***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
From the author of The Matzah Ball comes a pitch-perfect romcom following a third-generation Jewish matchmaker who unwittingly finds her own search for love thrust into the spotlight...
The perfect Jewish husband should be:
A doctor or lawyer (preferably a doctor)
Baggage-free (no previous marriages, no children)
And of course—he must be Jewish
As the creator and CEO of the popular Jewish dating app J-Mate, matchmaker Dara Rabinowitz knows the formula for lasting love—at least, for everyone else. When it comes to her own love life, she’s been idling indefinitely. Until her beloved bubbe shares Dara’s checklist for “The Perfect Jewish Husband” on national television and charming news anchor Chris Steadfast proposes they turn Dara’s search into must-see TV.
As a non-Jewish single dad, Chris doesn’t check any of Dara’s boxes. But her hunt for Mr. Perfect is the ratings boost his show desperately needs. If only Chris could ignore his own pesky attraction to Dara—a task much easier said than done when Dara starts questioning if “perfect on paper” can compete with how hard she’s falling for Chris…
"A warm, heartfelt ode to self-acceptance, honesty, and tight-knit Jewish communities…a true pleasure to read."—Olivia Dade, author of Spoiler Alert, on The Matzah Ball
Mr. Perfect on Paper by Jean Meltzer is a wonderful story about a lonely matchmaker, who is the CEO of a huge matchmaking service for the Jewish community. I enjoyed this book very much.
Dara Rabinowitz is the CEO, and creator of J-Mate, a very successful Jewish dating service. She comes from a long line of Jewish matchmakers, but she’s different as she uses science, algorithms, and technology for her matches, instead of instinct, as her grandmother, Miriam, always used.
She goes on a mid-morning news show called Good News New York that highlights good news. The host, Chris Steadfast, recently transferred from a hard news show in Virginia. He’s a single dad, and not Jewish. His producer invited Dara and her beloved bubbe, Miriam, to discuss generations of matchmakers as part of the good news program.
During the show, Dara is embarrassed when her bubbe shares her checklist for “The Perfect Jewish Husband” on air. She made that list years ago, and it was never supposed to be public. Chris is charmed by Dara and Miriam and proposes they do an on-air segment to search for Dara’s Perfect Jewish Husband. Knowing it would help her business as well as Chris’s ratings, Dara reluctantly agrees. Will Dara find The Perfect Jewish Husband? Or is Dara’s perfect match right in front of her the whole time?
This was fun and very enjoyable. I liked all the information on Jewish holidays and Jewish culture. I always learn so much from a Jean Meltzer book! Yet I never felt bombarded by the information as she sprinkles it throughout the book, without a big info dump. I enjoyed Dara’s dedication to her religion and culture and admired her reluctance to compromise.
The romance was a slow burn romance and I couldn’t figure out how they would be able to resolve their differences. That’s my favorite kind of romance when I can’t figure out how they will eventually get together. Chris is an absolute sweetheart, and such a wonderful dad to his 11-year-old daughter, Lacey. He is patient with Dara and understands her anxiety issues as well.
I recommend Mr. Perfect on Paper to anyone who enjoys romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Jean Meltzer
JEAN MELTZER has the unique distinction of being the world’s only Emmy-award winning, chronically-ill and disabled, rabbinical-school drop-out. Yet, it is this extraordinary background — coupled with a firm belief in holding onto your joy and seeking out happy endings — which forms the basis of her diverse work.
Jean received her BFA from New York University, Tisch School of the Arts, Department of Dramatic Writing in 2002. After graduation, she served as Creative Director of Tapestry International, an Oscar-winning television and film production company, where she oversaw the writing, development and production for over 250-hours of children’s television, and won numerous awards for her work. In 2006, Jean moved to Israel to pursue a career in the rabbinate, and studied at several colleges and seminaries for five years. She also became an outspoken advocate for the disease, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). In 2012, Jean ended her rabbinical studies and spent the next two years homebound due to this disease.
Today, Jean lives a thriving, chronically-fabulous, Jewish life in Virginia. She sees her challenges as part of a larger journey and is eager to share her stories with others. Her first book, The Matzah Ball, will be published by Mira in 2021. She is represented by Carolyn Forde and Marilyn Biderman at Transatlantic Agency.
ahhhh i remember reading about this book on your blog before, AND THE SYNOPSIS SOUNDS SO SO GOOD?? also you stunning review has completely convinced me to check this out THANK YOU SO MUCH!! also omg more insights into jewish culture and holidays and stuff SOUNDS THE BEST EVER I CANT WAIT TO READ THIS AND LOVE THE REVIEW LIKE ALWAYS!!
Yours is the second review on this book I have read today, and it just reinforces my desire to get my hands on this one. I requested it, but don’t expect to get it as it is past the publication date. That’s OK. I have other resources.😉
ahhhh i remember reading about this book on your blog before, AND THE SYNOPSIS SOUNDS SO SO GOOD?? also you stunning review has completely convinced me to check this out THANK YOU SO MUCH!! also omg more insights into jewish culture and holidays and stuff SOUNDS THE BEST EVER I CANT WAIT TO READ THIS AND LOVE THE REVIEW LIKE ALWAYS!!
Thank you, Anaoushka!
I love the cultural aspects of this story. It sounds like a lot of fun. Excellent review!
Thank you, Tessa!
This sounds lovely, especially in that it gives one a good story as well as some insights into culture as well. Wonderful review, Wendy.
Thank you, Mallika!
I have this one on audiobook and I can’t wait to get to it! A wonderful review Wendy!
I think you’ll enjoy it, Jodie!
The main character reminds me of Gace form Will & Grace! Oh I’m going to love this book. Will add it to my TBR right now.
Great review Wendy!
Elza Reads
Yes, I hadn’t thought of that, but it works!
This sounds brilliant. I do love books that give me an insight into other cultures and the plot sounds lovely too.
Thank you, Janette!
It does sound like a great read, lovely review 💕
Thank you, Jenny!
Yours is the second review on this book I have read today, and it just reinforces my desire to get my hands on this one. I requested it, but don’t expect to get it as it is past the publication date. That’s OK. I have other resources.😉
I think you’d enjoy it, Linda. I hope you find a way to get you hands on it.
Grandmas so love to embarrass their grandkids. Great review.
They sure do, Nadene!
Great review, Wendy! It sounds like a book I’d enjoy. I find Jewish culture fascinating!
Thank you, Jolene! I always learn so much about Jewish culture reading one of Jean Meltzer books.
I like the US cover version better. Leave it to grandma to embarrass with the truth, lol! This sounds good.
Thank you Rachel. I like the US cover better too!
It’s a pity that the books by this author are not available in Polish.
I agree.
Just reading the blurb of this one made me smile! 😀
It’s just so cute!
Having a matchmaker as the central character is a nice change. Sounds like this was a fun read.
I love the idea of a book about a matchmaker. Wonderful review.
It’s a fun book! And I learned a lot as well.
Wonderful review Wendy! I’m so excited to read this one!📚💜
I think you’ll enjoy this one, Susan!
This sounds like such a fun read, Wendy. I like the setup, and I bet you got some laughs out of it. Have a great weekend!
Thank you, Teri! It was a fun one!
Sounds fun, glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you, Rosie!