***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
A new heartfelt novel about the power of loneliness and the strength of love that overcomes it by critically acclaimed author Roselle Lim.
Newly minted professional matchmaker Sophie Go has returned to Toronto, her hometown, after spending three years in Shanghai. Her job is made quite difficult, however, when she is revealed as a fraud—she never actually graduated from matchmaking school. In a competitive market like Toronto, no one wants to take a chance on an inexperienced and unaccredited matchmaker, and soon Sophie becomes an outcast.
In dire search of clients, Sophie stumbles upon a secret club within her condo complex: the Old Ducks, seven septuagenarian Chinese bachelors who never found love. Somehow, she convinces them to hire her, but her matchmaking skills are put to the test as she learns the depths of loneliness, heartbreak, and love by attempting to make the hardest matches of her life.
Sophie Go’s Lonely Hearts Club by Roselle Lim is a heartwarming story of love, loneliness, and the power of love to heal.
Sophie Go is back in Toronto after attending a matchmaking school in Shanghai. She’s ready to take on the Toronto matchmaking scene with her new skills. However, her own mother outs her at a large party as a fraud. Her mother is partially right, she did fail to graduate from the matchmaking school, but all she needs are a few clients to prove herself and she’ll be able to petition the school to get her qualifications.
Sophie, now unable to find any clients due to her mother’s interference, is determined to prove herself as a matchmaker. She stumbles upon a group of older Chinese men who meet regularly in her apartment building and they call themselves the Old Ducks. She overhears them discussing their loneliness, and decides to make a deal with them to find matches for them.
Sophie Go’s Lonely Hearts Club is a very heartwarming story. Sophie has a terrible relationship with her family, especially her mother, and only has her best friend, who still lives in Shanghai. Her mother is horrible, and a bit over the top terrible, and I never did understand her relationship with her parents.
The romance was pleasant and I was rooting for both of them to figure it out. Sophie doesn’t believe that as a matchmaker, she can be matched to anyone. But, the romance was definitely the second place to Sophie’s own growth and realization of her own worth. Working with the Old Ducks and finding clients, and making impossible matches does more for her self-esteem than anything else.
There is a bit of magical realism which just added to the beautiful story. I loved how Sophie could see the red threads and know who was destined to be matched and to whom. For me, it added a bit of whimsy to the story that I just loved.
I highly recommend Sophie Go’s Lonely Hearts Club to anyone who enjoys Women’s Fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Roselle Lim
Roselle Lim is the critically acclaimed author of Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and Fortune, Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop and the upcoming Sophie Go’s Lonely Hearts Club. She lives on the north shore of Lake Erie and always has an artistic project on the go.
I have not yet read a Roselle Lim book, but this sounds like a good one to start with. I love multi-generational stories and stories with family issues and reconciliation. Wonderful review, Wendy! 📚❤
I love a little supernatural whimsy in these type of stories and the fact that the main character failed matchmaking school cracks me up. Excellent review!
I have not yet read a Roselle Lim book, but this sounds like a good one to start with. I love multi-generational stories and stories with family issues and reconciliation. Wonderful review, Wendy! 📚❤
I enjoy touch of magical realism these days. I already like the concept of the book. Excellent review!
This one sounds fun too. I’m glad you enjoyed it as mu h as you! 😀
Thank you, Jenni! I really did enjoy it.
I like the sound of this one and that the focus is more on her growth. The mom sure sounds awful. Great review, Wendy🙂🙂
Thank you, Mallika!
I think I’d appreciate the touch of magical realism to this. Thanks for the review!
Thank you, Nicole
This sounds like a good one and I like that there’s a touch of magical realism to the story. Nice review!
Thank you!
This does sound lovely, but also that it may be a bit emotional with what she goes through, great review 💕
It is a bit emotional for sure.
This sounds like a good book. I like the addition of magical realism! Your review has made it sound even more interesting 🙂
Have a great week!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
Thank you, Emily
Sophie’s mom does sound horrible! The Old Ducks sound like a hoot. Glad this was a win, Wendy!
Thank you, Rachel. That mom was one of the worst!
I am intrigued by the Old Ducks. This sounds like a good book.
The Old Ducks were so much fun! Thank you, Linda
Awesome review Wendy. This sounds so good 🤗📚💜
Thank you, Susan.
I’ve got this one on the reading stack so I skimmed to see your overall thought. So glad you enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed a previous book of hers.
Thank you, Sophia, I hope you’re able to get to this one soon.
Sounds like a sweet story!
Thank you, Dedra!
I’m glad you liked this one. Great review!
Thank you, Kristi!
I love a little supernatural whimsy in these type of stories and the fact that the main character failed matchmaking school cracks me up. Excellent review!
Thank you, Tessa! It was a fun one!
This cover is so eye catching! I am definitely interested in reading ths one. Great review!
Thank you, Amanda