Reading with Emily: To Spark a Match

QUICK FACTS

Title: To Spark a Match

Series: The Matchmakers (Book 2)

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Historical Romance, Gilded Age Fiction, Inspirational Fiction

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (November 14, 2023)

Length: (368) pages

Format: Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook

ISBN: 978-0764240218‎

Tour Dates: November 13 – 21, 2023

BOOK DESCRIPTION

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.

Former intelligence agent Gideon Abbott feels responsible for Adelaide after society threatens to banish her because of the distraction she caused to save his investigation. Hoping to return the favor, he turns to a good friend--and one of high society's leaders--to take Adelaide in hand and turn her fashionable. When danger surrounds them and Adelaide finds herself a target of the criminals in Gideon's case, the spark of love between them threatens to be quenched for good--along with their lives.

PRAISE FOR TO SPARK A MATCH

“Turano charms with her offbeat characters, and she has a knack for funny, flirty dialogue…fans will find this irresistible.”— Publisher’s Weekly
“Turano delivers a rousing second installment in her the Matchmakers historical inspirational romance series set in New York's Gilded Age. This is a delightful novel about individuality and unexpected love that balances humorous hijinks and the intrigue of criminal activity within the rare book world. It shimmers with spunk and stars a most admirable leading lady whose unapologetic acceptance of herself is what refreshingly captivates her hero's heart."— Booklist
“This book is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, hilarious encounters, slow burn romance, bookish characters, cats and a dash of mystery! I highly recommend it, friends!”— Tasha, Clean Read Book Club

MY REVIEW

This book is just so much fun.

Set in New York Society, Adelaide is set to be shunned by society, Gideon has set himself as her protector and enlists a matchmaker to restore her reputation and make her a sensation. Adelaide is not sure she wants this.

The story itself unfolds with elements of both comedy and elements of a good detective novel and good luck saving Adelaide Duveen from herself.

The chemistry between Adelaide and Gideon is undeniable to everyone but them. Gideon is determined to keep Adelaide safe by staying far away, and Adelaide is resistant to anything that causes her discomfort.

The mystery itself is interesting and full of surprises. The story is delightful and the characters have beautiful chemistry as they fight not to fall for each other despite themselves. These two are a breath of fresh air and Camilla makes a lovely matchmaker who is not matchmaking.

I received an early copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

PURCHASE LINKS

AUTHOR BIO

Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from RT Book Reviews, and praise from Library Journal. She's been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado.