Contemporary Romance Book Review: An Overdue Match

-

About the Book

Title: An Overdue Match

Series: Checking Out Love

Author: Sarah Monzon

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: February 18, 2025

Click here to purchase a copy of this novel. 


Publisher's Book Description

“Can a librarian's matchmaking mischief lead to a love that rewrites their stories?

If the covers of every romance book ever published didn't convince librarian Evangeline Kelly that she isn't heroine material, her fiancé calling off their wedding when she lost her hair to alopecia did. But what's a girl head over heels for love to do when her feelings are unrequited? Matchmake, that's what. Armed with library patrons' check-out histories, she's determined to make at least one love connection--even if it's not her own.

Tattoo artist Tai Davis is used to people judging him with a single glance, so it doesn't surprise him when the town's quirky new librarian believes his bad-boy reputation without giving him a chance. He can't help being intrigued by her, though, so when he discovers Evangeline's secret matchmaking scheme, he's not above striking a bargain with her. She just has to agree to one date with him for every time she uses his hometown knowledge to set up library patrons on a romantic rendezvous. The deal is made, but in the process, they both might learn you can't judge a book--or each other--by the cover."
 

My Review

An Overdue Match, by Sarah Monzon, is the first book in the Checking Out Love series. This novel is a thoughtfully written, utterly clever contemporary romance. It not only overflows with heart and humor, but it also features a captivating story that is surprising, memorable, and touching. With characters that are refreshingly unique and authentic, this book is an absolute pleasure to read. Elements of sweet romance and a plethora of literary references blend together nicely to make this novel thoroughly enjoyable from the first page to the last. 

 

With impressive skill and creativity, Ms. Monzon has written a novel that is as compelling as it is moving. Complicated themes, such as betrayal, chronic illness, self-esteem, trust, and hope are explored with grace, truth, and vulnerability. The story becomes especially meaningful as the characters take risks, make space for unexpected relationships, and embrace unforeseen possibilities. They find support in each other through the power of honesty, trust, and acceptance. Hope begins to grow as wounded hearts become less fragile, strengthened by love, authenticity, compassion, and belonging.

 

An Overdue Match is a well-written story that entertains, uplifts, and inspires. A unique plot, unforgettable characters, and important themes make this book truly special. It is a stunning novel that easily engages the reader's emotions and imagination as it succeeds in telling a beautiful, unconventional love story, while also celebrating the power of books and the immeasurable value of literature. I not only recommend it most sincerely, but I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.

 

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher/author and JustRead Publicity Tours. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.


About the Author: Sarah Monzon

“Winner of the Holt Medallion and Selah Award, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain's wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.” –Biography from Sarah Monzon’s website.

Click here to visit Sarah Monzon's website. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Historical Fiction/Time-Slip Book Review: Hidden Among the Stars

-
Image
Publisher's Description "From the award-winning author of Catching the Wind , which Publishers Weekly called “unforgettable” and a “must-read,” comes another gripping time-slip novel about hidden treasure, a castle, and ordinary people who resisted evil in their own extraordinary way. The year is 1938, and as Hitler’s troops sweep into Vienna, Austrian Max Dornbach promises to help his Jewish friends hide their most valuable possessions from the Nazis, smuggling them to his family’s summer estate near the picturesque village of Hallstatt. He enlists the help of Annika Knopf, his childhood friend and the caretaker’s daughter, who is eager to help the man she’s loved her entire life. But when Max also brings Luzia Weiss, a young Jewish woman, to hide at the castle, it complicates Annika’s feelings and puts their entire plan―even their very lives―in jeopardy. Especially when the Nazis come to scour the estate and find both Luzia and the treasure gone. Eighty...
Read more

Historical Fiction Review: The Seamstress

-
Image
  About the Book Title: The Seamstress Author: Allison Pittman Genre: Historical Fiction Release date: February 5, 2019 Publisher: Tyndale A beautifully crafted story breathes life into the cameo character from the classic novel A Tale of Two Cities . France, 1788   It is the best of times . . . On a tranquil farm nestled in the French countryside, two orphaned cousins—Renée and Laurette—have been raised under the caring guardianship of young Émile Gagnon, the last of a once-prosperous family. No longer starving girls, Laurette and Renée now spend days tending Gagnon’s sheep, and nights in their cozy loft, whispering secrets and dreams in this time of waning innocence and peace. It is the worst of times . . . Paris groans with a restlessness that can no longer be contained within its city streets. Hunger and hatred fuel her people. Violence seeps into the ornate halls of Versailles. Even Gagnon’s table in the quiet village of Mouton...
Read more

Historical Romance Book Review: Meeting Her Match

-
Image
  About the Book Title: Meeting Her Match   Series: The Matchmakers , Book 3   Author: Jen Turano   Genre: Historical Roman ce   Publisher: Bethany House Publishers   Release Date: J uly 16 , 2 02 4   Click here to purchase a copy of this novel.   Publisher's Book Description “ Miss Camilla Pierpont, a renowned matchmaker and influential member of the New York Four Hundred, has vowed never to marry after suffering a devastating heartbreak during her debut years ago. However, when she is nearly abducted along the Hudson River, she finds herself rescued by an annoyingly outspoken, albeit fascinating, gentleman who challenges her in a manner she wasn't expecting.     After learning that Camilla Pierpont has enjoyed success with taking wayward young ladies in hand, Mr. Owen Chesterfield travels to the Hudson River Valley determined to convince Camilla to sponsor his sister, who is in desperate need of social rehabilitation.   ...
Read more