As per usual, author Jen Turano delivers again with a hilarious book. I found myself laughing at certain scenes and enjoying the banter between characters! The banter between characters in her books is what keeps bringing me back to read her books as soon as they release. She’s a must read author for me. The covers are stunning as well. This book doesn’t disappoint with a socialite who isn’t quite up to standards and needs help being brought back into the social circles after being shunned. And it includes a bookstore and a spy! I received a copy of the book from the publisher all views are my own. I also listened to the book on audio form and enjoyed the narrator chosen as well.

She is one step ahead of him, right into danger...

It is always a delight to dive into a Jen Turano novel. Never have I read one that I didn't like, that didn't make me laugh out loud, and that I wasn't sorry to say goodbye to the characters when that last page was turned. To Spark A Match was no exception and I loved every minute spent reading this second The Matchmakers novel.

This book was so much fun to read as it features a spy novel reading crazy cat lady who also happens to be remarkably accident prone, not to mention the 'wink, wink' not a spy who falls in love with her in spite of himself. And then there is the completely adorable, and my favorite characters in the book, Harvey and Moe who just can't help but steal every scene they are in.

But, of course, there is more in To Spark A Match than romantic comedy, Jen Turano also weaves a pretty good mystery into this second The Matchmakers book that also keeps those pages turning quite quickly. I also found one of the best, if not THE best, quote that I've read in a book this year and it came right at the moment that I really needed to hear it. It's a line about God creating us precisely as He intended, which is something I think we really need to be reminded of sometimes.

There was absolutely nothing to dislike about Adelaide and Gideon's hilarious hijinks in To Spark A Match. It is a solid addition to The Matchmakers series and is an absolute must read for any Jen Turano fan. The most difficult thing is to now wait for the next book to come out...

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

About this book:

“After five unsuccessful Seasons on the marriage mart, Miss Adelaide Duveen has resigned herself to the notion that she's destined to remain a spinster forever--a rather dismal prospect, but one that will allow her to concentrate on her darling cats and books. However, when she inadvertently stumbles upon Mr. Gideon Abbott engaged in a clandestine activity during a dinner party, Adelaide finds herself thrust into a world of intrigue that resembles the plots in the spy novels she devours.
Former intelligence agent Gideon Abbott feels responsible for Adelaide after society threatens to banish her because of the distraction she caused to save his case. Hoping to return the favor, he turns to a good friend--and one of high society's leaders--to take Adelaide in hand and turn her fashionable.
When danger surrounds them and Adelaide finds herself a target of the criminals in Gideon's case, the spark of love between them threatens to be quenched for good--along with their lives.”


Series: Book #1 in “The Matchmakers” series. Review of Book #1 Here!


Spiritual Content- 'H's are capital when referring to God; Adelaide believes God created her just as He intended and won’t ignore His intentions just to fit in with society; Adelaide wonders if God has a plan for her if society did the unexpected and embraced her, that it may be used to give hope to other ladies like her (when she realizes she forgot this plan, she wonders if she’s disappointed God and reaches out to other ladies); Mentions of God; A few mentions of praying; A mention of a godsend opportunity;
*Note: A mention of Gideon having a “face that recalled images of fallen angels”; A mention of sheer luck being the reason why someone was unharmed in a dangerous situation; A mention of cavemen.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘shut up’, a form of ‘stupid’, a ‘why in heaven’s name’, two ‘on my word’s, six ‘good heavens’s, & eight forms of ‘idiot’; Eye rolling & Sarcasm; Gunfire, Shooting, Shooting someone (accidentally), Being held at gunpoint, & Being kidnapped (up to semi-detailed); A couple lies (because of being undercover/working on a mission); Gideon and a couple side characters drink champagne at party; Many mentions of potential murders, crime bosses/gangs, criminals, crimes, threats (including of harm and killing), thieves, thefts, stealing, stolen items, robbers/burglars, break-ins, blackmail, extortion, jail, & arrests; Many mentions of fights/attacks, weapons, weapons being aimed at others, being held at gunpoint, someone being shot/shot at, gunfire, injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of wars; Mentions of fights/attacks & making someone unconscious; Mentions of kidnappings & a missing young woman; Mentions of an accidental fire (Book #1); Mentions of alcohol, social drinking at parties, & a drunk; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of gossip, rumors, & eavesdropping; Mentions of attacking animals (towards both humans and other animals, including dogs vs cats and cats vs birds, barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of deaths (of Gideon’s father); A few mentions of a dying mother (implied to not be true); A couple mentions of an almost drowning; A couple mentions of a (fictional) criminal being called “Boris the Butcher”; A couple mentions of gambling dens; A couple mentions of a poisons; A couple mentions of bullies & pranks in school; A couple mentions of throwing up; A couple mentions of the death of an old cat; A mention of a butcher trying to attack a dog that stole from him (the dog is rescued before being harmed, barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of someone wanting to hang a cat;
*Note: When mentioning the fire that Adelaide was involved in Book #1, she says she could have been “horribly disfigured” and is “not deformed” because of Gideon’s actions; Mentions of books & authors (classics of this time period); Mentions of Adelaide being ridiculed by society & others shunning her and other wallflowers.


Sexual Content- Many hand kisses (as greetings and more, barely-above-not-detailed), a fingers-to-lips touch, two forehead kisses, two barely-above-not-detailed kisses, and two semi-detailed kisses; Staring at another’s lips (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Tingles, Flutters, Nearness, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Blushes & Winks; Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of hand kisses (as greetings), kisses, & kissing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of when a father refused to give his daughter permission to marry a man (who was a fortune hunter), she rebelled and wanted to marry him anyway; Mentions of flirting & flirts; Mentions of chaperones & reputations; A few mentions of a drunk man offering to help a woman (who was actually a man undercover) fix “her” garters; A few mentions of men leering at Adelaide (including one being described as looking at her like a “tasty treat”); A couple mentions of a man with a roving eye; A mention of jealousy; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of voluptuous figures (including a dressmaker trying to make Adelaide look more voluptuous due to her mother’s requests); Mentions of undergarments & unmentionables (including Adelaide accidentally showing her drawers in front of both women and men at a party and later not having her dress on when trying to rescue a cat); A mention of Adelaide referring to her figure as “boyish”; A mention of Adelaide’s decolletage being shown in a dress (noticed by Gideon, no details besides him wanting to give her his jacket to keep from other men from noticing her).

-Adelaide Duveen, age 23
-Gideon Abbott
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1888-1889
361 pages

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Pre Teens- Two Stars
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Four Stars (and a half)

That was adorable. I had very high hopes for it and this book totally met them!

I think this book is in my top five of books by this author. I laughed so hard at many times when reading—I was nearly crying from laughing so hard. Their banter and conversations were just perfection. This might just be my new favorite book by Jen Turano….hmmm.

I love how when Adelaide is all dressed up for a ball, Gideon thinks she’s lovely but it’s not lovely as in “she’s-never-been-this-pretty-before-and-just-needed-getting-gussied-up” which happens so often in the makeover trope and honestly annoys me a bit because the girl already was pretty, I can assure you, the guy was just too dense to see that. But, no, not Gideon. She was beautiful in his eyes—like always. Swoon. They were also good friends before any falling happened and then he also fell for her first—two things I absolutely love to see.

My only complaints would be: I wish there had been more faith content because it was very light. There was also some mishandling of guns that was supposed to be funny, but felt irresponsible of the characters. I think I would give this book a personal rating of 4.75 stars if I could.

There were so many great side characters in this book (Leopoldo and Vernon were the best additions!) and I’m super excited about the third book in this series—dare I hope it’s about Camilla and Charles? :)


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogspot.com/2023/11/to-spark-match-by-jen-turano.html?m=0



*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Author for this honest review.

Turano does it again! She writes humorous, clean historical romance that you can't help but enjoy. The adorability of Adelaide Duveen getting into innocent mischief and the protectiveness of Gideon Abbott. Their romance was cute and yet I was still interested in finding out the result of Gideon's investigation. It is a delightful book that kept me turning page after page.

To Spark a Match by Jen Turano is the second book in The Matchmakers series. I absolutely loved the first book in the series, and after meeting Miss Adelaide Duveen in the first novel, I was thrilled that she and her eccentric personality were the highlights of this story. And Adelaide did NOT disappoint. Not only is she prone to hilarious calamities, but she is incredibly witty, tenacious, and brave. I loved her humble heart, spy-level-worthy intuition, and uncanny ability to throw Gideon Abbot off balance. His forced partnership in matters of intrigue with Adelaide was thoroughly entertaining. I loved watching them discover one piece of the puzzle after another together. And the slow-burn romance between them was spectacular.
Overall, this is another hilarious and endearing story from Jen Turano. Fans of Christian, historical romance, especially fans of the Gilded Age will love Adelaide and her escapades.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

To Spark a Match

by Jen Turano

Pub Date 14 Nov 2023

Bethany House,Bethany House Publishers

Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance

Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley have provided me with a copy of To Spark a Match for review:

Adelaide Duveen has given up on the marriage market after five unsuccessful seasons-a rather dismal prospect, but one that will allow her to concentrate on her cats and books. During a dinner party, Adelaide inadvertently discovers Mr. Gideon Abbott engaged in a clandestine activity, which brings her into a world of intrigue similar to those of her favorite spy novels.

In order to save his investigation, former intelligence agent Gideon Abbott feels responsible for Adelaide after society threatens to banish her. To return the favor, he turns to a good friend--and a leading member of high society--to make Adelaide fashionable. In the face of danger, and Adelaide becoming a target of the criminals in Gideon's case, their love is threatened--and even their lives.

I give To Spark A Match five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

I was so excited to get my hands on this book! Turano makes the most unique and interesting characters, and I was dying to read Adelaide’s story. I first met Adelaide in A Match in the Making, which is the first book in the The Matchakers series. She easily gained my affection, and I was excited to hear her get her happy ending. Being an avid book reader myself, I could identify with the curiosity that caused Adelaide to find herself in the middle of the most interesting situations. Catching Gideon in a suspicious one, is only the tip of the iceberg. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, and caused me to giggle out loud several times. If you enjoy romance mixed with mystery and suspense, you’ll love this book as much as I did. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All options expressed are my own.

My thoughts:

After reading A Match in the Making (first book in this series), I wanted to find out what happened to Adeline DeVeen. I liked Adeleine's unconventional spirit and the tension between her and Gideon. She had quite a fighting spirit.

However, I did find the dialogues to be too drawn out and tiresome.

But the romance was sweet and the situations Adeline gets herself into had me laughing out loud.

Looking forward to the final book in the series Meeting Her Match, where we catch up with Miss Camilla Pierpont.

A big Thank You to Netgalley and Bethany House for the complimentary eARC of this book in exchange of an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I love history, and romcoms are one of my favorite genres. So I was so excited to read Jen Turano’s new book!
It was fun to read about a whole new world. Turano paints such a funny and fickle Society one where Adelaide does not fit in so well. Adelaide was definitely a unique character. She was so fun, and she had a lot of crazy ideas. I had a bit of a harder time getting into her character because there were times when she was really against fashion and dresses to an extreme in my opinion. I think that and her willingness to jump into danger was a huge part of what made her who she was, but I think it was occasionally frustrating for my personality. But I think she may be relatable for different people.
Gideon was a sweetheart! I really liked how he tried to protect Adelaide and started to fall for her. It was really cute to me how he had such a hard time saying no to her. She was weaving her way into his heart even though he didn’t quite accept it.
The side characters in this one were a lot of fun! I loved Adelaide’s friends, and the hilarious world of book collecting. The plot was fascinating, and I love how it was intriguing without being stressful. There were a couple of fun twists and turns. This was a fun read that I would recommend to anyone who loves history and romcoms!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

To Spark a Match is yet another hit by Jen Turano.

From the characters to the dialogue to the general mayhem that ensues, this book was an enjoyable escape into Gilded Age New York. Adelaide is as delightful as she was in the first book, A Match in the Making (but don’t worry if you haven’t read the first book in the series yet because To Spark a Match can be read as a standalone). Gideon is a delightful hero, even if he is a bit to slow to realize that Adelaide is a great match for him.

Truly, the characters were my favorite part, especially the supporting characters. The bookstore crew might very well be my favorite. But there’s also plenty of action and some suspense.

Overall, To Spark a Match is a delighful historical romance filled with comedy, suspense, and delightful characters.

This is my first time reading a book by Jen Turano. What a sweet book; there was a mixture of everything! I did not feel 'left out' by not having read the first instalment of this series. I would recommend the book to those trying out this genre or who need to take a break from their regular reading genres.

To Spark a Match is the second book in The Matchmakers series. You can definitely enjoy this one just fine as a standalone if you have not read the previous book.

When I see a book written by Jen Turano, I know that I am in for a great read! She has such a great way of creating stories that will make me laugh out loud... which is not something I can typically say for most historical reads. I love her sassy heroines who are always... well, let's just say a little unique... in the absolute best way possible. This story was absolutely no different. Adelaide was such a delightful character with a knack for finding herself in precarious situations. Gideon was her perfect match, and I couldn't help but enjoy these two together. Their story was the perfect blend of history, romance, intrigue and humor and I adored every minute.

If you're looking for a historical romance that will have you laughing out loud, you definitely won't want to miss this one.

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

It was a delight to read Jen Turano's second installment to her The Matchmakers, To Spark a Match. It was a sweet, fun and entertaining book to read. I can not wait to read the third installment to see what happens next. I highly recommend it and am giving it a very well deserved five plus stars.

This book was so much fun! I really liked Adelaide’s character from book one in this series so I was really excited to read her and Gideon’s story. Well, it was a blast! While all of the books I’ve read by Jen Turano have been fun, this one is my favorite of her books that I’ve read so far.☺️

Adelaide was such a fun heroine! She was witty, quirky, and completely likable. And Gideon was a great hero! The romance between these two was so cute! I loved their banter. I also love that they developed a friendship before becoming more to each other. They were adorable and so much fun to read about.

This book had me laughing more than once. I found the plot really fun and entertaining.

In conclusion, I really enjoyed To Spark a Match! I’m so excited for the next book in the series! If you’re looking for a cute, historical romantic comedy, this one was so much fun!

*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy! All opinions are my own.

You've got to dive into this book—it's an absolute gem! Honestly, it's my new all-time favorite from Jen Turano. I was hooked right from the start, laughing so hard that my family probably thought I'd gone a bit bonkers. Adelaide, the main character, is a character after my own heart—book lover, queen of faux pas, and surrounded by cats. Her escapades and indifference to societal norms make her irresistible. She prefers being sat with the older gentlemen at society parties, soaking up their adventurous tales. Gideon Abbott finds himself repeatedly coming to Adelaide's rescue, leading to unexpected twists, as he tries to keep Adelaide out of his covert affairs. The whole dynamic is just so entertaining. Jen Turano transports you to the Gilded Age in New York with mystery, humor, and some seriously charming characters (Vernon and Leopold 😉). The banter and chemistry between Adelaide and Gideon is pure magic. If you're up for a read that'll make you laugh out loud and sigh with romance, this book is a total winner! You can read this as a standalone. However I totally recommend getting in on the first book as well because it just makes this second book all the better.
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Thank you @bethanyhousefiction for the gifted book. All thoughts are my own.

Absolutely enchanting!

In this novel, readers are introduced to a cast of characters with eccentric personalities, a dash of mystery, and an intriguing allure. Jen Turano, true to form, weaves a story that enthralls on multiple fronts. Adelaide, a minor character from the previous installment known for her peculiar attitude toward high society and affinity for cats, now takes the spotlight. As she becomes entangled in a comical yet challenging situation involving a feisty flock of swans while assisting the handsome and enigmatic Gideon Abbott, societal perceptions of Adelaide plumments.

Gideon, burdened by guilt for Adelaide's predicament, steps in to not only remedy her situation but increase her social standing. Little does he know that aiding Adelaide and attempting to keep her away from his accounting firm would prove to be a more intricate task than he ever anticipated.

The narrative is not just entertaining; it also succeeds in eliciting both laughter and, admittedly, a few tears from its readers.

For those in pursuit of a heartwarming tale adorned with delightful characters, this book stands out as an absolute gem.

Disclaimer: I did receive this book from the publisher but was under no obligtation to provide a review. All opinions expressed her are my own.

Adelaide Duveen was actually a minor character in A Match in the Making, and as soon as I was introduced to her I hoped Jen would write her story. She is so unique, and truly herself, and I immediately loved that about her. She doesn’t at all conform to the rules of society, instead forging her own path and just being who the Lord created her to be, and that is so inspiring, especially to someone who spends far too much time worrying what others will think of them like I do.

Besides all of the inspiring details, there are so many other reasons to love this story. First, the endearing romance. Adelaide and Gideon are perfectly adorable. The way that they interact with one another, how Gideon always protects Adelaide while Adelaide jumps headfirst into one adventure after another, is what romantic dreams are made of. Then there’s all the fun, hilarity-inducing elements such as Adelaide’s numerous cats, her crazy fashions, Gideon’s weapons cache, and so much more that will keep you in stitches. All the perfect pieces to put together into an impossible-to-put-down story.

Jen knocks it out of the park with this one once again, and I cannot wait to finally read book three. I HIGHLY recommend this story and, as I say every time, literally every novel Jen has ever written, as I know you’ll enjoy them just as much as I do.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

This was such a lighthearted, joyful read! I loved Adelaide and her klutzy, accident prone ways, and Gideon was the consummate gentleman who was completely there for it all! She knows God has more in store for her than being arm candy and her drive to reach her full potential is admirable. I loved every minute of it! I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

“As I’ve grown older, I’ve also been of the notion that God created me precisely as He intended.”

I can always count on a Jen Turano book to lighten my heart and leave me smiling, and I have loved each book by her that I’ve read. But there are a select few that stand out to me as favorites and To Spark a Match is now counted among that number. My kindle version is highlighted with so many delightful quotes and scenes that make me grin just by looking back at them. From the bustle uprising (“My bustle is spring-concocted?”) to the swan attack (“Tranquility had been in short supply once the birds went on the offensive.”) to Gideon trying to temper Adelaide’s enthusiasm for his weapons cache (“I don’t believe large is a word we’re going to contemplate when it comes to appropriate weapons for you.”) and other hilarious moments, there are so many things to love about this book.

“Gentlemen who looked as if they courted precarious activities always seemed in possession of voices that practically caressed a person’s ears, that pesky business responsible for ladies’ hearts going pitter-patter with alarming frequency…”

Adelaide and Gideon are such fun characters to spend time with, especially when they are sharing a page and filling it with delicious banter, madcap mayhem, and swoony moments. Adelaide may be an oddity to the members of New York’s high society circles, but she quickly endears herself to us readers when she whips a book out of her reticule at a party. Not only does she love books, but she wants everyone to belong – even the cats she seems to collect – and has an adventurous spirit tempered with a heart of gold. Gideon is one of the most swoonlicious heroes that Turano has created, and I may have even shivered along with Adelaide whenever he would lean close to her ear and talk. Also equally swoony is how he just can’t tell Adelaide ‘no’ when she wants to be involved in his investigation… or wants him to adopt a cat. Even better though, his kind heart is definitely his swooniest trait.

“There was something incredibly sweet about a man who courted danger taking the time to help a woman who’d suffered a horrible morning find a bit of peace.”

Bottom Line: I’m not sure anywhere else besides Jen Turano could take cat undergarments, attacking swans, grappling hook guns, gowns snagged in trees, former intelligence operatives, a retired matchmaker, adorable animals, bargain books, and an adventurous near-spinster and weave these seemingly incompatible elements into a farcical series of events that makes perfect sense. Add an endearing romance and a sweet message of being who God created you to be, and you’ve got a must-read story that will put a smile in your heart. You’ll love the wit, the friendships, the hilarity, the suspense, and of course the kisses. To Spark a Match is definitely going to have a solid spot on my ‘Jen Turano favorites’ list henceforth and forevermore.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

I absolutely love Jen Turano books.while they are generally rlomance books which are not my favorite book types, her books always have some mystery suspense in them to keep me interested. I think of all the Matchmaker series, this is my favorite. She starts out with a funny with Adelaide. I did think maybe there would be more but alas I was disappointed. But there was enough action to keep me engaged.

After five unsuccessful Seasons on the marriage mart, Miss Adelaide Duveen has resigned herself to the notion that she's destined to remain a spinster forever--a rather dismal prospect, but one that will allow her to concentrate on her darling cats and books. However, when she inadvertently stumbles upon Mr. Gideon Abbott engaged in a clandestine activity during a dinner party, Adelaide finds herself thrust into a world of intrigue that resembles the plots in the spy novels she devours.

I would like to think the publisher and NetGalley for my copy of the book