A Match in the Making

Author: Jen Turano
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Matchmakers #1
​Pages: 368
Release Date: February 21, 2023
Publisher: Bethany House

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America's most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the employ of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond irritating.

Walter Townsend is reluctantly in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly motherless children who cannot keep a governess for long. What he wasn't expecting was Miss Brinley, an amateur matchmaker who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle. Constantly besieged by society ladies on a mission to win his affection, Walter must find a way to overcome their inundating attention--and his unexpected attraction toward Gwendolyn.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

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Reviewer: Katelyn Sponaugle

A gifted wordsmith, Jen Turano’s novels have no lack of witty verbal sparring or rich vocabulary. She delivers a light, enjoyable, and humorous read. I’ve read and enjoyed several of Jen’s books, but A Match in the Making didn’t end up being a favored volume for me. 

I could not connect with the characters and storyline and thought the main character's relationship was fairly lackluster. I generally enjoy the banter between characters in Jen’s books. But in many places in this book, the dialogue seemed to stretch on and on while the happenings around them just seemed to stop moving. 

I found other characters endearing, such as the grandmothers, the Duveens, and even Gideon Abbott. All in all the story wrapped up satisfactorily, with Walter showing growth by the end. I would still read another Jen Turano novel in the future. 

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion. 

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

This is my go-to author for rom-com, with some fun added to the mix!
I enjoyed this book so very much! 

My favorite was Gwendolyn and Walter's bantering back and forth. 
The children were my second favorite. They were an absolute delight.

Turano sure knows how to entertain her readers. She had me snickering the whole way through. A can't put down book that will have you laughing out loud.

I loved the setting of this book too. I didn't want to come back after this book was finished. I read it in one day. You never know what God has in store for you. Gwendolyn sure didn't, and that was the best surprise of all.

I highly recommend this book!

I received a review copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. My thanks for a copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

This historical rom-com was a delight from start to finish. With a vibrant cast of characters, A Match in the Making is a fantastic start to Jen Turano's The Matchmakers series. 

Whenever I read a book by Jen, I wonder if she is as funny in person as she makes her leading ladies because this book is hilarious. Gwendolyn is the perfect female to infiltrate high society and bring them down a peg or two. And she does it most endearingly. While Gwendolyn tries to find a potential wife for Walter, she runs up against a pack of wild dogs (aka females on the hunt for a husband). So she sets out to train these dogs...er...females on how to find a suitable husband. The author had fun with Gwendolyn, and it shows! The dialogue, settings and vibrant sparring between Walter and Gwendolyn make this a book you can't put down.

The author also had fun with the ladies making a beeline for Walter. Each one had a quirk or fault that made them unsuitable for Walter but perfect for someone else. Turano's character development makes this a delightful book you'll want to read again and again.

While the ending was a little abrupt (an epilogue would have been great), I hope to see more of Walter and Gwendolyn in book two. If you enjoy historical romantic comedies, you will love this book!

I received a review copy courtesy of Bethany House and NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Karen Baney

What if Mary Poppins was a New York 400 Matchmaker during the Gilded Age?

Jen Turano has outdone herself in this magnificent romantic comedy set during the Gilded Age. True to her style, Turano continues to delight me with witty dialogue and funny, creative, off-the-wall scenes that make me laugh. This is her best work yet.

This past year, I’ve read several of Turano’s books. She continues to mature as a writer, devising amazing comedic scenes and lovable, less-than-perfect characters, which draw me into the story and the series. In A Match in the Making, her use of dialogue comes across even stronger while maintaining a witty appeal. Turano continues to deliver wonderfully entertaining stories.

Gwendolyn’s character came across as realistic and relatable. Her no-nonsense approach to life drew me into her plight immediately. I loved how she challenged Walter to become a better father and man. His character arc warmed my heart. Turano’s choice to add children as a central part of the storyline was brilliant. Walter’s children brought plenty of tension and comedic relief to the story. Gwendolyn’s interaction with the children reminded me of Mary Poppins but with a flare all her own.

The non-stop action moved the story at a rapid pace. I was so hooked on this book that I could not put it down. I rarely stay up until the wee hours of the morning reading, but this one was impossible to put down.

I strongly recommend this for fans of clean historical romance with a touch of faith and a large dose of smile-inducing comedy. You will not be disappointed with this read.

I requested and received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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