Matzah Ball Surprise: Volume 1

Delightful slice-of-life romance! As I eagerly look forward to Passover with my adult hearing-impaired children, I knew I wanted to read this one based on the premise alone. Don't worry if you're not familiar with either the holiday or the disability; this book is beautifully written to cover all the basics and focuses on the universal themes of family, love, and communication. Gaby wants to avoid the usual questions and matchmaking from her family over Passover, so she bravely asks the gorgeous guy from her gym to accompany her as her fake date. Levi has his own reasons for avoiding his family during the holiday, so he readily agrees. Thus the stage is set for these two to work out their communication issues as Levi teaches Gaby sign language and to address their undeniable chemistry that seems to have no language barrier at all. From the delightfully outspoken Aunt Faith to Gaby's protective sister, Isabelle, and all the other extended family and friends on both sides, this story is filled with memorable characters who are proof that a relationship almost always involves the whole family, especially families as close-knit as the Finebergs and the Millers. I loved every bit of this story, and appreciated the understated authenticity throughout. Levi and Gaby prove that love needs no words, and that hearts can communicate in a language of their own. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.