Happy Friday! Welcome to my stop on the blog tour celebrating the release of The Matchmaker’s List by Sonya Lalli! Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the invitation! Stay tuned for information on how to win a copy at the bottom of this post!
About the Book:
One devoted modern girl + a meddlesome, traditional grandmother = a heartwarming multicultural romantic comedy about finding love where you least expect it
Raina Anand may have finally given in to family pressure and agreed to let her grandmother play matchmaker, but that doesn’t mean she has to like it–or that she has to play by the rules. Nani always took Raina’s side when she tried to push past the traditional expectations of their tight-knit Indian-immigrant community, but now she’s ambushing Raina with a list of suitable bachelors. Is it too much to ask for a little space? Besides, what Nani doesn’t know won’t hurt her…
As Raina’s life spirals into a parade of Nani-approved bachelors and disastrous blind dates, she must find a way out of this modern-day arranged-marriage trap without shattering her beloved grandmother’s dreams.
My Thoughts:
Raina Anand has modern values, but her family is more traditional, especially her grandmother. Raina is receiving pressure to get married and along with that to allow her grandmother, Nani, to be matchmaker.
Nani has big plans with a long list of potential suitors. Raina ends up on one ridiculous date after another, and she’s looking for a way out. Will she find it and her own happiness one day?
The best parts of the book were Nani’s antics. She is warm and endearing and offered insight into some traditional Indian cultural norms.
It was also fun to experience Raina’s blind dates along with her, reliving my own disastrous dates from years ago when I was single.
The Matchmaker’s List is a fun and winsome tale of a family on the cusp of change- grappling with new ways versus old traditions. It was about growing up and choosing what’s important to you in life, and how to balance that bond with your family and what they wish for you. While I would have liked Raina to perhaps find a different way out of the matchmaking by Nani, it was the author’s choice, and without a doubt, I enjoyed this endearingly told story of Raina’s search for happiness.
Thank you to the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
About the Author:
Sonya Lalli is a Canadian writer of Indian heritage. She studied law in her hometown of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and at Columbia University in New York City. She completed an MA in Creative Writing and Publishing at City University London in 2015, and currently works as a journalist at a legal magazine in London. She has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and loves travel, yoga, piano, reading and cocktail bartending.
Check out these reviews by the other Book Besties:
Berit at Audio Killed the Bookmark
Mackenzie at PhDiva
***Book Giveaway***
For a chance to win a paperback copy of The Matchmaker’s List, just comment below. To enter, you must have a US address, per the publisher. Book will be mailed by Berkley. Thank you for entering and good luck!
Sounds like a good read.
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It was a fun one, Jules!
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Sounds like a fun read!
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Sounds like a fun, light read!
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It was great fun, Kris! I loved the dynamic between Raina and Nani! ♥️
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This sounds delightful😊 I love peeking into other cultures, and this looks both interesting and heartwarming!
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Thanks, Tammy! It is a delight, and I love peeks of culture too! Always add so much interest.
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I just read Berit’s review and coupled with yours, have rethought my decision to take a pass on this book. You both touch on different aspects I find exceptionally appealing. Your emphasis on the cultural focus certainly tipped the scales. Wonderful review, Jennifer!
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Thanks, Jonetta! The culture adds so much interest and flair to this book. I think you’d enjoy it.
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Wonderful review, Jennifer! Sounds like a delightful book.
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Thanks, Darinda! It truly was!
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TGIF! Fabulous blog tour, review, and picture, Jennifer. Cannot wait to read this diverse read. Happy Friday. 🌹💗📚😍
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Thanks, Virginia! This was a lovely read! I loved the grandmother- she was so much fun! I hope your Friday was wonderful! 💕 xo
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This sounds super cute. Match making in the past…online dating the new matchmaker. Glad you all enjoyed this one, Jennifer!
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Ugh! Why didnt I get this one? Or maybe I did?? Haha I’m going to go check! Happy Friday Jen!🤪🤯💜
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Oooh I’d love to win this book! I love reads like this where I’m able to learn about other cultures!
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Wonderful review, Jennifer!!! It’s exactly what it felt like—a family in the middle of transitioning from traditional to more contemporary customs. It’s such a lovely story!!!
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This one sounds like a great one Jennifer! A good family story. So many good ones!
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This sounds like so much fun. I think I would totally get a kick out of Nani. Great review!
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I’m so happy we read this together and were able to discuss! Such a wonderful story! 💜
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This sounds so adorable. I’m so glad that you guys enjoyed it so much! Have a terrific weekend!
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Thanks, Mackey! It was charming and so fun! I hope you had a wonderful weekend, too!
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Traditional grandmas scare me 😀
Sounds like a fun story!
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It was so much fun, Norrie! The grandma was a fab character! ♥️
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I have read this one Jenni but I think it was published under a different title in the U.K? I think it was called The Arrangement? It was a sweet read, glad to hear you enjoyed it! 🤗
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Thanks, Beth! I saw (and loved!) your review on GR under that title. It was a fun read!
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Sounds like a fun and an endearing read! Grandma as matchmaker? No thank you not for me haha but I might consider it just for fun! Haha Miss my grandma so much! Another great review my friend!
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Thanks so much, Jee! It was a fun, easy read! Happy week ahead! Xo
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This sounds fun yet serious cultural issues as well. I love that her Nani wants to be her match maker. Great review.
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Thanks, Carla! It was a surprising book with the culture and fun characters. I found it endearing.
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I had never heard of this one, so will check and see if I can find it.
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Lovely review. Probably not for me, but the premise is certainly unique. I can see how it could make for interesting reading.
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Thanks, Myndi! I had fun with this one!
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