AUTHOR: Jen Turano
DATE: 2023
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: *****
From the back cover:
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.
My review:
A Match in the Making could have been called “The Reluctant Matchmaker,” since Gwendolyn was pressured into attempting to create financially beneficial matches for the high-society young women during the Newport Season—not the low-stress paid companion position she’d agreed to.
Gwendolyn makes a fantastic heroine in this Guilded Age story: feisty, confident and compassionate as well as beautiful. In a time of strict distinction between classes, where a good match means nabbing the richest man, she doesn’t intend to marry. Adventure and independence attract her more than a husband ever could. At least that’s what she’d believed.
Walter would prefer a truly competent governess for his three children, but since that hasn’t worked, a wife will have to be found. When he approaches Gwendolyn for her help, sparks fly.
The dialogue in A Match in the Making is delightful, making me laugh out loud at times. Society’s rules reminded me of the Pharisees, but Gwendolyn handily exposed its failures, while doing her best to fulfill her duties.
Walter’s children, Oscar, Samuel and Priscilla won my heart with their earnest misbehaviors and sweetness, as did their grandmothers.
A Match in the Making enchanted and entertained me and easily earns five stars. I was given a copy of the book by Graf Martin Communications and Baker Publishing. Recommended!