Reviews

I'll admit that I know very little about Hanukkah, and I really only have a rudimentary understanding of the Jewish faith. With that in mind, I honestly can't critique the accuracy of those details in the story. I will say that I didn't have to completely understand the culture and faith of these people to find a couple of lines to be over the top and unnecessary. As for the romance, The Matzah Ball falls under holiday romances, and as far as that goes, Rachel and Jacob are in for an enemies-to-lovers romance with a side of second chance romance thrown in, and I'm a sucker for both tropes.
I liked both characters, and many parts of the story were amusing and entertaining. Jacob and Rachel can certainly hold a grudge because they've been holding onto hard feelings for years - like 18 of them. I was surprised by how young they were when those hard feelings started. I mean, most of us have gotten past "romances" that happened when we were 12. Anyway, it was a little out there but still a cute backstory.
I really liked the way Rachel's chronic illness was handled. I don't share the same illness, but I do have a chronic nerve disorder, one of those many things people can't see and don't understand, so I could relate to Rachel on that level.
All things considered, this one may be a stretch of my suspension of disbelief, but it is fiction, so some leeway can be given for that. It turned out to be an amusing romance with some witty banter and engaging characters.

beccainabook's review against another edition

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3.0

I really wanted to enjoy this book, I really did.

The main character Rachel was awesome.

The plot was awesome.

Learning more about Jewish culture was awesome.

The male main character... yeah he wasn’t so awesome.

He was... a jerk. Not charming, his banter fell flat, and he treated Rachel like dirt.

I’m sorry, Rachel deserves WORLDS BETTER.

itaby's review against another edition

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funny inspiring lighthearted sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

mandyfeldi's review against another edition

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3.0

Super cute ! Totally gave me hallmark Christmas movie vibes but make it Hanukkah! I also love to learn about other religions and cultures, the Ashkenazi Jewish in me was happy to get more insight on my own heritage.

katiedermody's review against another edition

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4.5

I'll review when the tentative contract between HC and it's union is confirmed.

arsenic_rose's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

sam24morgann's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

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