The Matchmaker's Gift: A Novel

Written by Lynda Cohen Loigman

Narrated by Eva Kaminsky and Gabra Zackman

"Eva Kaminsky and Gabra Zackman gloriously perform this charming dual-timeline audiobook." - AudioFile Magazine

Lynda Cohen Loigman's The Matchmaker's Gift is a heartwarming story of two extraordinary women from two different eras who defy expectations to realize their unique talent of seeing soulmates in the most unexpected places.

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?

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Sep 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781250870698

Lynda Cohen Loigman

Lynda Cohen Loigman is the author of The Matchmaker’s Gift, The Wartime Sisters, and The Two-Family House. She received a B.A. in English and American Literature from Harvard College and a J.D. from Columbia Law School. She grew up in Longmeadow, MA, and now lives in New York.

Reviews for The Matchmaker's Gift

[aja yunus · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a wonderfully entertaining story! Been listening to it for sleeping.

[Sharon Hall · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is a delight. Wonderful characters. Well read by the narrators. Wholeheartedly recommend it!

[Star Gater · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for accepting my request to audibly read and review The Matchmaker's Gift.

Author: Lynda Cohen Loigman
Published: 09/20/22
Narrators: Eva Kaminsky; Gabra Zackman
Genre: Historical Fiction

Don't judge me. I cannot tell you if "The End" was said or "We hope you enjoyed this .... " I was crying. In an instant, I was chuckling and doing a little -- really, you didn't have to write that, to -- oh yes, crying. I didn't know my body could make tears that fast.

I enjoyed the entire book. There are dual timelines, which are not my favorite. The thought made it difficult for me to pick up the book. (A NetGalley commitment is why it couldn't sit.) At no point was I confused or annoyed with the pace. The breaks were on point. I believe I was 50% into the story when it occurred to me I was audibly reading well-written dual timelines and loving the story.

The title holds the clue and/or key to the book. I'm not spoiling. I want to commend the author and yell from the rooftops, there is no profanity.

There are sad moments, I had empathy for two kids being told over ice cream in public, their family dynamic was changing. (Not all males stand in restrooms.) They both handled this pivotal moment in their lives differently. As a reference, I am a Sara. There are touching moments between a grandmother and granddaughter.

I find this to be a smart fiction book. Maybe I loved it because I agreed with the dialogue and situation handlings. I will never look at salt the same. And, this was a highlighted moment: "Never underestimate the power of a quality undergarment, a well-fitted brassiere is a wise woman's armor. ". I will never be the same --- weeeee.

The narration was done so well, I didn't realize there were two narrators until I sat down to write this. They worked well for me.

I absolutely would gift this. I'm reminded being in a nursing home, this book could be a refreshing way to spend time. A gift to a young reader moving to clean adult books.

[Mara Hamann · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The audiobook skipped around in several spots but the story was great!

[suzywells · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fabulous book! Great story! I do didn’t want it to end!!!

[Laurence Barasch · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The audio for this book drew me in right from page one! This was such a delightful and entertaining read. The narrator portrays the characters in such a way that their individual personalities come alive. I highly recommend this audio book!!