Tuesday, November 14, 2023

TO SPARK A MATCH by Jen Turano, Reviewed by Rebecca, Winnie, and Paula! #ReleaseDay

(The Matchmakers Book #2): 
(A Christian Historical Romance with Humor Set in New York's High-Society)

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"The odds were definitely not in her favor these days . . . Normally, unexpected visitors appearing on Duveen land wouldn't be a cause for concern, but considering she'd been forced to abandon her gown because it kept getting snagged on tree branches, impeding her rescue attempt of a stranded kitten, it was a disconcerting predicament to be sure."

To conclude that Miss Adelaide Duveen did not fit the mold of a top-tier socialite was more than obvious, there was a mountain of evidence. She had an enormous proclivity for escapades of momentous proportion, typically calling attention to herself in a most unladylike manner . . . but in a roundabout way, her numerous acts of mortification had drawn the regard of Mr. Gideon Abbott, who for the life of him couldn't figure out why he felt the need to rescue her all the time. Quite recently, the little scamp had convinced Gideon that he needed her assistance in a most delicate matter of removing an unconscious man from a party, thus staging another monstrous debacle that caused Gideon to feel indebted to her and . . .

. . . . the entire cycle began all over again . . . the difference being that this time Adelaide's antics had caused her interminable disassociation from polite society. Gideon needed help, and he knew just where to find it. Thus began the transformation of Miss Adelaide Duveen . . . it would be strictly business, no sparking involved.

"You're quite mistaken if you believe you're a lady who doesn't stand out in a crowd."

Filled with lengthy scenes (well, because Adelaide did go on and on about things), witty conversations (disguised as arguments), and an amusing assortment of catastrophes(there might be weapons and criminals and secret codes involved) this story spins its readers around and around and around again until they can certainly understand why Gideon cannot keep his head straight around Adelaide. Forget sparks, the two of them together? . . . there's enough combustion to ignite a blaze!
*I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

PAULA'S REVIEW
“I have always believed God looks after us, and I think you can see that has certainly been the case with Adelaide, given the life threatening circumstances she finds herself in.”

I thoroughly enjoyed this hilarious story about Adelaide who is so accident prone that she is sure she will not marry, and Gideon who is always there to try to protect her - sometimes from herself. She uses her ability to create chaos to help Gideon out of a tight spot and in turn begs to be a part of his secret agency. The fun is never far away- look for the epic bustle blunder.

Matchmaker, Camilla Pierpont, is tasked with bringing Adelaide back into the good graces of the society elite after too many disastrous episodes render her out of vogue. Nefarious, shady characters and behind the scenes intrigue make for a book that so kept me in stitches that I did not want to put it down. The witty banter was the best!

If you want an absorbing story and a great laugh, do not miss this book.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*5 stars and an underlying faith thread.


WINNIE'S REVIEW:

“It wouldn’t be a normal evening for me if some manner of chaos didn’t occur.”

This quote pretty much sums up Adelaide’s life, as she tends to wreak havoc in her life with great regularity. Adelaide is definitely a unique and endearing character, and Gideon is a wonderful hero who helps Adelaide out of some of her most dangerous and crazy shenanigans. I loved the relationship and witty banter between these two main characters. Author Jen Turano is one of my favorite historical romance fiction writers, and one of the reasons is the witty humor and fun she pours into her stories. Another reason is the humorous way she pokes a little fun at high society in the Gilded Age.

As Adelaide’s friend Camilla and Gideon try to restore Adelaide’s reputation and standing in society, will they change her into someone she’s not meant to be? Adelaide isn’t sure she wants to change if it means she loses her compassion and concern for those less fortunate and less socially accepted.

“I’m relatively convinced one shouldn’t ignore God’s intentions or deviate from them simply to embrace the status quo.”

With plenty of chaos, action, a touch of mystery, and a good amount of sparks, To Spark a Match is a fun and humorous romp into Gilded Age society. Although it’s the second book in The Matchmakers series, it can easily be read alone. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. I recommend this book to those who enjoy amusing and entertaining historical romance fiction.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own.4.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
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.

Bethany House Publishing, November, 2023
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook





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