My favorite character was the definitely the quirky aunt Blix. Blix is actually her ex’s aunt, whom she met just once at their engagement party. Some of the chapters switch at that point to being narrated by Blix, who instantly sees something in Marnie that she has herself: an ability to matchmake. There’s a bit of a magical/mystical element to the story that begins with Blix and sort of permeates through Marnie.
The characters were all very well thought-out here, too, and although I had a feeling how the book would end—Blix kind of predicts it early on, actually—I still was curious to see how the author would get the characters to that point.
Ahh, I'm not even sure where to start with this review! I don't want to give anything away, but what I've always loved about Maddie Dawson's books are her truly memorable characters. I was blown away by even the most minor of characters in Matchmaking. And Blix!! From her first introduction, complaining about her boring family at a Christmas gathering she didn't want to be at, I knew I wanted to spend as much time with this character as I possibly could. And Marnie...even when she was making decisions I wouldn't have made...I could still see her in my life. These are authentic, flawed, sassy, smart, eccentric, and fabulously REAL characters.
This book is a delightful surprise full of depth, unique characters, and an inspiring message.
This book is an excellent mental palate cleanser- like a sorbet for the mind. That doesn’t mean it is forgettable or not worth it. I remember exactly what pineapple sorbet tastes like and I’ve always been grateful for it to cut grease in my mouth or clean out a strong taste to prepare for a next course.This is a pineapple sorbet of books- a very specific taste and welcomed when needed.
I loved Matchmaking for Beginners. It’s not my usual type of book but I was wowed, impressed and bowled over by how Ms. Dawson’s characters’ came to life before my very eyes.
This book was so sweet and full of hope – the same kind of hope that we had both sort of lost. Dating is hard these days. I can’t tell you how many lunches Sarah and I have spent pouring over “what went wrong.” That’s a lot of of time and not as dramatic as it sounds – I promise – but I can honestly say that this book put a little bit of magic back into my view of the world.
It actually ends up being one of the sweet and kooky things you end up loving about Blix. Sure her and Marnie both speak of sparkles they see and the light vibrations hovering around every person but it’s endearing.
The characters are kooky, but relatable, and you root for them right from the beginning. Most of all this book is about embracing the life we’re meant to have, embracing the crazy, accepting love, and finding fulfillment in the small stuff. I really enjoyed this book, and if you like chick-lit, I think you’ll really like it, too. It’s a perfect, easy, beach read!
