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The Matzah Ball  By  cover art

The Matzah Ball

By: Jean Meltzer
Narrated by: Dara Rosenberg
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Publisher's summary

A Most Anticipated Book selected by * PopSugar * Bustle * Buzzfeed * Bookpage * Goodreads Members

"The Matzah Ball had me laughing out loud...an all-around terrific read." (Debbie Macomber, number one New York Times best-selling author)

Oy! to the world

Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is a nice Jewish girl with a shameful secret: She loves Christmas. For a decade she’s hidden her career as a Christmas romance novelist from her family. Her talent has made her a best seller even as her chronic illness has always kept the kind of love she writes about out of reach.

But when her diversity-conscious publisher insists she write a Hanukkah romance, her well of inspiration suddenly runs dry. Hanukkah’s not magical. It’s not merry. It’s not Christmas. Desperate not to lose her contract, Rachel’s determined to find her muse at the Matzah Ball, a Jewish music celebration on the last night of Hanukkah, even if it means working with her summer camp archenemy - Jacob Greenberg.

Though Rachel and Jacob haven’t seen each other since they were kids, their grudge still glows brighter than a menorah. But as they spend more time together, Rachel finds herself drawn to Hanukkah - and Jacob - in a way she never expected. Maybe this holiday of lights will be the spark she needed to set her heart ablaze.

"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)

©2021 Jean Meltzer (P)2021 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Featured Article: The Best Holiday Audiobooks for Making Spirits Bright


Whether you're looking for a silly novel, a book to introduce your kids to holiday traditions, a fun romance, or a holiday classic, these stories will add some cheer to your winter listening. So, whip up a mug of cocoa, light a fire or some candles, and cozy up with one of these holiday audiobooks. From serious family dramas to swoon-worthy romances, classic Christmas books to children's stories about Kwanzaa, there's a holiday audiobook for everyone.

What listeners say about The Matzah Ball

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fun with Pearl's of wisdom about love and MECFS!

Fun easy read love story. A respite from crazy covid life. Author exemplifies MECFS well, a rarity, and more books need to be written about ME and life with illness. Sadly many with ME are more gravely disabled, and in real life people aren't so accepting, but hope that will change. Refreshing to have Judaism portrayed positively.

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4 people found this helpful

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The Matzah Ball

This was a delightful love story that understands the difficulties of relationships between people . The author balances being true to one’s faith with being open to the traditions of others in a loving respectful way. Can’t wait to see the movie!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Entertaining & Heartwarming Read

Great reader. Funny & entertaining light read. Never boring and never dragged. Recommended for romance buffs.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it!

So happy to finally have a Hanukkah Story….now waiting for the movie to come out. Also have to go eat some rugelach. Yum!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fun, easy listen

I really enjoyed this book as a fun, easy, holiday book. No surprises, just a straightforward feel-good story.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Very cute

Very sweet, light read. Narrator was excellent! Two thumbs up! A nice change from all the Christmas books I’ve read this year!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Adorable!

Yes, you know how it will end, but it is well written and has cute twists. Totally enjoyed it.

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The matzah Ball!

This is an Absolutely fabulous book! From t start to finish I was completely captivated by the story of Rachel and Jacob!

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  • Overall
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wonderful holiday romance

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this story. The two main characters met as teens at a summer camp, and did not leave that experience on good terms. However, over a decade later their paths cross once again. This story follows them as they begin to find their own “truths” with the support of friends and family. Both characters are endearing and relatable. Also, the supporting characters are absolutely wonderful and entertaining. This story is the epitome of a rom-com set in the holiday season - I definitely laughed out loud at several parts.

The story is lightly laced with Yiddish words and centered around Hanukkah. The author does a great job of explaining what various words mean, so even those without a Jewish background can easily understand and follow the story.

The narrator did a great job as well! Definitely worth a credit if you want a feel-good romance.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Hanukkah Grinch, NOT :)

Absolutely loved this story and narration too. what a wonderful story of the holidays, family, love Absolutely finding oneself.

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1 person found this helpful