Reviews

A Match in the Making by Jen Turano

farmfreshlisa's review

Go to review page

5.0

Well that is probably one of the easiest 5 star ratings I've given in awhile. But seriously. Not only did actually snicker out loud, but I spent so much time with a grin on my face through all of Gwendolyn's adventures and verbal jousting, I don't know the last time a book brought me so much pleasure--unless it was the last time I read a [a:Jen Turano|5765468|Jen Turano|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1352299813p2/5765468.jpg]! She is one of the few authors that can have my snickering, laughing, and wiping a tear all in one book.

One of the most curious discoveries Miss Gwendolyn Brinley had made during her brief sojourn as an unexpected and oh-so-reluctant assistant matchmaker was this--securing advantageous marriages amoungst the socially elite was not for the faint of heart and, frankly, could be considered a blood sport.


How can you not want to dive into the story with that opening book line?!

Her characters are ALIVE! They become your friends while you read the story. You sniff when they are offended and are ready to give the cut direct. You cheer when the hero steps in to assist---or when the heroine like Gwendolyn delivers the best passive aggressive set down you've read in awhile.

I absolutely LOVED Gwendolyn and her confidence to not let society force her into a box. She knew her mind and knew what she was capable of and she was not going to be defined by imaginary rules. I LOVED what she told little Pricilla in Chapter 20:

You're going to be told throughout your life that girls shouldn't do many things. It'll be up to you to decide whether that's true or not.


And Walter. Bless his heart. Seeing him realize his faults and the simple joys of earning affection from his children just by paying attention to them...A true hero indeed.

I could say so many scenes were my favorite--and that's why I HAVE to encourage you to treat yourself to this delightful book. You won't be able to put it down and you will NOT be sorry.

Lisa’s Ratings
5⭐ = Unforgettable. Make me FEEL emotions. I laughed or cried. I didn't want to put it down or let it end. They became my friends. A personal favorite.
4⭐ = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others. But I didn't *feel* anything.
3⭐ = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting. But nothing stellar or unforgettable. Not sure I will recommend it.
2⭐ = The book was tolerable, but I almost didn't like it.
1⭐ = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.

bookobsessedellie's review

Go to review page

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

rusticreadingal's review

Go to review page

4.0

What a fun start to this new series. Jen Turano's books never fail to lift my spirits and bring a smile to my face, and this one did just that.

I enjoyed watching Gwendolyn figure out how to be a matchmaker. She had a unique approach to it, but it was easy to see she had a knack for it. I loved her forthrightness, and how she took charge. The banter between her and Walter was incredibly entertaining. I will say that it took me a little while to warm up to Walter, but I ended up really liking him in the end. His kids were a handful, to say the least, but they quickly became my favorite part of the story.

If you're looking for an amusing historical romance, pick up a copy of this book. I guarantee it'll make you smile and have you laughing out loud.

I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

melissasbookshelf's review

Go to review page

4.0

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. 4 1/2 stars/5

rich2023's review

Go to review page

funny lighthearted
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this book! The dialogue, the development of the characters, the setting!!  This book had me laughing, crying and just surprised! 
I’m looking forward to reading more books by Jen Turano!

abookishromantic's review

Go to review page

4.0

"Securing advantageous marriages amongst the socially elite was not for the faint of heart and, frankly, could be considered a blood sport."

Set in the Gilded Age or America, A Match in the Making follows the story of Gwendolyn Brinley, a reluctant assistant matchmaker (a position she had no intention of having) for America's most wealthy society in Newport. Gwendolyn finds herself looking for a wife for the catch of the Season, Mr. Walter Townsend, who is looking for someone to take care of his three unruly (and darling) children. However, the more time Gwendolyn and Walter spend together, the more they realize their perfect match might be right in front of them.

Oh my goodness, this book was delightful from beginning to end. I have never read a Jen Turano book, but now I feel like I need to go read everything she's ever written because she is absolutely hysterical.

I loved Gwendolyn and the entire cast of characters in Newport. They were all so fun, and some of the situations they got into were completely ridiculous, but the book was exciting and enthralling and kept me turning page after page.

Gwendolyn and Walter were well-rounded, and watching them both grow and come to understand what is truly important in life was beautiful. I especially liked the dual POV in this book, as it really helped me understand Walter and where he was coming from.

The balance of fun and ridiculousness and realistic people and experiences was probably the highlight of this book for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the escapades people got themselves into, as well as the lessons people learned from said escapades. Overall, this book was lots of fun.

Jen made me laugh out loud with the antics of her characters, and her writing made me fall in love with them as they interacted and learned and changed.

There were times where it seemed that Gwendolyn was too perfect. She always kept a level head, was always competent in anything she put her mind to (except tennis, I guess), and felt occasionally unrelatable because she never seemed to be anything less than exactly what she needed to be. I would have liked to see a few more faults in her to make her seem more real to me.

That being said, I am so glad I read this book, and I cannot wait for more in the series. I'm so hoping to see a romance about Adelaide next, as she was absolutely one of my favorite characters.

My rating: 4.5 stars—Definitely would recommend to any historical romance fan.

Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

mverett's review

Go to review page

2.0

Almost half of the scenes were one character or another retelling an off page interaction with lots of conveniently mentioned plot fillers. Cute story but lack of chemistry and as always, children speaking like adults for plot purposes. Just….not for me.

wintermote's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

As always, a delightfully fun romp with lovable characters, witty dialogue and a satisfying conclusion. 

princessjdl's review

Go to review page

lighthearted

4.5

haleybeck's review

Go to review page

4.0

3.75
So fun! I liked this clean, fun matchmaking tale. What a surprise to find something like this published in our modern times.
I would recommend this if you like"Hallmark set in the 19th century" type books.
Other people have written better synopsis... synopsi? synopsis's? synopsises? anyways... than I have. In short, it's an enemies to lovers sort about a widower with 3 neglected children and an outspoken matchmaker. *chef's kiss*

Cleanliness: