This was another delightful Historical Romance from Jen Turano and a fabulous start of a new series! Her books never fail to charm and humor me and this one was no exception!
I laughed-out-loud, I fell in love with the main characters and I swooned with their sweet romance!
Miss Gwendolyn Brinley thought she was spending her summer as a paid companion to Mrs. Parker in Newport, but her plans changed as her new employer asked her to be her assistant matchmaker for the Newport’s summer Season. Starting her adventure searching for gentlemen that would suit for two high society ladies, her job turns into a real challenge when compromised to find a lady for Mr. Walter Townsend, a widow in search of a mother for his spoiled and unruly children and the number one catch of the Season. Needless to say, Gwendolyn finds the man annoying and is constantly irritated with him. While Walter finds himself admiring and attracted toward the woman who now has his future and possibly love life in her hands. But is a marriage for love truly possible, or must he content himself with an amicable relationship as before?
This Historical Rom Com was seriously fantastic! I don’t know how to explain it, but Ms. Turano has a way with words and dialogues that captivate you!
The plot was truly engaging and fast paced, every turn of the page bringing a smile to my lips. The characters are lovable and endearing, even if you may want to throttle them at times. My favorite part is the battle of wits between Gwendolyn and Walter. It was so fun to watch their banter and sassy comments. I literally spent the book giggling and chuckling at their antics, especially Gwendolyn. I loved her attempts at matchmaking, especially because she believed in the importance of marrying for love and not for convenience as was so common during the Gilded Era. And watching her fall for Walter, the last person in the world she would have thought of loving, was a sight to behold! And her frustration when Walter didn’t find any of the ladies she suggested suitable was so funny. There were many great and hilarious scenes, which you’ll have to read the book to find out. Other secondary characters were charming too, like Mrs. Parker or Gwendolyn’s new friend Adelaide. And I loved the slow burn yet enchanting romance! Sweet, endearing and clean. The ending was hilarious to put it mildly. And so satisfying! I can’t wait for book two now!
If you love books that make you laugh-out-loud, smile, and sigh at the romance, this book is for you! I totally loved it! And I highly recommend it to anyone! Ms. Turner has done it again! Another book that becomes a keeper!
I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher via NetGalley but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Full of hilarity and hijinks, this romantic comedy set in the high society of the gilded age will have you snorting with laughter like me! A Match in the Making was an enjoyable quick-paced light read that had me laughing out loud, and although it was light on the romance, it was the perfect book to entertain and delight. With a cast of quirky characters like some precocious children, meddling society matrons, and spunky debutantes, the story was bound to draw a reader in and amuse. Add in a firecracker heroine and a smitten hero and you have the makings of a wonderful historical romcom. Although the delivery was light and fun, Jen Turano delivered some powerful inspirational messages on faith, purpose, and family that had me thinking and appreciating the story long after closing the book. This was my first time reading a story by Jen Turano, and it certainly will not be my last!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. My thoughts are my own— I really did love it!

Another fun historical romcom from the queen of the genre! Jen Turano has a way with words to make every moment of her books engaging and delightful, oftentimes with scenes that will make you burst out laughing. I thoroughly enjoyed the hours I spent in the company of 1888 Newport high society as advantageous matches were speculated and strategized. Gwendolyn, the reluctant but highly effective assistant matchmaker, is part Mary Poppins and part Julie Andrews' Maria von Trapp and equally as captivating. Her desire and efforts to make love matches for all her clients was refreshing and fun to watch. Walter is a widower with three young children, completely unschooled and unaware in the art of courtship and love. His spunky, intelligent, and charming children are the true heroes in the story and they work tirelessly to bring their father and Gwendolyn together.

With witty and hysterical dialogue, lovely characters, and a beautiful setting, this newest book from Jen Turano will win you over quite quickly. I received the book from the publisher via JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

There is a reason Jen remains in my top three authors of all-time year after year. Her books are always instant favorites for me and never miss at charming me. A Match in The Making was a phenomenal read for me. Gwendolyn is one of my favorites of Jen's female characters. She was awesome. The story was entertaining and hilarious as usual. Jen's stories are always a perfect mix of humor and story. Another perfect read for me from Jen and this one will join the rest of Jen's novels on my favorites bookshelf.

I received this book from the publisher and also purchased my own Audible copy. All thoughts are my own.

I giggled my way through this whole adventure! Jen Turano knows how to write such fun, snappy dialogue that just gets me every time. Her books are always a joy, but there’s just something special about the ones with ornery kids! Gwendolyn and Walter are the stars of the show, but the kids Oscar, Samuel, and Priscilla steal every scene they’re in. The whole cast of secondary characters makes for pure entertainment.

I love how reluctant assistant matchmaker Gwendolyn manages to have just the right insight to find perfect pairings, yet struggles so mightily to see the obvious truth of how perfect she is for Walter. The banter between them are sparks on the page and I couldn’t get enough.

Every time someone is looking for a book to make them laugh, I recommend Jen Turano. She has magic in her ability to write a historical rom-com that never disappoints and always leaves me with a smile. Don’t miss this one- it’s one of her best yet!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author, publisher, and NetGalley. I was not asked to leave a positive review. My opinions are my own.

A Match in the Making is the delightful first book in The Matchmakers series by Jen Turano. If you have read any of her work in the past, you are familiar with the wit, charming characters and marvelous scenarios Ms. Turano is known for. This novel is everything I have come to expect from one of my favorite authors.

Gwendolyn Brinley accepts a temporary position of a paid companion, well as it turns out she is needed to assist as a matchmaker and it’s safe to say hilarity ensues as she tries to match her clients. Gwendolyn is so sweet, so funny and tries so hard. She was definitely my favorite character, until I got to know Walter Townsend and his rambunctious children. I loved the way Gwendolyn interacted with them.

There are so many fun and amusing characters within the pages of this book that it’s hard to put down once you pick it up. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a copy from the publisher. Opinions are my own.

A Match in the Making
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟/5
Things I loved about A Match in the Making are 💕 Gwendolyn and Walter’s bantering and chemistry.
💕 The chaos that always seems to be in Gwendolyn’s wake.
💕 Gwendolyn’s spunky attitude (I wished I had half her spunk!).
💕Enemies to Lovers Trope more like annoyed acquaintances turned lovers
💕 Entertaining and Fun from start to finish
💕 Heart touching moments with the children
💕 Single Father


This book kept me entertained and laughing from start to finish. Gwendolyn makes a sensation on Society when she takes up the role as assistant matchmaker for the Newport season. Her no-nonsense and take action attitude makes her stand out from the crowd. I want Gwendolyn to come teach me a few tricks with child rearing! While this is a love story I felt that the story was more focused on Gwendolyn, how bold and ahead of her time she was without being overly shocking and I really loved that. I loved that we see how she was loved and supported for being her by her family and how the love between her and Walter came softly 😊! All my bookish friends have told me they love Jen Turano’s books and now I can see why!

This is book one in the Matchmakers series, so what a great place to start. Jen Turano is one of my favorite historical romance writers. Her books are always full of humor, sparks, drama, romance and so much more. Miss Gwendolyn Brinley has a personality all her own. When she is thrust into a matchmaker job she is surprisingly good at it. When she faces, Mr. Walter Townsend, she is not real impressed with him. But man the sparks fly when they get together. Walter must find a mother for his children before they are completely out of control. Gwendolyn is finding it hard to really find a good match for him. I enjoyed getting to know so many different characters in this book and look forward to reading more about them. I was given a copy of this novel for my honest opinion. If you like historical fiction romances you will love this one and this author will soon become a favorite.

4.5 stars

“It came as no surprise when shrieking immediately commenced.”

… And it should come as no surprise to fans of Jen Turano that there are times in A Match in the Making where everything devolves into a delightful form of author-controlled chaos that leaves you laughing out loud. The scene I quoted from above – and the aftermath of explaining it – was one such spot in the book for me, but there are several others. In short, this Gilded Age romance is brimming with classic Turano hilarity and a bevy of amusing characters and plot twists.

Speaking of plot twists, poor Gwendolyn just wanted a relaxing summer without the typical social constraints so she could figure out what to do with her life. She thought being a paid companion in Newport would afford her that time for self-reflection… and perhaps it would have, had she not been unexpectedly thrust into the role of ‘assistant matchmaker’ instead. Trying to describe the havoc she wreaks on the Newport social scene … well, there are no words that will really do it justice, but imagine Amelia Bedelia trying to play matchmaker and you have at least an inkling of the mayhem that ensues. I loved Gwendolyn’s character – she is a wonderful mix of independence, kindness, and humor with the type of personality that would make her a good friend.

“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 poor Walter. Deciding his children need a mother, he reluctantly joins the Newport season and “hires” a matchmaker out of desperation. He’s not looking for true love – just someone ‘pleasant’ … much to Gwendolyn’s irritation. Needless to say, they clash over the kind of woman that would be perfect for him – introducing all manner of hilarious conversations and comedic incidents. I adore when Turano writes a hero and heroine who are so perplexed (and often perturbed lol) upon suddenly discovering they’ve fallen in love. Gwendolyn & Walter are one such couple, and I delighted in following their slow-burn romance to its foregone conclusion.

I would be remiss in my review if I failed to mention the pure delight that Walter’s children add to this story. While they may be little rapscallions to start with, we soon begin to see them as their charming, sweet and adorable selves. So many of my fave quotes from A Match in the Making involve the children, and oh goodness they wrapped themselves firmly around my heart.

“How do you know it’s telling? You’re nine.”

“And old for my years, so you’ll simply need to believe me.”

Bottom Line: A Match in the Making by Jen Turano is a completely entertaining & farcical example of what could happen if Mary Poppins and Amelia Bedelia were blended into one person who has reluctantly become a society matchmaker and unexpectedly fallen in love to boot. I also got some definite While You Were Sleeping movie vibes (one key scene in particular), and I adored it all from beginning to end. Laugh-out-loud situations, hilarious conversations, and vibrantly lovable characters are the perfect match for Turano’s flair for the endearingly ridiculous, and your spirit will be lighter for having read this delightful story.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Match In The Making is the first book in the new series, The Matchmaker’s Book, by Jen Turano. Miss Gwendolyn Brinley is tricked into becoming a matchmaker for the Newport Season. Mr. Walter Townsend is the biggest catch on the marriage mart. Walter only wants a wife to take over parenting his three wild children, who are strangers to him. Gwendolyn and Walter are like oil and water – they do nothing but irritate each other. However, as the season progresses, Gwendolyn discovers Walter is a vulnerable father who has neglected his three willful yet adorable children. Walter discovers much about himself and his priorities and starts to rethink what he wants in a wife.

I enjoyed the premise of this book. Matchmakers are always fun to read. I had difficulty warming to the cold, distant Walter, yet as he opened up, I began to empathize with him. Gwendolyn was a fun character; she knew what she did and did not want. I felt a disconnect from the romantic connection between Walter and Gwendolyn at times. I couldn’t make myself believe entirely in the couple’s burgeoning feelings.

I felt the book moved well, and the plot kept my interest. There are a lot of characters and moving parts in this book that, at times, I felt needed to be slimmed down. Walter’s children were adorable, and my heart ached for these children, starved for love. I enjoyed this book; I would have liked a more romantic feel for Walter and Gwendolyn’s journey. I did enjoy the conclusion of the book, and I felt this book set the series up nicely. All in all this is a good read with a few areas that could improve. I feel once the series finds it groove that it could be excellent.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through the Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hold on to your hats! As always one of the most hilarious books you'll read. And so, so touching, heartrending, full of wisdom. We don't always realize the path we take is sending us in exactly the right direction. Gwendolyn needs a break from travelling and being a companion for her cousin, so she decides to be an assistant matchmaker in a resort area where the 400 go. She's pushed to find matches for society people that she doesn't like and who shun her, even though her family is as good as theirs. She's not doing it for the money. She meets a lot of people - you may need to keep a pad and pencil nearby to keep them all straight by the way. She always sees right through situations and knows exactly the right thing to do and say to straighten others out. Jen's typical madcap story that will keep you riveted to the wonderfully satisfying end. The chaos may not let you relax, but you'll surely get completely lost in it!! Another keeper.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#NetGalley #AMatchInTheMaking #JenTurano #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarNovel

Welcome to the 1888 Newport, Rhode Island summer season, where the younger members of the esteemed Four Hundred will enthusiastically vie for the best (non-romantic) matches. Participants should be warned injuries may occur as well as snobbery, backbiting and duplicity. It should also be noted that one of the most eligible bachelors is a widower with three children under the age of ten who can be, by turns, both angelic and demonic.

The new Matchmakers series by Jen Turano immediately plunges readers into one of the season’s soirees, and lead character Gwendolyn straight into an embarrassing situation. Gwendolyn is not a member of the elite, despite her esteemed family name, and is ostracized since being outed as a paid companion to a well-known matchmaker. Said matchmaker, however, is indisposed due to an accident and Gwendolyn must reluctantly take on her responsibilities. But each potential candidate for main client Walter falls short when it comes to his children. Is no one other than Gwendolyn capable of interacting with them? That’s what it seems like.

If you’re a fan of historical romance novels, particularly those set during the Gilded Age, Jen Turano’s novels can be a lighthearted balm for a rough day. Her novels are clean yet fun, not taking themselves too seriously. There are no heaving bosoms or detailed illicit meetings between characters, but you will find your eyes rolling at the lengths some of these young people will go to in order to make the best match. The Reverend’s sermon in chapter 17 is quite amusing. Using James 3:16 as his base, the man in the pulpit spares no one as he lambasts their behavior, albeit without naming names. But then, he doesn’t need to; the tongues have already wagged.

Due to Gwendolyn’s informal role of nanny to Walter’s children, this book came across as a strange mix of the movies Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, and Houseboat (starring Cary Grant), although none of these were set during this particular era or location. An element of the plot involving an abduction feels a little superfluous, but life can’t always be laughter even in fiction.

Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic advance copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions above are my own.

Jen Turano’s books never fail to delight me. I always find myself laughing out loud, snickering, and, yes, even some most unladylike snorting may occur as I’m devouring the pages. A Match in the Making begins a new series and stars Gwendolyn Brinley who is coerced into being an assistant matchmaker by her new employer Mrs. Parker.

“I’ve never had an assistant matchmaker before, so I’m making up job requirements as we go.”

When she finds herself tasked to find a wife for the “catch of the season”, Mr. Walter Townsend, sparks begin to fly, and not necessarily in a romantic way. Widower Walter has decided he needs a new wife because his motherless children have become unruly.

With her signature wit and humor, Turano has penned yet another fantastic tale set among “high society” during the Gilded Age. Gwendolyn is a spunky, independent, and very capable heroine who is not afraid to show some disdain towards that so-called “society” and their snooty ways. Walter is a successful, likeable, but sometimes clueless, businessman who could use some direction in being a more involved father. I enjoyed seeing their relationship change and grow.

“It’s a strange circumstance, because I’m generally not at odds with gentlemen when first introduced. It typically takes me a good few weeks before I begin annoying them, or vice versa.”

I would highly recommend this book along with all of Jen Turano’s other books if you enjoy clean, humorous historical fiction. They’re loads of fun! 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own.

If you'll be easily embarrassed from bursting out into spontaneous laughter, then I'd caution you not to read any Jen Turano books in public because you'll be sure to find yourself in a red-faced predicament. Jen has a gift for comedy that pervades each of her books!

In this start to a new gilded age series set in the summer resort town of Newport, Rhode Island humorous escapades abound as a matchmaker seeks to find the perfect wife for a gentleman client who seems as if he may be the perfect match for her.

From one of my favorite authors comes another amazing and amusing book!! Not only is this period of time one of my favorites to read about (and I thoroughly enjoy chuckling and tsking the antics of the "upper class), but Jen Turano writes it so well!! Her stories are thought-provoking and amusing and relatable... the relationships within are often experienced by us today (the jealousy, greed, longing, etc).

Jen Turano’s take on matchmaking lends itself to witty, sharp dialogue that pushes the story along. Despite having family wealth, Gwendolyn is set apart from society’s leading ladies because she is employed. She bites off more than she can chew however, when her employer will sponsor anyone who gives her glittery baubles. Suddenly she’s swamped with single women and men clamoring for advantageous matches. Lucky for Gwendolyn, she’s bright and observant and actually decent at matchmaking. Except, when she’s tasked to find Walter Townsend a suitable wife, things begin to shift. He needs a mother for his children and as Gwendolyn spends time with his children, and uses them as informants, she realizes none of the women are standout candidates. But what happens when Walter’s need for a mother for his children clashes with Gwendolyn’s wish for a head-over-heels husband? Can practicality and romance exist side by side?

This story is ripe with humorous circumstances and the dialogue zings with one-liners buried in properly mannered speech. So prepare to giggle in public while reading this top notch author’s latest installment.

A copy was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review of A Match in the Making

When I have the opportunity to read a book by Jen Turano, I know I am in for a fun read and A Match in the Making fits that bill. She sweeps me away into her wonderful, and hilarious adventures. I can’t help but smile when I start to read a novel by this author.

The heroine Gwendolyn Brinley gets in over her head when her boss Mrs. Parker decides to change her job description from companion to the most unusual assistant match maker the Newport Season has ever seen, and the rom-com takes off with a bang. Some of the best moments are the witty, amusing, and overdramatic banter between Walter and Gwendolyn, as she sets out to find the best wife and mother for him and his children. The ending was was a little abrupt (missed not having an epilogue), but maybe we will see more of Walter and Gwendolyn in To Spark a Match.

Jen Turano never fails to entertain me with her stories. Her unique sense of humor always makes me laugh, and I thoroughly enjoy every minute of her incredible prose and plots. I found myself smiling, and even laughing out loud at times, plus a dangerous situation with tense moments, confrontations and jealousy, faith and love always makes Jan Turano’s books a fun read.

I requested and received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. All the opinions are my own and I was not required to give a positive review.

Even though I know when I pick up a book by this author that I’m in for quirky characters thrown into unusual and humorous situations, I was still delightfully surprised by this book.

The moment we meet Gwendolyn, she shows herself to be a competent and independent woman. I loved her personality. She also had a stubborn streak that I could really relate to.

Walter was such a great character. He was flawed in such a way that he shouldn’t have been a good hero, but that made his growth throughout the story so wonderful.

As usual there was an animal involved in the fun and loads of colorful people to make the journey more interesting.

I received this book complimentary as a member of the author’s launch team. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.

Wonderful! Well-written story of a succesful match made. I've read other books by this author and was pleased to read another of her books.

A Match in the Making is the first book in the Matchmakers series. I was thrilled to see the author, Jen Turano with a new series starting up. The author always writes her characters with spunk. She does careful research to ensure that her stories are as real feeling as possible. This book is set in Newport, Rhode Island in 1888.

Gwendolyn Brinley finds herself as a paid companion to a matchmaker for a season, and soon promoted to assistant matchmaker. Gwendolyn tried everything to get out of this because she did not feel she was the best choice. Mrs. Parker will hear none of that and asserts that Gwendolyn is the best fit.

At an event, Mrs. Parker wants Gwendolyn to talk to Walter Townsend, who is considered to be the catch of the season. Walter finds himself in a pickle when Gwendolyn announces that he really just wants a wife so that his children could have a new mother. This made me laugh so hard, because Gwendolyn went against all of the society codes. Walter then finds himself being sought after by several prominent families.

I enjoyed watching the characters grow throughout the story. Gwendolyn really was not a fan of Walter in the beginning, but then they spend more time together and she is worried about finding him a wife. The author always writes such comical characters and I know that I will chuckle while reading.

The book is well written, the storyline is intriguing. I cannot wait to see who else gets their own book. There is a lovely cast of characters to get to know. Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book -- all thoughts are my own.