THE MATCHMAKER’S GIFT

I LOVED this delightful book! The Matchmaker’s Gift follows the story of Sara, a young Jewish woman living in 1920s NYC who finds she has a magical gift for matchmaking - and her granddaughter Abby, a Manhattan divorce lawyer who may be better at bringing couples together than litigating their breakups. Sara must creatively connect her unsuspecting matches, while navigating a menacing cadre of matchmaking men. Abby is stuck in a demanding job that negates marriage, but following clues left by her grandmother may lead to a happier future. To find a path forward, both women must harness their gifts, and believe in true love - for their matches and themselves.

From Lower East Side pickle shops to chic TriBeCa fashion shows, this novel is a New York story filled with old fashioned romance and heartwarming charm. Unlike some dual timeline novels, I adored both Abby and Sara’s stories equally! I also found an extra special pride in a book that is infused with Jewish joy and cultural history. The female empowerment embodied by both of these women is subtly woven into their stories, and there is a fabulous supporting cast of characters to root for. Move this gem to the tippy-top of your fall TBR!

This book includes a scene with the Rosh Hashanah ritual of tashlich: throwing bread into the river to cast away sins, followed here by challah, apples and honey. During last week’s Rosh Hashanah holiday it felt fitting to bake homemade challah for this lovely book, paired with honey and traditional fruits! ALSO, my own challah cover (see my stories) features a bride and groom detail that reminded me so much of the one on this book’s design! I held our challah cover when we were lifted on chairs at our wedding, so it is a special reminder to me of true love!