Match in the Making

Fun book. Strong female lead.

Matchmaking as a profession has far more worth than I thought…

Oh my gosh - this was such a fun book to read. The author has the most precious sense of humor which brought me to laughter many times as I read. The matchmaking of the elite in the 1888’s must have been a sight to behold. Gwendolyn was certainly the star of the show! You don’t want to miss this absolutely wonderful story.

An early copy of this first book in The Matchmakers was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

If ever I need a good laugh, I turn to Jen Turano’s books! This delightful beginning to a new series is a must read for historical romantic comedy fans. Set during the 1880’s Newport summer season, Gwendolyn Brinley is hoping for a restful break from her demanding opera diva cousin. She agrees to be a temporary paid companion to Mrs. Parker thinking it will be a time where she can reflect on her life. Unfortunately, Mrs. Parker has other plans. She enlists Gwendolyn to become her assistant matchmaker. That’s when the craziness ensues!

Walter Townsend, a widower with three unruly young children, is the catch of the season. When a beautiful young woman spills her drink all over him and proclaims to be an assistant matchmaker, he’s determined to enlist her help in finding him a new wife. This is the last thing Gwendolyn wants to worry about. With Gwendolyn’s uncanny success, she only draws more male clients who Mrs. Parker is happy to take on when they pay her in jewels. But, will Gwendolyn be able to find the perfect match for Walter and his children or will they realize that the perfect match is right in front of them?

Gwendolyn is a kind of Yenta and Mary Poppins all in one. She sees right off the bat that Walter’s children are good kids who just need genuine love and guidance. Walter is somewhat of an absentee father who has left his children to the grandmothers to raise. The grandmothers do what they do best, spoil the children. Gwendolyn has a way with them and teaches the children how to behave properly in a loving way. She also helps Walter see the need to be involved in his children’s lives. His expectations for a wife are merely to find someone to get along with, but Gwendolyn helps him see that he should strive for so much more.

The two of them have a sort of frenemies relationship at first. Their witty bickering had me laughing out loud. I loved the way they both changed throughout the story. Some of the crazy situations they find themselves involve a stubborn pony, a shark, and overenthusiastic/cutthroat heiresses striving to be the next Mrs. Walter Townsend. It’s one of those hilarious books you just need to read and have nothing spoiled.

Unlike some of her previous books, this is a slow build romance where the focus is on building the relationship. There’s not a lot of physical expressions of affection such as those subtle touches or innocent kisses in this book. It’s so clean I’d have no problem recommending it to older middle grade or high school readers. It was a refreshing change to see the couple really get to know one another before any romance occurred.

Highly recommend to historical romance and historical romcom fans! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.