This is a sweet story about two generations of matchmakers within the same family. Sara, the grandmother started making matches at 10 years old and continued throughout her life. Her granddaughter Abby is a divorce attorney who didn’t realize she had the gift until later in life. The author uses two timelines, early 1900’s and mid 1990’s to tell her tale. The two time periods are expertly depicted which kept my interest throughout. I loved following both women as they spun their magic and helped make their love matches. Both timelines are seamlessly interwoven as the the story concludes. #TheMatchmaker’sGift #LyndaCohenLoigman #NetGalley

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an egalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Rivka Holler of St. Martin's Press for bringing this story to my attention

Oh my gosh I absolutely adored this dual narrative! The tale of matchmaker Sara Glikman throughout the decades of the 1900's and her granddaughter Abby, a divorce lawyer in 1994 was a heartwarming story that I fell so intensely in love with. I am crowning it with a 5 star rating because I can honestly find no flaws. There was honestly NOTHING that bothered me or made me feel it didn't fit with the character's actions or the author's writing. I enjoyed both female protagonists and the journey that the author takes us on with the story. I was fortunate to have a fantastic relationship with my maternal grandmother and so that grounded me to Sara and Abby's stories.

The sad thing is that I am going to recommend the heck out of this book and most of my friends will have to wait until September to read it. 🤣🤣


Expected Publication Date 20/09/22
Goodreads Review Published 28/07/22

The Matchmaker’s Gift has all the right ingredients for an enthralling read—history, humor, romance, mystery, and a dash of magic! (cue matchmaker song from Fidler on the Roof). If you have a fondness for the special relationships between a grandmother and her granddaughter, then this is exactly the type of book to warm your heart. Growing up Jewish this book really touched me and I didn't want it to end. This book brims with optimism, a cast of colorful characters, and two smart heroines who dare to forge their own brave paths in life. I was completely charmed by this clever dual-timeline novel!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this digital ARC

Every now and then you read a book that speaks to you. For me this was that book. I am Jewish and I when’s ever I meet a single person I just assume that they want to be fixed up. And of course I’m the women for the job..
This book was sweet, and funny and filled with touching moments.. Who doesn’t want to read a book about finding your soulmate and living happily ever after.

What a lovely, unique book! Sara was born at the turn of the 20th century, her impoverished Jewish family leaving Romania on a steamship for a hopefully better life in New York City in 1910. It was on that ship that Sara first realized she had a talent for knowing when two people will make a stellar match.

The marriage brokers in New York are all male, motivated not by love but by money. They also lack the otherworldly gift young Sara possesses. But they are outraged and threatened by her when they hear of her perfect record of successes. They argue that she is infringing on their livelihood, even though she doesn't accept payment, and that matchmakers must be married men.

In the 1990s, Sara's granddaughter Abby idolizes her, although she is a bit skeptical of Sara's talent. Abby has taken a different path, as a divorce lawyer in Manhattan. The story successfully alternates between the two timelines. Sara struggles throughout her life to conceal her activity from the male marriage brokers, all the while dedicated to her calling. Her story is told through her interactions with her family and those whose lives she changes forever. Abby finds some journals after her grandmother's death that make her look at her Sara's life--and her own--in different ways.

I fell in love with both of the protagonists, and with the author's attention to authenticity of time and place and her loving detail of all of the supporting characters. To top it all off, I found the last page to be a perfect ending

My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.!

Sara Gilkman is just ten years old she makes her first love match. On a boat from the Pale of Settlement, Sara is sent to find a handkerchief for the tears her sister is spilling over the man she left behind. Not only does she come back with a handkerchief but a soulmate for her sister as well. Sara’s granddaughter, Abby is just ten years old when her father walks out of her life and straight into a posh 5th Avenue apartment leaving her mother to raise the two girls on a pittance in comparison. Seeing the injustice of the circumstances, Abby grows up to become a divorce attorney with a jaded outlook on true love.
Abby not believe in soulmates but she also grew up listening to the stories, which seemed like tall tales, of the matches that her grandmother Sara had made for others. Sara never gave any clues on how she knew the two people she brought together would have a lasting union except for her common refrain of “I see what I see, and I know what I know.” It wasn’t until Sara’s passing that Abby was given the old leather-bound journals dating back to 1910, the year Sara made her first match, that Abby began to truly learn about her grandmother and by doing so begins to understand that she may have more to offer others than a good divorce settlement.
The Matchmaker’s Gift weaves in an out of past and present, moving from granddaughter to grandmother and back again with the threads of stories of the couples who were paired by Sara to those that are seeking divorce and prenuptial agreements from Abby. With a touch of magical realism, a little bit of history, a scattering of Yiddish and a whole lot of love, Lynda Cohen Loigman delivers not a woven tapestry with The Matchmaker’s Gift but rather a big, beautiful, cozy blanket.

The Matchmaker's Gift
By Lynda Cohen Loigman

This is the story of Sara, a young Jewish girl, fleeing warn-torn Europe with her impoverished family for the opportunities of the United States. Sara is ten years old on that trip, where she unknowingly makes her first match – she introduces her sister Hindel to Aaron, a fellow traveler. Sara is not really aware until time goes on that she has the gift for "seeing" who are soulmates destined for happy marriages. Because of her ability, she is bullied by the professional matchmakers – mostly men – who arrange matches for a living.

But this is more than just the story of Sara's life. It also is the story of her granddaughter, Abby, whose parents' divorce when she is twelve drives her decision to become a divorce lawyer. Sara greatly influences Abby's life, and she believes that her granddaughter may also share her gift.

This is an interesting take on early 20th century Jewish life in New York City, and also the Jewish belief that matchmakers exist who really CAN see the invisible ties that bind one human to another. I really enjoyed both women's stories, and the warmth of their love for each other. This book is an educational experience as well as a just plain good read.

I loved this book! Throughout there are two timelines, Sara and Abby. Sara learns at age ten that she has a gift, she can see when two people are matched to be together. Abby is Sara's granddaughter and works as a divorce lawyer. Abby's parents had a poor divorce and her Sara moved in when her dad moved out. Abby's timeline is in the mid 90's as she learns more about her grandmother's life through her journals. Sara's timeline start at age 10 and continues throughout her life.

When reading a book with two timelines, it's the rare book where I LOVED reading both parts. This book is a feel good story that I didn't want to end. If you are looking for a lovely story that's easy to get into and has a unique premise, this is a great one.

Oh this was such a fun and captivating read. I was lucky enough to get an ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press and it was a delightful gift. The wonderful telling of traditions changed through two intertwined narratives of women from the same family line practicing their gift engage readers no matter which point of view the author is telling from. Through the journals of her grandmother, Abby is able to revisit some of her beliefs and values with new eyes and open herself to new ideas. Just enough mystical, magical feeling to be both fun and thought provoking.

The Matchmaker's Gift is a dual timeline novel set in NYC between Sara in the early 1900s and her granddaughter Abby in 1994. Abby has inherited her grandmother Sara"s gift for Jewish matchmaking. Steeped in family tradition and drama, friendship, and starting new paths in life, this book will not disappoint historical fiction fans. Thanks to author Lynda Cohen Loigman, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for providing a copy of this ebook for an honest review.

Name of Book: The Matchmaker’s Gift
Author: Linda Cohen Loigman
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pub Date: September 20, 2022
My Rating: 4 ‘Feel Good’ Stars!

In 1910 we find ten year old Sara Glikman and old her family moving to NYC and are traveling with many others by ship. Her eighteen year old sister, Hindel is terribly upset about leaving friends – especially her boyfriend and cannot stop crying. Their mother whispers to Sara to go find her father, and bring back his handkerchief as Hindel is crying so much she is ruing her dress. Sara can’t find her father but notices a man using his handkerchief to clean his eye glasses. Sara asks if she could borrow his handkerchief for her sister, he agrees and as he is handing her his handkerchief there is a beam of light connecting the two. Three months later, they were married.

Her rabbi called Sara a ‘shadchanteh’ ~ a matchmaker!

We follow Sara and her ‘beam of light’ matches throughout the years.
In the 1990’s Sara has died but she passed her magic gift to her granddaughter, Abby.

Abby is now a divorce lawyer in NYC and seems to have the same special matchmaking gift.

I am a big psychological thriller fan so this is definitely not my typical genre but did I enjoy it? ~ Yes!!!
Definitely a ‘feel good story’!

Want to thank NetGalley and Saint Martin’s Press for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 20, 2022

Lynda Cohen Loigman's The Matchmaker's Gift is a sensational book that will grab your heart. The story is refreshing and without violence. The Matchmaker's Gift is a delightful uplifting read that you should not miss.

Synopsis:
Abby is a successful divorce lawyer. Sadly, her grandmother Sara passed away. Sara left Abby her private journals, which surprised her. Sara was a matchmaker who was forced to keep secrets. What will the journals reveal about the truth?

The Matchmaker's Gift is a beautifully written novel told in alternating timelines. Loveable characters, Sara and Abby share a deep bond that is inspiring to read about. A joy to be swept up in, this book lifted my spirits.

The Matchmaker's Gift is available on September 20th. (5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for sharing this heartwarming book with me. Your kindness is appreciated. I love every page of it!

I picked up this book at night - what a mistake! I had to force myself to put it down so I could get a little sleep! From the first chapter on, it had me engrossed in the story. What I really loved was the background of traditions and the evolution of thinking of these traditions in a new land. The characters were so wonderful and fun to get to know. I just loved this book!.

I really enjoyed this book with historical and current perspectives. I love reading about this culture, and how it’s past influences our present relationships. The characters are all likable, some even loveable. Either way it’s a nice way to get away and live in others’ shoes for awhile. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I loved this book! The Matchmaker’s Gift is a delightful read written in dual timelines consisting of the story of a young divorce attorney, Abby, in 1994 and her matchmaking grandmother, Sara, starting in 1910 until the timelines converge in 1994. I adored both timelines. The story is filled with hope, loss, a bit of conflict, and a lot of love!

To top it off, the cover is absolutely beautiful and the author’s note (which I typically skim) was informative and interesting. This book will give you the warm fuzzies and keep you thinking about it long after the last line!

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Interesting intergenerational novel about the gift of matchmaking and the experiences of the women in the family who shared the gift.

After enjoying The Two-Family House and loving The Wartime Sisters, I was more than eager to check out Lynda Cohen Loigman's upcoming novel, The Matchmaker's Gift. This fabulous story is now one of my 2022 favorites for Chick Lit Central!

The novel was so sweet and inspiring throughout. I loved both Sara and Abby and how their lives intersected. I even got teary-eyed at times. I never knew that men used to be the primary shadchens. I love how Sara stood up to them and made a name for herself. I also love how Abby started taking on her grandmother's matchmaking skills, even as it caused chaos for her career and love life. New York City played a big part in the story and it was fun to see it from an early 1900s lens, as well as in the nineties. There were even some elements of magical realism, which reminded me of Roselle Lim's novels. (Perhaps a partnership is in order, especially since they both write about matchmaking so beautifully!)

Fun fact: Abby's last name is the same as my maiden name. I'd be honored to have her in my family.

I can't wait for The Matchmaker's Gift to be officially out in the world this fall so that everyone has a chance to read it!

Movie casting suggestions:
Sara (early 1900s): Shira Haas
Gabe (early 1900s): Austin Abrams
Abby: Chloë Levine
Will: Ben Rosenfeld
Jessica: Hannah Ware
Victor: William Abadie
Nicole: Lucy Boynton
Diane: Jennifer Westfeldt

The Matchmaker’s Gift is the story of Sara and Abby, a grandmother and her granddaughter who both have a gift of making matches. Told in dual POVs in alternating chapters, we learn how Sara came to the US as a small girl and made her first match as soon as she got off the boat. I especially liked hearing about the Jewish traditions among immigrant families in the early 1900s. Abby, the granddaughter, is a successful divorce attorney. While Abby is still mourning Sara, a series of peculiar requests from several clients makes her question her occupation. This was part historical fiction and part romance. It was a thoughtful tale which I thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend it. I thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This novel is about two women in different generations who both had a gift of matching couples who will love each other. Sara is the older generation. She is 10 years old, when she arrives to the Lower East Side of New York City in 1910. She has already matched her sister with her future husband at age 10. She sees a “light” over the couple and she knows this will be the right match. Her match making efforts do not go unnoticed by those traditional male match makers who arrange matches for a living, not based on love,but family status, the size of the dowry, etc. Sara stands up for herself and continues with her matches based on what “ she sees and what she knows “ as she says repeatedly and the “light” she sees shining over the couple. Her matches turn out to be long happy marriages.
Abby is Sara’s granddaughter, who works as a divorce attorney at a prestigious law firm in NY in 1994. Upon her beloved grandmother’s death,she inherits Sara’s journals detailing all her matches. Abby finds she has the same gift as Sara had arranging matches and she is willing to sacrifice her career to assure happy outcomes. This book for me was a quick, light read, enjoyable, predictable and had a fairy tale quality. I enjoyed this author’s previous books and glad I received an advance copy of this one. 4 stars for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

I meant to read a chapter over lunch, and the next thing I knew the sun was going down, no dinner had been prepared, the dog was pawing me for a walk, and the work I'd promised myself to dive into was still sitting on my desk. But I could not pull my head out of the Jewish section of early twentieth century New York.

Such a graceful, exuberant, lovely book, so much more than the sum of its parts. There are times when I, being someone who has been pretty much reading a book a day since I was eight, so that would be over sixty years, have enjoyed a book but thought it could have been somewhat shorter. Not here. If this author had added another hundred pages, I think the story would have been that much greater.

What we have are parallel stories, Abby, a somewhat hard-bitten (she has reason) divorce lawyer, and her grandmother, Sara, recently died. Sara has left her notebooks to Abby, who knew her grandmother had been a kind of matchmaker, but until she begins reading the notebooks, had not realized the extent of it.

We get tantalizing references to love stories in Abby's timeline, then we slide back to Sara's day, and learn how she made her first match at the tender age of ten, aided by a beautifully written touch of otherworldliness.

Abby, too, feels that strange touch, and doesn't trust it, or know what to do with it. She works very hard, for a boss she respects, who does not have time or patience for blather about soulmates or romance; she ends up having to hide her burgeoning empathy and her sense of how to navigate through the shoals of life toward happiness.

Not that Sara had it easy, either. She gets hauled before a religious court, which was a very serious matter, as the synagogue was the center of Jewish life for those desperately poor immigrants who were trying to make sense of a radical change in their lives.

The book is written with such grace, and sympathy, and warmth, with flashes of humor as well as pathos; when we get to more modern times, the stories diminish to summaries and I longed to have them fleshed out as were the early tales. It's one of those books I would have cheerfully kept reading and reading and reading. Impeccably researched, the book evokes the New York of a hundred years ago, then brings us to the present, and leaves us with a changed Abby, and the sense of earned peace that I get from reading a Jane Austen novel.