Matzah Ball Blues

Holidays, Heart and Chutzpah #2

by Jennifer Wilck

Why is this night different from all other nights?

For starters, Jared Leiman is home for the holidays. Because though he and Caroline Weiss were high school sweethearts, their postcollege lives took them in different directions. Jared became a big-time entertainment lawyer in LA, while Caroline became a fitness instructor and stayed in town to care for her sick mother. And though her mother passed away three years ago, Caroline is finally free to go where she chooses. Meanwhile Jared, who inherited custody of his baby niece after a tragic accident, is suddenly a family man.

So now Caroline wants to leave her hometown in the dust, whereas Jared might just set up roots there. Because there is one thing that Browerville, New Jersey, offers the two of them that no other place does…each other!

Genres: Romance, Jewish, Holiday, Holiday Romance

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 26, 2024

About the author

Jennifer Wilck is an award-winning contemporary romance author for readers who are passionate about love, laughter, and happily ever after. Known for writing both Jewish and non-Jewish romances, her books feature damaged heroes, sassy and independent heroines, witty banter and hot chemistry. Jennifer’s ability to transport the reader into the scene, create characters the reader will fall in love with, and evoke a roller coaster of emotions, will hook you from the first page. You can find her books at all major online retailers in a variety of formats.

Jennifer started telling herself stories as a little girl when she couldn’t fall asleep at night. Her favorite stories to write are those with smart, sassy, independent heroines; handsome, strong and slightly vulnerable heroes; and her stories always end with happily ever after.

In the real world, she’s the mother of two amazing daughters and wife of one of the smartest men she knows. She believes humor is the only way to get through the day and does not believe in sharing her chocolate.

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous book to read in the lead-up to Passover! I loved everything about it.

First off, this is a lovely second chance contemporary romance. It’s set in a Jewish community in a New Jersey suburb, where community life revolves around the JCC (Jewish Community Center), synagogue, and Jewish holidays. This one is set before, during and after Passover. We have a young woman, Caroline, who is finally getting on her feet, emotionally, financially and professionally, three years after her mother died. She was the sole caregiver and is relishing her independence now. Her high school boyfriend, Jared, went off to college and law school and is now an entertainment lawyer in California. She hasn’t seen him in years. He has now come back to NJ for an extended visit, his toddler niece in tow, for whom he is now guardian, after a tragedy with his brother and sister-in-law.

I loved Caroline. She leads exercise classes at the JCC and is so wonderful with the seniors she teaches. She has been working to expand her role into program director. Jared is at a major crossroads in his life, as he comes to terms with his brother’s death and the responsibility he has now for little Becca. He has matured and regrets how badly he dealt with Caroline.

In addition to the second chance romance, we have a subplot about possible financial skullduggery at the JCC. Having been a business manager at a university and being familiar with how non-profit organizations work, I could totally relate to Caroline’s frustrations and concerns. After she is called upon to step in to helm a big event (the titular Matzah Ball) at almost the last minute, I was delighted with how Jared used his contacts to help. There’s a whole lot of Jewish celebrity name dropping in relation to this, and I loved it all.

As I said above, this is a great seasonal read. I empathized with Jared’s parents, as they did their extensive Passover prep. I refer to it as “spring cleaning with a deadline!”

There were so many totally Jewish things in this book! How many books have you read that compare sweating this way: “like a Bar Mitzvah boy before being called to the Torah.” Or how about this? “I’m your mother. Telling me not to worry is like trying to break a piece of matzah without making any crumbs. Impossible.” Love! 💕

Warning: a couple of very steamy scenes

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Special Edition for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Matzah Ball Blues for the Jewish Joy Book Club (from Jewish Women Talk About Romance Books on Facebook). It was a sweet romance and an enjoyable read overall.

I loved all the Jewish elements of the story and it made me look forward to Passover more than I normally would. There was a nice balance of sensitivity about grief with light humor. I liked Caroline and Jared and wanted them to be together. And Becca was just too adorable for words! It also reminded me of the many years I worked for a Jewish nonprofit. There's even a little mystery regarding something that affects Caroline's job. (I'm glad I didn't have to deal with such a thing when I worked for a nonprofit though!)

I know this can be read as a standalone, but it felt like there were references made to a previous book and were not really explained for those who didn't read that book yet. I also felt like it ended abruptly and could have used an epilogue.

Overall, it was a worthwhile read and I wish I had been in attendance at the Matzah Ball that was featured in the story.

(Trigger warnings below.)

Movie casting suggestions:

Caroline: Sarah Ramos

Jared: David Corenswet

Harriet (Jared's mom): Gabrielle Carteris

Doug (Caroline's boss): B.J. Novak
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TW: sibling death, parent death (both happened in the past, but are brought up a lot)

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

Matzah Ball Blues is the second book in the Holidays, Heart and Chutzpah romance series.

This is my first book by this author. And I really liked it. This book has different narrators than the first book (they are interconnected standalones). I was easily able to read this without having read the first book (which I definitely now want to read).

This book has a lot of Jewish rep and takes place during Passover. The heroine is Caroline. She works at a Jewish Community Center in a fictional New Jersey town. Ten years ago she had turned down an athletic scholarship to take care of her sick mom.

The male narrator is Jared, an entertainment lawyer, who has returned home with his 2 year old niece. Jared and Caroline had been high school sweethearts.

There was so much that I enjoyed about this book. It was a quick read that made me happy. I loved the Jewish characters. And I really loved how Passover was represented in this book. I really liked Jared's parents, and Caroline's best friends. And there is a Matzah Ball that was so fun. There is also a mystery.

I definitely related to Caroline losing her mom and thought that part of the story was handled very well.

Overall this is a wonderful romance with incredible Jewish rep. However it did end a bit too abruptly. But still a beautiful book.



Thanks to Harlequin Romance and netgalley for allowing me to read this book.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed for Wit and Sin

Passover gives a second chance to former high school sweethearts in Matzah Ball Blues . In the year since his brother’s death, entertainment lawyer Jared Leiman hasn’t quite come to grips with the loss or being a father to his toddler niece. Taking a break from the high pressure and long hours of his job, he returns home to visit his parents for Passover and runs into – literally – his ex-girlfriend Caroline Weiss.

Jared and Caroline broke up when he went to college and she stayed home to care for her terminally ill mother. Jared broke her heart all those years ago, but he was a kid afraid of responsibility. Now he’s a man coming terms with loss and caring for others. I liked watching Jared grow over the course of the story, to take care with others and recognize that the life he’s living no longer suits him or his niece. Coming home brings it all back to him and his feelings toward Caroline come rushing back. Caroline is finally free of responsibility and she wants to live her life, to experience the things she put on hold. Jared should be the opposite of what she wants now, but old feelings come rushing back quickly. Their romance was both a slow burn and a surprisingly fast trip into feelings. I felt like them falling back in love was heavily built on a foundation we didn’t see and it didn’t always feel earned.

A secondary plot involving potential fraud at Caroline’s work adds some intrigue to the story but overall this was a slower paced book. I liked the romance well enough and I enjoyed seeing Caroline actively work to grow her career, but it felt like something was just missing from Matzah Ball Blues to keep me entertained. The conflict may have worked better in a shorter format where there wasn’t as much repetition.

One thing I really enjoy about the Holidays, Heart and Chutzpah series is author Jennifer Wilck’s excellent Jewish representation. Passover traditions in particular are highlighted in this book and Wilck does a great job of bringing them to life. While I was so-so on the story overall, Wilck’s care and attention to Jewish traditions engaged me and definitely made me want to read more of her work.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Pooja Peravali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ten years after Jared broke up with Caroline when she needed him most, they cross paths again on his visit home for Passover - but this time it's Jared who must be responsible for a family member, and Caroline who's free to embark on an adventure.

I don't always love a second chance romance, but this one between high school exs who split from the encroaching adult pressures of their lives and reunited ten years later works perfectly. Though Caroline and Jared continue to grow individually through this book, you understand why they work together now, and the romance feels sweet and realistic. I also enjoyed learning about the various observances and traditions during Passover, which the author blends into the story to make it feel like a true holiday romance.

However, I wish Becca had more time on the page - it doesn't really feel like a single parent romance when the kid's often off being watched by grandparents, though she did certainly play a major role in Jared's character arc. The book also ends abruptly - an epilogue, even just a couple of pages, would have helped wrap things up. And - though this might just be more a matter of personal taste - I wish the author would have invented some fictional celebrities for Jared to represent. It was just jarring to have the likes of Ben Platt appearing on the page - I kept wondering if he knew he was in this book!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jared Leiman left his hometown and became a high powered entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles. The high school sweetheart he left behind, Caroline Weiss, took care of her terminally ill mother and became a fitness instructor at the local JCC. After her mother's death, Caroline is free to finally take the trip to Europe she always dreamed of while Jared is home with his niece after a tragic accident suddenly made him a parent. This is a sweet, second chance romance with some heat. The book should be accessible to romance readers, even if they are unfamiliar with Judaism.

[Heidi Shertok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jared Leiman’s perfect life comes to a grinding halt when he unexpectedly finds himself in sole custody of his young niece whose parents were killed in a car crash. Instead of nightclubs and women, he’s buying diapers and singing lullabies. And for the first time in many years, he flies back to his hometown for Passover.

Carol Weiss had put her life on hold in order to take care of her ailing mother. But after a year of mourning her mother’s death, she’s finally ready to travel a little and explore the world around her. The last thing she expects is to run into the man who had broken her heart years earlier.

This is a delicious second-chance romance that will make you sigh and swoon in equal parts!!! Jennifer Wilck is a master storyteller and this is one romance that only a fool would “Passover.”😉✡️🍷🍷🍷🍷

[Heather Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super sweet Passover romance with a little bit of spice too. I also liked the added mystery element at Caroline’s job and I appreciated learning about what it’s like working at a JCC. I was hoping that we’d see more bonding between Caroline and Becca. I also thought the ending was a little abrupt or maybe I’m just greedy and wanted more:) Overall, a well written romance and I’ll definitely be reading the other books in this series.

[Jean Meltzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a book that will get you in the Passover spirit?!?I positively LOVED Matzah Ball Blues by Jennifer Wilck!

This super-Jewy, fun and steamy, romance tells the story of Carolyn, an athletic instructor at her local JCC, who only wants one thing—to go to Greece after taking care of her dying mother for eight years. But when her ex-boyfriend, Jared, returns home for Passover (with a baby in hand) will her plans, and her heart, be upended by the boy who abandoned her when she needed him most?

Some reasons I loved this book:

*As someone who spent time in the Jewish professional world, I though this book was totally on point regarding the experience of working with Jewish organizations! I loved getting to visit and work at a JCC through Carolyn’s eyes. I laughed aloud seeing shout-outs to organizations like Federation. And, of course, I was nodding my head at the familiarity of budget deficits—and sometimes, missing money—that happens because of poor oversight.

*This book IS SUPER JEWY, in a way that feels so authentic to the Passover experience. In fact, most of this book revolves around Passover prep, with Jared’s parents constantly needing him to run to the store for that “one last thing.” I also loved how fiercely and proudly Jewish this book was. And yet, there’s no apologies for what these Jewish characters do and/or don’t do in terms of their Judaism. For instance, they celebrate Passover... but they also eat Oysters Rockefeller on dates. It felt very real to me.

*Ya’all. I have said it before and I will say it again, “I READ ROMANCE FOR THE BILLIONAIRE WHO DOES LAUNDRY.” I love that Jared is so rich, he can have a baby, and never have had to change a diaper, because the nanny always does it. (It should also be noted that Jared is a parent due to his brother dying in a car accident.) Yes, this book is giving ALL THE BEST TROPES. And, of course, there’s swoony dates that lead to increased and steamy tension between our main characters.

*I loved the comedic elements in this book, as well as the underlying mystery of missing funds affecting federation and the JCC. And, the set-up for why this couple couldn’t be together WAS SO GOOD. If someone abandoned you during your parents’ death/dying—would you ever forgive them? And yet, we’re rooting for this couple, throughout, and in every way. I fell in love with both Jared and Carolyn, as much for their imperfections as anything!

I’m so pleased that Matzah Ball Blues is our April pick for The Jewish Joy Book Club. RUN to add this romance to your Passover prep this season! As the tagline says, “It’s got holidays, heart, and chutzpah!”

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chances are my favorite trope. Other tropes in this book are Jewish romance and sudden guardianship of a child.

Caroline Weiss had put her life on hold when she nursed her mother as she was dying of cancer. She had to give up her athletic scholarship at a Big Ten university, instead taking classes part time at a Community College. Since then she has been squirreling her money away after paying off her mother's medical bills and is soon to take her dream vacation that has been in the plans for years. Meanwhile she has a job teaching classes at the JCC and is up for a promotion, but is told by her boss that the promotion is on hold because funds have gone missing. She takes it upon herself to investigate.

Then her ex, Jared Lehman returns to town. He had been her boyfriend in high school, but had ghosted her during their separate college years. He had gone on to become a high paid entertainment lawyer in LA, but then recently became guardian of his brother's toddler after her parens were killed in a car crash. He comes home for Pesach and would like to pick up where they left off. He has also become disillusioned with his lifestyle now that he has adorable Becca. I liked the story and the characters, who are well-developed.

But there are several things that I didn't like. Like Christian romance, Jewish Romance should also be clean. The sex here was not necessary for the story. No information was given on what happened to Caroline's father. Did he die, was he just a sperm donor, an alien from outer space? And if the author is going to make them Jewish, why make them nominal Jews? In for a penny, in for a pound. The author needs to brush up on her heritage, as she made several mistakes. Passover is 8 days not 7. She kept using the word "trief", which means non-kosher when she meant to use "chametz", which is food forbidden to eat on Pesach, butter is kosher for Pesach all year round and other things that annoyed me.

All in all I would still recommend the story to someone who is not as picky as me. I was gifted with an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGalley.com, so it is possible that the items that I mentioned above were corrected in the published version. This is my honest, non biased and voluntary review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this book was chosen as the book of the month for a Jewish romance club on Facebook, and the price was right, Bob. I enjoyed this cute adult contemporary romance that took place in a NJ town around Passover. Not only a second chance romance, one of my favorite romance tropes, but the Jewish representation, sign me up.

Jared and Caroline used to date in high school, but he broke up with her when her mom was being treated for cancer and later died. Jared has grown up since, becoming a successful entertainment lawyer in L.A., now raising his 2 year old niece after his brother and sister in law died in an accident. So, while there's
grief on both sides, the book doesn't feel heavy. Caroline is a fitness instructor at the local JCC and was promised a promotion, but there's missing fundraised money that puts her promotion at risk. Caroline is given a chance to plan the Matzah ball, which happened after Passover.

Jared comes home with Becca for a few weeks to stay with his parents. He reconnects with Caroline, who is reluctant to give Jared another chance. Caroline has a dream vacation planned to Greece, and she's finally independent and free of responsibility to anyone but herself. However, they start hanging out and sparks fly. Caroline has a group of girlfriends she's close with, but no family. Jared's parents are very traditional, with preparing for Passover. I liked the close relationship Jared had with his parents and yet how they were team Caroline regarding the breakup. I enjoyed the book, although the ending was abrupt. I would have liked an epilogue. The side story with embezzled funds was interesting, and I got a kick out of the famous, 1st named only Jews. [Sarah Silverman and Mila Kunis and a Daniel] the 3rd person kind of annoyed me, but that's just personal preference.

Anti Semitism is mentioned but no specific references to the attacks in October. Also TW for grief and loss.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jared and Caroline’s love story in Matzah Ball Blues by Jennifer Wilck, book two in her Holidays, Heart and Chutzpah series, is a wonderful second chance romance that proves people can change when life places obstacles and hurdles along their journey. This story deals with grief, growth, fear, love, and a little bit of embezzling on the side.

Jared Leiman left New Jersey for the glitz of Hollywood as a high powered entertainment lawyer for some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. The high school sweetheart he left behind, Caroline Weiss, had to put off her dreams to take care of her terminally ill mother and became a fitness instructor at the local JCC. After her mother's death, Caroline is free to finally take the trip to Europe she always dreamed of while Jared is home with his niece after a tragic accident suddenly made him a parent; having him rethink what he values in life.

Ms. Wilck has written a story filled with tradition, personal growth, understanding, forgiveness, and a decade long attraction. There was so much that I enjoyed about this book: it was a quick read with wonderful secondary characters, Jared's parents and Caroline's best friends, adding to the story. The modernizing of the Matzah Ball was fun to see; bringing younger members into the fold. There was a definite Jewish representation in the story, with a wonderful explanation of Passover and the Seder.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Ashley Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Such a feel good read with some real life problems. There’s second chance, high school sweethearts, small town. This reads like a hallmark movie. I love books like that. The characters are Jewish. You get to learn about the Jewish community. I enjoyed that aspect of the book. Caroline is a great character. She had to grow up fast when her mom got sick. She had the responsibility of being her mother’s care taker. Jared wasn’t so great but then he redeemed himself. Jared broke things off with Caroline when she needed him most. It’s been 10 years since they have seen each other. Jared is back home for Passover. There has been tragedy in Jarred’s life. He is now responsible for his brother’s daughter. Becca is two. Caroline and Jared have a run in. They make plans to catch up. They start spending time together. They start falling for each other again. Caroline knows she has to break it off. Jared leaves soon and she’s now free to do as she pleases. Jared doesn’t want to lose Caroline all over again. He wants to show her he has changed. Will it be enough? Will one of them change their life for the other?

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good hallmark movie story, and this hits all the boxes. Small town, 2nd chance romance, single dad set at holiday time equals a recipe for a wonderful book. I really loved Jared's story of taking custody of his niece after the death of his brother. It was a tragic story but sets him up for a major redemption story. I love the dual point of view, so we get to hear both Caroline and Jared's feeling. We can see them getting close to each other. They spend most of the books not sure how they fit into each other's lives but they can't stay apart.
I love the family dynamic and the friendships that are interwoven throughout the book.
I always love a quick easy read like this and I especially like it when I match it up with the current season. There was a ton of preparation for the Jewish Holiday that takes place in the Spring, and I found myself really enjoying the talk of the religious holiday and how they were celebrating and passing on family traditions. I love the close-knit culture that this town has.
I would recommend to any that likes small town romances with great family dynamic and a super cute happily ever after.

[Rae Latte · Rating 3 out of 5]

A second chance, jewish holiday romance that is during Passover.

When Jared Leiman returns home with his neice to spend a few weeks with his parents he will need to face his past. Will Caroline Weiss give him a second chance or has too much time passed between them?

A tragic accident left Jared as the guardian of his brothers kid, will he find a way to put family first or continue to be married to his job?

A layered story for those looking for a story that has packed it all in. While I found at times the author tried to pack it all in with with sayings and such it is nice to read a story that is written with accurate representation. While not everyone who celebrates the holiday will be able to connect with certain sayings or holiday traditions, there will be plenty who do and are excited to read this.

So, if you're looking for a romcom for passover this might fit the bit. After you've cleaned your house of all the chametz grab a cuppa and dive in.

I received an advance reader copy from the publisher for an honest and fair review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matzah Ball Blues is a wonderful second chance romance that proves people can change when life throws them curveballs.
At eighteen, Caroline had to put off her dreams to take care of her ailing mother. Her resiliency has gotten her through life but at what cost?
Jared left New Jersey for the glitz of Hollywood. His clients include some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. A sudden life change has him rethinking what he values in life.
Jennifer Wilck has written likable and believable characters and a storyline filled with tradition, personal growth, understanding, forgiveness, and a decades long attraction. Matzah Ball Blues is the second book in the Holidays, Heart and Chutzpah Series. Even though this is a standalone, I do recommend reading Home For The Challah Days since a few of the characters are mentioned in both books.

[Mommy’s Book Escape · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matzah Ball Blues is a wonderful second chance romance that proves people can change when life throws them curveballs.
At eighteen, Caroline had to put off her dreams to take care of her ailing mother. Her resiliency has gotten her through life but at what cost?
Jared left New Jersey for the glitz of Hollywood. His clients include some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. A sudden life change has him rethinking what he values in life.
Jennifer Wilck has written likable and believable characters and a storyline filled with tradition, personal growth, understanding, forgiveness, and a decades long attraction. Matzah Ball Blues is the second book in the Holidays, Heart and Chutzpah Series. Even though this is a standalone, I do recommend reading Home For The Challah Days since a few of the characters are mentioned in both books.

[Becky Tatar · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the last few months, lawyer to the stars Jared dLeiman's world has turned upside down. He's now gaurdian to his infant neice, Becca. Heading home to New Jersey for the holidays, he runs into his high school girlfriend, Caroline Weiss. But she's not inclined to be all that friendly. He couldn't wait to leave after high school, and she had to stay home to care for her ill mother. But now, when he's ready to make changes, she wants to do all the things she couldn't before. But she's thrown the job of handling the upcoming Matzah Ball fundraiser for the local Jewish Community Center. On top of that, she's been told no promotion, and cutbacks, even though there was a lot of money donated to the center after the previous year's hate crime damage. But Jared is able to help with the Ball, and Caroline puts her accounting degree into work looking at the Center's books.

[Rachel Nahabedian · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a cute slooooooooooooooooooow burn, second-chance romance with Passover at the center. I feel like Jared did most of the growing and Caroline was just along for the ride. I get her motivation as to why she didn't want to let Jared in (anyone would've been wary of it), but there was something about Caroline that didn't sit right with me. Jared also seemed a little too obsessed with making sure everyone saw him a certain way (Caroline included).

The fundraiser and JCC stuff was a fun and gave a slight mystery feel to parts of the book that were also a little slow. Jared's struggles with being uncle/daddy were so cute and so relatable.

Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second chance romance follows two high school sweethearts who took opposite paths in life. Caroline had to stay home and take care of her dying mother and Jared became a big city lawyer. Ten years later, Jarod is home visiting his parents for Passover. Now as Guardian of his orphaned niece, Jarod has the responsibilities and is a different man than the callous teen who left her. It was fun to read a romance set in a Jewish community. Jarod's parents were very true to life, I could see myself in his mom. Carolyn works with the senior activity program at the Jewish Community Center and I loved all the colorful characters. The simple single Dad romance story is rounded out with a mystery when Carolyn sets out to discover what happened to some missing funds. for a romance reader who happens to be Jewish, this story is better than bagels! If you aren't familiar with Jewish traditions, there is enough background and explanation to make the story accusable and you will still love the book. Only one word of warning: At first glance this book seems as sweet as chlorosis. But, If you are expecting a sweet second chance romance, be aware that the book does get a bit spicy. I give this novel 5 stars and 4 horseradishes.

[Kaiti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deals with second chances, grief, growth, fear, love, and a little bit of embezzling on the side! I loved that both Jared and Caroline did their own growing outside of each other. Jared with the grief of losing his brother and sudden responsibility of fatherhood and Caroline with coming to terms with the heartbreak Jared caused the first time around while also investigating some funny money issues at the JCC! There are so many layers to the storytelling, including in depth explanations about Passover and the seder part of the holiday. I am grateful to have learned more about Judaism and feel more knowledgeable for having read this.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jared has unexpectedly become a family man after inheriting custody of his niece. He’s reunited with his former high school sweetheart, Caroline, in their hometown. Can they put their past hurts behind them to build a future together?

I enjoyed this second-chance, found-family romance. The characters are fun, the conflict is realistic, and there’s also a bit of a mystery at Caroline’s workplace. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Matzah Ball Blues Jennifer Wilck skillfully sets up a flawless combination of opposite wants and conflicting desires in Caroline Weiss and Jared Leiman. They are the types of hero and heroine that make me love second chance romance. The seamless way this story brings me into their small-town setting, Jewish community life and deep seated yearnings are also why I love Jennifer Wilck’s romances. By the time I reach The End I know and believe why this couple is perfect for one another. Matzah Ball Blues is no exception. I loved it and you will too.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC.

Typically not my type of book, but can’t resist a Jewish romance. 3 stars

This was an easy, fun, predictable, happily ever after, second chance romance with a few spicy scenes. I enjoyed the development of the romantic leads and the honest Jewish representation, though sometimes it was a bit too much. The analogies (sweating like a bat mitzvah boy, etc) made me roll my eyes but I appreciated the author’s efforts. 😀

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matzah Ball Blues was a wonderful book! The story takes place in the spring during the Jewish holiday of Passover. I have been waiting for Jewish romance books forever. I could identify with so many aspects of the story. I loved the Passover seder and the explanation of what occurs during a seder. Jared and Caroline's story was interesting. I loved reading about the Matzah Ball. The formal dance sounded like it would be so much fun! I look forward to reading more books in this series!

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice Jewish romance set at Passover. I enjoyed the idea of seeing my life in the story, not the romance part! The Passover part. In fact when it got to the spicy scenes I didn't linger over the action, I wondered what they would eat later. What can I say? I am cooking for Passover right now and food looms large. It's a good story, good characters, and I like the little mystery thrown in. It's a good book.

[Uyen · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 18%

There was a lot of things that I didn’t like.
This is a second chance romance so I’m already really picky with those.
And the way things were going in this one…doesn’t make me feel like either party has the maturity to try this relationship again.

Then after he bumps into her twice…literally bumping into her…he goes home and thinks he’s falling for her again?

[Sherry Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book! Jared and Caroline are trying to figure out their new life after family heartache has touched both of them. They had a past relationship in their younger years and now several years later they have reconnected as friends and maybe more. It made me smile, moments that made my heart hurt , romance, and so much!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked: A classic second chance romance of sweethearts reuniting after being apart for 10 years. Also Jewish representation as a case of embezzlement in the community is solved at Passover time.

What I disliked: The story came to a very quick end. Need a sequel to explain what happens when Jared and Caroline get together.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet second-chance romance. Ten years have passed since their ways parted and now they are brought together with a mystery to solve to save the JCC.

Thanks Net Galley for the temporary ARC to review.