Embracing Love and Babka: A Heartfelt Book Review of ‘Kissing Kosher’ by Jean Meltzer

Kissing Kosher is the emotional yet funny story of grandchildren of rival kosher bakeries who find love where they least expect it.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to MIRA and Edelweiss+ for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

From The Publisher:

Step 1: Get the secret recipe. Step 2: Don’t fall in love…

Avital Cohen isn’t wearing underpants—woefully, for unsexy reasons. Chronic pelvic pain has forced her to sideline her photography dreams and her love life. It’s all she can do to manage her family’s kosher bakery, Best Babka in Brooklyn, without collapsing.

She needs hired help.

And distractingly handsome Ethan Lippmann seems the perfect fit.

Except Ethan isn’t there to work—he’s undercover, at the behest of his ironfisted grandfather. Though Lippmann’s is a household name when it comes to mass-produced kosher baked goods, they don’t have the charm of Avital’s bakery. Or her grandfather’s world-famous pumpkin spice babka recipe.

As they bake side by side, Ethan soon finds himself more interested in Avital than in stealing family secrets, especially as he helps her find the chronic pain relief—and pleasure—she’s been missing.

But perfecting the recipe for romance calls for leaving out the lies…even if coming clean means risking everything.

My Thoughts:

Jean Meltzer has quickly become one of my go-to authors, and her latest work, “Kissing Kosher,” showcases her remarkable talent. Through the lens of her own experiences as a Jewish woman with a chronic illness, Meltzer weaves a heartwarming romantic comedy that is both captivating and deeply empathetic.

At the heart of the story is Avital Cohen, a single woman who manages a thriving kosher bakery in the heart of Brooklyn. Avital’s life takes a significant turn when she is confronted with the challenges of Interstitial Cystitis (I.C.), a chronic condition that disrupts her daily routine. This condition becomes a pivotal point in her life, especially when she crosses paths with Ethan Lippmann, who enters the bakery with a hidden agenda – to uncover the bakery’s secret recipe for their renowned babka.

As Avital and Ethan’s paths intertwine, a delightful and unexpected romance blooms. Ethan’s genuine concern for Avital’s well-being leads him to offer his assistance in a crucial clean-up project, a gesture that deepens their connection. However, Avital’s awareness of her own limitations due to her illness casts a shadow on the blossoming relationship. Meanwhile, Ethan grapples with the fear of revealing his true motives and jeopardizing their growing bond.

Meltzer masterfully crafts these characters, endowing them with depth and relatability. Their personal histories are intricately woven into the narrative, lending authenticity and emotional resonance to their journey. Avital and Ethan’s chemistry is palpable, making it impossible not to cheer for their happiness. Readers who have experienced the impact of chronic illness on their lives will particularly find solace and connection in this story, as it sensitively explores the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals in similar circumstances.

In “Kissing Kosher,” Meltzer delivers a touching and entertaining narrative that transcends genres. With its blend of romance, humour, and genuine emotion, this book is a must-read for fans of Romance, Romantic Comedy, and Women’s Fiction alike. Prepare to be enchanted by Meltzer’s storytelling prowess and to find yourself rooting wholeheartedly for Avital and Ethan’s love story to unfold.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written By Jean Meltzer:

The Matzah Ball

Mr. Perfect On Paper