Member Reviews
Excerpt from review: Emma Lord's debut novel, Tweet Cute, was one of my unexpectedly favorite reads of last year. So I was thrilled to receive her follow-up, You Have A Match, from NetGalley, and found it equally as charming and relatable, even if it is YA and I'm far from that target age group.
A modern day Parent Trap with a twist, I highly recommend You Have A Match and look forward to the next novel Emma Lord has in store.
Came for the cover, stuck around for the story.
Did I know this was YA? Nope - but I love YA so that’s not a problem. I thought it would be heavy on the romance but it was actually more of a story about two sisters who find each other through a DNA matching website and start to get to know one another. Abby and Savvy couldn’t be more different. Abby is quirky, awkward, and anxious while Savvy is a social media influencer with thousands of followers. Savvy convinces Abby to join her at a summer camp where she is a camp counselor so that they can spend some more time together to get to know each other. When their parents catch wind that the girls have found each other and are in the same place - chaos ensues. The girls are determined to find out the truth of what happened to have them grow up in separate households.
The diverse representation in this one was also amazing - from her sister who has a girlfriend to her Filipino best friend. For a YA novel, there was so much depth and real life issues that were covered throughout the story that at times I forgot that I was reading about two teenagers. Lord’s writing is amazing and really brings you into the story as if you’re one of the girls friends.
Abby signed up for a DNA test to support Leo, her unrequited love and best friend, as he searched for a connection to his biological family. Little did she know she would find a match. Abby and her new sister were determined to get to the bottom of this "situation" and figure out the whole story before their parents figured out what they were up to.
Lord's debut, Tweet Cute, was a tremendous hit for me, and I was chomping at the bit to read more from her. Needless to say, she once again delighted me, and here are some of the things I loved about You Have a Match.
The setting was one of my favorites! Sadly, I didn't get to attend sleep away camp as a kid, but I adore a camp setting. There's just something about being outdoors, enjoying nature, and let me tell you, Lord had our cast get into some fine messes as they tackled the great outdoors. This setting also lends itself to fun camp hijinks, and yep, you guessed it, there was some of that too.
I thought Lord assembled a rather fantastic cast as well. They each had something unique and interesting about them, and the dialog between them was top notch. The banter was so snappy and witty. I just couldn't get enough of it. Lots of smiling, snickering, and laughter from me.
I won't lie, I was really eager to find out why Abby's parents gave Savvy up for adoption. The whole truth of the situation came out slowly, and parts were really heartbreaking. But, it was beautiful seeing all parties involved trying to build something from this "reunion". I especially liked seeing Savanah and Abby bond. It was not an easy road to understanding each other, as they seemed like polar opposites, but the summer was one of learning and growing for all, especially Abby. She gained a new perspective, which even extended to how she saw herself, and I felt that it really propelled her forward.
The heart of this story was the bond that formed between these two new sisters, but it was also about family, friendship, and more. A lively cast of characters combined with a multitude of fun and touching moments PLUS a fabulous ending left me with a warm heart and a big stupid grin on my face.
After a "23 and Me"-like DNA test reveals Abby has an older sister, Savvy, there's only one course of action but for the two to meet up at summer camp! While Abby and Savvy are dealing with the complications of why their biological parents gave Savvy up for adoption, they're also both getting to know one another and sorting out their complicated love life.
I really enjoyed the characters, Lord's witty writing, and her continued focus on food (I now want a lasagna ball)! I loved Tweet Cute and the interplay of the characters there, so this was always going to be a hard follow-up and it didn't quite live up to my markedly-high expectations. This was also not aided by the use of a miscommunication by two of the characters. Miscommunication is not a favorite of mine--so take this with a grain of salt--and here, it was slightly ameliorated by the fact that this is YA and the characters are young, and the fact the miscommunication was spurned on by a third party.
Overall, this was a very cute start to the New Year! 3.5 stars from me, and I can't wait to see what Lord does next!
I received a free copy of this book from @NetGalley in exchange for my review.
You Have a Match is my second Emma Lord's book, and I'm glad to say that I enjoyed it as much as her first one, Tweet Cute!
You Have a Match follows Abby Day, who found out she has a secret sister after she took a DNA test with her friends. To uncover the secrets that her and Savvy's parents have been hiding for years, they decide to meet up at summer camp where Savvy works. As it turns out, uncovering a secret that's been buried for years is no easy feat, especially when Abby and Savvy are basically a complete opposite.
Adoption and family are the main themes in this book. It's also the reason why I end up liking this book. Abby and Savvy's family problems are messy--and it took almost the entire book for it to be resolved--but it's what made them real. I also really love how the parents are in a big part of this book, just as big as the characters themselves.
Other things that I love from this book is the friendship. This book is set in a summer camp, and I like the friendship Abby made throughout her stay in there. And of course, the romance is pretty cute as well. The friendship and romance might not be as prominent as the family relationship in here, but it made the book more fun!
All in all, You Have a Match is a heartwarming story about family and acceptance. I definitely recommend it <3
I started this book this evening about 10 percent in. I binge read the rest of it in about two hours. I don't think I left my spot the entire time because once I got into the book, I was invested. I was a little worried it wouldn't measure up to her last book, Tweet Cute. I shouldn't have been. This book covers grief in a smooth way yet doesn't fail to have plenty of happy, fluffy moments (and a new romance I absolutely loved). Everyone from the main to the side characters had arcs and personalities. What a great way to start off the new year!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an eARC in exchange from my honest review. YOU HAVE A MATCH is scheduled for release January 12, 2021.
-
This book was SO cute. It was very well-written and was a really intricate story with a lot more depth than I was expecting. I devoured this book in a single day. It was so fun to read, I couldn't put it down.
Abby signed up for a DNA service, mainly so she can have something to talk about with her crush, Leo. What she didn't expect was to find out she had a secret full-blooded older sister named Savvy. Abby and Savvy decided the most logical thing to do would be to go to summer camp together and find out why their parents hid this massive secret.
I loved the camp setting for many reasons, but mainly because it gave me major “Parent Trap” vibes. Two sisters with different parents meeting at summer camp to figure out their parents' secrets? The only thing missing was Meredith Blake! If you're going into this book for a romance, you should know the romance is more of a background story, but it's still so adorable and plays into the bigger picture.
There were a lot of emotions wrapped into this book, and I teared up multiple times. My heart was so warm and fuzzy while reading this. I love this book and highly recommend everyone get their hands on it as soon as it comes out!
after loving Emma Lord's debut last year, I had been eagerly anticipating You Have a Match, and I'm happy to say it didn't disappoint! this story charmed me almost instantly. it weaves together so many of my favorite things— summer camp settings, friends-to-lovers, stories with a heavy focus on sibling relationships— and manages to tie all these disparate pieces together really well. I love love loved all the friendships, especially. plus, it has the trademark wittiness I've come to expect from Emma Lord's writing. if you're a fan of YA contemporary, I can't imagine you wouldn't enjoy this one!
Ok, we will start with the good. The book is well written and I loved the relationships between the characters. Abby and Savannah, Abby and Leo, and Abby and Connie. I was rooting for Abby to embrace her talents and talk to her parents.
However, this book is only getting two stars because I do not feel like the mystery reveal would happen at all. There is no way that the bio parents would not have been awarded custody and there needed to be a lot more explanation to believe that was possible. Also, while I appreciated the happy ending because this book should have one, this one felt rushed.
I've already ordered it for the library and I think that there are definitely teens that would enjoy it, but there are some major flaws in the plot/premise.
Have you ever used a DNA service? If you did would you allow it to connect you to long list relatives? I haven’t partially because I know I have close relatives out there that I have no desire to connect with (long story).
.
Thank you to @stmartinspress @wednesdaybooks and @netgalley for the ARC of You Have A Match by Emma Lord! I read this whole book in one day, and enjoyed every minute of it! If you are looking for the feels of the Parent Trap with a totally unique backstory and a sweet romance mixed in then definitely give this a read.
.
Synopsis from the publisher: When Abby signs up for a DNA service, it’s mainly to give her friend and secret love interest, Leo, a nudge. After all, she knows who she is already: Avid photographer. Injury-prone tree climber. Best friend to Leo and Connie…although ever since the B.E.I. (Big Embarrassing Incident) with Leo, things have been awkward on that front. But she didn’t know she’s a younger sister. When the DNA service reveals Abby has a secret sister, shimmery-haired Instagram star Savannah Tully, it’s hard to believe they’re from the same planet, never mind the same parents ― especially considering Savannah, queen of green smoothies, is only a year and a half older than Abby herself. The logical course of action? Meet up at summer camp (obviously) and figure out why Abby’s parents gave Savvy up for adoption. But there are complications: Savvy is a rigid rule-follower and total narc. Leo is the camp’s co-chef, putting Abby’s growing feelings for him on blast. And her parents have a secret that threatens to unravel everything. But part of life is showing up, leaning in, and learning to fit all your awkward pieces together. Because sometimes, the hardest things can also be the best ones.
.
Out on January 12th 2021!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m not sure what I was looking for in this book, but it missed the mark for me. I felt as though a couple chapters in I could guess everything that would happen, and turns out I was right. It was fun, and enjoyable at times, but didn’t feel new or exciting.
This was a good found family / discovered family read, but it was a bit slow in places. It’s definitely an emotional in terms of family dynamics and what can happen during an adoption. I wanted more romance—there was too much of the misunderstanding trope.
4.5 stars
Ok so this was absolutely amazing and I finished a few minutes ago but I still have the biggest smile on my face! It’s still the first day of the year but I have a feeling it’ll be a favorite in the contemporary category once the year ends.
I grew up on The Parent Trap (the one with Lindsey Lohan). I used to watch it constantly, I have fond memories surrounding the movie, and I still love it so much. Although this books doesn’t have the exact same plot as that movie, it had quite a few similarities: long lost sisters parents hid existence of, sisters coming together at camp, getting their parents together again. But then add my favorite trope to the mix, childhood friends to lovers, and a great set of characters and group of friends, and you have yourselves a gem of a book I am literally more than obsessed with right now.
One of my favorite things about it was Abby’s development throughout the book, her finding herself, creating the courage to show the world her art, and going after her dreams in the end. I really enjoyed her character so much!
I also loved literally everyone else. I loved Savvy, Mickey, Leo(!!!!) Connie, and Finn (!!!). I think the characters added so much to my enjoyment. I couldn’t help but love every single one of them so damn much and really invested in their friendships and romances by the end of the story.
The romances were also my favorite things. This book focuses more on Abby and Savvy navigating this new revelation that they are full blooded sisters, so the romance is not exactly a central part of the book, but it’s definitely there, and you definitely root for the characters and wait (In)patiently for them to finally profess their love for one another. Leo and Abby were so cute! I’m huge on friends to lovers and I thought they had a lot of chemistry. I would read a whole book about them being cute. Mickey and Savvy were another one I rooted for from the very first interaction when unnoticed something was going on. I really loved both of them!
Overall, this was so good. I was so excited to read it because I enjoyed Tweet Cute by the author, but this one surpassed all my expectations and it’s definitely my favorite by Emma Lord. Ugh, I wish I could read 10 books about these characters! I’m in love.
OᐯᗴᖇᐯIᗴᗯ: When Abby’s friend, Leo, decides to try to find out more about his roots by taking a DNA test to look for relatives, Abby takes one too for moral support. But Abby’s test reveals she has a full-blood sister she knew nothing about. When she finally meets Savvy, they hatch a plan to spend summer together and get to know each other In the process, they hope to find out what their families are hiding from them.
ᗰY TᕼOᑌᘜᕼTᔕ: When I started this novel, I assumed the “match” was a love match, so I was surprised that it actually had a double meaning. There is definitely teen love drama, but the book really centers on the budding relationship between Savvy and Abby as well as the broken relationship of their parents. I enjoyed the interplay between the girls and how different but alike they really were. However, the shining star was Finn! He was a great character who deserves his own book! Hint, hint. 😉
ᖇᗩTIᑎᘜ: ★★★★
Emma Lord does it again!
Tweet Cute was one of my favorite books of 2020 so I was really excited to receive a review copy of her upcoming book, You Have a Match.
I loved the summer camp setting, though I would’ve liked a bit more focus on the camp happenings.
I also really liked the general plot of Abby and Savvy trying to figure out what happened between their parents after finding out they’re sisters.
The supporting characters were really enjoyable, especially Mickey and Finn (and Rufus 🐶). I liked Leo as well but thought we might learn a bit more about him.
This one would make a really good Freeform or Netflix series. Or even a Netflix movie! It has me hooked as soon as Abby received her DNA test results and couldn’t want to find out more.
A fun, breezy summer camp novel with a twist. Abby Day does an Ancestry DNA type kit to show solidarity with a friend, only to discover she has a long lost sister just a few miles away. The girls meet up and hatch a plan to solve the mystery of their separation while at camp.
I enjoyed reading this book, though much of the front end felt like filler, as most of the action took place about 50% into the book. I also thought that the various relationships did not always have enough balance. There were times I forgot completely about one of Abby's friends and at times the romantic pursuits were incongruous with the search for why the girls were not raised together. I did really enjoy seeing the different ways each of the girls interacted with her parents and how the parents interacted with each other.
I would certainly recommend to students in my school as I enjoyed the time spent reading this book and think it could spark some interesting conversations about identity and parent-child relationships.
I didn’t really know anything about this book going in but I enjoyed Tweet Cute so I had a feeling I’d enjoy this! And I was definitely surprised! I thought this was just going to be a general friends-to-lovers kind of story, and based on the cover I was like “cool, summer love!” but wow this was definitely much more than that and it was better for it! This is the story of friendship and found family (the literal kind).
Abby discovers that she has an older sister that her parents never told her about so she sneaks off to camp to get to know her. She ends up at camp with her friend Leo which is super awkward because she hasn’t been able to live down a super embarrassing incident. Anyway, it turns out her older sister is a very cool (and maybe a bit annoying) instagram influencer.
I really loved getting into Abby’s head. Reading in her POV was easy and relatable and fun. Her voice was strong and her personality shined through the pages, making it easy to get through and fun to read!
I love the dynamic between Abby and her two best friends, especially when things started to change
I really enjoyed Abby’s summer shenanigans and especially loved her new budding friendship with Finn. I loved the fun pranks and even the deep emotional conversations. Of course, I think the romance was cute but the real plot was focused on the sister’s and seeing both the character’s slowly get to know each other and learn about themselves and each other. The secrets they shared and the puzzles they solved together was what made this story enjoyable!
If you enjoy long lost families, fun summer camp pranks, photography and self care this is definitely something you’ll enjoy! Read this if you want some food, a dash of romance, a sprinkle of sisterly love, maybe a few spoonfuls of drama, and a lot of relatable emotions!
Abby, Connie, and Leo have been friends for as long as they can remember, but as junior year for Abby and senior year for Leo comes to an end, things start to change between the two of them. Leo, wondering about his biological parents, decides to do a DNA test and Abby and Connie join in for moral support. When Abby's results come in, she is surprised to find out that she has a full biological sister living fairly close to her that she never even knew existed. After a secret meet up and some hacking into her parents' email accounts, Abby winds up registered for summer camp instead of summer school so she can spend more time getting to know her sister. What Abby doesn't know is that this is the same summer camp Leo has been going to for years (which just underwent a name change) and he has known her sister for just as long.
I enjoyed this book and thought it was perfect for the intended audience. Emma Lord knows her audience and speaks to them through her characters in a way that draws them in and has them asking for more. I also like that the author doesn't make the parents look stupid, but just like normal human beings with faults of their own. This book has the right amount of teenage angst, girl drama, and family issues to make it believable.
I read Tweet Cute by Emma Lord earlier in 2020 and it was hands down one of the best YA books I’ve ever read.
When I found out You Have a Match was coming out, I knew I HAD to read it
This one is such a unique plot that I devoured it in less than 24 hours. The characters are so sweet. The themes of strong friendship, a growing sisterhood, and also a bit of teenage romance thrown in are too cute that I just wanted to a smile at the book the whole time
While I did thoroughly enjoy this one, I will say, I liked the premise behind Tweet Cute a bit more, but still highly recommend this one!
You Have a Match by Emma Lord 🏕
Thank you @wednesdaybooks for the eARC via @netgalley. You Have a Match comes out on January 12, 2021. ✨
You Have a Match is a fun, modern take on the classic “Parent Trap” story. Abby receives some startling news after signing up for a DNA matching service when she discovers that she has an older sister named Savannah that her parents have never mentioned. Abby and Savvy decide to meet up at a local summer camp to discover the truth of what happened when Savvy was born. While their personalities clash and it first seems like Abby and Savvy can’t even be friends, let alone sisters, the two learn a lot about each other, themselves, and their family history.
Although I read this book rather quickly, it was more a desire to figure out the conclusion rather than a desire to stay with the characters. I enjoyed Savvy’s story, but sometimes found Abby’s internal struggles not as compelling or interesting. It took most of the book before the underlying “mystery” was finally addressed, and the conclusion seemed to wrap up a little too quickly. In the end, it was an easy YA read, but not one of my top picks of the year.