Dubbed “The Queen of Jewish Romance,” Jean Meltzer is the international bestselling author of The Matzah Ball, Mr. Perfect on Paper, Kissing Kosher, and Magical Meet Cute, and the recipient of several writing honors including Amazon Best Romance, Apple Best Book of October, Apple Best Audiobook of the Year, Booklist Top Ten Romances for 2023, a Kirkus Star, a Booklist Star, and LibraryReads.

Jean’s commitment to uplifting Jewish stories and voices has made her a leading figure in Jewish literary advocacy. She is the Founder & CEO of Jewish Joy LLC, the umbrella organization to Jewish Women Talk About Romance Books, The Jewish Joy Book Club, The Jewish Joy Box, and Jewish Joy Con, coming 2026. In addition, she has served as a judge for the National Jewish Book Awards, and is a founding member of The Artists Against Antisemitism.

A sought-after speaker and panelist, Jean regularly speaks on topics such as authentic representation, Jewish joy, and writing through adversity. Her work is informed by personal experience—most notably her decades-long journey with chronic illness and her background in Jewish learning and media. Prior to becoming an author, she studied dramatic writing at NYU Tisch and built a successful career in television, earning multiple accolades including a National Daytime Emmy Award.

In 2006, Jean left the entertainment industry and moved to Israel to study in rabbinical school, seeking a deeper connection to her faith and identity. Though her studies were eventually cut short due to her health, the experience profoundly shaped her voice and purpose as a writer. When her father encouraged her to write a book—“just not a Jewish one, because no one reads those”—she defied that advice, and, in doing so, helped transform the landscape of Jewish commercial fiction.

Jean is represented by Carolyn Forde and Marilyn Biderman at Transatlantic Agency (literary), Addison Duffy and Jasmine Lake at United Talent Agency (film), and Rob Firing at Transatlantic Agency (speakers).

Connect with her online at:

www.jewish-joy.com
www.jeanmeltzer.com
IG: JeanMeltzer
FB: JeanMeltzerAuthor