This book is at times hilarious and at other times disconcerting. The fictional gilded age romp reveals the prejudices and peculiarities of those for whom society is paramount, and the lengths they will go to in order to achieve what they want. The engaging characters (and there are scads of them!) offer insights into human nature and relationships—including family and generational, friends, acquaintances, business, and, of course, romantic, since this entertaining story focuses on an unconventional matchmaker, or should I say assistant matchmaker. I particularly enjoyed the children, especially after their initial reprimand and their turnaround. The intriguing tale is fun to read as well as thought-provoking. I do agree with the view at that time that a divorced person should not remarry while their spouse is still living. This teaching comes directly from God’s Word. Thankfully, that portion was a small part of the novel. We witness the character growth of many in this creative historical drama, which would make a great book club discussion. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #AMatchintheMaking #NetGalley

A hilarious look at society’s upper crust in the Gilded Age of America. Jen Turano is always funny, but I enjoyed this book more than any others of hers. Perhaps I could really visualize the events of this story happening. From the supposed secret matchmakers to the misbehavior of society debutantes to the misbehavior of rich children left to their own devices.

Gwendolyn Brinley is such a likable heroine. She’s sensible, honest, truly caring, and able to take charge of almost any situation as needed. But she’s fair. She even helps people she doesn't like, and those who should be her enemies.

Walter Townsend is a dreamy widower who has re-entered society as the most eligible bachelor of the season. Unfortunately, his looks are better than his social graces and his ability to manage his children. His growth throughout the novel is great to see.

I love the setup apparent for the next novel. Waiting impatiently for it.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“It’s never a good idea to gift something that needs to be watered and fed.”

“Style is not difficult to obtain. It’s merely an attitude and how you present yourself to the world.”

“...jealousy is turning friend against friend...and life without friends is joyless indeed.”

I loved this book. I feel that this is a wonderful start to a new series. I think that Gwendolyn is a very strong woman who knows what she thinks she wants. I feel that Walter is a man in over his head. I love how these two meet and all the witty banter they have. I laughed and cried while reading this story. I also loved Oscar, Priscilla and Samuel. I also loved many of the secondary characters and look forward to who the next matchmaker will be. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

My Review:

This book is SO much fun! The story is filled with good-natured humor, and I think I smiled while reading every page of the book. Miss Gwendolyn Brinkley is quite a force to be reckoned with. Her straightforward ways as a matchmaker turns what begins as a conventional “season” for Newport society into something more unconventional than they’ve experienced before.
Gwendolyn is focused on finding a wife for Walter Townsend, a widower who needs a mother for his twins and older son. The twins, however, have decided that fiercely independent, compassionate Gwendolyn would be the ideal mother for them. This story has a number of twists and turns before several couples find their “happily ever after”, and not everything turns out the way that Gwendolyn plans.

Jen Turano is a wonderful author, and I think this book is one of her best. I was reading Chapter 17 in a waiting room while waiting for an appointment, and it as all I could do to not laugh out loud as I was reading. This is the first book in a new series, and I cannot wait to see if the other books are as fun as this one.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This is such a fun story, It is a comedy of errors that turns out exactly as it should. Set in Newport during the season, Gwendolyn takes a job as a companion to a matchmaker in order to take a leisurely rest. The employment is anything like she expected and she is thrown in to the matchmaking world assigned to help "the catch of the season" find a mother for his three unruly children.

Gwendolyn is the very definition of a managing miss, but I couldn't help but love and cheer for her throughout the whole story. The battle for the eligible bachelors was ruthless. There were moments I couldn't help but laugh out loud at the antics of these well bred young ladies. Gwendolyn is unwillingly and unwittingly good at her job, based on her observations of human nature. The cast of supporting characters is well developed and dynamic, I hope there are further matchmaking stories set in this world, I would love to see Gwendolyn manage another season with a second group of unruly subjects.

I received an eArc of this book through NetGalley

Loved this book by Jen Turano! She is an automatic buy for me because I know her books will be funny and well written. I loved how in this book Gwendolyn was thrown into the position of being a matchmaker when she really didn’t want to be and yet she has a talent for it. I loved how she wasn’t looking for love but found it as she tried to help Walter find his perfect match. This book was funny and full of lovable characters that I can’t wait to see more of in future books. This book will lift your spirits as you read and leave a smile on your face.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

I was invited to read A Match in the Making from the publisher on netgalley.com. This story was original, clever, whimsical and truly delightful. The twists and turns of the story keep me engaged in the story, while the quick pace of the story kept me entertained. I enjoyed reading about Gwendolyn and her adventures with Walter's children. The children, of course, were the true stars of the story. I loved the message woven into the story about kindness and love. It was a wonderful story and I highly recommend it.

Turano is a master at humor and this novel is another example of her expertise. I was laughing from the beginning, imagining a ruffled gown that looked like a cake. Later it was a guinea pig loose in church and Gwendolyn sliding down the balcony staircase banister to find it.

But humor is not the only aspect of this novel that is great. Turano is also a master at creating engaging characters. Gwendolyn is an amazing and capable woman in an era when women were more inclined to be twittering instead. Walter is such a good foil to Gwendolyn's competent personality. It was fun to watch him come to grips with her and see how his personality developed, such as expressing his love for his children.

And just when I thought it couldn't get any funnier, the last scene was so funny I laughed until I was in tears. At least I think that's why I was in tears. This is another great humorous romance from Turano. Read it and laugh.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

A Match in the Making is another delightful book I have read by Jen Turano. It is, also, the start to her new series, The Matchmakers. It is just what I would expect from her. I loved the humorous scenes with Gwendolyn and Walter. I was often finding myself laughing out loud. I adored this sweet and heartwarming story that kept me entertained on a rainy day. I loved going from scene to scene to see how it end.
I am giving A Match in the Making a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for fans of clean historical romance. I will be eagerly awaiting the second installment from The Matchmakers series, To Spark a Match.
I received a paperback copy of A Match in the Making from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

When Miss Gwendolyn Brinley takes a job as a paid companion during the Newport summer season, she doesn’t expect to be put in the position of “Assistant Matchmaker”. She just wanted a peaceful summer to spend time reevaluating her life. Her job is anything but peaceful as she tries to make advantageous matches for the elites of society. Mr. Walter Townsend is the “catch of the season” and is just looking for a kind wife to help control his unruly 3 children. Love is the last thing on his mind. At first, Walter and Gwendolyn butt heads, then they become friends. Later on they develop deeper feelings for each other, but societal pressures and Walter’s inability to understand and express his true feelings for Gwen threaten to break them apart.

This story is witty and funny. The banter between Gwen and everyone else (especially Walter) is hilarious. She is an unconventional woman in a strict society. Walter is a bit of a boring hero, but he learns some good lessons along the way. His dense approach to romance and courting makes sense because of how he was raised. He wasn’t my favorite hero, but I didn’t dislike him. Walter’s kids are funny and I like how Gwen is able to understand and teach them. I’m really looking forward to learning more about Adelaide and Gideon in the next book. I think I will like their story even more than this one.

This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review.

In an attempt to take a break from her cousin, Miss Gwendolyn Brineley has rather accidentally become an assistant society matchmaker in Newport. She is assigned multiple people to find matches for, including "the catch of the season" Walter Townsend. He is wealthy and seeking a mother for his three unruly children. But so far, the one woman able to take the children to task is Gwendolyn herself. Society doesn't accept her, though, and women are pulling every underhanded trick to get Walter's attention.
Everyone says Jen Turano's books are hilarious. I was afraid my expectations had been raised too high or that the humor might be cheesy, but no -- she really is that funny. Laughed out loud multiple times and smiled even more. Love the unique personality of each character. I went from seriously despising those children to adoring them as we got to know their true selves. Oscar seemed perhaps a little unrealistically smart for his age, but he is described as very smart, so I suppose it would not be impossible. Love the matches Gwendolyn set in motion. Love Bert. Love the family relationships. Love the mentions of sheep! Nice references to real Gilded Age giants, too. Can't wait for the next one. I love Adelaide, my fellow quirky cat lady who is close with bv her mother but doesn't generally fit in.

A Match in the Making by Jen Turano is a witty, hilarious, and thoroughly entertaining historical romance set in the Gilded age. Gwendolyn is absolutely perfect. I was floored by her keen mind and clever way with words. I looked forward to every scene with her in it, whether it was standing toe-to-toe with society’s darlings, chiding poor behavior from children, or giving Walter a proper dressing down–I was completely enthralled. Not that Walter isn’t charming because he is fairly witty himself and capable of enduring Gwendolyn’s wrath like none other. But it was definitely Gwendolyn who stole the show and made me fall head over heels for this story. I literally couldn’t put it down and lost half a night’s sleep to make my way to the end.
While Gwendolyn is supposed to be a matchmaker, her gift is really in reading the unique desires of the hearts of others and helping them realize them. Yes, she matched several young couples, but I think the work she did trying to match three young children to their absent father was the most heartwarming of all.
Overall, this was a FANTASTIC book. I always enjoy Jen Turano novels, but these characters really resonated with me, and I was obsessed with their story from beginning to end. Any fans of historical romance will want to read A Match in the Making! It is easily the best book I’ve read in 2023 so far!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Read this book if you love sweet, humor laced stories of lovely characters finding their perfect match. Jen Turano's books are light and fun and always have a happy ending!

While I did enjoy reading this book, I found it to be very much like all of the author's other books. All of her main characters seem to have the same personality and the same voice. Which means you always know exactly what to expect! And when you want a read that is just restful, that can be really nice.

The story line of Walter forming relationship with his children was actually the best part of the book! But even in that part of the story, I found this book to be a little too predictable.

I received a free ARC from #netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

4.5 stars, rounding up to 5. We love a good matchmaking story and this one will not disappoint! So much humor, great characters, and a story that reels you right in!

This is the second Jen Turano book I have read so far and ya’ll – she brings so much great, witty banter to the table between characters that is over the top, but also believable. I LOVE IT! We have a fun match making story of Gwendolyn who is hired to find the perfect match for Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the season, but could the perfect match be her after all?

Such a delightful story as SO many other reviews have said. The humor she brings is what makes the story – you find yourself laughing out loud and feeling all the heartwarming feelings you want to from a story like this. This is a great lighthearted read that I really needed this week. The romance in more of a friendship building - slow burn - realization/beginning a relationship at the end of the story. I did somewhat want a bit more of a romance development sooner, but loved the time spent on Mr. Townsend's children with Gwendolyn - it makes sense why it was done the way it was because the who plot is we are trying to find a mother for his unrully children. Which, the children were HILARIOUS throughout the story. I loved seeing what they were going to get into next! :)

Speaking of Gwendolyn, she is a new favorite character of mine because she stands up for what she beleives in, speaks her mind and cares about others in such a way that she truly stands out. She goes above and beyond in so many aspects of this story, I loved it.

I can't wait to read book 2! Thank you to the publisher for a copy to honestly read and review.

What a Fun and Enjoyable Read! I Laughed So Much!

I can always count on Jen Turano to lift my spirits! She has dug me out of some really deep pits with her books through the years!

The storyline for The Matchmakers Series is fun to begin with so I was so pleasantly surprised that it exceeded my expectations! I cannot urge you to run out and get your hands on this book enough.

*I also listened to this book while taking a walk. My neighbors must have thought me looney because there were times I was laughing hysterically. I know my husband looked at me weird and then said… “You’re listening to that author again, aren’t you?” The Narrator Sarah Zimmerman read it with just the right accent and speed to make it enjoyable.

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.

Another interesting book by Turano. Filled with humor and lots of laughs as most of her books are. This is more or less her trademark bringing in humor in her writings. It’s hard to believe that there were matchmakers that were actually hired to match husbands up with wives or vice versa. But this is what this book is all about. Gwendolyn was hired to be a companion to Mrs. Parker. She had no idea that she was also her matchmaking assistant. I liked how Gwendolyn was not afraid to speak her mind when encountering women who try to push themselves forward in a race to marry a certain rich man. Walter is a rich widower who knows that he really needs a wife to help him with his three children. He it is not particular about what she looks like or who she is, just so she can take care of the children and leave him to take care of his business. Walter has an encounter with Gwendolyn that doesn’t go well but she does learn what he is looking for in a wife. Gwendolyn does question why he is not looking for a marriage of love but rather just a person to take care of his children. The book has a delightful ending, we find out how Gwendolyn finds a wife for Walter……Thanks to the publisher for allowing me to read another of Turano’s novels. This review is in my own words.

What a delightful tale! I adore Gwendolyn. She has a heart of gold and a directness that may get her into some tight spots. Watching Walter come into himself was wonderful. So many intriguing characters. Not so patiently waiting for the next book.

A Match in the Making, by Jen Turano, is the first book in The Matchmakers series. This historical romance is delightfully heartwarming and endearing. Thoughtfully written and undeniably clever, this novel is altogether entertaining. A memorable storyline, plenty of humor, and a cast of unforgettable characters, meld together beautifully to create a book that is exceedingly special.

Ms. Turano’s use of fast-paced, witty dialogue is stellar, and the antics of her unique characters are quite engaging. Though they often find themselves in daunting situations that motivate them to make surprising choices, the characters are very likable, and their unconventional natures are inspiring. As they persevere through a variety of setbacks, they begin to question their assumptions and their goals, making them relatable and compelling.

Once again, Ms. Turano has written a richly detailed and vivid novel featuring unexpected plot twists that are thoroughly enjoyable and captivating. While filled with scenes of comedy, intrigue, and romance, this book also offers a meaningful story of family, love, forgiveness and second chances. Thoughtful as well as amusing, A Match in the Making is uplifting historical fiction, and I gladly recommend it.

*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

When I reach for historical fiction, more often than not I find myself reaching for more recent history (WWII and such), as those tend to capture my interest more than any others. Jen Turano is definitely an exception though. It doesn't matter when the story takes place or even what the story is about, I will which for one of her books based on her name alone. Yes, she's that good!

I cannot think of any other author that brings a story to life quite in the way that Jen does. Her heroines are strong and quirky... and often rather ahead of their time in one way or another. I know that right from the start, I am going to be drawn into these unique characters and their humorous antics every single time. A Match in the Making did not disappoint! It was everything I had come to expect in one of her novels- the humor and fun of course, but also lots of heart too. It has me looking forward to seeing what comes next out of this new series...I can't wait!

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.