Kissing Kosher by Jean Meltzer
CW: Loss of Parents During Childhood, Deadly Accident Described, Brain Injury, Childhood Abuse, Abusive Language, Struggles with Chronic Illness, Legal Drug Use, Underage Drug Use (Mentioned), Sexual Language and Scenes (Fade to Black), Medical Content/Trauma, Capitalism, Suicidal Thoughts, Ableism, Gaslighting, Fire
5/5
Jean Meltzer's Kissing Kosher is not your typical romcom, in style or content. I chose to read this book because I enjoyed Meltzer's The Matzah Ball and wanted to see what else she had written. I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. In fact, my standards may have gone up! This book was healthy, wholesome, and respectable while dealing with some heavy and unexpected topics. All of this while focusing on a believable and gush-worthy romance for Jews and non-Jews alike!
Avital Cohen has been struggling with a mix of chronic illnesses for the last two years. She's also co-running her family's successful bakery with her twin brother. Between the two, she is struggling to survive. So, Avital hires a little extra help around the bakery. This comes in the form of Ethan Rosenberg Lippmann, the grandson of her grandfather's rival. Attempting corporate espionage, he hides his Lippmann lineage, fakes a background in baking, and looks around for the Cohen family babka recipe. Unfortunately for his grandfather (the man whose idea this was) Ethan falls for Avital and the bakery. Will Ethan and Avital be able to improve each other's lives or is their romance a bad idea?
Kissing Kosher was published 2 years after The Matzah Ball, and I can tell that Meltzer listened to her readers and improved her writing in that time. Mind you, she was already very skilled, but I noticed some people had problems with the way The Matzah Ball's love interest handled the main character's chronic illness. I was fine with it, but I did think the relationship was a little rushed. Kissing Kosher corrects both of these concerns while doing so much more. Meltzer deals with chronic illness herself and it's evident in the way she writes Avital's experience.
Although my experience and illnesses are different from Avital's, her story felt familiar. Doctors not finding what they're looking for, special diets, and pain. It's also well-described for anyone who hasn't dealt with it. Meltzer allows anyone who wants to, to be her audience. As for Ethan, he is dealing with anxiety and a childhood of (big T) Trauma. He comes into Avital's life and finds what he wants to do most is relieve her burden. I think it's wish fulfillment for Meltzer, but that's absolutely okay. It's written with boundaries, advocacy, and open-mindedness. I don't wish to spoil the story, but I'll say it made me so happy to be a part of these characters' lives, even for a little bit. Representation matters, and so does speaking up. It might reach someone who needs it.
Of course, disability isn't the only type of representation in Kissing Kosher. There's Judaism too! The book is told with a strong Jewish voice, is filled with Jewish characters, and is set in a Jewish bakery. Throughout, you'll find Jewish terminology, food, wisdom, obscure references, and holidays. Even the sections of the book are split up by where it is on the Hebrew calendar! Most of these things are explained, as to include the non-Jewish readers, but not in a way that would waste the time of a Jewish reader. Jewish food especially is explored, including a beautiful challah-making scene. Some of my other favorite Jewish moments include the Purim Carnival and the tefillin scene. Reading Jewish stories and romances makes me feel happy and seen!
If you're looking for a caring romance filled with Jewish and chronic illness representation, any of Jean Meltzer's books are a good bet. If Jewish food and enemy families excite you, Kissing Kosher should be your next read! Give this romance a chance!
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