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The Matchmaker's Gift
From Lynda Cohen Loigman, the bestselling author of The Two-Family House and The Wartime Sisters, comes a heartwarming story of two extraordinary women from two different eras who defy expectations to utilize their unique gift of seeing soulmates in the most unexpected places in The Matchmaker's Gift.
Is finding true love a calling or a curse?
Even as a child in 1910, Sara Glikman knows her gift: she is a maker of matches and a seeker of soulmates. But among the pushcart-crowded streets of New York’s Lower East Side, Sara’s vocation is dominated by devout older men—men who see a talented female matchmaker as a dangerous threat to their traditions and livelihood. After making matches in secret for more than a decade, Sara must fight to take her rightful place among her peers, and to demand the recognition she deserves.
Two generations later, Sara’s granddaughter, Abby, is a successful Manhattan divorce attorney, representing the city’s wealthiest clients. When her beloved Grandma Sara dies, Abby inherits her collection of handwritten journals recording the details of Sara’s matches. But among the faded volumes, Abby finds more questions than answers. Why did Abby’s grandmother leave this library to her and what did she hope Abby would discover within its pages? Why does the work Abby once found so compelling suddenly feel inconsequential and flawed? Is Abby willing to sacrifice the career she’s worked so hard for in order to keep her grandmother’s mysterious promise to a stranger? And is there really such a thing as love at first sight?
Is finding true love a calling or a curse?
Even as a child in 1910, Sara Glikman knows her gift: she is a maker of matches and a seeker of soulmates. But among the pushcart-crowded streets of New York’s Lower East Side, Sara’s vocation is dominated by devout older men—men who see a talented female matchmaker as a dangerous threat to their traditions and livelihood. After making matches in secret for more than a decade, Sara must fight to take her rightful place among her peers, and to demand the recognition she deserves.
Two generations later, Sara’s granddaughter, Abby, is a successful Manhattan divorce attorney, representing the city’s wealthiest clients. When her beloved Grandma Sara dies, Abby inherits her collection of handwritten journals recording the details of Sara’s matches. But among the faded volumes, Abby finds more questions than answers. Why did Abby’s grandmother leave this library to her and what did she hope Abby would discover within its pages? Why does the work Abby once found so compelling suddenly feel inconsequential and flawed? Is Abby willing to sacrifice the career she’s worked so hard for in order to keep her grandmother’s mysterious promise to a stranger? And is there really such a thing as love at first sight?
306 pages, Hardcover
First published September 20, 2022
1188 people are currently reading
57618 people want to read
About the author
Lynda Cohen Loigman
4 books2,152 followersLynda Cohen Loigman grew up in Longmeadow, MA. She received a B.A. in English and American Literature from Harvard College and a J.D. from Columbia Law School. Her debut novel, The Two-Family House, was a USA Today bestseller and a nominee for the Goodreads 2016 Choice Awards in Historical Fiction. Her second novel, The Wartime Sisters, was selected as a Woman's World Book Club pick and a Best Book of 2019 by Real Simple Magazine. The Matchmaker’s Gift, her third novel, will be published by St. Martin’s Press in September of 2022.
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September 20, 2024
The Matchmaker's Gift
by Lynda Cohen Loigman
In 1910, when Sara Glikman was only ten years old, she realized she had the gift of matchmaking. Living in a poor family on New York’s Lower East Side, Sara had to hide her gift as much as possible because the Jewish men who did matchmaking for money, and without the natural true talent that Sara possessed, were furious that Sara would even attempt to tread on their livelihood and territory. From the time of her first match, Sara kept journals and newspaper clippings of her matchmaking and she never doubted her gift.
In 1994, Sara has just died and her granddaughter, Abby, is heartbroken. She's been left Sara's journals and as she reads them she feels even closer to the grandmother that she loved and adored. Sara had hinted that Abby had the gift of matchmaking, too, but Abby couldn't believe that she had such a gift.
The story alternates between Sara's POV, starting in 1910, and Abby's POV in 1994 and I enjoyed both POVs and timelines equally. I think it helps that Sara wasn't just someone in the far ago past, before Abby was born. Instead, Sara and Abby had rich and loving years together before Sara's death. For that reason, I never felt like I was leaving the other person behind when we went from one POV to the other.
I was distressed by the cruelty exhibited towards young Sara as the men of her own people and community came at her, railing against her, in the earlier timeline. In Abby's timeline, she has a bitter, cruel, female boss who treats her horribly. But both women are strong in their own ways and we get to watch each of them come into her own, and begin to trust her instincts and her gut feelings, to make the world a better place for others.
Even though there are stressful things happening in this story, for me, it is mostly a feel good story. There is a fairytale quality to the events and I chose to just go with the story and believe. I finished the story with a smile on my face.
Pub Sept 20, 2022
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
by Lynda Cohen Loigman
In 1910, when Sara Glikman was only ten years old, she realized she had the gift of matchmaking. Living in a poor family on New York’s Lower East Side, Sara had to hide her gift as much as possible because the Jewish men who did matchmaking for money, and without the natural true talent that Sara possessed, were furious that Sara would even attempt to tread on their livelihood and territory. From the time of her first match, Sara kept journals and newspaper clippings of her matchmaking and she never doubted her gift.
In 1994, Sara has just died and her granddaughter, Abby, is heartbroken. She's been left Sara's journals and as she reads them she feels even closer to the grandmother that she loved and adored. Sara had hinted that Abby had the gift of matchmaking, too, but Abby couldn't believe that she had such a gift.
The story alternates between Sara's POV, starting in 1910, and Abby's POV in 1994 and I enjoyed both POVs and timelines equally. I think it helps that Sara wasn't just someone in the far ago past, before Abby was born. Instead, Sara and Abby had rich and loving years together before Sara's death. For that reason, I never felt like I was leaving the other person behind when we went from one POV to the other.
I was distressed by the cruelty exhibited towards young Sara as the men of her own people and community came at her, railing against her, in the earlier timeline. In Abby's timeline, she has a bitter, cruel, female boss who treats her horribly. But both women are strong in their own ways and we get to watch each of them come into her own, and begin to trust her instincts and her gut feelings, to make the world a better place for others.
Even though there are stressful things happening in this story, for me, it is mostly a feel good story. There is a fairytale quality to the events and I chose to just go with the story and believe. I finished the story with a smile on my face.
Pub Sept 20, 2022
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
June 28, 2023
Oh my goodness! This is such a captivating , exhilarating, feelgood, heart warming and also magical historical fiction with loveliest characters: a true talented matchmaker grandma who brings love and joy to people’s lives and her rational, aspiring divorce lawyer granddaughter who suffers from loneliness, grief, having no clue what she’ll do with the journals she’s inherited.
After watching season 4 of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, I wanted to dig out more about matchmaking tradition in Jewish culture. I learned that shidduch is is a system of matchmaking in which Jewish singles are introduced to one another in Orthodox Jewish communities for the purpose of marriage. The correct term for a Jewish matchmaker is shadchanit for a woman, shadchan for a man.
I found out there are so many websites of the companies promising you to find ideal match which also picked my interest!
This book starts at the beginning of 20th century and Sara Glikman could be considered as the first woman matchmaker of the history: because only men could practice this sacred and important mission and a woman’s attempt to matchmake has been considered as sacrilegious act at those times!
We luckily move back and forth between two timelines: early 1900’s and 1994: introducing us Sara’s granddaughter Abby, a successful divorce attorney, representing the city’s wealthiest clients at young age.
I enjoyed to read both of the timelines and I truly devoured the stories belong to couples Sara has matched. Feminism, traditional, religion, family bounding blended in this marvelous historical journey.
Sara who was born on 1900, starting her practice by finding her sister a proper husband when she was only 10 years old! She sees a light that connects the soulmates. With her special talent she can bring more love and hope to her community even though that vocation is dominated by older men who may easily see a talented young woman as a threat to their traditions and livelihood.
And when we move forward to Abby’s timeline, we see Abby’s predicament after reading her grandma’s journals that include the soul mates she’s matched. Rational mind of Abby resists to believe in love after being witnessed her parents’ painful divorce. But what if her grandma’s talent is real and what if everyone has his/ her own old soul mate to meet! As many people say,” there’s a lid for every pot!”
She starts to question her own life choices and her clients’ relationships as well.
Overall: I loved both of these powerful and brave women’s journeys and magic they created by listening to their hearts and doing the right thing!
I feel so lighthearted and happier after reading this amazing book and I highly recommend to anyone who still believe in true power of love!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
After watching season 4 of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, I wanted to dig out more about matchmaking tradition in Jewish culture. I learned that shidduch is is a system of matchmaking in which Jewish singles are introduced to one another in Orthodox Jewish communities for the purpose of marriage. The correct term for a Jewish matchmaker is shadchanit for a woman, shadchan for a man.
I found out there are so many websites of the companies promising you to find ideal match which also picked my interest!
This book starts at the beginning of 20th century and Sara Glikman could be considered as the first woman matchmaker of the history: because only men could practice this sacred and important mission and a woman’s attempt to matchmake has been considered as sacrilegious act at those times!
We luckily move back and forth between two timelines: early 1900’s and 1994: introducing us Sara’s granddaughter Abby, a successful divorce attorney, representing the city’s wealthiest clients at young age.
I enjoyed to read both of the timelines and I truly devoured the stories belong to couples Sara has matched. Feminism, traditional, religion, family bounding blended in this marvelous historical journey.
Sara who was born on 1900, starting her practice by finding her sister a proper husband when she was only 10 years old! She sees a light that connects the soulmates. With her special talent she can bring more love and hope to her community even though that vocation is dominated by older men who may easily see a talented young woman as a threat to their traditions and livelihood.
And when we move forward to Abby’s timeline, we see Abby’s predicament after reading her grandma’s journals that include the soul mates she’s matched. Rational mind of Abby resists to believe in love after being witnessed her parents’ painful divorce. But what if her grandma’s talent is real and what if everyone has his/ her own old soul mate to meet! As many people say,” there’s a lid for every pot!”
She starts to question her own life choices and her clients’ relationships as well.
Overall: I loved both of these powerful and brave women’s journeys and magic they created by listening to their hearts and doing the right thing!
I feel so lighthearted and happier after reading this amazing book and I highly recommend to anyone who still believe in true power of love!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
June 13, 2022
3.5
A charming little story with an ever interesting premise about a topic I know little about - Jewish Matchmaking! 💫
The story goes back and forth in time. We meet Sara Glikman in the early 1900's who has a magical gift. The gift of matchmaking! We follow Sara and her matches throughout the years in NYC. Once we reach the 1990s Sara has passed and her granddaughter, Abby is now a divorce lawyer in NYC and seems to have the same special matchmaking gift.
The story falls just short of 4 stars for me because it did have a pretty slow start. However, it picked up in the middle and I enjoyed very much how the stories intertwined.
Good storytelling!
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
A charming little story with an ever interesting premise about a topic I know little about - Jewish Matchmaking! 💫
The story goes back and forth in time. We meet Sara Glikman in the early 1900's who has a magical gift. The gift of matchmaking! We follow Sara and her matches throughout the years in NYC. Once we reach the 1990s Sara has passed and her granddaughter, Abby is now a divorce lawyer in NYC and seems to have the same special matchmaking gift.
The story falls just short of 4 stars for me because it did have a pretty slow start. However, it picked up in the middle and I enjoyed very much how the stories intertwined.
Good storytelling!
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
March 8, 2022
This is the third novel I’ve read by Lynda Cohen Loigman. ….
“The Two-Family House” and “The Wartime Sisters”….
I enjoy Lynda’s books. She writes the type of books where I want to snuggle up in my blanket…cozy-up ….and join the family cast of characters. Always with Jewish droplet themes and culture, family loyalty- history - ( historical fiction) - purpose and love.
Lynda added a little magical realism in this book …..or shall I say ‘precious’ — sweet — ‘adorable’ — heart-endearing magical-historical-realism.
And it’s told in duo timelines
Both stories are equally good with the transitions as smooth as a baby’s tush.
We are first introduced to Sara Glikman when she’s just ten years old. She had traveled for a week from Kalarash to Libava with her parents, her sister, Hindel and three unruly brothers to board the giant steam ship headed for New York.
On that ship — Sara’s matchmaking gifts was sprouting ….(maybe a coincidence- maybe not)….
Ha! NOT!
The possibility that a young, untrained girl could match two souls according to God‘s will was a severe insult to the profession of the ‘shadchanium’ (a jewish professional matchmaker).
A female matchmaker was rare enough, but an unmarried one was never tolerated by the people in their community.
I am reminded that every generation had women a little ahead of their time — all different styles (loud or even quietly)…
Sara and Abby were both organically driven feminists.
We continue to follow Sara as she grows - enjoying ‘her’ gifts, her ‘soul’.
Sara lived to be 94 years old. When she died, she was still independent-lived on her own, did her own errands, and cooked her own meals….
and she delicately and appropriately challenged traditional orthodox ways — The journey we take with her is simply marvelous….allowing us to reflect our own values, integrity, and — once again: purpose!
What matters to us most!
We’re also introduced to Abby, Sara’s granddaughter -
Loved this woman…
Ha… she reminded me a little of myself. …her mind could be her nemesis at times.
Both Sara and Abby have characteristics to admire.
Starting in 1944, we get a well-rounded background of Abby, her sister Hannah, and their parents, (divorced when the girls were not yet teenagers).
I can’t tell you the entire story!!
No spoilers!!
However, we are invited into Abby’s present life - as a lawyer - the people she works with - friendships she develops…. and that ‘inner voice kicking strong.
The minor characters are both yummy appetizers and the delicious desserts, as well
It really is a snuggle-to-enjoy-novel.
The dialogue is genuine and it feels like we are in the same room with the characters.
Abby shared a special closeness with grandmother.
The kind we all wish we had and are thankful if we ‘have’ experienced this type of a relationship with a grandparent.
Abby was heartbroken when Sara died.
Old memories, stories, and her grandmother’s beliefs begin to weigh heavier in her own thinking, after Sara’s death.
The ‘only’ time when Abby and Sara had ever argued about anything was when talking about love, marriage, soulmates, matchmaking, and divorces.
Just a little amusing— that Sarah spent her life inspired by love and happy marriages…
where Abby didn’t believe in marriage and was a divorce lawyer.
It’s a beautiful book … and fact is — I love Lynda — (she can’t NOT write without strong feelings of love)
My little heart sings when reading books by authors whom I sincerely love as people.
Its also a treat to read about traditional meals often served in Jewish homes…..
crazy high calorie yummy meals to boot!!
I can gain weight just reading about a yummy Shabbat dinner in a ‘book’….
Kugel, babka, eggplant Parmesan, tiramisu, etc. etc.
But
what I love best is the ‘love’ feelings.
I’m a sucker for love.
I’m a sucker for families…
who have managed to treasure and shield their little ménage.
I’ll leave you with one of my favorite excerpts:
“There is too much cruelty in this world. I’ve seen it and I know you’ve seen some, too.
It isn’t enough to fight against cruelty. My whole life, I fought ‘for’ love. Not just romantic love, you understand. The love of a parent for a child. The love of one friend for another. Fight ‘for’ something, sweetheart. Not just against. That’s the best advice I can give you. And if you can’t decide what you want to fight for, love is as good a cause as any”.
Congrats to Lynda on this 3rd novel. I’ll continue to read every book she writes.
“The Two-Family House” and “The Wartime Sisters”….
I enjoy Lynda’s books. She writes the type of books where I want to snuggle up in my blanket…cozy-up ….and join the family cast of characters. Always with Jewish droplet themes and culture, family loyalty- history - ( historical fiction) - purpose and love.
Lynda added a little magical realism in this book …..or shall I say ‘precious’ — sweet — ‘adorable’ — heart-endearing magical-historical-realism.
And it’s told in duo timelines
Both stories are equally good with the transitions as smooth as a baby’s tush.
We are first introduced to Sara Glikman when she’s just ten years old. She had traveled for a week from Kalarash to Libava with her parents, her sister, Hindel and three unruly brothers to board the giant steam ship headed for New York.
On that ship — Sara’s matchmaking gifts was sprouting ….(maybe a coincidence- maybe not)….
Ha! NOT!
The possibility that a young, untrained girl could match two souls according to God‘s will was a severe insult to the profession of the ‘shadchanium’ (a jewish professional matchmaker).
A female matchmaker was rare enough, but an unmarried one was never tolerated by the people in their community.
I am reminded that every generation had women a little ahead of their time — all different styles (loud or even quietly)…
Sara and Abby were both organically driven feminists.
We continue to follow Sara as she grows - enjoying ‘her’ gifts, her ‘soul’.
Sara lived to be 94 years old. When she died, she was still independent-lived on her own, did her own errands, and cooked her own meals….
and she delicately and appropriately challenged traditional orthodox ways — The journey we take with her is simply marvelous….allowing us to reflect our own values, integrity, and — once again: purpose!
What matters to us most!
We’re also introduced to Abby, Sara’s granddaughter -
Loved this woman…
Ha… she reminded me a little of myself. …her mind could be her nemesis at times.
Both Sara and Abby have characteristics to admire.
Starting in 1944, we get a well-rounded background of Abby, her sister Hannah, and their parents, (divorced when the girls were not yet teenagers).
I can’t tell you the entire story!!
No spoilers!!
However, we are invited into Abby’s present life - as a lawyer - the people she works with - friendships she develops…. and that ‘inner voice kicking strong.
The minor characters are both yummy appetizers and the delicious desserts, as well
It really is a snuggle-to-enjoy-novel.
The dialogue is genuine and it feels like we are in the same room with the characters.
Abby shared a special closeness with grandmother.
The kind we all wish we had and are thankful if we ‘have’ experienced this type of a relationship with a grandparent.
Abby was heartbroken when Sara died.
Old memories, stories, and her grandmother’s beliefs begin to weigh heavier in her own thinking, after Sara’s death.
The ‘only’ time when Abby and Sara had ever argued about anything was when talking about love, marriage, soulmates, matchmaking, and divorces.
Just a little amusing— that Sarah spent her life inspired by love and happy marriages…
where Abby didn’t believe in marriage and was a divorce lawyer.
It’s a beautiful book … and fact is — I love Lynda — (she can’t NOT write without strong feelings of love)
My little heart sings when reading books by authors whom I sincerely love as people.
Its also a treat to read about traditional meals often served in Jewish homes…..
crazy high calorie yummy meals to boot!!
I can gain weight just reading about a yummy Shabbat dinner in a ‘book’….
Kugel, babka, eggplant Parmesan, tiramisu, etc. etc.
But
what I love best is the ‘love’ feelings.
I’m a sucker for love.
I’m a sucker for families…
who have managed to treasure and shield their little ménage.
I’ll leave you with one of my favorite excerpts:
“There is too much cruelty in this world. I’ve seen it and I know you’ve seen some, too.
It isn’t enough to fight against cruelty. My whole life, I fought ‘for’ love. Not just romantic love, you understand. The love of a parent for a child. The love of one friend for another. Fight ‘for’ something, sweetheart. Not just against. That’s the best advice I can give you. And if you can’t decide what you want to fight for, love is as good a cause as any”.
Congrats to Lynda on this 3rd novel. I’ll continue to read every book she writes.
February 9, 2023
It's rare that a book with dual timelines manages to keep me interested in both of them (usually it's the more modern timeline I end up getting bored with). Happily, this is that rare book!
I honestly feel like I was meant to read this book because the grandmother's name in this book, Sara Glikman, has a name that is virtually a combination of both of my own two grandmothers' names. But in general, this book really was such a joy to read. If you want to read a historical fiction book that is about romance without being a romance novel, this absolutely fits that bill. I recommend!
I honestly feel like I was meant to read this book because the grandmother's name in this book, Sara Glikman, has a name that is virtually a combination of both of my own two grandmothers' names. But in general, this book really was such a joy to read. If you want to read a historical fiction book that is about romance without being a romance novel, this absolutely fits that bill. I recommend!
September 20, 2022
’The past is never dead. It's not even past.’
-- William Faulkner Requiem For a Nun
A generational story shared in two timelines, begins in 1910, on a ship bound for New York with Sara and her family, along with other families. Sara is ten years old on this voyage, with her eighteen-year-old sister, Hindel and her three brothers and parents. Hindel is sobbing, bereft over leaving their village, as well as the young man she had to leave behind. Their mother whispers to Sara to find her father, and bring back his handkerchief before Hindel’s clothes are ruined from her tears. Sara can’t find her father among the group of men, but notices a man standing apart from the others, polishing his glasses with a handkerchief, and approaches him and asks if she could borrow his handkerchief for her sister, and he agrees to take it to her sister. Leading him over to her sister since his eyesight is poor even with his glasses, she notices a beam of light connecting her sister to this man. Just three months later, at her sister’s wedding, her mother shares the story with everyone of Sara making her first ‘match.’
As the years pass, Sara begins to see this ‘beam of light’ between others, and find ways to introduce these people, although as a female - and a young one at that - it was considered by most as a calling for men only, Sara remembers telling the rabbi at her sister’s wedding how her sister met her new husband, and he shares his thoughts on this gift she was given. A matchmaker.
In the second timeline set in the mid 1990’s, the story focuses on Abby, Sara’s grand-daughter. Abby is a divorce attorney, working at a law firm when news hits about a famous divorce case in the works. Her grandmother calls her to talk about a pending divorce case which Abby is working on, and is everywhere in the news. Her grandmother tells her to stop working on this case so hard, that this couple will end up staying together. The office is also where Abby is when her mother calls to share the news of her grandmother’s passing. Abby and her grandmother Sara were very close, and the news is crushing for her.
This is a story of grief balanced by love, of old traditions giving way to new ones, as well as stories of love, and the gifts bestowed upon some to see love in others that they haven’t yet found by themselves.
There is a bit of ‘everything’ in this story, but in a way that feels both natural and filled with wonder. It’s part historical fiction, and part contemporary fiction. Mystical yet grounded in reality. Humourous and cynical, yet also poignant. Overall, enchantingly delightful.
Published: 20 Sep 2022
Many thanks for the ARC provided by St. Martin’s Press
October 24, 2022
Lynda Cohen Loigman has now written three novels. I won a copy of The Two-Family House in 2016 when I was a baby bookstagrammer and blogger. I went on to recommend that book to everyone, and everyone who read it came back to tell me and ask for more recommendations. I also loved The Wartime Sisters, and now The Matchmaker’s Gift is my new favorite. I will be recommending it far and wide.
Sara and her family immigrate to the Lower East Side of NYC in the early 1900s. She finds her calling in the form of matchmaking. The problem is, in her community, Jewish matchmakers are typically male and since they earn their living this way they are not happy to have a someone new making successful matches in the neighborhood, much less a young, unmarried woman.
In the second timeline, Sara’s granddaughter, Abby, is working as a newly vetted matrimonial attorney handling divorces and prenuptial agreements. It’s interesting she’s in this precise spot because it’s in working with these clients that she also finds her calling.
Ok, I loved it all. Both timelines. Sara. Abby. All the lovely people they encounter and help. The love in their family. The healthy love in relationships. The goodness in everyone’s hearts. The hope, the emotion, the cultural backdrop, the history, the power. Silky smooth writing without a spare word to keep you fully immersed in the story. It’s an uplifting story, and the very last line left me with an audible gasp filled with hope! Love love love. A must read for all!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Sara and her family immigrate to the Lower East Side of NYC in the early 1900s. She finds her calling in the form of matchmaking. The problem is, in her community, Jewish matchmakers are typically male and since they earn their living this way they are not happy to have a someone new making successful matches in the neighborhood, much less a young, unmarried woman.
In the second timeline, Sara’s granddaughter, Abby, is working as a newly vetted matrimonial attorney handling divorces and prenuptial agreements. It’s interesting she’s in this precise spot because it’s in working with these clients that she also finds her calling.
Ok, I loved it all. Both timelines. Sara. Abby. All the lovely people they encounter and help. The love in their family. The healthy love in relationships. The goodness in everyone’s hearts. The hope, the emotion, the cultural backdrop, the history, the power. Silky smooth writing without a spare word to keep you fully immersed in the story. It’s an uplifting story, and the very last line left me with an audible gasp filled with hope! Love love love. A must read for all!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
July 28, 2022
A lovely story of people finding each other with a little bit of help with genuine intuition and a little magical realism, a vision of a “strand of light between two people “. In this story in dual time lines , we meet Abby, a young divorce lawyer in 1994 and her grandmother Sara, a matchmaker whose story begins in 1910. I thought it was a sweet story, a feel good diversion. Things get a little complicated, but predictable when Abby’s inherited gift tells her that one of their biggest clients really shouldn’t get divorced and another client really doesn’t need a pre-nup because the woman is not for him. So a little melodrama, BUT…. it became so much more when Abby finds her grandmother’s notebooks and discovers her matchmaking successes, not just for family and friends , but for others after WWII, which for me was the most poignant part of the novel. It’s also a story of Jewish tradition, of family, of women of two generations trying to forge their careers when it isn’t always easy. Ultimately, it’s a story filled with love . An enjoyable read.
I received a copy ov this book from St. Martin’s Press through Edelweiss.
May 5, 2022
4.5 stars rounded to 5 stars
What a wonderful story this is! A little backstory first. I chose this book based on who wrote it. Several years ago, I was reading thrillers only. In 2016 I was hearing a lot of good things about a historical fiction debut novel called The Two-Family House by Ms. Loigman. I really liked the blurb except for the part about it being set in the past. On a whim I decided to try it. I loved it. Must have been a fluke, right? Nearly 3 years later, I was invited by the publisher to read her second book, The Wartime Sisters. I loved that one too! Maybe the first hadn’t been a fluke after all so I put Ms. Loigman on my radar. Around the same time, being emboldened, I decided to enter a Goodreads Giveaway for a historical fiction novel with a lot of buzz called The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I entered. I won. I read. I was now officially hooked, not only on Ms. Loigman, but Ms. Hannah, and on historical fiction in general. I’ve only read a handful of thrillers since. My historical fiction reads gave me the courage to take even more chances, and now I am a huge fan of many genres. I will always give Ms. Loigman the credit for expanding my reading horizons, and I plan to read everything she writes.
The Matchmaker’s Gift is told in 2 timelines: Sara’s story from 1910 to 1994 and her granddaughter Abby’s timeline totally set in 1994, the year that Sara died (not a spoiler as she passes very early in the book). I loved the characterizations of Abby and especially Sara. Sara is a shadchanteh (a Jewish matchmaker) on the Lower East Side in New York City in the early 20th century. Abby is a divorce lawyer with a cutthroat boss in Manhattan. Though Sara and Abby have a wonderful relationship, Abby does not find her grandmother’s matchmaking stories all that believable. It’s only after Sara’s death that Abby begins to see how remarkable and wise her grandmother really was and uses that realization to really think about transforming her own life.
Ms. Loigman did an impressive amount of research for this book and speaks of the process in her Author’s Notes. Many of the people in this novel are Jewish, and we get a good sense of the Jewish culture in NYC in the early 1900s. I found this fascinating, and I absorbed it all like a sponge. Furthermore, the prose is just excellent and the story glides. The individual stories of the matches are so heartwarming. The themes are several-fold and include loss, heartbreak, women’s rights, religion, soulmates, and the wisdom of our elders.
There is an epilogue, which I always appreciate. And just look at that cover! Finally, I would be remiss if I did not mention that the unexpected very last sentence of the book sent waves of chills up and down my spine. Absolute perfection.
This book made me happy! I highly recommend it to all interested in a captivating and very satisfying story weaved by a terrific storyteller. I hope we don’t have to wait long for another novel by this author. Well done, Ms. Loigman!
I would like to thank Ms. Rivka Holler of St. Martin’s Press for inviting me to review the book. Thank you, Net Galley and Ms. Loigman as well. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
What a wonderful story this is! A little backstory first. I chose this book based on who wrote it. Several years ago, I was reading thrillers only. In 2016 I was hearing a lot of good things about a historical fiction debut novel called The Two-Family House by Ms. Loigman. I really liked the blurb except for the part about it being set in the past. On a whim I decided to try it. I loved it. Must have been a fluke, right? Nearly 3 years later, I was invited by the publisher to read her second book, The Wartime Sisters. I loved that one too! Maybe the first hadn’t been a fluke after all so I put Ms. Loigman on my radar. Around the same time, being emboldened, I decided to enter a Goodreads Giveaway for a historical fiction novel with a lot of buzz called The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I entered. I won. I read. I was now officially hooked, not only on Ms. Loigman, but Ms. Hannah, and on historical fiction in general. I’ve only read a handful of thrillers since. My historical fiction reads gave me the courage to take even more chances, and now I am a huge fan of many genres. I will always give Ms. Loigman the credit for expanding my reading horizons, and I plan to read everything she writes.
The Matchmaker’s Gift is told in 2 timelines: Sara’s story from 1910 to 1994 and her granddaughter Abby’s timeline totally set in 1994, the year that Sara died (not a spoiler as she passes very early in the book). I loved the characterizations of Abby and especially Sara. Sara is a shadchanteh (a Jewish matchmaker) on the Lower East Side in New York City in the early 20th century. Abby is a divorce lawyer with a cutthroat boss in Manhattan. Though Sara and Abby have a wonderful relationship, Abby does not find her grandmother’s matchmaking stories all that believable. It’s only after Sara’s death that Abby begins to see how remarkable and wise her grandmother really was and uses that realization to really think about transforming her own life.
Ms. Loigman did an impressive amount of research for this book and speaks of the process in her Author’s Notes. Many of the people in this novel are Jewish, and we get a good sense of the Jewish culture in NYC in the early 1900s. I found this fascinating, and I absorbed it all like a sponge. Furthermore, the prose is just excellent and the story glides. The individual stories of the matches are so heartwarming. The themes are several-fold and include loss, heartbreak, women’s rights, religion, soulmates, and the wisdom of our elders.
There is an epilogue, which I always appreciate. And just look at that cover! Finally, I would be remiss if I did not mention that the unexpected very last sentence of the book sent waves of chills up and down my spine. Absolute perfection.
This book made me happy! I highly recommend it to all interested in a captivating and very satisfying story weaved by a terrific storyteller. I hope we don’t have to wait long for another novel by this author. Well done, Ms. Loigman!
I would like to thank Ms. Rivka Holler of St. Martin’s Press for inviting me to review the book. Thank you, Net Galley and Ms. Loigman as well. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
April 30, 2022
Such a sweet and delightful book!
Dual timelines, a grandmother’s and a grandaughter.
It starts with the grandmother, Sara in 1910 as a young girl in New York’s lower east side.
The grandaughter Abby’s timeline is set in Manhattan two generations later where she is a divorce attorney.
Both of these women have a special gift of matchmaking that includes a bit of magic.
This book has a lot of heart!
4+ stars
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!
Dual timelines, a grandmother’s and a grandaughter.
It starts with the grandmother, Sara in 1910 as a young girl in New York’s lower east side.
The grandaughter Abby’s timeline is set in Manhattan two generations later where she is a divorce attorney.
Both of these women have a special gift of matchmaking that includes a bit of magic.
This book has a lot of heart!
4+ stars
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!
September 21, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an egalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Rivka Holler of St. Martin's Press for bringing this story to my attention
Oh my gosh I absolutely adored this dual narrative! The tale of matchmaker Sara Glikman throughout the decades of the 1900's and her granddaughter Abby, a divorce lawyer in 1994 was a heartwarming story that I fell so intensely in love with. I am crowning it with a 5 star rating because I can honestly find no flaws. There was honestly NOTHING that bothered me or made me feel it didn't fit with the character's actions or the author's writing. I enjoyed both female protagonists and the journey that the author takes us on with the story. I was fortunate to have a fantastic relationship with my maternal grandmother and so that grounded me to Sara and Abby's stories.
The sad thing is that I am going to recommend the heck out of this book and most of my friends will have to wait until September to read it. 🤣🤣
Expected Publication Date 20/09/22
Goodreads Review Published 28/07/22
Oh my gosh I absolutely adored this dual narrative! The tale of matchmaker Sara Glikman throughout the decades of the 1900's and her granddaughter Abby, a divorce lawyer in 1994 was a heartwarming story that I fell so intensely in love with. I am crowning it with a 5 star rating because I can honestly find no flaws. There was honestly NOTHING that bothered me or made me feel it didn't fit with the character's actions or the author's writing. I enjoyed both female protagonists and the journey that the author takes us on with the story. I was fortunate to have a fantastic relationship with my maternal grandmother and so that grounded me to Sara and Abby's stories.
The sad thing is that I am going to recommend the heck out of this book and most of my friends will have to wait until September to read it. 🤣🤣
Expected Publication Date 20/09/22
Goodreads Review Published 28/07/22
September 7, 2022
4.5 brilliant stars for this uplifting novel! I had read both of Lynda Cohen Loigman’s previous two books, The Wartime Sisters and The Two Family House, and enjoyed both of them very much. When I saw that she had written a new book, The Matchmaker’s Gift, I was so excited to read it. I listened to the audiobook that was well narrated by both Eva Kaminsky and Gabba Zackman. The Matchmaker’s Gift alternated between telling Sara Glickman’s story which started back in 1910 when she and her family traveled from Kalarush to Libava and boarded a ship headed for New York and her granddaughter’s Abby’s story that took place in 1994. Sara was just ten years old when her family sailed for New York but her gift as a matchmaker was established on that voyage. She and her family resided on the Lower East Side where she was scorned and harassed by the pious and religious matchmaker men for the matches she made. Although, Sara never accepted payment for any of the matches she made, she was forced to defend her actions in a court headed by Rabbinical judges. At the conclusion of her trial. Sara won. She was indeed a “Shadchangeh”or a female matchmaker. Abby, Sara’s oldest granddaughter, was a driven and successful divorce attorney who was unaware of the gift she possessed until her beloved grandmother passed away at the age of 94 and left Abby some of her journals. These two extraordinary women possessed the unique talents of recognizing the obvious signs, at least by them, of soulmates. Both had to fight to be recognized and accepted. Both women, grandmother and granddaughter, found it easier to find soulmates for strangers and acquaintances than finding their own soulmates. Could Abby have actually inherited her grandmother’s unique talent? How would she put this gift to use? Would this discovery ease the pain of losing her beloved grandmother?
I truly enjoyed reading/listening to The Matchmaker’s Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman. Her talent as an extraordinary storyteller shone throughout this book. I was captivated from the very beginning until the satisfying ending. It was hard to put this one down. I loved the characters and how strong and determined both Sara and Abby were. The descriptions of the Lower East Side of New York brought back special memories for me when I went there with my own family as a young girl. The Matchmaker’s Gift was a heartwarming and endearing novel. I loved how the past and present were woven together flawlessly. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it highly.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this ARC of the audiobook The Matchmaker’s Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman in exchange for an honest review. Publication is set for September 20, 2022.
I truly enjoyed reading/listening to The Matchmaker’s Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman. Her talent as an extraordinary storyteller shone throughout this book. I was captivated from the very beginning until the satisfying ending. It was hard to put this one down. I loved the characters and how strong and determined both Sara and Abby were. The descriptions of the Lower East Side of New York brought back special memories for me when I went there with my own family as a young girl. The Matchmaker’s Gift was a heartwarming and endearing novel. I loved how the past and present were woven together flawlessly. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it highly.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this ARC of the audiobook The Matchmaker’s Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman in exchange for an honest review. Publication is set for September 20, 2022.
September 24, 2022
Beautiful, Uplifting Story about the Power of Love to Shine Through 💖
I just loved this book. It is magical, at a time when most of us could use a little of this in our lives. Lynda Cohen Loigman is a talented writer and this is her best book so far. I was absolutely swept away with it’s connection to family, finding someone wonderful, and then cherishing that person forever.
It starts in 1910, when Sara Glikman is only 10. Sara has a special gift and can see if a person is the One for someone. Sara, can not resist when she knows a couple will have a lasting connection, she manages to have them meet. She is not doing this for money. The local Shadchanim, the name for a professional matchmaker, accuse Sara of lying and continue to try and intimidate her.
Sara has always had a very special bond with her granddaughter, Abby. They are close throughout Abby’s life, and her grandmother is very proud of her. She does tell her much of the history of the Old Ways and her Matchmaking. This was interesting, as it was rich with Jewish history and life growing up on the Lower East Side. Still, Abby, is a divorce attorney and does not believe in marriage after the callous way her father treated her mother when they got divorced.
Sara tells Abby she knows what she knows. She says, when you weep, the one you are meant for tastes the salt of your tears. Abby does not pay her grandmother much attention when she says things like this though.
When Grandma Sara dies suddenly, Abby is devastated. She misses her grandmother so much. This makes her start to rethink some of the choices she is making and perhaps she should follow her instincts to help people. Perhaps she should take more chances with her own life. Abby is a wonderful person, who is just learning how to navigate through life. Since, her grandmother treated her with so much love, she finds she can offer it to others more easily at her job, even though her boss, Diane is really harsh.
The story is more then just finding romantic love, it is about the strong bonds of family, and standing up for yourself when you think you are doing the right thing. So, Sara may have passed, but she is always carried in Abby’s heart.
Highly recommend this book. Think you will love it.
Forgot to mention, I loved this cover. After you read the book, you will understand so much of the symbolism depicted.
UPDATE This is Lynda Cohen Loigman’s Tour Schedule. If you live in the New York area, she is doing several events. I would love to see her. I am a native NY’er. She is also going to be in several other areas. Definitely, something great to go to. She also has some interesting Virtual Events. I think I will be sure to see those. https://lyndacohenloigman.com/the-mat...
Go if you can. Need to sign up in Advance.
Thank you NetGalley, Lynda Cohen Loigman, and St. Martin’s Press for an early copy of this book. I am happy to review this book.
I just loved this book. It is magical, at a time when most of us could use a little of this in our lives. Lynda Cohen Loigman is a talented writer and this is her best book so far. I was absolutely swept away with it’s connection to family, finding someone wonderful, and then cherishing that person forever.
It starts in 1910, when Sara Glikman is only 10. Sara has a special gift and can see if a person is the One for someone. Sara, can not resist when she knows a couple will have a lasting connection, she manages to have them meet. She is not doing this for money. The local Shadchanim, the name for a professional matchmaker, accuse Sara of lying and continue to try and intimidate her.
Sara has always had a very special bond with her granddaughter, Abby. They are close throughout Abby’s life, and her grandmother is very proud of her. She does tell her much of the history of the Old Ways and her Matchmaking. This was interesting, as it was rich with Jewish history and life growing up on the Lower East Side. Still, Abby, is a divorce attorney and does not believe in marriage after the callous way her father treated her mother when they got divorced.
Sara tells Abby she knows what she knows. She says, when you weep, the one you are meant for tastes the salt of your tears. Abby does not pay her grandmother much attention when she says things like this though.
When Grandma Sara dies suddenly, Abby is devastated. She misses her grandmother so much. This makes her start to rethink some of the choices she is making and perhaps she should follow her instincts to help people. Perhaps she should take more chances with her own life. Abby is a wonderful person, who is just learning how to navigate through life. Since, her grandmother treated her with so much love, she finds she can offer it to others more easily at her job, even though her boss, Diane is really harsh.
The story is more then just finding romantic love, it is about the strong bonds of family, and standing up for yourself when you think you are doing the right thing. So, Sara may have passed, but she is always carried in Abby’s heart.
Highly recommend this book. Think you will love it.
Forgot to mention, I loved this cover. After you read the book, you will understand so much of the symbolism depicted.
UPDATE This is Lynda Cohen Loigman’s Tour Schedule. If you live in the New York area, she is doing several events. I would love to see her. I am a native NY’er. She is also going to be in several other areas. Definitely, something great to go to. She also has some interesting Virtual Events. I think I will be sure to see those. https://lyndacohenloigman.com/the-mat...
Go if you can. Need to sign up in Advance.
Thank you NetGalley, Lynda Cohen Loigman, and St. Martin’s Press for an early copy of this book. I am happy to review this book.
October 18, 2022
5.0
Loved this book!!!
Lynda is just a wonderful author- her other books prove this statement.
With the love for family, a bit of magic, and special gift, Lynda's newest book is the one that put me in my happy place. Thank you.
For the purpose this book isn't going to be released for awhile, I chose not to give any hints about the book.
UPDATE 10-18 2022
Here we are with the book out on the shelves.
The reviews that are written about this book are wonderful.
I had to read this book again just to get back to my happy place; but it was today after reading "Cheri's" great review that precipitated me to add on to mine..
The story is about an extremely close relationship between a granddaughter and her grandmother.
In this story- nothing between them was left unsaid but rather, continues inside journals written by Abby's grandmother; a matchmaker.
Matchmaking told here, happens to be a gift which doesn't come without heartbreak or skeptics for that matter, yet Abby's grandmother tries to instill Abby's confidence in her life she didn't know was missing. How did Sara know.
The author's notes about this book and her research done is impressive, as it was done during and after covid lock-down. Really though, there are many moving pieces in this story which had to be placed and molded just right because of the pertinent topics addressed in this book. It is this reason that makes the book a special one. LCL wove together a beautiful story that leaves us thinking about the undercurrents of the term "love" along with recognizing a soulmate.
Test out the waters Abby- Sarah tells her.
" When you weep, the one you are meant for
tastes the salt of your tears".
I love that!
Loved this book!!!
Lynda is just a wonderful author- her other books prove this statement.
With the love for family, a bit of magic, and special gift, Lynda's newest book is the one that put me in my happy place. Thank you.
For the purpose this book isn't going to be released for awhile, I chose not to give any hints about the book.
UPDATE 10-18 2022
Here we are with the book out on the shelves.
The reviews that are written about this book are wonderful.
I had to read this book again just to get back to my happy place; but it was today after reading "Cheri's" great review that precipitated me to add on to mine..
The story is about an extremely close relationship between a granddaughter and her grandmother.
In this story- nothing between them was left unsaid but rather, continues inside journals written by Abby's grandmother; a matchmaker.
Matchmaking told here, happens to be a gift which doesn't come without heartbreak or skeptics for that matter, yet Abby's grandmother tries to instill Abby's confidence in her life she didn't know was missing. How did Sara know.
The author's notes about this book and her research done is impressive, as it was done during and after covid lock-down. Really though, there are many moving pieces in this story which had to be placed and molded just right because of the pertinent topics addressed in this book. It is this reason that makes the book a special one. LCL wove together a beautiful story that leaves us thinking about the undercurrents of the term "love" along with recognizing a soulmate.
Test out the waters Abby- Sarah tells her.
" When you weep, the one you are meant for
tastes the salt of your tears".
I love that!
July 14, 2023
Book club read for July.
Really enjoyed this dual timeline story about attorney Abby learning more about her grandmother Sara's life as a matchmaker after Sara passes away. I truly liked both the past and present storylines as they intertwined together and Abby embraced her grandmother's legacy.
Strong characters and a happy ending, what's not to like about this lovely book. Such a feel good story that left me with a smile on my face. I listened to the audiobook for most of this and the dual narrators did an excellent job giving the characters their voice.
Really enjoyed this dual timeline story about attorney Abby learning more about her grandmother Sara's life as a matchmaker after Sara passes away. I truly liked both the past and present storylines as they intertwined together and Abby embraced her grandmother's legacy.
Strong characters and a happy ending, what's not to like about this lovely book. Such a feel good story that left me with a smile on my face. I listened to the audiobook for most of this and the dual narrators did an excellent job giving the characters their voice.
September 4, 2022
What a truly lovely story that connected two women, a grandmother, Sara, and her granddaughter, Abby. It is not only a relationship that is loving and sweet, but these two ladies share a special git, that of being matchmaker's.
Sara, herself suffers because in her era, only devout older men were given the job of matchmaking, and while Sara hid her talent, she eventually decides because of family needs, to become a matchmaker. Sara is so very successful and writes of her matches in journals that after her death, Abby finds.
Abby herself, is a divorce attorney with a boss who is full of herself and overbearing. Abby has the gift, the same as Sara, but she keeps on pushing it back, until she starts to recognize that this gift was special, one that could and does help the clients she sees, enraging her boss. Can she fight the feeling that her career can be managed with her knowledge of the couples who come before her.
This delightful story tells the readers about the age old custom practiced by devout Jews and some other cultures of matching a man and a woman. The story switches back and forth between Sara and Abby's struggles to be recognized as women who can and do achieve what life has given them.
It gave me a look into the practice of match making and with the stories that involved such skill made for an enjoyable read and one that provided the concept that for everyone there is a soulmate.
Thank you to Lynda Cohen Loigman, and Netgalley for a copy of this charming story.
Sara, herself suffers because in her era, only devout older men were given the job of matchmaking, and while Sara hid her talent, she eventually decides because of family needs, to become a matchmaker. Sara is so very successful and writes of her matches in journals that after her death, Abby finds.
Abby herself, is a divorce attorney with a boss who is full of herself and overbearing. Abby has the gift, the same as Sara, but she keeps on pushing it back, until she starts to recognize that this gift was special, one that could and does help the clients she sees, enraging her boss. Can she fight the feeling that her career can be managed with her knowledge of the couples who come before her.
This delightful story tells the readers about the age old custom practiced by devout Jews and some other cultures of matching a man and a woman. The story switches back and forth between Sara and Abby's struggles to be recognized as women who can and do achieve what life has given them.
It gave me a look into the practice of match making and with the stories that involved such skill made for an enjoyable read and one that provided the concept that for everyone there is a soulmate.
Thank you to Lynda Cohen Loigman, and Netgalley for a copy of this charming story.
September 20, 2022
Sara Glikman and her family are Jewish immigrants who arrived in New York City in 1910 and settled on the Lower East Side. Sara discovers at an early age that she has a magical talent for matchmaking. She can determine which people are meant for one another - who is their bashert. Matchmaking was a male-only profession during this time and as she gets older, Sara must keep her making of these perfect matches a secret. This sweet book also takes place in 1994. In the second timeline, Sara has passed away and Abby, a divorce lawyer, is mourning the loss of her beloved grandmother. While reading Sara's journals left to her, Abby learns more about all the things her grandmother had accomplished. She also realizes that she may also have the same gift. And this might not be compatible with her career and her cutthroat boss.
I enjoyed Lynda Cohen Loigman's first two novels (The Two-Family House and The Wartime Sisters) and now The Matchmaker's Gift is my new favorite. There is so much about this book that I loved. The two main characters are smart, independent and strong. Both timelines are equally enjoyable. And based on my personal family ties to the Lower East Side, I felt as if Loigman looked into my ancestral history while writing this. One of Sara's first matches was for the daughter of "The Pickle King of New York" who owned Raskins Pickles. Well, my late Uncle Izzy owned the famous Guss' Pickles, which grew from a pushcart to a storefront, and we all felt we were part of pickle royalty. The street names read like a familiar road map of my childhood and the book included Lewis Street where my father grew up (it's a street that was mostly eliminated by the building of a housing project.) I appreciated the Yiddish sprinkled throughout and the many endearing words of wisdom. You don't have to be Jewish to appreciate this heartwarming story. The pursuit of love is universal, and the bonds of family timeless. Don't miss this lovely book dusted with a little magic.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read The Matchmaker's Gift in advance of its publication.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
I enjoyed Lynda Cohen Loigman's first two novels (The Two-Family House and The Wartime Sisters) and now The Matchmaker's Gift is my new favorite. There is so much about this book that I loved. The two main characters are smart, independent and strong. Both timelines are equally enjoyable. And based on my personal family ties to the Lower East Side, I felt as if Loigman looked into my ancestral history while writing this. One of Sara's first matches was for the daughter of "The Pickle King of New York" who owned Raskins Pickles. Well, my late Uncle Izzy owned the famous Guss' Pickles, which grew from a pushcart to a storefront, and we all felt we were part of pickle royalty. The street names read like a familiar road map of my childhood and the book included Lewis Street where my father grew up (it's a street that was mostly eliminated by the building of a housing project.) I appreciated the Yiddish sprinkled throughout and the many endearing words of wisdom. You don't have to be Jewish to appreciate this heartwarming story. The pursuit of love is universal, and the bonds of family timeless. Don't miss this lovely book dusted with a little magic.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read The Matchmaker's Gift in advance of its publication.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
September 23, 2022
“The heart is big enough to hold both grief and love.”
I read Loigman’s debut novel, The Two-Family House, followed by The Wartime Sisters, and I loved them both, so when Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press invited me to read and review The Matchmaker’s Gift, I leapt. Once again, Loigman has me at hello. This outstanding historical novel is for sale now, and you should get it and read it.
The story is told from the point of view of two protagonists, a woman and her grandmother; they were close, but Sara the grandmother has died, so her story is told in the past, beginning in 1910, when she arrives in the U.S. as a child, along with her family. Abby is her granddaughter; her story begins in 1994. Their stories are told alternately, but both are in the third person omniscient and told in a linear time frame, so I am free to lean back, relax, and get lost in their stories, without any confusion or doubling back to check things.
Sara was a matchmaker, although she initially had to be very careful, because Jewish tradition dictated that matchmakers be married men, and she was still just a girl. But she was gifted with visions of a sort, and could tell who belonged together. And so she was forced to create matches “in secret, pairing people together like a rogue puppeteer.” She never missed. And upon her passing, she leaves a cryptic message indicating that upon her death, Abby will inherit her special talent.
Abby is nonplussed by this, and even as she grieves her beloved grandmother’s death, she is confused as to what she should do. She’s a divorce lawyer, for heaven’s sake! Is she to toss her education and become a modern day yenta? She hasn’t even found a man for herself yet, let alone for others.
It’s always a joy to find a story that diverges from the well-worn path, and novels involving Jewish matchmakers—or any others, for that matter—are thin on the ground. But that is only a small part of this novel’s appeal. I love Sara and Abby; I almost feel they are my friends. I feel their sorrows and admire their courage and integrity. When either of them meets with unfair opposition, I want to smack their detractor with my cane.
But there’s something extra that’s infused into Loigman’s stories, an intangible but unmissable warmth. Nobody can teach anyone this. I can count on one hand the number of authors that can write heartwarming stories that don’t follow formulas or insult the reader’s intelligence. Loigman is one, and this makes her golden.
When I was halfway finished reading this glorious novel, I saw that an audio galley was available. I was a bit cautious, because I had already developed a firm sense of how these women sounded in my head, and I was afraid I might not like the narrators’ interpretations, but my concern was unfounded. I had a road trip ahead of me, and I listened to the next forty percent as I drove, and there wasn’t a single moment that I didn’t love. Narrators Eva Kaminsky and Gabra Zackman do a lovely job, and I have never had such a seamless transition from the digital galley, to the audio, and back again.
Highly recommended, and bound to be one of the year’s best loved books.
I read Loigman’s debut novel, The Two-Family House, followed by The Wartime Sisters, and I loved them both, so when Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press invited me to read and review The Matchmaker’s Gift, I leapt. Once again, Loigman has me at hello. This outstanding historical novel is for sale now, and you should get it and read it.
The story is told from the point of view of two protagonists, a woman and her grandmother; they were close, but Sara the grandmother has died, so her story is told in the past, beginning in 1910, when she arrives in the U.S. as a child, along with her family. Abby is her granddaughter; her story begins in 1994. Their stories are told alternately, but both are in the third person omniscient and told in a linear time frame, so I am free to lean back, relax, and get lost in their stories, without any confusion or doubling back to check things.
Sara was a matchmaker, although she initially had to be very careful, because Jewish tradition dictated that matchmakers be married men, and she was still just a girl. But she was gifted with visions of a sort, and could tell who belonged together. And so she was forced to create matches “in secret, pairing people together like a rogue puppeteer.” She never missed. And upon her passing, she leaves a cryptic message indicating that upon her death, Abby will inherit her special talent.
Abby is nonplussed by this, and even as she grieves her beloved grandmother’s death, she is confused as to what she should do. She’s a divorce lawyer, for heaven’s sake! Is she to toss her education and become a modern day yenta? She hasn’t even found a man for herself yet, let alone for others.
It’s always a joy to find a story that diverges from the well-worn path, and novels involving Jewish matchmakers—or any others, for that matter—are thin on the ground. But that is only a small part of this novel’s appeal. I love Sara and Abby; I almost feel they are my friends. I feel their sorrows and admire their courage and integrity. When either of them meets with unfair opposition, I want to smack their detractor with my cane.
But there’s something extra that’s infused into Loigman’s stories, an intangible but unmissable warmth. Nobody can teach anyone this. I can count on one hand the number of authors that can write heartwarming stories that don’t follow formulas or insult the reader’s intelligence. Loigman is one, and this makes her golden.
When I was halfway finished reading this glorious novel, I saw that an audio galley was available. I was a bit cautious, because I had already developed a firm sense of how these women sounded in my head, and I was afraid I might not like the narrators’ interpretations, but my concern was unfounded. I had a road trip ahead of me, and I listened to the next forty percent as I drove, and there wasn’t a single moment that I didn’t love. Narrators Eva Kaminsky and Gabra Zackman do a lovely job, and I have never had such a seamless transition from the digital galley, to the audio, and back again.
Highly recommended, and bound to be one of the year’s best loved books.
July 24, 2022
Lynda Cohen Loigman's The Matchmaker's Gift is a sensational book that will grab your heart. The story is refreshing and without violence. The Matchmaker's Gift is a delightful uplifting read that you should not miss.
Synopsis:
Abby is a successful divorce lawyer. Sadly, her grandmother Sara passed away. Sara left Abby her private journals, which surprised her. Sara was a matchmaker who was forced to keep secrets. What will the journals reveal about the truth?
The Matchmaker's Gift is a beautifully written novel told in alternating timelines. Loveable characters, Sara and Abby share a deep bond that is inspiring to read about. A joy to be swept up in, this book lifted my spirits.
The Matchmaker's Gift is available on September 20th. (5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for sharing this heartwarming book with me. Your kindness is appreciated. I love every page of it!
Synopsis:
Abby is a successful divorce lawyer. Sadly, her grandmother Sara passed away. Sara left Abby her private journals, which surprised her. Sara was a matchmaker who was forced to keep secrets. What will the journals reveal about the truth?
The Matchmaker's Gift is a beautifully written novel told in alternating timelines. Loveable characters, Sara and Abby share a deep bond that is inspiring to read about. A joy to be swept up in, this book lifted my spirits.
The Matchmaker's Gift is available on September 20th. (5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for sharing this heartwarming book with me. Your kindness is appreciated. I love every page of it!
August 21, 2025
Really sweet story! Enjoyed the alternating POV chapters and both past and present stories.
December 16, 2024
This story is filled with historical fiction, some magical realism, and two alternating narrators – one in more contemporary time.
With…Two narrators who are Sara, a young immigrant woman who serves as a matchmaker on the Lower East Side around WWI; and her granddaughter, Abby who works for a 1990s corporate law firm specializing in divorce.
Together…Their opposing professions and worldviews weave a fascinating narrative about the “gift” of marital matchmaking.
The author’s research is meticulous and paints a realistic picture of the Jewish immigrant experience. The historical chapters are compelling; the more contemporary ones are equally so.
However…Readers who like their novels dark and complicated might find this one too breezy and uplifting.
Still…Anyone who has been touched by grandparents sharing of their past may be drawn to this story…
And… The vision of how one generation can affect another through those shared stories and connections.
Be sure to read the Author's Note.
With…Two narrators who are Sara, a young immigrant woman who serves as a matchmaker on the Lower East Side around WWI; and her granddaughter, Abby who works for a 1990s corporate law firm specializing in divorce.
Together…Their opposing professions and worldviews weave a fascinating narrative about the “gift” of marital matchmaking.
The author’s research is meticulous and paints a realistic picture of the Jewish immigrant experience. The historical chapters are compelling; the more contemporary ones are equally so.
However…Readers who like their novels dark and complicated might find this one too breezy and uplifting.
Still…Anyone who has been touched by grandparents sharing of their past may be drawn to this story…
And… The vision of how one generation can affect another through those shared stories and connections.
Be sure to read the Author's Note.
February 20, 2022
Written in luminous and lyrical prose, The Matchmaker's Gift is a powerful and profoundly emotional novel that charts two generations of women seeking to find their place and forge their independence in an ever-changing world. Exquisitely rendered and masterfully plotted, Loigman delves into the mysteries of what makes the heart soar and the soul find its perfect match. As magical and timeless as love itself, this is a book to be shared between generations. I loved it!
March 6, 2022
Loved the story of two related matchmakers, with scads of Yiddish woven into the text and a wonderfully written narrative. A fine tale I thoroughly enjoyed! Out September 20.
Thanks to the author, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#thematchmakersgift #stmartinspress #netgalley
Thanks to the author, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#thematchmakersgift #stmartinspress #netgalley
October 14, 2022
Cute story. Entertaining back and forth between Abby in 1994 and her grandmother Sarah in early 20th century.
Was enjoying it as a nice beach read until the forced-in diversity at 87%. Time to bail. Seriously, not every book needs a gay male character.
Was enjoying it as a nice beach read until the forced-in diversity at 87%. Time to bail. Seriously, not every book needs a gay male character.
September 6, 2022
What a sweet story! I loved all the characters in this book and enjoyed the dual timelines. Felt a little slow at times, but overall, I really liked it.
Read
September 27, 2023Charming. Completely charming. The kind of book you don't want to put down, but when you must you are delighted to return to again.
September 22, 2022
TITLE: The Matchmaker’s Gift
AUTHOR: Lynda Cohen Loigman
PUB DATE: 09.20.2022 Now Available
Feel Good
Magical
Heartwarming
The Matchmaker’s Gift is such a joy to read, and the way the stories weaves through the historical perspective of matchmaker ‘shadchanit’ Sara Glikman from the early 1900’s in NYC, to her granddaughter Abby as a successful Manhattan divorce attorney who inherits grandmas journals.
I loved the two timelines and learning about Jewish traditions. The writing was lighthearted, charming, funny, and just a delight of a read. Fantastic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
AUTHOR: Lynda Cohen Loigman
PUB DATE: 09.20.2022 Now Available
Feel Good
Magical
Heartwarming
The Matchmaker’s Gift is such a joy to read, and the way the stories weaves through the historical perspective of matchmaker ‘shadchanit’ Sara Glikman from the early 1900’s in NYC, to her granddaughter Abby as a successful Manhattan divorce attorney who inherits grandmas journals.
I loved the two timelines and learning about Jewish traditions. The writing was lighthearted, charming, funny, and just a delight of a read. Fantastic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 20, 2022
Have you ever heard of a matchmaker?
Sara Glickman had a gift of matchmaking that she had to keep secret so the elders wouldn't complain she was stealing their business of matching up couples.
Sara would see a beam of light travel from a man to a woman or vice versa, and she knew they were made for each other.
Her first matchmaking was on the boat from Europe to New York for her sister.
She made many matches, and unfortunately the one she made for herself was heartbreaking because she found out the man she loved had sparks leading to another woman.
We follow Sara and her granddaughter, Abby, throughout the book.
Abby is a divorce attorney in present day, and we meet Sara in 1918 as she does her magic.
Sara was an endearing character.
Abby was just as endearing and had reservations about being an attorney. Should she become a matchmaker like her grandmother?
Loved this book from the first page to the last with its marvelous research, lovable characters, and gorgeous cover.
If you need a sweet read with sweet characters, don't miss THE MATCHMAKER'S GIFT. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Sara Glickman had a gift of matchmaking that she had to keep secret so the elders wouldn't complain she was stealing their business of matching up couples.
Sara would see a beam of light travel from a man to a woman or vice versa, and she knew they were made for each other.
Her first matchmaking was on the boat from Europe to New York for her sister.
She made many matches, and unfortunately the one she made for herself was heartbreaking because she found out the man she loved had sparks leading to another woman.
We follow Sara and her granddaughter, Abby, throughout the book.
Abby is a divorce attorney in present day, and we meet Sara in 1918 as she does her magic.
Sara was an endearing character.
Abby was just as endearing and had reservations about being an attorney. Should she become a matchmaker like her grandmother?
Loved this book from the first page to the last with its marvelous research, lovable characters, and gorgeous cover.
If you need a sweet read with sweet characters, don't miss THE MATCHMAKER'S GIFT. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
July 24, 2023
Sara has a gift: she can see when two people are soul mates. Given the time period (early 1900's) and her gender, Sara must not make matches as the male matchmakers in her community find it inappropriate and suspicious.
Fast forward to the nineties, Abby, Sara's granddaughter, deals with Sara's death. In cleaning out Sara's apartment, Abby is given boxes of notebooks to look through. What she discovers gives her a whole new way of connecting to her grandmother.
The story has dual narratives (Abby's story and Sara's history) and it works well. I found the history of matchmaking intriguing and I loved that it didn't fall into typical tropes.
Fast forward to the nineties, Abby, Sara's granddaughter, deals with Sara's death. In cleaning out Sara's apartment, Abby is given boxes of notebooks to look through. What she discovers gives her a whole new way of connecting to her grandmother.
The story has dual narratives (Abby's story and Sara's history) and it works well. I found the history of matchmaking intriguing and I loved that it didn't fall into typical tropes.
October 14, 2022
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the eARC.
This was a well-done dual timeline story about a matchmaker, Sara, in the early 1900s and her granddaughter, Abby, a divorce attorney and budding matchmaker, in the late 1900s. It was a heartwarming story that was also such an easy read. I finished the book in about a day because I couldn't put it down.
I LOVED the grandmother's storyline. We got to follow her from the age of ten through to her twenties as a matchmaker with a true gift while fighting off the traditions and cultural norms that held her back from her beloved profession. I lived for the chapters about Sara. As an MC, she was phenomenal, and the events surrounding her career were entertaining.
So, why the four stars, you ask? Well, I didn't love the granddaughter's storyline. As a young girl, she seemed to have this presence, but later...she fell flat for me. But I think I would have liked to read about the woman she became by the end of the book.
Regardless, it was a lovely novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This was a well-done dual timeline story about a matchmaker, Sara, in the early 1900s and her granddaughter, Abby, a divorce attorney and budding matchmaker, in the late 1900s. It was a heartwarming story that was also such an easy read. I finished the book in about a day because I couldn't put it down.
I LOVED the grandmother's storyline. We got to follow her from the age of ten through to her twenties as a matchmaker with a true gift while fighting off the traditions and cultural norms that held her back from her beloved profession. I lived for the chapters about Sara. As an MC, she was phenomenal, and the events surrounding her career were entertaining.
So, why the four stars, you ask? Well, I didn't love the granddaughter's storyline. As a young girl, she seemed to have this presence, but later...she fell flat for me. But I think I would have liked to read about the woman she became by the end of the book.
Regardless, it was a lovely novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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