The Kiddush Ladies Paperback – December 10, 2016

I smiled and related to these ladies the entire time I read this. I enjoyed their relationship and what they went through as friends. However, I was upset with the ending. You read it and see what you think!

As an Orthodox Jewish woman, I appreciate this novel from a different viewpoint i.e. Reform Judaism. Emphasizing Jewish themes where traditions are replayed, proved wholeheartingly readable - unputdownable from cover to cover. I enjoyed the writing style as humorous and realistic involving daily friendships between lifetime friends. A lovely read!Constructive criticism = innumerous spelling mistakes and incorrect wording displays insufficient proof-reading of the novel. Overall, entertaining and recommendable to fellow Jewish ladies, unappealing and irrational if not.

Very easy read. Not written very well. Many errors in the text. I enjoyed the relationship the women had to each other, and could relate to the Jewish bond they had to the synagogue and their role as kiddish organizers. I understand how Becky felt about her son's relationship with Maria, but I would never have handled it the way that she did. She had wonderful friends who loved her but she shut them out from helping her accept Noah's choice. I didn't like the ending. Too dramatic an ending for such a light read.

I enjoyed the story and I especially liked Naomi. Whether they're Jewish or not, I'm sure quite a few women can see themselves in her--middle aged, divorced, mom to a teenager, boring job that barely pays the bills. She's thinking about the dreams and plans she put on hold and never got back to. She's interested in dating again but terrified at the same time. Great character. And then there's Becky. I have never actually despised a character in a book before, but I found myself hoping one of the other characters would just haul off and punch her (preferably Maria, the daughter in law to be). As realistic as Naomi is, Becky is not. If there had been a discussion of possible mental illness it might have helped a little, but everyone just tolerates the selfish, cruel lunacy this woman is subjecting them to.Because of Becky and everyone's reactions to her, I can't say the book is any more than just okay. It's a shame, because everything else was good.

This book took me right into the lives of these women who throughout the years have maintained friendships, with normal ups and downs, of real life as volunteers in their Synagogue. It was touching and sad, as well as factual, and funny. A real, good, and well written women's book.

At first I really enjoyed this story and the story lines. I felt that Becky's character was completely overdone. She came off mentally ill and a horrible person. I did keep reading as it did hold my interest and I did want to know what was going to happen to the different ending, but then I finished the book. What a horrible and ridiculous ending!! I was actually mad when I finished reading it. There is absolutely no point to the ending except to make you feel miserable and a wish that you had never started the book in the first place!!

I planned on giving this book 5 stars. However, I didn't really think the ending fit the rest of the book. I loved it up to that point.. I became involved in the characters. I wish the author would rewrite the end of the book and reissue it, as it was so enjoyable up to that point. I do hope this author will continue writing as she definitely has a great deal of talent.

I enjoy books that reveal the intricacies and faith of the Jews, while not Jewish myself I have had a life long fascination with Jewish culture and religion. The book had some promise and I enjoyed the peek into rituals and friendships but I feel that the relationships and actions were predictable and a bit trite. Certain relationships were not developed fully. And that ending...??

I really enjoyed this book and felt that I could really relate to the characters. The storyheld my attention right from the beginning. A sequel would be great as I am sure thereis potential to develop the characters. Highly recommended.

I have never visited Pittsburgh. I am a Brit. It is well described. jewish traditions, prayers and concerns are pretty much universal. I empathised, sympathised and engaged with the three ladies Becky, Miriam and Naomi, although to begin with it was a little difficult to remember which one was which. The ladies focus, fashion and circumstances quickly became apparent. Very superior well written chick lit and I engaged with the story. More than engaged. I was wanting and unable to see how it would end.The ending wasnt the cosy, conventional ending I thought it would be. No spoilers but it came as a bit of a shock. But even then I empathized with the characters and felt quite moved by their situation. Very accurately and well described. A really entertaining book for the ladies. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Could easily be a sequel Their collective and individual stories still have room for growth. Excellent.

Really loved this book until it got near the end. I felt like it ran out of steam and the author just wanted to get it finished. Loved the characters and the interwoven stories.

It's been a while since I was this disappointed and annoyed by the ending of a book, but this one really fulfilled that unwanted mission. The main story itself was fine in the beginning - an insight into Jewish life in Pittsburgh. However, the characters were too flimsy and unbelievable. A couple of the main people swerved in and out without much explanation, while the key protagonists become very cartoonish. The conclusion was shockingly bad as well as rushed. In addition, the whole book was littered with typos. It's appeal would be narrow at most (maybe a few Pittsburgh ladies might be trying to find themselves in there), but even to me, a Jewish woman, there was very limited connection and satisfaction.

Very disappointing. Poor story bad ending