'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

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 bestseller 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.

Praise for Jean Meltzer

'A seasonal romance with a difference' People's Friend

'A funny, fresh holiday read to tickle your funny bone and warm your heart' Sheila Roberts

'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

About the Author

I was trained at NYU Tisch, Department of Dramatic Writing. After graduation, I served as Creative Director of Tapestry International, and Oscar-winning film and television production company, garnering numerous awards for my work, including a National Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Children's Series.

I am an outspoken advocate for my disease, myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), creating and running the ME/CFS Memorial Page, as well as several support groups online at points over the last decade. I have attended visibility actions in Washington DC with ME Action, meeting with members of both Senate and Congress in order to garner additional funding for my disease.

My experience in the Jewish world is also expansive. Though I was raised in what would be considered a secular home, I grew up kosher and attended Hebrew School. At the age of twenty-six, I left my career in the entertainment industry and moved to Jerusalem. I spent five years in Rabbinical school, switching branches as my theology developed, before chronic illness made it impossible to continue my studies. I currently reside in Virginia, where I focus on my health, and write stories.

Book Information
ISBN 9780349430065
Author Jean Meltzer
Format Paperback
Page Count 416
Imprint Piatkus Books
Publisher Little, Brown Book Group
Weight(grams) 280g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 128mm * 28mm