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Mr. Perfect on Paper
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…
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…
387 pages, Hardcover
First published August 9, 2022
About the author
Jean Meltzer
6 books1,104 followersJean Meltzer studied dramatic writing at NYU Tisch and has earned numerous awards for her work in television, including a daytime Emmy. She spent five years in rabbinical school before her chronic illness forced her to withdraw, and her father told her she should write a book―just not a Jewish one because no one reads those. She is the author of The Matzah Ball, Mr. Perfect on Paper, and Kissing Kosher. Magical Meet Cute is her fourth book.
Connect with her online at:
Website: www.jeanmeltzer.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeanmeltzer/
FB: www.facebook.com/jeanmeltzerauthor
Newsletter: https://jeanmeltzer.com/newsletter/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jean-Meltzer/e...
***
Hi Everyone,
Just a heads up that I don't accept friend requests on Goodreads. However, please find me on Instagram and Facebook, where I love chit-chatting and making friends! Thank you so much for your understanding.
With Love,
Jean
Connect with her online at:
Website: www.jeanmeltzer.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeanmeltzer/
FB: www.facebook.com/jeanmeltzerauthor
Newsletter: https://jeanmeltzer.com/newsletter/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jean-Meltzer/e...
***
Hi Everyone,
Just a heads up that I don't accept friend requests on Goodreads. However, please find me on Instagram and Facebook, where I love chit-chatting and making friends! Thank you so much for your understanding.
With Love,
Jean
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 951 reviews
April 29, 2022
Another feelgood romance: a matchmaker heroine who needs a little push for her happy ending by creating a list of ideal Jewish husband even though the right man; charming, gold hearted single dad stands in front of her, extending his helping hands to her accomplish her cause!
This book is definitely an informative introduction to Jewish culture and clinical approach to anxiety issues is realistically told.
It’s great idea awakes awareness about how we create dreamy soul mates on our minds but in real life how to get attracted by flawed polar opposites! Reality is so different than the boxes you’ve created for your dreamy man!
I wish Dara could see it earlier. I just wanted to scream at the top of my lungs to warn her not to waste her time with other man. But the book would finish so earlier, wouldn’t it?
I enjoyed this second book of the author and I will keep reading her lovely works.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
This book is definitely an informative introduction to Jewish culture and clinical approach to anxiety issues is realistically told.
It’s great idea awakes awareness about how we create dreamy soul mates on our minds but in real life how to get attracted by flawed polar opposites! Reality is so different than the boxes you’ve created for your dreamy man!
I wish Dara could see it earlier. I just wanted to scream at the top of my lungs to warn her not to waste her time with other man. But the book would finish so earlier, wouldn’t it?
I enjoyed this second book of the author and I will keep reading her lovely works.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
October 20, 2022
4.25⭐
The heart wants what the heart wants…
Dara Rabinowitz runs her family-owned matchmaking business. And in the new era of technology she has modernized the process with an app, J-Mate. Between Dara and her family they’ve successfully brought together thousands of Jewish singles who went on to marry and start families of their own.
Ironically, love has never been in the cards for Dara, who now in her late thirties, feels maybe that ship has sailed.
But after Dara and her grandmother are featured on a local New York morning show, Dara’s wish-list for her personal Mr. Perfect goes viral!
What if Mr. Right is right in front of her? Can Dara accept her perfect match even if he doesn’t tick all her boxes?
“I’ve been waiting for you”
I listened to this book with the biggest smile on my face. Dara was hilarious in all her “blind dates.” I adored the wonder relationship between Dara and her grandmother.
And… Grandmas’ squad of friends who stole the show!🤣
Though I had both the digital and audio versions, I much preferred audio. The narrator Dara Rosenberg did a superb job!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing - MIRA for my digital ARC as well as my local library for supplying me with the audio version🎧
The heart wants what the heart wants…
Dara Rabinowitz runs her family-owned matchmaking business. And in the new era of technology she has modernized the process with an app, J-Mate. Between Dara and her family they’ve successfully brought together thousands of Jewish singles who went on to marry and start families of their own.
Ironically, love has never been in the cards for Dara, who now in her late thirties, feels maybe that ship has sailed.
But after Dara and her grandmother are featured on a local New York morning show, Dara’s wish-list for her personal Mr. Perfect goes viral!
What if Mr. Right is right in front of her? Can Dara accept her perfect match even if he doesn’t tick all her boxes?
“I’ve been waiting for you”
I listened to this book with the biggest smile on my face. Dara was hilarious in all her “blind dates.” I adored the wonder relationship between Dara and her grandmother.
And… Grandmas’ squad of friends who stole the show!🤣
Though I had both the digital and audio versions, I much preferred audio. The narrator Dara Rosenberg did a superb job!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing - MIRA for my digital ARC as well as my local library for supplying me with the audio version🎧
September 19, 2022
I just had to read this book after glowing reviews from so many, including my friend, Kim.
Dara is the creator of a Jewish dating app and also a matchmaker, just like the women in her family before her. She’s also looking for love herself. Her bubbe shares Dara’s checklist for “The Perfect Jewish Husband” on national TV, and things blow up from there. A new man comes into her life as she searches for “Mr. Perfect.”
This is such a sweet, feel good story. I enjoyed the Jewish matchmaking and faith cultures and also loved how sensitively the author addressed anxiety. There were some funny moments, too.
Overall, an endearing story with charming characters, and I loved my time spent with them.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Dara is the creator of a Jewish dating app and also a matchmaker, just like the women in her family before her. She’s also looking for love herself. Her bubbe shares Dara’s checklist for “The Perfect Jewish Husband” on national TV, and things blow up from there. A new man comes into her life as she searches for “Mr. Perfect.”
This is such a sweet, feel good story. I enjoyed the Jewish matchmaking and faith cultures and also loved how sensitively the author addressed anxiety. There were some funny moments, too.
Overall, an endearing story with charming characters, and I loved my time spent with them.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
August 14, 2022
Mr Perfect on Paper by Jean Meltzer
Contemporary romance.
Dara is a successful woman with a thriving technology company, a beautiful home and assistants to take care of the details. She is also Jewish and single and keeps a kosher home. Her faith is her history and her everything. In her mid-thirties, Dara decides it’s time to find a husband. Since she is from a family of matchmakers, that should be an easy task but her General Anxiety Disorder holds her back. What can she do in her life to move forward?
I’m not Jewish. But I am a romance reader. And this book was a Perfect romance.
Ok, maybe that’s me but I laughed and cried and rejoiced at the resolution and romance. Yes, I was lost on a lot of the Jewish words but I learned a bunch which always a good thing.
I highly recommend this book for anyone that loves a good heartstring-pulling romance story. This is my second book by this author and she has now become an auto-buy.
*******minor spoiler ********
I was so happy at the hints of a potential relationship for the Daniel. He didn’t deserve to be hurt and that glimpse plus a second scene, had me relieved and hopeful for the ending I wanted. *********
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I’m buying a copy to keep and will probably buy copies for friends that I can’t wait to share it with.
Contemporary romance.
Dara is a successful woman with a thriving technology company, a beautiful home and assistants to take care of the details. She is also Jewish and single and keeps a kosher home. Her faith is her history and her everything. In her mid-thirties, Dara decides it’s time to find a husband. Since she is from a family of matchmakers, that should be an easy task but her General Anxiety Disorder holds her back. What can she do in her life to move forward?
I’m not Jewish. But I am a romance reader. And this book was a Perfect romance.
Ok, maybe that’s me but I laughed and cried and rejoiced at the resolution and romance. Yes, I was lost on a lot of the Jewish words but I learned a bunch which always a good thing.
I highly recommend this book for anyone that loves a good heartstring-pulling romance story. This is my second book by this author and she has now become an auto-buy.
*******minor spoiler ********
I was so happy at the hints of a potential relationship for the Daniel. He didn’t deserve to be hurt and that glimpse plus a second scene, had me relieved and hopeful for the ending I wanted. *********
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I’m buying a copy to keep and will probably buy copies for friends that I can’t wait to share it with.
August 8, 2022
Even though I made it through to the end, I think I gave up on the spirit of this book right around the 40% mark. Because while I enjoyed the start, and learning about the lead character's faith, their family's history of matchmaking, when we finally got to the supposedly "com" portion of this romcom, I was immediately checked out.
The series of dates Dara goes on, all curated by the non-Jewish man she's obviously going to end up with, had these mishaps that were completely ridiculous to the point of incredulity. Worse, we're meant to believe the whole situation made Dara, a multimillionaire creator of a dating app, relatable as opposed to instantly meme'd and mocked. Sure sure, have you even seen the internet?
Also, while I appreciated the conversation around her generalized anxiety disorder, I swear we heard the same spiel about it three or four times in quick succession. Less tell, more show, please. But even worse than that, Dara had these really unreasonable reactions to her terrible dates (maybe not after all of them, but I swear it happened more than once) where she blamed these bizarre situations on Chris, the man bending over backwards to set things up -- sure, there's something in it for him, don't get me wrong, but still. Brutal.
But she wasn't the only one to have bizarre seemingly out-of-character reactions, Chris did, too. Showing odd moments of snappish behaviour or temper during situations that didn't deserve said reactions to begin with. It really took me out of the story because it almost felt like the author didn't actually know her characters.
However, the real thing that sold the deal? When, for reasons I won't get into, these two almost kiss, Dara is immediately introduced to someone else and she just.. drops Chris like a hot potato, flirting and carrying on with someone else, right in front of him. Sure, she's still believing him to be a non-viable option but it was gross to watch.
Honestly, beyond feeling empathy for Dara's anxiety, I didn't like her all. Chris was easier to like, with his charming persona that had, much like Dara's professional mien, hidden depths and a tragic backstory -- but even he couldn't save this. He just helped to make it less painful.
I know nailing comedic beats and humour is very hard, and also subjective, but I'm a pretty easy to entertain human and this just wasn't it. But to have the romance fail, too? What else is left.
Sadly, I'm not sure I would read from this author again, and I definitely can't recommend.
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
The series of dates Dara goes on, all curated by the non-Jewish man she's obviously going to end up with, had these mishaps that were completely ridiculous to the point of incredulity. Worse, we're meant to believe the whole situation made Dara, a multimillionaire creator of a dating app, relatable as opposed to instantly meme'd and mocked. Sure sure, have you even seen the internet?
Also, while I appreciated the conversation around her generalized anxiety disorder, I swear we heard the same spiel about it three or four times in quick succession. Less tell, more show, please. But even worse than that, Dara had these really unreasonable reactions to her terrible dates (maybe not after all of them, but I swear it happened more than once) where she blamed these bizarre situations on Chris, the man bending over backwards to set things up -- sure, there's something in it for him, don't get me wrong, but still. Brutal.
But she wasn't the only one to have bizarre seemingly out-of-character reactions, Chris did, too. Showing odd moments of snappish behaviour or temper during situations that didn't deserve said reactions to begin with. It really took me out of the story because it almost felt like the author didn't actually know her characters.
However, the real thing that sold the deal? When, for reasons I won't get into, these two almost kiss, Dara is immediately introduced to someone else and she just.. drops Chris like a hot potato, flirting and carrying on with someone else, right in front of him. Sure, she's still believing him to be a non-viable option but it was gross to watch.
Honestly, beyond feeling empathy for Dara's anxiety, I didn't like her all. Chris was easier to like, with his charming persona that had, much like Dara's professional mien, hidden depths and a tragic backstory -- but even he couldn't save this. He just helped to make it less painful.
I know nailing comedic beats and humour is very hard, and also subjective, but I'm a pretty easy to entertain human and this just wasn't it. But to have the romance fail, too? What else is left.
Sadly, I'm not sure I would read from this author again, and I definitely can't recommend.
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
October 7, 2022
Mr. Perfect on Paper by Jean Meltzer is a romantic comedy novel. The story in Mr. Perfect on Paper is one that is told by changing the point of view between the two main characters and is an opposites attract storyline.
Dara Rabinowitz is proud of her Jewish heritage and the fact that she is a Jewish matchmakers with hundreds of success stories with her app J-Mate. The only thing missing in Dara’s life is her own perfect Jewish match but she never expected her beloved bubbe to hijack her national television interview to share her perfect husband wishlist.
After the interview Dara struggles with her social anxiety expecting everyone to be laughing at the interview. Instead Dara is approached by the news anchor, Chris Steadfast, who wants to take Dara’s husband search public and set her up on televised dates but as Chris and Dara spend so much time together they find their friendship growing but Chris isn’t Jewish so how could Dara ever choose him?
Mr. Perfect on Paper by Jean Meltzer was definitely a fun read that had me laughing out loud but also pulled at my heartstrings having a flawed protagonist dealing with her anxiety. This one was also an eye opener into the Jewish community and their faith for someone on the outside like myself, I learned quite a bit following Dara and her grandmother which is never a bad thing. I also enjoyed the slow building of the romance that began as friendship first and really found myself rooting for a happy ending. Definitely an author I would like to read again sometime after finishing this lovely story.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Dara Rabinowitz is proud of her Jewish heritage and the fact that she is a Jewish matchmakers with hundreds of success stories with her app J-Mate. The only thing missing in Dara’s life is her own perfect Jewish match but she never expected her beloved bubbe to hijack her national television interview to share her perfect husband wishlist.
After the interview Dara struggles with her social anxiety expecting everyone to be laughing at the interview. Instead Dara is approached by the news anchor, Chris Steadfast, who wants to take Dara’s husband search public and set her up on televised dates but as Chris and Dara spend so much time together they find their friendship growing but Chris isn’t Jewish so how could Dara ever choose him?
Mr. Perfect on Paper by Jean Meltzer was definitely a fun read that had me laughing out loud but also pulled at my heartstrings having a flawed protagonist dealing with her anxiety. This one was also an eye opener into the Jewish community and their faith for someone on the outside like myself, I learned quite a bit following Dara and her grandmother which is never a bad thing. I also enjoyed the slow building of the romance that began as friendship first and really found myself rooting for a happy ending. Definitely an author I would like to read again sometime after finishing this lovely story.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
June 7, 2022
Wow, this was such a great book. I learned alot about the Jewish community during it. Also, the way the main character deals with anxiety, I completely related to. I love how transparent she was about it and how calming/understanding Chris was about her anxiety. I was literally rooting for the the ENTIRE time. The ending did NOT disappoint. Such a cute book, I would love a sequel! Loved the funny bits and the mishaps along the way. This book had me giggling but also teary eyed at some parts. Worthy read!
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publishers to read and review. All statements above are my true opinion after fully reading this book.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publishers to read and review. All statements above are my true opinion after fully reading this book.
August 2, 2022
Mr. Perfect on Paper is a Jewish rom-com.
I was absolutely blown away by The Matzah Ball so I could not wait to read this book.
The female narrator is 34 year old Jewish matchmaker Dara Rabinowitz (3rd person POV). She is the creator and CEO of the popular Jewish dating app J-Mate.
I absolutely loved the premise of this book. And the beginning was perfection. However I wish that this book had been told from the female POV only. I do enjoy male/female POV romance books. And I did find the main male character to be interesting. But I just found myself preferring the parts of the story that were told from Dara's point of view.
This book is very Jewish. There is so much Jewish culture thrown into this story. And I loved that aspect of the book!
The book also focuses a lot on anxiety. I definitely appreciate seeing mental health rep in books. However sometimes reading about super anxious people makes me anxious. But it was definitely interesting to see a successful heroine dealing with anxiety.
I really liked Dara's Bubbe. And between her grandmother and the dates that she went on this book was quite funny. The scenes that moved me the most though were when she talked about her mother (who had died years earlier).
I do wish that the actual romance between the main characters had taken up a bigger part of the story. But I had spent much of the book wondering how the author would even tackle the romance without Dara compromising her beliefs.
Overall this book had amazing mental health rep and Jewish rep. It was a fun romantic comedy that also had some depth.
Thanks to netgalley and HarperCollins Canada for allowing me to read this book.
I was absolutely blown away by The Matzah Ball so I could not wait to read this book.
The female narrator is 34 year old Jewish matchmaker Dara Rabinowitz (3rd person POV). She is the creator and CEO of the popular Jewish dating app J-Mate.
I absolutely loved the premise of this book. And the beginning was perfection. However I wish that this book had been told from the female POV only. I do enjoy male/female POV romance books. And I did find the main male character to be interesting. But I just found myself preferring the parts of the story that were told from Dara's point of view.
This book is very Jewish. There is so much Jewish culture thrown into this story. And I loved that aspect of the book!
The book also focuses a lot on anxiety. I definitely appreciate seeing mental health rep in books. However sometimes reading about super anxious people makes me anxious. But it was definitely interesting to see a successful heroine dealing with anxiety.
I really liked Dara's Bubbe. And between her grandmother and the dates that she went on this book was quite funny. The scenes that moved me the most though were when she talked about her mother (who had died years earlier).
I do wish that the actual romance between the main characters had taken up a bigger part of the story. But I had spent much of the book wondering how the author would even tackle the romance without Dara compromising her beliefs.
Overall this book had amazing mental health rep and Jewish rep. It was a fun romantic comedy that also had some depth.
Thanks to netgalley and HarperCollins Canada for allowing me to read this book.
November 13, 2022
Motzah Ball Meltzer has pulled it out yet again. I just laughed the whole way through. It was hilarious, adorable, charming, every adjective you would expect for such a novel. I finished in pretty much a day, maybe two. There was an overnight involved. And in the last ten pages, even if it was hokey, campy, and predictable, I even cried real crocodile tears.
The book was just fun - but lets talk about the elephant in the room; the motzah ball in the soup. Let's talk about intermarriage. Let's face it, it's a tough topic. So let's confront it. We have plenty of friends who intermarried, both our siblings did - both of them twice! That sounds about right, two Jewish families with two kids, one of each intermarries, the other set finds one another. Has three sons. What are the odds that all of our three sons fall in love with a Jewish girl? In this day and age, there wasn't a given that all three of our sons would have been even straight, or born into the bodies that they were meant to be. Right now, each of our kids has a strong Jewish identity and plans to date and marry Jewish, but so did Scott's brother. Life has a way of leading you somewhere unexpected, no matter one's intentions and plans....
So first and foremost, you want your child to find their besheret - the hebrew word for soulmate. the one they were intended for, the other half of that whole. The one that loves them fiercely and for whom they cannot live and breathe without. And when they find that person, that is the right one for them. Would I like/love/wish for that person to be Jewish? Of course. That would be easier. Would I like for that non-Jewish Beshert to fall in love with Judaism? Of course? Would I like the children to be raised Jewish? I can't imagine that wouldn't happen, in pretty much every case I've seen, and my own children would insist. But yes, I would ideally want that. But what do I want the most? I want my daughters in laws to feel chosen, welcomed by us. I want them never to feel "less than". I want them to know that if they have our sons' heart, they have ours. I want good relationships with all of their families. (Machetunim - co-inlaws.) I want to have holdays and birthdays and all the good things in life. I want to talk books, and food, and memories, and make new ones. I want that more than I want a Jewish girl for my beautiful boys. I truly do.
But it's fair to say that even though one is swept up in the story, there is a way in which we "get" the conflict on a deep gutteral level. How can we not notice it would be easy or fitting somehow, if the main character ended up with the Mr. Perfect Jewish husband option? But that's not the point. The point is, she was slowly falling in love with Mr. Wrong. And love is never perfect. But its aim is pure and true. Who wouldn't root for these two who so clearly were destined for one another? And at the same time, as Jews, maybe even Jewish mothers, we feel it somehow. Yes, love is more important. Yes, its also imperfectly perfect. And yet somewhere deep inside it means something to us nonetheless.
We are in a strange new world now, where we have to blend traditions with a new way of living, thinking, and dreaming. Nowadays the options go way past religion and race, to gender and gender conception, and a whole lot more. I think ultimately we have to just kind of let go and trust. Trust in soulmates, that they will come for our kids in the bodies, genders, and gender conceptions, and races, and cultures, and experiences that they do. I think we also trust that Judaism survives. Because it's beautiful, and people who get to experience it, want to embrace it, even if conversion is never on the table. That people see that living torah values is a beautiful joyful life, and one they wish to enjoy and perpetuate. That Judaism survives, because Love survives. Because God created these matches, each and every one of them. So isn't it just beautiful when two souls find one another, no matter how? Its never strange and its never wrong. It simply is.
The book was just charming. Its super fun to have strong Jewish characters. And an adorable 11 year old. And.... Bubbe Miriam? Well naturally, she just steals the show.
The book was just fun - but lets talk about the elephant in the room; the motzah ball in the soup. Let's talk about intermarriage. Let's face it, it's a tough topic. So let's confront it. We have plenty of friends who intermarried, both our siblings did - both of them twice! That sounds about right, two Jewish families with two kids, one of each intermarries, the other set finds one another. Has three sons. What are the odds that all of our three sons fall in love with a Jewish girl? In this day and age, there wasn't a given that all three of our sons would have been even straight, or born into the bodies that they were meant to be. Right now, each of our kids has a strong Jewish identity and plans to date and marry Jewish, but so did Scott's brother. Life has a way of leading you somewhere unexpected, no matter one's intentions and plans....
So first and foremost, you want your child to find their besheret - the hebrew word for soulmate. the one they were intended for, the other half of that whole. The one that loves them fiercely and for whom they cannot live and breathe without. And when they find that person, that is the right one for them. Would I like/love/wish for that person to be Jewish? Of course. That would be easier. Would I like for that non-Jewish Beshert to fall in love with Judaism? Of course? Would I like the children to be raised Jewish? I can't imagine that wouldn't happen, in pretty much every case I've seen, and my own children would insist. But yes, I would ideally want that. But what do I want the most? I want my daughters in laws to feel chosen, welcomed by us. I want them never to feel "less than". I want them to know that if they have our sons' heart, they have ours. I want good relationships with all of their families. (Machetunim - co-inlaws.) I want to have holdays and birthdays and all the good things in life. I want to talk books, and food, and memories, and make new ones. I want that more than I want a Jewish girl for my beautiful boys. I truly do.
But it's fair to say that even though one is swept up in the story, there is a way in which we "get" the conflict on a deep gutteral level. How can we not notice it would be easy or fitting somehow, if the main character ended up with the Mr. Perfect Jewish husband option? But that's not the point. The point is, she was slowly falling in love with Mr. Wrong. And love is never perfect. But its aim is pure and true. Who wouldn't root for these two who so clearly were destined for one another? And at the same time, as Jews, maybe even Jewish mothers, we feel it somehow. Yes, love is more important. Yes, its also imperfectly perfect. And yet somewhere deep inside it means something to us nonetheless.
We are in a strange new world now, where we have to blend traditions with a new way of living, thinking, and dreaming. Nowadays the options go way past religion and race, to gender and gender conception, and a whole lot more. I think ultimately we have to just kind of let go and trust. Trust in soulmates, that they will come for our kids in the bodies, genders, and gender conceptions, and races, and cultures, and experiences that they do. I think we also trust that Judaism survives. Because it's beautiful, and people who get to experience it, want to embrace it, even if conversion is never on the table. That people see that living torah values is a beautiful joyful life, and one they wish to enjoy and perpetuate. That Judaism survives, because Love survives. Because God created these matches, each and every one of them. So isn't it just beautiful when two souls find one another, no matter how? Its never strange and its never wrong. It simply is.
The book was just charming. Its super fun to have strong Jewish characters. And an adorable 11 year old. And.... Bubbe Miriam? Well naturally, she just steals the show.
September 26, 2022
Dara Rabinowitz is a third generation matchmaker, and she still has her grandmother Miriam to help her if necessary.
She also is the creator and owner of a dating app - J-Mate.
Dara and her grandmother are guests on a live TV show, and her grandmother definitely wasn't any help according to Dara, but she actually stole the show with her comments about matchmaking and her granddaughter who makes matches and isn't married.
Dara wanted to crawl under her chair especially since she did have a crush on Chris, the host of the show. He couldn't be for her, though, because he wasn't Jewish.
Dara made matches for everyone but herself.
Will she ever find love and Mr. Perfect for herself?
You will find out when you read this cute, funny, light read...I laughed out loud and also shed some tears at times.
I loved Grandmother Miriam…Dara, Lacey, and Chris were pretty lovable too.
This book was given to me by the publisher for an honest review.
She also is the creator and owner of a dating app - J-Mate.
Dara and her grandmother are guests on a live TV show, and her grandmother definitely wasn't any help according to Dara, but she actually stole the show with her comments about matchmaking and her granddaughter who makes matches and isn't married.
Dara wanted to crawl under her chair especially since she did have a crush on Chris, the host of the show. He couldn't be for her, though, because he wasn't Jewish.
Dara made matches for everyone but herself.
Will she ever find love and Mr. Perfect for herself?
You will find out when you read this cute, funny, light read...I laughed out loud and also shed some tears at times.
I loved Grandmother Miriam…Dara, Lacey, and Chris were pretty lovable too.
This book was given to me by the publisher for an honest review.
November 16, 2022
Take a successful matchmaker (Dara)/app developer, add a handsome TV host (Chris), and you have the beginnings of an entertaining rom-com. Set the story in the framework of Jewish High Holidays, mix in some quirky characters like Jensen, the fireman, and the Hollaback Girls at Dara's bubbe's retirement home --then sprinkle both heartwarming and hilarious dates into the plot. Don't forget to season with a love triangle and the book is pretty close to perfect. An informative and intriguing look into kosher living and the legacy that has been passed down through thousands of years. Really makes you ponder the many ways one can choose a mate.
August 18, 2022
This book was utterly charming in so many ways. As soon as I felt myself smiling only a few pages in, I knew I was going to like this one. I loved the representation of the Jewish culture and faith and the representation of anxiety, specifically Generalized Anxiety which I too suffer from. Jean Meltzer did an excellent job at showing the reader exactly what Dara goes through as she navigates life surrounded by her faith but with the added mental health struggles that grip so many of us.
I also really loved the way she developed the relationship between Chris and his daughter Lacey, and gave us a glimpse into how hard it is to be a single parent, particularly a single dad raising a pre-teen girl. I laughed at how often he attempted, but ultimately ended up burning breakfast.
As someone who was born into an interfaith family, to an Episcopalian mom and a Jewish dad (although an atheist now), it was really fun to see how the relationship between the two main characters developed in spite of their adherence to different faiths and the turmoil that it added.
While there were a few small issues I had such as contradictory details (how can someone have both olive and porcelain complexions at the same time), overall, I really enjoyed this one and look forward to reading Meltzer’s previous book, The Matzah Ball, especially as we head into the holidays.
Thank you to NetGalley, Mira, and TLC Book Tours for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I also really loved the way she developed the relationship between Chris and his daughter Lacey, and gave us a glimpse into how hard it is to be a single parent, particularly a single dad raising a pre-teen girl. I laughed at how often he attempted, but ultimately ended up burning breakfast.
As someone who was born into an interfaith family, to an Episcopalian mom and a Jewish dad (although an atheist now), it was really fun to see how the relationship between the two main characters developed in spite of their adherence to different faiths and the turmoil that it added.
While there were a few small issues I had such as contradictory details (how can someone have both olive and porcelain complexions at the same time), overall, I really enjoyed this one and look forward to reading Meltzer’s previous book, The Matzah Ball, especially as we head into the holidays.
Thank you to NetGalley, Mira, and TLC Book Tours for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 11, 2022
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
Easy enough, right? Especially for a successful matchmaker, with over 10,000 wonderful matches, A multi-millionaire, beautiful and brilliant to boot. Dara Rabinowitz may appear to have it all. But she also has Generalized Anxiety Disorder. More than that, her sole focus has been about working very hard at perfecting her multi-generational matchmaking business, bringing it in into today’s world of apps. Throughout her life, Dara has had to learn how to manage her anxiety, whether it is worrying overmuch or having full-blown panic attacks. I love the way that these issues are addressed in this book, as well as some of the coping techniques that really help Dara.
Dara get the opportunity to meet her celebrity crush, none other than Chris Steadfast, host of a morning talk show right there in the city of New York where they both live. Dara does not go alone. In fact her grandmother Miriam accompanies her in a live guest spot spot on The Morning Show. After all, it was Miriam who started the matchmaking company. What neither Dara nor Chris expected was for Miriam to share Dara’s list of her version of Mr. Perfect. Although embarrassed beyond belief, the sharing of that list could very well increase the success and popularity of not only the matchmaking business, but also to keep that morning talk show on the air by improving its ratings.
Not only does Chris have an idea to help Dara work with her list of finding the perfect Jewish husband, they soon battle an attraction to one another that holds no hope. Dara is not just a Jewish woman by name. Her faith is who she is as a person, whether it is the Jewish holidays, the diet that she maintains and other things that are very important to her. Marrying outside of that is something that could never happen. Therefore, why even think about acting on their shared attraction?
Chris has his own issues to deal with, and that includes being a widower of two years with an 11-year-old daughter. He has already uprooted her when her mother passed away, and now that his show is failing in the ratings he is worried that he may have to uproot her life yet again.
What a beautiful story, whether it is the comedic failures as Dara goes on her dates, or if it is the seriousness that the story has when it comes to dealing with Dara’s anxiety and the grief that Chris and his daughter are still dealing with. It is sort of like both sides of the coin here in this absolutely fantastic story by Jean Meltzer. More than that, this is a book that really delves into Jewish beliefs and culture in a pleasant and informative way. This made an already enjoyable story that much better.
I love the balance that this book strikes when it comes to what Dara needs and wants in her life and how that is measured against her moral and religious beliefs. I also love the fact that they have to battle their growing emotions when it seems that there is nothing that could come of them. The way this book was handled showed that even the most difficult and highest mountain can be traversed through time and perseverance. Lastly, this book examines whether love is enough or whether stability and tradition has more importance.
This is the second delightful book that I hav3 read by this talented author. The previous book I read was The Matzah Ball, and that was a five-star read for me just as this one is.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/RVYH9UvbAbw
* A doctor or lawyer (preferably a doctor)
* Baggage-free (no previous marriages, no children)
* And of course—he must be Jewish
Easy enough, right? Especially for a successful matchmaker, with over 10,000 wonderful matches, A multi-millionaire, beautiful and brilliant to boot. Dara Rabinowitz may appear to have it all. But she also has Generalized Anxiety Disorder. More than that, her sole focus has been about working very hard at perfecting her multi-generational matchmaking business, bringing it in into today’s world of apps. Throughout her life, Dara has had to learn how to manage her anxiety, whether it is worrying overmuch or having full-blown panic attacks. I love the way that these issues are addressed in this book, as well as some of the coping techniques that really help Dara.
Dara get the opportunity to meet her celebrity crush, none other than Chris Steadfast, host of a morning talk show right there in the city of New York where they both live. Dara does not go alone. In fact her grandmother Miriam accompanies her in a live guest spot spot on The Morning Show. After all, it was Miriam who started the matchmaking company. What neither Dara nor Chris expected was for Miriam to share Dara’s list of her version of Mr. Perfect. Although embarrassed beyond belief, the sharing of that list could very well increase the success and popularity of not only the matchmaking business, but also to keep that morning talk show on the air by improving its ratings.
Not only does Chris have an idea to help Dara work with her list of finding the perfect Jewish husband, they soon battle an attraction to one another that holds no hope. Dara is not just a Jewish woman by name. Her faith is who she is as a person, whether it is the Jewish holidays, the diet that she maintains and other things that are very important to her. Marrying outside of that is something that could never happen. Therefore, why even think about acting on their shared attraction?
Chris has his own issues to deal with, and that includes being a widower of two years with an 11-year-old daughter. He has already uprooted her when her mother passed away, and now that his show is failing in the ratings he is worried that he may have to uproot her life yet again.
What a beautiful story, whether it is the comedic failures as Dara goes on her dates, or if it is the seriousness that the story has when it comes to dealing with Dara’s anxiety and the grief that Chris and his daughter are still dealing with. It is sort of like both sides of the coin here in this absolutely fantastic story by Jean Meltzer. More than that, this is a book that really delves into Jewish beliefs and culture in a pleasant and informative way. This made an already enjoyable story that much better.
I love the balance that this book strikes when it comes to what Dara needs and wants in her life and how that is measured against her moral and religious beliefs. I also love the fact that they have to battle their growing emotions when it seems that there is nothing that could come of them. The way this book was handled showed that even the most difficult and highest mountain can be traversed through time and perseverance. Lastly, this book examines whether love is enough or whether stability and tradition has more importance.
This is the second delightful book that I hav3 read by this talented author. The previous book I read was The Matzah Ball, and that was a five-star read for me just as this one is.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/RVYH9UvbAbw
May 31, 2022
my thoughts on me perfect on paper!
i was lucky enough to revive an arc of this book, and i’m so sad to say that i didn’t love this book.
i just wanted to quickly say these are my thoughts only. i think jean is super sweet, and these are my opinions, not facts— so don’t let everything i saw sway your decision :)
i rated this book 3.6/5 stars.
okay, starting with this is just not for me. i don’t like books where the main guy tragically lost the mother of his child that he loves. i just don’t like the trope— i tend to avoid single dad books because of my genuine dislike to the plot point.
i like the fact that it has jewish rep. i rarely see jewish representation in books, and it makes me happy to know there are people being seen through these novels. but since i’m not jewish, i was confused for a lot of it, and it didn’t hold value to me, personally. so it was hard for me to connect to dara.
i like chris and dara as characters, but i didn’t really get attached to them. i don’t really know why— i just didn’t :(
dara has GAD, (a severe anxiety disorder) which i also have. i was happy to potentially read about some character traits that i could relate to— and i did. i felt that she spoke about it so much, that the entirety of her personality had become her anxiety. and that made me a little sad, considering people with anxiety are so much more than the fear, overthinking, and everything else that comes with the disorder.
the ending of this book felt quite rushed. i feel like there should’ve been a little more time with them together. or a longer epilogue.
i could’ve absolutely loved this book if not for the whole tragic loss plot. it just isn’t my thing— but it might be yours, and so i say give it a try!
i did quite enjoy some parts of the book— the way chris and dara love each other is so heart warming :) but while reading i found the actual romance itself is lacking immensely. in my opinion, this book is more focused on dara’s anxiety, and chris’ grief, rather than the actual romance between them. which is perfectly okay! it’s just not what i was expecting, given this is a rom-com.
i was lucky enough to revive an arc of this book, and i’m so sad to say that i didn’t love this book.
i just wanted to quickly say these are my thoughts only. i think jean is super sweet, and these are my opinions, not facts— so don’t let everything i saw sway your decision :)
i rated this book 3.6/5 stars.
okay, starting with this is just not for me. i don’t like books where the main guy tragically lost the mother of his child that he loves. i just don’t like the trope— i tend to avoid single dad books because of my genuine dislike to the plot point.
i like the fact that it has jewish rep. i rarely see jewish representation in books, and it makes me happy to know there are people being seen through these novels. but since i’m not jewish, i was confused for a lot of it, and it didn’t hold value to me, personally. so it was hard for me to connect to dara.
i like chris and dara as characters, but i didn’t really get attached to them. i don’t really know why— i just didn’t :(
dara has GAD, (a severe anxiety disorder) which i also have. i was happy to potentially read about some character traits that i could relate to— and i did. i felt that she spoke about it so much, that the entirety of her personality had become her anxiety. and that made me a little sad, considering people with anxiety are so much more than the fear, overthinking, and everything else that comes with the disorder.
the ending of this book felt quite rushed. i feel like there should’ve been a little more time with them together. or a longer epilogue.
i could’ve absolutely loved this book if not for the whole tragic loss plot. it just isn’t my thing— but it might be yours, and so i say give it a try!
i did quite enjoy some parts of the book— the way chris and dara love each other is so heart warming :) but while reading i found the actual romance itself is lacking immensely. in my opinion, this book is more focused on dara’s anxiety, and chris’ grief, rather than the actual romance between them. which is perfectly okay! it’s just not what i was expecting, given this is a rom-com.
March 23, 2022
One of Jean Meltzer’s greatest gifts as a writer is the compassion with which she treats her characters. Kindness fills every page of this novel, and readers won’t be able to walk away unaffected. Dara’s relationship with her grandmother is unique—familiar but wonderfully original too. It is the kind of relationship so many of us can recognize, but Meltzer manages to add those extra details and humor that make us want to keep reading and chuckling along. The pacing here is absolutely perfect—just the right amount of frustration, romance, laughter and tears. Seeing a character with anxiety on the page is so important for so many of us, and, of course, the complex Jewish representation made my heart just about burst with happiness. This is a book that will stay with readers and I am so grateful to Jean for putting it on paper and sharing it with all of us!
January 26, 2023
I wanted so badly to like this book-- Jewish representation in romance is super important. While this book is great for an easy introduction to Jewish holidays and customs, the story itself is lacking and the writer's interpretation of Generalized Anxiety Disorder is stereotypical at best and downright offensive at worst. The climax of the book is overdone and unbelievable. This book had a great premise, but its execution was poor.
September 12, 2022
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved The Matzah Ball and Jean Meltzer seems like such a sweet and wonderful lady. I am rooting for her success in everything she writes! It physically pains me to say that I hated this book.
I was so excited when the author announced her second novel and that it featured a protagonist with generalized anxiety disorder. I have the same chronic illness that the protagonist in the Matzah Ball has and felt so, beautifully represented by that book. I also happen to have generalized anxiety disorder so I had high expectations.
I think the first way this book let me down was through it’s depiction of the disorder. In the Matzah Ball, Rachel never felt like her CFS consumed her entire character. She was a person outside of that, with feelings and thoughts and desires. It was beautiful representation. Dara always felt like an after school special dedicated to teaching children about the broad strokes of GAD. It was all she was.
I also found it very hard to empathize with Dara because she is outrageously wealthy…. I just don’t really want to read about the 1% and their fabulous million dollar apartment in Manhattan or their designer gowns and personal assistants when I’m struggling to afford a one bedroom apartment you know?
The romance felt forced and lacked chemistry. I didn’t believe that Dara would throw away a part of her faith that meant so much to her for this average guy who never really shared much about himself outside of his tragic backstory.
Finally, a personal pet peeve of mine is badly written children. I don’t believe Jean has ever met an eleven year old in her entire life after reading this 400 page book.
I loved the Jewish representation and thought the book sparked some very interesting conversations about interfaith marriage and the complications that accompany that. However the book unfortunately just did not work for me. I really hope Jean meltzer gets her groove back in the next one.
I absolutely loved The Matzah Ball and Jean Meltzer seems like such a sweet and wonderful lady. I am rooting for her success in everything she writes! It physically pains me to say that I hated this book.
I was so excited when the author announced her second novel and that it featured a protagonist with generalized anxiety disorder. I have the same chronic illness that the protagonist in the Matzah Ball has and felt so, beautifully represented by that book. I also happen to have generalized anxiety disorder so I had high expectations.
I think the first way this book let me down was through it’s depiction of the disorder. In the Matzah Ball, Rachel never felt like her CFS consumed her entire character. She was a person outside of that, with feelings and thoughts and desires. It was beautiful representation. Dara always felt like an after school special dedicated to teaching children about the broad strokes of GAD. It was all she was.
I also found it very hard to empathize with Dara because she is outrageously wealthy…. I just don’t really want to read about the 1% and their fabulous million dollar apartment in Manhattan or their designer gowns and personal assistants when I’m struggling to afford a one bedroom apartment you know?
The romance felt forced and lacked chemistry. I didn’t believe that Dara would throw away a part of her faith that meant so much to her for this average guy who never really shared much about himself outside of his tragic backstory.
Finally, a personal pet peeve of mine is badly written children. I don’t believe Jean has ever met an eleven year old in her entire life after reading this 400 page book.
I loved the Jewish representation and thought the book sparked some very interesting conversations about interfaith marriage and the complications that accompany that. However the book unfortunately just did not work for me. I really hope Jean meltzer gets her groove back in the next one.
June 27, 2022
After reading and loving The Matzah Ball last year, I was so excited to read Meltzer's second book. I was not disappointed. It is incredibly witty (like laugh-out-loud at times) yet full of depth and totally romantic. The grand gesture at the end is FIRE. The Jewish rep is even more intense in this second installment and although I am Jewish, I learned a lot. The generalized anxiety rep is also extremely relatable. I wondered how the author would work out the HEA without either of the main characters compromising their beliefs to an unrealistic extent. Let's just say, she nailed it. I was a little upset by a development in the epilogue, but I understood and respected the author's choices! In summary, I loved this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 4, 2022
4.5 stars
In Mr. Perfect on Paper , this matchmaker has met her match.
Dara is the third generation of matchmaker in her family, after her mother and grandmother, but she’s taken matchmaking into modern times as the creator and CEO of J-Mate, the popular Jewish dating app. Yet while her app has been responsible for thousands of people finding true love, her own love life is rather empty.
When Dara and her beloved bubbe (grandmother) appear on television to talk about matchmaking, the last thing Dara is expecting is for her bubbe to humiliate her on air by sharing her secret checklist for “The Perfect Jewish Husband.” But the segment is such a hit that the show’s handsome host, Chris Steadfast, proposes that he find men that meet Dara’s characteristics and she go on dates with them—on the air.
Of course, the more time Dara spends with Chris, the more she realizes that he’s the one she wants. But the non-Jewish widowed father is not the match that Dara has in mind. Should she settle for merely content with a man who checks off boxes on her list, or should she choose the man who makes her heart beat faster, regardless of the complications?
This book was so good—it’s romantic, funny, poignant, and it really gives an in-depth look at Judaism and the tug-of-war people feel when dating and finding a mate. It’s also an emotional look at starting over, and provides perspective on living with generalized anxiety disorder.
Thanks so much to TLC Book Tours, Jean Meltzer, and MIRA Books for inviting me on the tour and providing me a complimentary copy of the book. I loved it!!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
In Mr. Perfect on Paper , this matchmaker has met her match.
Dara is the third generation of matchmaker in her family, after her mother and grandmother, but she’s taken matchmaking into modern times as the creator and CEO of J-Mate, the popular Jewish dating app. Yet while her app has been responsible for thousands of people finding true love, her own love life is rather empty.
When Dara and her beloved bubbe (grandmother) appear on television to talk about matchmaking, the last thing Dara is expecting is for her bubbe to humiliate her on air by sharing her secret checklist for “The Perfect Jewish Husband.” But the segment is such a hit that the show’s handsome host, Chris Steadfast, proposes that he find men that meet Dara’s characteristics and she go on dates with them—on the air.
Of course, the more time Dara spends with Chris, the more she realizes that he’s the one she wants. But the non-Jewish widowed father is not the match that Dara has in mind. Should she settle for merely content with a man who checks off boxes on her list, or should she choose the man who makes her heart beat faster, regardless of the complications?
This book was so good—it’s romantic, funny, poignant, and it really gives an in-depth look at Judaism and the tug-of-war people feel when dating and finding a mate. It’s also an emotional look at starting over, and provides perspective on living with generalized anxiety disorder.
Thanks so much to TLC Book Tours, Jean Meltzer, and MIRA Books for inviting me on the tour and providing me a complimentary copy of the book. I loved it!!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
October 23, 2022
Dara Rabinowitz is a third-generation matchmaker. Her modern version of the family trade is through an app she created called J-Mate, which specializes in matches for Jewish singles. While 34-year-old Dara is very successful, she remains single. An anxiety disorder has made dating difficult as well as her very specific criteria for a husband, which includes being of Jewish faith. A New York City television news program books Dara and her grandmother (bubbe) for a segment on matchmaking tying into the upcoming Jewish High Holidays. Feisty Bubbe Miriam decides to go off script and reveal Dara's list of qualifications for a husband. Dara is mortified yet the public loves the segment with it going viral. It is so successful that newscaster Chris Steadfast turns this hilarious interview into an on-going feature on Dara's search for a husband. But handsome Chris has his own motives. He is a young widower with a daughter and is trying to save his job. And while Chris is not Jewish, neither he nor Dara can ignore the sparks flying between them. When Dara appears to have found Mr. Perfect on Paper, she needs to take a second look at what her heart truly wants.
Jean Meltzer's debut novel, The Matzah Ball, was an entertaining book yet I enjoyed Mr. Perfect on Paper even more. While Jewish readers will be able to nod with recognition to the cultural references and Yiddish words, this is a story that should appeal to everyone. The characters are very endearing, and the story is both very funny and touching as the story deals with loss as well as the search for love. There are some laugh out loud moments during some disastrous dates and some teary moments too. It's worth a look.
Jean Meltzer's debut novel, The Matzah Ball, was an entertaining book yet I enjoyed Mr. Perfect on Paper even more. While Jewish readers will be able to nod with recognition to the cultural references and Yiddish words, this is a story that should appeal to everyone. The characters are very endearing, and the story is both very funny and touching as the story deals with loss as well as the search for love. There are some laugh out loud moments during some disastrous dates and some teary moments too. It's worth a look.
August 4, 2022
Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
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.
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.
June 2, 2022
After reading The Matzah Ball, I was eager to check out Jean Meltzer's sophomore novel, Mr. Perfect on Paper. She is now two for two with enjoyable Jewish romcoms.
This story was so cute, sweet, and funny. I love how Dara was open about having Generalized Anxiety Disorder and all her coping mechanisms. Jean really allowed me to get into Dara's head. I loved all the Jewish references throughout. Some just made me laugh out loud. I also loved Miriam and the ChallahBack Girls. What a great team! The disastrous dates were too funny. I can't even imagine having to go through all that and have it caught on film! It makes me thankful that I met my beshert before social media was a thing. It was nice to see some lesser-known Jewish holidays included (like Sukkot and Simchat Torah, which would be something new for someone who is not Jewish). Maybe next time Purim will be featured!
My main concern was that I felt like Dara had it too easy sometimes when it came to money. If she weren't the creator of J-Mate and featured on TV, she might have had a much harder time finding her beshert. There were also some little inconsistencies that I hope were ironed out during the final publication.
It was a great story overall and I enjoyed it the entire way through. Jean handled grief and mental health in a sensitive way that readers will appreciate. I definitely recommend adding this to your TBR when it releases in August.
Movie casting suggestions (this one was so hard to cast, so go easy on me):
This story was so cute, sweet, and funny. I love how Dara was open about having Generalized Anxiety Disorder and all her coping mechanisms. Jean really allowed me to get into Dara's head. I loved all the Jewish references throughout. Some just made me laugh out loud. I also loved Miriam and the ChallahBack Girls. What a great team! The disastrous dates were too funny. I can't even imagine having to go through all that and have it caught on film! It makes me thankful that I met my beshert before social media was a thing. It was nice to see some lesser-known Jewish holidays included (like Sukkot and Simchat Torah, which would be something new for someone who is not Jewish). Maybe next time Purim will be featured!
My main concern was that I felt like Dara had it too easy sometimes when it came to money. If she weren't the creator of J-Mate and featured on TV, she might have had a much harder time finding her beshert. There were also some little inconsistencies that I hope were ironed out during the final publication.
It was a great story overall and I enjoyed it the entire way through. Jean handled grief and mental health in a sensitive way that readers will appreciate. I definitely recommend adding this to your TBR when it releases in August.
Movie casting suggestions (this one was so hard to cast, so go easy on me):
Dara: Jenny Slate
Christopher: Justin Hartley
Eleanor: Ari Graynor
Miriam: Miriam Margolyes
Daniel: Julian Morris
Shana: Shoshannah Stern
Lacey: Valentina Gordon
July 14, 2023
לסקירה מפורטת בעברית ואנגלית, קישור לבלוג שלי -
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/מושל...
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/מושל...
January 8, 2023
3.5 Stars
I must admit, I cringed at the title. It’s too flippant. Yes, this book is silly, but it’s cleverly funny and unapologetic in commitment to faith and being yourself. I learned a lot about Jewish culture and traditions, which leaves me curious to learn more. I’m interested in what else this author has to say.
I must admit, I cringed at the title. It’s too flippant. Yes, this book is silly, but it’s cleverly funny and unapologetic in commitment to faith and being yourself. I learned a lot about Jewish culture and traditions, which leaves me curious to learn more. I’m interested in what else this author has to say.
December 7, 2022
I so enjoy holiday romances that aren't focused on Christmas. This one is all about Judaism and I loved getting to know more about the community. I had no idea that matchmaking was a big component and I liked the different ways Dara and her grandmother went about it. You have the way it's always been done, just talking to people and seeing what people are like. Then the new way, using technology and apps to make matches. Both are fun and it was cute seeing everyone who found their partner.
Dara has anxiety that can get pretty bad at times. I appreciated that she wasn't embarrassed to have people know and that she used various techniques to help get herself through situations. There were a couple times I didn't love Dara though, times she seemed insensitive to Chris or was so rigid in her rules that she'd cause herself and others unhappiness. I guess what matters is her journey to finding her own perfect partner.
Cute story and perfect for the holiday season.
Dara has anxiety that can get pretty bad at times. I appreciated that she wasn't embarrassed to have people know and that she used various techniques to help get herself through situations. There were a couple times I didn't love Dara though, times she seemed insensitive to Chris or was so rigid in her rules that she'd cause herself and others unhappiness. I guess what matters is her journey to finding her own perfect partner.
Cute story and perfect for the holiday season.
January 18, 2023
A heartwarming and endearing romantic comedy that made me laugh out loud.
MR. PERFECT ON PAPER
is an absolute delight.
August 11, 2022
Dara Rabinowitz is a third generation matchmaker, but she does it with technology. She is the creator and CEO of the popular Jewish dating app J-Mate, but she has not yet found Mr. Right. She knows what she wants in a man, and thus, she has created Mr. Perfect, on paper. When she and her bubbe are invited to appear on national television to celebrate matchmaking and the launch of the updated J-Mate, her grandmother shares Dara's list for what she is looking for in the Perfect Jewish Husband. The show is a ratings hit, but Dara is mortified. The anchor of the show, Chris Steadfast, is a single dad and non-Jewish, so is completely off the table, but there is something there. The network wants Dara's story and they plan to set up dates for her based on her list and film them for the show. One of Dara's biggest issues is that she has Generalized Anxiety Disorder and this is going to be one of the hardest things she has done. Chris also deals with anxiety and he understands what Dara is dealing with and is there to calm her whenever her anxiety rears up. What follows are some pretty hilarious dates as well as a wonderfully developing friendship.
This was a wonderful, uplifting romance, with humour, great characters, frustration, family and friends. The idea that we all have that perfect match in our minds and how it might prevent us from finding our real match, flaws and all was a great theme. The story is told from both Dara's and Chris' POV, so we can see what both of them are thinking, dreaming and hoping. I loved the relationship between Dara and her grandmother. She lives in a retirement home with her best friends, "The ChallahBack Girls" and they were a hoot. They looked out for each other and poked and prodded Dara. Chris was a great character. He was a widower, with an eleven year old daughter, Lacey, who was delightful. She was a mix between a lonely little girl, and preteen who loved Dara from the moment she met her. Who wouldn't love Dara. She was a caring, loyal, smart women who had not had much luck with men. I loved seeing her with Lacey. She is completely open about her anxiety, and I liked how it was portrayed in the story. The storyline was wonderful and the pacing right on. There was a great mix of kindness, frustration, humour and love. The way Jean Meltzer handles the anxiety issues was brilliant. She is honest and compassionate, while bringing out the reality people deal with. With Dara being a devout Jewish woman, I learned a lot about the Jewish customs and beliefs, and I could also see how it can affect the decisions and actions. I was thrilled to see how this story ended, it made my heart happy. If you enjoy romance, humour, family, friendship as well as characters that are well-developed, then you will enjoy Mr. Perfect on Paper. I did a read/listen of this story with Dara Rosenberg narrating. She does a great job with this story, giving the various characters their own voices. She uses her expression to add emotion to the story and if definitely added to my enjoyment of the story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
This was a wonderful, uplifting romance, with humour, great characters, frustration, family and friends. The idea that we all have that perfect match in our minds and how it might prevent us from finding our real match, flaws and all was a great theme. The story is told from both Dara's and Chris' POV, so we can see what both of them are thinking, dreaming and hoping. I loved the relationship between Dara and her grandmother. She lives in a retirement home with her best friends, "The ChallahBack Girls" and they were a hoot. They looked out for each other and poked and prodded Dara. Chris was a great character. He was a widower, with an eleven year old daughter, Lacey, who was delightful. She was a mix between a lonely little girl, and preteen who loved Dara from the moment she met her. Who wouldn't love Dara. She was a caring, loyal, smart women who had not had much luck with men. I loved seeing her with Lacey. She is completely open about her anxiety, and I liked how it was portrayed in the story. The storyline was wonderful and the pacing right on. There was a great mix of kindness, frustration, humour and love. The way Jean Meltzer handles the anxiety issues was brilliant. She is honest and compassionate, while bringing out the reality people deal with. With Dara being a devout Jewish woman, I learned a lot about the Jewish customs and beliefs, and I could also see how it can affect the decisions and actions. I was thrilled to see how this story ended, it made my heart happy. If you enjoy romance, humour, family, friendship as well as characters that are well-developed, then you will enjoy Mr. Perfect on Paper. I did a read/listen of this story with Dara Rosenberg narrating. She does a great job with this story, giving the various characters their own voices. She uses her expression to add emotion to the story and if definitely added to my enjoyment of the story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
March 13, 2023
4.5 כוכבים של מתיקות ויופי.
April 7, 2024
It was cute overall but completely predictable. Of course the girl who’s turned courtship into a science is going to fall for someone who doesn’t fit her preconceived ideas of perfect. Most of the situations are unrealistic or over-the-top, which is typical for rom-coms. That’s okay. There were some genuine laughs, but some scenes that were meant to be funny were more cringe from second-hand embarrassment.
I most liked the aspects of New York Jewish culture and the serious look at inter-faith relationships. Couples typically fight over sex, money, politics, and religion. My great-grandparents fought over religion constantly. So it is something to be taken seriously, and the book didn’t just brush it off with a “love conquers all” attitude.
Single-parent dating was included, which I appreciated. This gets overlooked a lot, and it’s hard to do. Lacey didn’t act like any 11-year-old I’ve known, but that’s just me.
The anxiety rep is nice to see, though I don’t know how accurate it is—my anxiety didn’t act quite this way, and it’s been replaced by depression. (Instead of worrying about things going wrong, I believe they will go wrong and don’t worry about it.) I liked that that the MC was open about it instead of trying to hide it.
*Reader’s Choice Nominee Spring 2024*
Language: Some moderate language
Sexual Content: Descriptions of making out/arousal; mentions of puberty
Violence/Gore: Mild (somebody punches somebody else)
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
I most liked the aspects of New York Jewish culture and the serious look at inter-faith relationships. Couples typically fight over sex, money, politics, and religion. My great-grandparents fought over religion constantly. So it is something to be taken seriously, and the book didn’t just brush it off with a “love conquers all” attitude.
Single-parent dating was included, which I appreciated. This gets overlooked a lot, and it’s hard to do. Lacey didn’t act like any 11-year-old I’ve known, but that’s just me.
The anxiety rep is nice to see, though I don’t know how accurate it is—my anxiety didn’t act quite this way, and it’s been replaced by depression. (Instead of worrying about things going wrong, I believe they will go wrong and don’t worry about it.) I liked that that the MC was open about it instead of trying to hide it.
*Reader’s Choice Nominee Spring 2024*
Language: Some moderate language
Sexual Content: Descriptions of making out/arousal; mentions of puberty
Violence/Gore: Mild (somebody punches somebody else)
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
December 31, 2022
This was cute and I really enjoyed reading it. I loved learning about different Jewish holidays and traditions, overall I really liked learning more about being Jewish
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