A MATCH IN THE MAKING BY JEN TURANO

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

I love the author’s humor when she writes and this book is full of laugh out loud moments. The first book in this new series is a delightful look at matchmaking with a side of antics that heighten the story with  chaos. Gwendolyn is such a fun character to follow with her no nonsense ethics and need to prove herself to her employer. I laughed when she soon discovered that she not only was going to be a companion to Mrs. Parker but also her matchmaking assistant. Poor thing has no idea what she is getting herself into  as she begins her summer. I liked how Gwendolyn was not afraid to speak her mind when encountering people who try to, well let’s just say try to push themselves forward in a race to marry a certain gentleman. The women were not shy about tripping each other or  spilling a drink on one of their competitors. 

Walter is easy to figure out as he knows that he really needs a wife to help him with his three children. During the time period the story is written, the women were to be in charge of all the children’s needs and the husband was out making  money. It is evident that Walter knows very little about his children when they continue to cause havoc wherever they  go. I loved his children and knew they needed someone to step in and show them love while disciplining them to understand right from wrong.  Walter has an encounter with Gwendolyn that doesn’t go well but she does learn what he is looking for in a wife. Their banter is fun and entertaining as Gwendolyn is now assigned to find him the perfect match. What Gwendolyn does question is why he is not looking for a marriage of love but rather a person to take care of his children. 

I love the way Gwendolyn is able to make a connection with Walter’s children. They respond to her well after a few less than perfect shenanigans they try. The author shows us how important it is to give children a chance to explore their world yet be able to take direction when needed. I loved their time  at the beach where Gwendolyn fishes with them and allows them to just be kids. This was such a sweet moment in the  story and I could see how secure the children felt around her.  There may have  been a little incident as they were fishing but I will not mention it here.  

The story is not only a look at matchmaking but a look at the  Gilded  Age where society is one that people think they are better than others. The author illustrates how we should not judge people because of their place in society. We should love each other equally and unconditionally . I loved the ending and can’t wait for the next book in the series. 

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.