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.

Jen Turano is one of my go-to authors and this was another home run for me! I absolutely love the main characters, Gwendolyn and Walter and the ridiculous situations they found themselves in. The story is about Gwendolyn who was hired as a companion, but found herself as an assistant matchmaker to the Newport high society and at first, she wanted nothing more then to be fired; however, after she is told that she isn't any good at her job, she is determined to be the best assistant matchmaker ever. That being said, she is going to do the unthinkable and be a matchmaker for one of the most eligible bachelors of the season, Walter Townsend. What follows is chaos as now every eligible lady is running her down for a chance to be Mrs. Walter Townsend, but Gwendolyn isn't going to just match him with anyone!

Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars although I wish I could give it more. This is a fun and heartwarming story of unlikely romance, a small dash of suspense and lots and lots of laughs! Definitely recommend this book to everyone and I know it will be one I will re-read over and over.

Special thanks to Jen Turano, Net Galley and Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read and review this book - all opinions are my own.

Jen Turano always provides a wonderful, lighthearted read filled with quirky characters. Her romances set among the society set during the Gilded Age are perfect vehicles for the inspirational messages they deliver. A Match in the Making will delight her fans and those who need an uplifting read to raise their spirits.

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley finds herself in the unexpected and unsought position of assistant matchmaker to two of society's young, husband-seeking ladies. That being difficult enough, her employer agrees to an unconventional arrangement to sponsor one of the wife-seeking men, a widower, in his desire to provide his children with a new mother. Gwendolyn finds Mr. Walter Townsend to be particularly annoying. Let the fun begin!

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Match in the Making, book one in Turano's The Matchmakers series, from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I absolutely adored A Match in the Making! If Jen Turano has a new book coming out, I'm going to read it and it's eventually going to find a spot on my physical bookshelf. This book was no exception. Gwendolyn and Walter had so many wonderful moments of witty banter as they both amused and frustrated each other that I often found myself grinning or laughing to myself. I loved just how headstrong and commanding Gwendolyn was. She was certainly not a heroine who was overshadowed by her hero. She could spar quite nicely with him. And she really put many of those greedy society ladies in their places.

The growth Walter experiences as both a father and a man searching for a new partner in marriage is utterly heartwarming. From being a distant father and someone who is just looking for an alliance, to a father who begins to understand his children and sees the value of a love filled marriage, Walter becomes just oh so swoon worthy. Having two strong main characters just gave this book so much depth that I loved every moment. There was a typical hint of Jen Turano intrigue but not too much that it makes the book too stressful to read.

As this is the first book in a new series, I am so excited to see where we go from here and to see see which characters will be getting their own books. I have my fingers crossed for some potential pairings so we will see how that goes. I highly recommend picking up any Jen Turano books, including A Match in the Making.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review.

As always, Jen Turano never fails to captivate me with her Matchmakers Book series. A Match in the Making with its witty humor always has me in stitches, and I find myself thoroughly enjoying every moment of this delightful story.

What a fun start to this new series. Jen Turano's books never fail to lift my spirits and bring a smile to my face, and this one did just that.

I enjoyed watching Gwendolyn figure out how to be a matchmaker. She had a unique approach to it, but it was easy to see she had a knack for it. I loved her forthrightness, and how she took charge. The banter between her and Walter was incredibly entertaining. I will say that it took me a little while to warm up to Walter, but I ended up really liking him in the end. His kids were a handful, to say the least, but they quickly became my favorite part of the story.

If you're looking for an amusing historical romance, pick up a copy of this book. I guarantee it'll make you smile and have you laughing out loud.

I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Set in the late 1800s, this is a fun historical fiction book that focuses on romance and family.

This was my first Jen Turano book, but I could definitely see myself reading more of her books in the future. She has such a fun and witty writing style that made A Match in the Making such a fun and enjoyable read.

My favorite aspect of this book was the dialogue. Gwendolyn (the main female character) always had such witty and intelligent comebacks which made me laugh out loud.

Walter had great chemistry and friendship (eventually) with Gwendolyn, but what I appreciated even more was the relationship between Gwendolyn and Walter’s children. From the start, the kids had respect for Gwendolyn compared to every other adult they interacted with.

Without spoiling anything, I very much enjoyed the fishing outing and the guinea pig. Also, kids sure know how to create chaos at a society event.

I would recommend this book if you enjoy…
• Witty banter
• Society ladies being put in their places
• Female protagonists that don’t adhere to the societal standards of the time
• Kids and their hijinks

The main reasons that I didn’t give this book 5 stars was because I wanted a little bit more romance, and the ending conflict seemed a bit out of place compared to the rest of the story.

Overall though, this was a very enjoyable story that I would recommend.

A Match in the Making, written by Jen Turano, is a delightful novel that follows the story of Miss Gwendolyn Brinley, a spirited and independent young woman who accepts a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a amazing to spend the summer in America's most exclusive town.

One of the strengths of A Match in the Making is its attention to detail. The author has clearly done her research on the time period, and the descriptions of the clothing, architecture, and social customs of the wealthy elite in Newport are vivid and immersive. This attention to detail also extends to the characters themselves, who are all well-developed and unique, with their own quirks and backstories.

The book is notable for its humor. Turano has a gift for crafting witty dialogue and situational humor that will have readers laughing out loud. The interactions between Gwendolyn and her new friends are particularly amusing, and the various misadventures that she finds herself in are both entertaining and endearing.

The book is a delightful mix of romance, humor, and mystery that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.

This was yet another humorous romp into romance for Jen Turano fans. Her trademark humor and banter liven up each and every page and her characters are quirky and cheerful. This story was a lot of fun and filled with all the things I love about Jen Turano’s writing. There were plenty of laugh out loud moments and also some heart melting romantic ones all while keep this story light and full of fun!!! It was delightful!

👒👒👒👒👒/5

Have I ever read a book that made me snort or laugh out loud as much as this one? Probably, but this book takes the cake!

It was absolutely hilarious from start to finish and I cannot recommend it enough to those who enjoy comedy with a tasteful romance and gilded age theatrics. The only book in recent memory I can compare it to is The Block Island Charade by @bekahoverbeybooks with its historical hijinks and chaos in every chapter. If you enjoy one, you’ll definitely enjoy the other!

Walter is such a grump and lazy society bachelor. There’s no wonder he was having such a hard time acquiring a new wife/mother for his children. He’s an incredibly smart man, but also a bit of a dunce. And that makes his part in this story even better, in my opinion. Especially since it caused Gwendolyn to become his matchmaker for the season, which is where all the witty banter comes to play.

His children were incredibly charming and often caused the drama. And there was not one scene with them that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy. They stole my heart from their first introduction so it was completely understandable that they’d steal Gwendolyn’s as well.

Gwendolyn was fiery and not afraid to speak her mind. She’s a strong headed, independent, witty human being and I absolutely adored everything about her. She’s determined to find a match for Walter, although at times it seemed she wasn’t trying so hard. But maybe that was because she was growing to have feelings for him and his children along the way? One will never know…

This book was spectacular in every fashion and is full of witty banter, independent women, standing up for oneself, breaking out of societal norms, charming children, tender romantic unions, back stabbing Newport ladies, a quick mystery, and hilarious occurrences all around.

When it releases on TUESDAY it would be a wise decision indeed to pick it up for yourself! 🤍

As soon as you start reading a book by her, you KNOW you're reading a book by Jen Turano! She has an inimitable writing style that simply enchants you.

The conversations here were gold, and never EVER boring. My mind didn't stray at any point, and it absolutely BLOWS my mind that the book is almost completely made up of conversation. There are a few details, of course, but not many. I have a hard time carrying on a five minute conversation, but this whole book was made up of people talking.

I'm not sure how to describe Jen's writing style. It's truly one of a kind. You know you're definitely "listening" to high society, and there's a reason that she's been "named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance."

In short, this book was...remarkable.

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

A Match in the Making by Jen Turano is a fun historical romance. Gwendolyn has taken a position as a lady’s companion and finds herself as an assistant matchmaker. I love a good matchmaker story and Turano as such humor to it that it is amongst one of the best stories. Gwen was a great character that you could not help but cheer for. She had quite the knack for matching couples.

Walter is looking for a wife to raise his unruly children. Gwendolyn helps him realize what they need is time with him. The kids love her even before Walter realizes he does.

You may know how the book is going to end but trust me in that you will enjoy the ride immensely getting to the conclusion. ore

Sexual content – kissing
Violence – not really violence but some ‘mean girls’ in the hunt for a husband who are willing to spill their drink on you and hit you with a tennis ball.

A relaxing summer in Newport turns into a taxing full-time job as Gwendolyn Brinley's employer has her taking over as matchmaker among the ton's most eligible.

Engaging from the beginning, this humorous historical rom-com is a fun-filled adventure that you won't want to miss. The first in a brand new series from one of my favorite authors, I couldn't keep a smile from my face when reading this book. I liked how Gwen is a hard-worker and though it wasn't how she wanted to spend her summer, she applied herself, I liked that she was an insightful advocate for her clients, and was able to relate to the children appropriately. The children are so adorable and I loved getting to know them, and seeing them with their dad.

This is such a fun read, with a full cast of colorful characters. Full of adventure, heart, and doesn't take itself too seriously this is a delightful book that will lighten any mood! There was never a dull moment and I loved every minute of it, can't wait for the rest of the series!

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

A Match in the Making is part of Jen Turano’s new “The Matchmakers" series. While spending her summer in Newport Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary position as a paid companion. That position somehow has turned into an assistant matchmaker position. Walter Townsend has come to Newport in search of a new wife for his disorderly children. He enlists Gwendolyn's help in trying to make his perfect match.

I loved rooting for Gwendolyn and Walter to see what was right in front of them. The detailed setting of Newport Beach, the rules of high society, and why women married in 1888 made this a fascinating Gilded Age read. The endearing characters such as Walter’s children, the people in Newport’s exclusive circle, and the presence of pets added to the humorous story. (So what do you do with a pony that eats people’s hats? Asking for a friend).

The author weaves in humor, wisdom, and some mystery into this delightful story. I laughed and thoroughly enjoyed all the antics of the story. I love Jen Turano’s books and this one is a delight. I highly recommend A Match in the Making. .

I was given a copy by the punisher and not required to write a positive review.

Gwendolyn has been tasked with finding a wife for the most sought after widower, Mr. Walter Townsend.
Walter is mainly looking for a new mother for his 3 children. What if the perfect match might just be the matchmaker herself?

One of my favorite things about Jen’s books is her spunky heroines. There’s a lot of fun wit and mischief sprinkled throughout this story. The setting and characters (especially the children) pulled me right in with their charm.
I’m looking forward to seeing what else this series brings.

I found this book an absolute delight to read!

If you have ever read any of my reviews, you know I'm not a big fan of historical fiction, but I make an exception for Jen Turano's books. They never fail to bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart.

Gwendolyn Brinley finds herself as a paid companion to a matchmaker for a season, and soon promoted to assistant matchmaker, against her better judgment. Walter Townshend is a wealthy widower with three children in need of a wife who is willing to take on his headstrong offspring. What happens next, when Gwendolyn takes it upon herself to find Walter a perfect match, is nothing short of humorous.

Turano's books are filled with strong female characters, action, incredibly plotted situations that propel the plot forward while keeping the reader thoroughly entertained. Sometimes books involving children come across as silly or trite, but these kids grew on me and made me laugh out loud many times. I can't wait for another book in this fun series.

If you were to ask me to describe a Jen Turano book in two to three words, I would say delightfully amusing and A Match in the Making proves that an apt description.

In the start of a new series, Turano introduces readers to the social set in Newport, Rhode Island during the summer season where misbehaving debutantes are on the hunt for husbands. And, despite her many attempts to dislodge herself from the position of assistant matchmaker, Gwendolyn Brinley finds herself the focus of not only the high-society women but the men as well.

I loved that Gwendolyn is a no-nonsense, take the bulls by the horn heroine. She doesn’t hesitate to tell it like it is or to recruit others in helping her ascertain the true character of potential matches for her customers. She and Walter make a wonderful pair because Gwendolyn see where Walter is lacking, and the man needs some honesty (as well as humor) in his life.

And I adored Walter’s children. They were the heart of this book in so many ways.
Turano gives readers her unique brand of entertainment through story once again and I am here for it (and for whatever comes next) because I know I will get a novel I don’t want to put down with lots of laughs from the first page to the last.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

If you like hilarious banter between your two main characters and a female main character with ZERO filter and will do and say whatever pops into her brain...this is the book you need to read next.

This was a fast paced moving book that held my attention. I loved the matchmaking trope-especially when it was a surprise role for our female main character. The situations it would put her in, and the dialogue that would revolve around it were so much fun. I loved the single dad trope with unruly children and LOVED how Gwendolyn dealt with it. She was a head of her time and so much fun to read about.

Walter enters back into high society for the marriage mart and is in for the time of his life. His encounters with Gwendolyn kept this book on my mind constantly. They are beyond perfect for each other and it's fun to watch them try and figure that out.

The society girls battling at every corner was a fun aspect to this book and while you know it's happening in most historical romances this one really shines a spotlight on it and I thought it was incredibly intriguing (and entertaining) lol.

It has been a while since I had picked up a book from this author and now I need to go back and make up for lost time! If you like a lot of laughing out loud please consider this for your next read!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

A Match in the Making is the first Jen Turano novel that I have. read. I am unsure if her previous novels are similar in character development and historical setting, but I think I will do some additional research to see what other Turano novels are available. I had not read the editorial description of this novel in any depth, and thus was rather unprepared for how the beginning unfolded. Initially and in the opening pages, I simply thought A Match in the Making would be the same sort of romance that is streaming on several television channels, and so I was unprepared for the complexity of character development. A Match in the Making was a fun read.

The opening paragraphs were a bit show, as I tried to figure out the characters and the plot. But once the story began to unfold, I found A Match in the Making an enjoyable read. The ending was predictable, and it stumbled a bit with an unnecessary kidnapping plot. Readers had already learned how much this father loved his children, since much of the novel actually focuses on parental love and the need that children have for an attentive parent. As a result, the kidnapping plot was a distraction. The characters and the entire matching-making plot was fun, if predictable. But I think readers will enjoy the journey, even though they know how it will end.

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing this ARC, in exchange for my honest review. My comments in this review are my honest assessment. And thank you to NetGalley for bringing this novel to my attention.

Fun story! I loved the way Gwendolyn took charge of things in a determined manner. The children were quite the handful, but needed love and discipline not things. The 'season' was quite the ordeal in this era and matchmaking an art. The match was obvious in the beginning and the dialogue humorous but endless at times. Readers who enjoy this author will love this beginning of the Matchmaker series.