So while the whole world knows and loves holiday author Margot Cross, no one suspects that Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is that person. When asked her occupation, she vaguely says that she’s a freelance editor and writer. So Rachel never told her parents that she was the successful author of Christmas romances, some of which were made into movies. And when Rachel innocently asked her father about a Jew like Irving Berlin creating songs that have become Christmas traditions, like White Christmas, he shared his thoughts. As the rabbi’s daughter, Rachel is expected to be a perfect Jewish daughter. The only catch is that because her father is the rabbi of a very prestigious conservative temple, a rabbi known around the world for his wisdom, she has been raised to understand that their family is constantly under a microscope. Rachel, unlike Meltzer is the author of Christmas romances, and she’s very successful. Meltzer is an expert at describing this chronic disease, because she, like Rachel, has it. The equivalent of calling Alzheimer’s ‘Senior Moment Syndrome.”‘ Meltzer goes on to share what having this disease entails: “crushing fatigue, migraines, brain fog or weirdo pains…25 percent of patients who found themselves bed-bound or homebound-existing on feeding tubes, unable to leave dark rooms for years-or the 75 percent of patients who could no longer work full-time.” And seriously? The name “chronic fatigue syndrome” is, according to author Meltzer (through Rachel’s narrative), “the most trivializing name for a disease in the entire world. How do you find love when you’re too ill to work a “normal” job? With myalgic encephalomyelitis, or what is commonly referred to as “chronic fatigue syndrome,” Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt simply cannot do what others can. Meltzer provides us with an inside look at a main character who is strong and successful, and at the same times struggles with a chronic disease. This story is filled with lots of love in the best tradition of any romance novel, but it’s also much more. However, “The Matzah Ball” by Jean Meltzer might better be compared to the rugalach that her characters love to nosh on, sweet and sometimes nutty, but made with love (and honesty) and with a texture that melts in your mouth. Matzah balls are soft and filling and satisfying in warm soup.

Matzah Ball Fairy by Behrman House