect blend of funny and magical but also tender and thoughtful. It lit me up like a menorah.”

Jenny Bayliss Author of The Twelve Dates of Christmas

"A warm, heartfelt ode to self-acceptance, honesty, and tight-knit Jewish communities, The Matzah Ball gently—and rightfully—insists we don’t need to be perfect or 'normal' to deserve and find love. The story was a true pleasure to read."

Olivia Dade Author of Spoiler Alert

“Heartwarming, romantic, and funny. The Matzah Ball is simply a joy to read.”

Sarah Morgenthaler Author of The Tourist Attraction

"Heartwarming and hilarious, The Matzah Ball is a fantastic, festive, fresh take on a holiday happily ever after.”

Karen Schaler Emmy Award-winning writer

"A funny, fresh holiday read to tickle your funny bone and warm your heart."

Sheila Roberts New York Times bestselling author

"A laugh-out-loud treat. Written in bright, witty prose and with a heroine to root for, it's a light holiday concoction that delivers a deeper message about love and acceptance at the same time. The perfect addition to your holiday reading!"

Anita Hughes Author of Christmas in Vermont

“Grab a jelly doughnut and get ready for a holiday rom com unlike any other! The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer brings the fun while also delivering an important message about being true to yourself. A refreshing and delightful read."

Brenda Janowitz Author of The Grace Kelly Dress

Meet Jean

Jean Meltzer studied dramatic writing at NYU Tisch and has earned numerous awards for her work in television, including a daytime Emmy. She spent five years in rabbinical school before her chronic illness forced her to withdraw, and her father told her she should write a book―just not a Jewish one because no one reads those. The Matzah Ball is her first novel.

Upcoming Events

Sep. 24 — 4:00 PM ET, Instagram Live w/ Robin Kall Homonoff of Reading with Robin (Virtual & open to the public)

Sep. 27 — 6:00 PM ET, Launch Event w/ Debbie Macomber at Fountain Bookstore, VA – (Virtual & open to the public, link TK)

Nov. 9 — 8:00 PM ET, St. Louis JCC, MO (In Person)

Nov. 16 — 8:00 PM ET, Film, Fiction & Wine Group, Women of Reform Judaism (Virtual)

Dec. 12 — 6:00 PM ET, Tampa JCC and Federation, FL – (Virtual)

Dec. 16 — 6:30 PM ET, Monthly Romance Event at Bookmarks, NC (Virtual & open to the public, link TK)

Stay Connected

“A charming holiday romance… This heartfelt rom-com should be unwrapped by people of all faiths this holiday season.”

Publishers Weekly

“A charming holiday romance… This heartfelt rom-com should be unwrapped by people of all faiths this holiday season.”

Publishers Weekly