“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

4.5 Stars

Y’all know I am a fan of Jen Turano’s books, but who knew I would need the escape of To Spark a Match so much this year.

Adelaide lands near the top of my favorite characters. Her penchant for finding trouble combined with her intelligence and her longing for a real-life adventure like she reads in her books is a recipe for trouble—especially for Gideon.

These two are the perfect match and while everyone around them sees that truth, it takes Adelaide and Gideon some time to acknowledge and accept the facts.

Once again, Turano has given readers a story filled with lots of laughter, a heartwarming romance, and a touch of adventure and mystery. Reading a book by this author is always a pleasure and this one was no exception.

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.

I have been so excited for this book and couldn’t wait to start it! I’m usually a huge fan of Ms. Turano’s books and this one certainly wasn’t the exception.
As always, this book is filled with all manner of quirky and funny characters, as well as the odd escapades they frequently find themselves in. I loved Adalaide from the first book in the series, “A Match in the Making,” so I had high expectations for her story with Gideon. And I can happily say that I very much enjoyed their somewhat bumpy road to romance! I also adored most of the secondary characters, though Leopold and Vernon are definitely at the top of the list, along with Adalaide’s cousin, Charles (I am hoping he’ll have his own story, too).
My only mildly negative comment is that I felt the story lagged a bit here and there, so it didn’t hold my attention quite as thoroughly as some books. But it was a fun and relaxing read, something I really needed at the time. So while I wasn’t necessarily racing to the finish, I would definitely read it again!
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this newest book in the Matchmakers series and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a funny, quirky, and easy read.

*My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book! I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

What is there not to love about a Jen Turano book? To Spark a Match has two characters you can't help but loving! Well, them and their cohorts! Poor Adelaide. She just wants to be herself... and have a few cats. Is that too much to ask? It's hard not to be smitten with her just for the fact that she's just so "normal" while surrounded by the four hundred. Adelaide also has a heart of gold, willing to help others at her own expense.

And Gideon, that poor guy could not catch a break in trying to keep Adelaide out of danger. Try as he might, she kept finding it... or it kept finding her! While she didn't want to find herself mixed up with unknown dangerous people, it seemed she couldn't avoid it.

The beginning of the story had a lot going on, I will say that! There were times I felt like it was a bit long winded. Jen's typical humor and crazy antics with the characters were always woven into the story, constantly giving a good giggle!

I will say, I enjoy stories that add an animal into it. Jen did a fun job with the cats in this story.

I'm looking forward to book three and can't wait to read it!

Book 2 in author Jen Turano’s The Matchmakers Series, can be read as a standalone. But do read book 1, A Match in the Making. Both will keep you chuckling.

Turano can make high society look so silly with all its rules and customs, and yet leave you in awe of the descriptions of houses, libraries, gowns, and meals. It is quite interesting and all the while I’m chuckling over her “unexpected” characters.

Sparks fly between Adelaide and Gideon, but not in the usual sense. Neither want to be set up through a matchmaker. In fact, both are determined to stay single. Good friends, I like how Gideon comes to Adelaide’s defense and refuses to bow to society. Can Adelaide turn society back towards her? Will Gideon fall for one of the new debutantes? Only time will tell.

If you enjoy historical Christian romance full of cats and books and clean romance, then I highly recommend To Spark A Match.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Finally, Adelaide’s story! She was worth the wait. I adore how she stood her ground and stayed true to herself even though society wanted to change her. We all need to take that advice. Gideon was the perfect match and made the story so engaging and fun. This author always entertains and throws in the witty banter and mayhem and mishaps that keep me laughing. Once again a bookshelf keeper!

Oh, I'm such a sucker for historical romances and cozy mysteries. And this one checks both of those boxes for me! From the very beginning, this one had me entranced. I just couldn't put this down. I didn't want to put it down!

I fell in love with both of our main characters instantly. I couldn't stop smiling and giggling over their witty banter. I loved Adelaide's unique quirky personality, with her love for reading and kittens while being extremely accident-prone. And I just adored how Gideon loved her for her, feeling drawn to her and wanting to protect her.

This one gave me vibes of one of my other favorite historical romances that also had a mystery vibe, The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen. The set up with the romance occuring during a social season and with how our love interests interacted with one another. Both of these I just adored!

Historical romances and cozy mysteries seem like such a weird combination, but I honestly love it! And I highly recommend this one if you're a fan of these genres!

To Spark a Match is the kind of book where you find yourself simply grinning the entire way through. I related to Adelaide - the bookish, introverted, cat lover - so much. I appreciated her warring desires to both retreat into herself and to live a big, meaningful life. Thank goodness for Gideon, complete with his intrigue and inability to deny Adelaide anything! They are so perfect for one another… if they’d just hurry up and realize it. But it takes an entire cast of incredible secondary characters, a kitten named Harvey, and some serious misadventures before we get to happily ever after.

I enjoyed the mystery plot, the pace, the makeover vibes, and all of the trademark Turano humor! There was some literal laughing out loud and a couple snorts happening over here. I always know I’m going to enjoy myself when I let Jen Turano tell me a story.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author, publisher, and NetGalley. I was not asked to leave a positive review. All of my opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed book one in this series. It was one of my favorite books this year. This one, unfortunately, fell a bit flat for me for some reason. I was not able to connect with the characters or the plot really, and there was quite a bit of dialogue in this that made the story drag on for me personally. That being said, I think I am the unpopular opinion, as many people have enjoyed the second book of the series. I definitely plan to continue on in the series as I generally love Jen’s writing and banter between characters, the humor etc.

This book was not bad, it just wasn’t my favorite. In this book, we have Miss Adelaide Duveene Who is a bit unconventional. I liked her character, but just couldn’t connect with her overall. In this story, she is determined to remain a spinster forever. One day she stumbles upon Mr. Gideon Abbott Who is engaged in a covert activity, and she gets involved in this world of intrigue and mystery with him. We see some matchmaking begin and the story goes on from here.

Miss Adelaide does remind me a little bit of myself because she loves to read and has a special love for cats. The romance in this is particularly sweet, but again I was not really connected with them as a couple. Gideon is a great guy who really just wants to protect Adelaide, and I really liked to see that.

I think many people will enjoy the story and find lots of laughs but for some reason I struggled overall reading this one. I loved the bookshop aspects and the mystery of the hidden journals we had here. There’s some aspects of blackmail and trying to figure out who is involved, which I did enjoy in the ending. Overall, not a favorite but glad I read it overall. I will definitely check out the next book in the series either way!

Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy to honestly read and review.

Both my cat and I enjoyed this book. I appreciated that it was a hard-to-out-down read, but he did struggle with missing out on his necessary twenty-one hours of daily sleep as we couldn’t stop reading. We both liked the heroine who is a “cat lady.”
Beyond loving cats, Adelaide is a fun and likeable heroine in other ways as well. She has strange things happen to her and keeps her sense of humor in all of them. Gideon is the perfect hero for her, and I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold.
The supporting characters were fun, and I always appreciate that Jen almost always throws in another little romance or two.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I cannot wait to watch Camilla’s romance unfold.
I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own.

If you like historical fiction romances, you need to get this book now. It’s the second book in The Matchmakers book series, but can be read as a stand-alone.

This book is a delightful read. The banter between the two MCs, Adelaide and Gideon, is absolutely wonderful and reminds of the whip smart, fast talking dialogue in Kathryn Hepburn movies likes Bringing Up Baby and The Philadelphia Story. Their conversations jumped off the page and had me smiling and chuckling the entire book. It’s the best kind of flirting that happens at the beginning of a new relationship that gives you that “I’ve got a new partner” glow.

Adelaide is smart, tenacious and knows her own self. This, of course, makes her an outcast amongst the ton. She’s happy to remain a spinster and left to her own devices, but her mother and Gideon (who owes her a debt) have other ideas. Cue the makeover montage ala My Fair Lady, Clueless, The Princess Diaries, etc. Adelaide is “remade” and after much effort by Gideon and his friend Camilla, is reintroduced to society and is an instant hit, garnering dozens of invites and suiters galore. I loved that Adelaide stayed true to herself, and despite all of her changes on the outside, she was the same smart, tenacious, confidant Adelaide on the inside.

The storyline driving the book is Gideon’s investigation into a criminal enterprise, which Adelaide helps him with, much to his chagrin. This was the mechanism of Adelaide and Gideon getting together and was fun to read, but the best part is the couple’s burgeoning relationship.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Austen Prose PR and the author. All opinions are my own.

I love this author's stories for all the humor they include. This book was classic Jen Turano with the comedy and wit. The funny or crazy antics and situations the characters find themselves in were fun to read. However, nothing ever over the top or on the nose. Two words: Swans, fountain. What a great scene and written quite creatively and descriptive. The dialogue and pace of the story all work wonderfully together. The only downside is I find myself at The End far too quickly and I have to patiently wait for another one to be released. I thought there was good chemistry with Gideon and Adelaide. I enjoyed all the characters and their part in the story added nicely to the story and plot. I thought the new characters were introduced artfully and were intersting. I find Jen Turano to be a wordsmith. I do hope Camille gets a story. As well as, cousin Charles, I loved the underlying message of kindness and noticing others that was shown through Adelaide's kind actions and words to the "wallflowers". The ending paragraph was perfect. I can't wait for another Jen Turano story!
*Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC. These opinons are 100% my own.

Adelaide Deveen is delightful! She’s given up on the upper crust society scene, that is until her friend Gideon Abbott gets retired matchmaker Camilla Pierpont involved. Get ready for the fun to begin because Camilla is serious about her role in Adelaide’s season in this Gilded Age society. There is light hearted humor, more danger than I would have thought possible, and a nicely rounded out cast of characters to keep you thoroughly entertained and on the edge of your seat. I love her humor which is usually mixed with outlandish incidents that are quite funny but not downright silly, if that makes sense. The author is my go-to when I’m looking for a little bit more of a light hearted storyline.
This is book two of The Matchmakers series and could certainly be read as a stand alone but you would miss out on Camilla’s career as a matchmaker, and it’s not to be missed. I have read a few of her novels and have quite a few more on my wish list as well. Her backlist is incredible and I would encourage anyone to check them out.
I received an e-copy of this book from Net Galley and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Adelaide Duveen doesn't quite fit the mold of the New York 400. She has always been a bit of a wallflower, and her obsessive love for cats and books doesn't help. In addition, her uncanny ability to get herself into terribly embarrassing situations, such as the time she walked through a dinner party with her skirt tucked into her unusual bloomers, doesn't help. Her mother is beside herself and fears her daughter will never wed. When Adelaide's latest disaster is the result of helping Gideon Abbott while he's trying to uncover a thief, he feels obligated to find a way to help Adelaide return to the good graces of society.

This book is a hoot! But in addition to the hilarious situations, there is a deep aspect about Adelaide's life. She desperately wants to be herself, not the person society wants her to be. The way Jen Turano creates her character, and others, adds a heartfelt element of caring for others in sacrificial ways. I love this book, its characters, and the underlying message.

What a delightful Romantic Historical Comedy! Once again, Ms. Jen Turano delivers a story that captures the heart with endearing characters, a unique and engaging plot, and lots of that makes you smile and laugh out loud! I loved it!
Miss Adelaide Duveen has resigned herself to die a spinster. After five unsuccessful Seasons and no suitor, she tries not to take it very hard and embrace the idea that her life will be devoted to her cats and devouring books. What she never expects, when she tries to escape society at a dinner party after a very embarrassing mishap, by hiding away at the library, is to stumble upon Mr. Gideon Abbott, who is engaged in a very mysterious and clandestine activity that she inevitably finds herself in the midst of trouble that seems to be permanently following her.
Gideon, a former intelligence agent, feels guilty and responsible after society threatens to banish Adelaide because of the distraction -a chaotic one- she caused to help his case. As a way to return the favor, he turns for help to his good friend Camilla Pierpont, a high society leader and very refined lady, to take Adelaide as her personal project and turn her fashionable and in consequence, an incomparable of the four hundred.
But Adelaide finds herself as the target of the criminals in Gideon’s case, and as they spend more time together, and while Gideon fights to protect her at all costs, the spark of love ignites, but will it be too late as they fight to survive and capture the bad guys?
As I said, this book was incredibly enjoyable! The characters felt relatable and were so easy to love. I kind of related to Adelaide in her awkwardness and naivety, even if I may not be as clumsy as she was, but she gave me a lesson in simplicity and not caring about what society thought of her. She was more worried about her family’s reputation because of her mishaps, than her own reputation and rejection of others. I also loved how she discovered that God created her to be so much more than fashionable and how she was loved precisely because of who she is, not what others want her to appear to be. Gideon was a swooning hero! I loved his patience with Adelaide, and his protectiveness. It was also inspiring to see him discover how precious and lovable Adelaide was precisely because of her unique personality. And her propensity to find herself in trouble only made her more endearing to him. Their romance was slow burn, but really sweet. Their dialogues were so funny and I found myself laughing out loud more than I imagined. The mystery part gave the plot more action and made it more fast-paced. I was truly intrigued and wanted to find out who the villains were and what they were concocting.
All in all, a wonderful Romantic Historical Comedy that will leave you smiling! This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend to read them in order because you get to know the characters better. They feel like family to me!
I highly recommend this book to anyone! I received a copy of the book from the Publisher via NetGalley but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

TO SPARK A MATCH is a delightful blend of mystery, humor, and inspirational romance. “Mystery alludes me because I’m simply not mysterious.” is Adelaide’s response to one of her mother’s many attempts to make her more attractive to the men on New York’s Gilded Age marriage mart after five seasons. She really seems to be headed back home once again to her books and her cats, which would be just fine with her. Then she finds herself in the middle of an adventure at one of the parties she has long been forced to endure.

This is such a captivating book. The dialogue is playful and humorous, and the author takes gentle but clever jabs at the “marriage mart.” The romance is sweet and clean, but the focus truly stays on Adelaide and her individuality. The portrayal is authentic and the reader will be transported to the Gilded Age. The mystery is bookish in nature, which was a pleasant surprise. I just can’t get over how FUNNY this is. In addition, it’s so witty, it’s bookish, and it has cats! Check this one out.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House via Austenprose PR. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Jen Turano, known for funny, quirky historical romance, has paired Adelaide, a breath of fresh air, with Gideon, a detective involved in a dangerous lifestyle. Adelaide is a 23-year-old lover of spy novels with no feminine skills or fashion sense, and a collector of cats! Adelaide nor her mother is looking forward to yet another New York Season of matchmaking. Turano steers readers from velvet curtained libraries and glittering dining rooms to a dusty, old bookshop with a circular staircase. Filled witty humor, she deftly weaves society balls and incidents worthy of Adelaide’s spy novels with Gideon’s real life detective agency.
Bainswright Books, with its scent of old leather and dust, is Adelaide’s’ favorite bookshop. Turano’s vivid descriptions of the rambling rooms crammed full of tables laden with piles of books draws readers into Gideon’s quest to uncover a criminal organization. This is a perfect match for Adelaide’s obsession with spy novels and her detective skills. Customers, Vernon and Leopold, darling widowed matchmakers, add an extra measure of spice and cunning to the story.
Society’s perception is that Adelaide needs a “reputation restoration.” Turano’s depictions of Adelaide’s hilarious antics, the Savage Swans and the Bustle Uprising, might at first bring readers to the same conclusion. But Adelaide is genuinely brilliant, not shallow. As she swirls across the dance floor, she quickly discerns the false intentions of suitors as Turano is extremely adept at revealing honest human nature in all her characters. Gideon’s genius introduction of a custom saddlebag for cats will have pet lovers falling for him along with Adelaide!
As the Season unfolds, Adelaide finds no satisfaction when she realizes another unfortunate young lady will take her place among society’s unacceptable. Lessons of compassion, kindness, and understanding portrayed through Adelaide’s treatment of others shine a true light in Jen Turano’s To Spark a Match.
A Gilded Age Romance filled with delightful, humorous banter and spy novel worthy detectives!

To Spark a Match by Jen Turano is the second book in her The Matchmakers series, but I would consider it a stand alone novel. Miss Adelaide Duveen believes she will be a spinster, but has made peace and enjoys her cats and books. She is content with her life until she is completely ostracized from society. Mr. Gideon Abbott is partly responsible for her issues and tries to find a way to help her back into society’s good graces. But, what if they have a spark of something more?
Jen Turano is a favorite author of mine and once again I was not disappointed. The story was lively and had me laughing from beginning to end. I was enchanted with the interesting details about the Gilded Age and enjoyed immersing myself in the story. Adelaide is an endearing quirky character who I enjoyed getting to know along with Gideon. The secondary characters had great personalities that had me wanting to visit New York and meet them all!
To Spark a Match has mystery, humor, great characters, and sweet romance. The story drew me in and it was hard to put down. An absolute delightful read! I highly recommend To Spark a Match by Jen Turano!

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

Hilariously comedic with a subtle faith element, this fresh and funny historical romcom is the perfect light read to make you giggle when you need to laugh the most! And when a romcom includes a protective hero, what more could you ask for? I truly found a reflection of myself in Adelaide (minus the cats) and I loved to see her story unfold as she found her happily ever after. With a delightful cast of side characters and some dangerous heroic antics, the story flowed with humor and was throughly enjoyable. Anyone who is looking for a read that encourages and entertains in today’s world will enjoy this ray of sunshine in book form!