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Review: An Overdue Match - Checking Out Love #1

An Overdue Match book cover on blue background

What a treat to read about libraries as a former library worker! From the catchy title to a celebration of all things literary, An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon in her new Checking Out Love series is a gentle exploration into the topic of alopecia for women.

Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers and LibraryThing for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Thoughts content is also posted on LibraryThing.

Book Synopsis

Can a librarian's matchmaking mischief lead to a love that rewrites their stories?

If the covers of every romance book ever published didn't convince librarian Evangeline Kelly that she isn't heroine material, her fiancé calling off their wedding when she lost her hair to alopecia did. But what's a girl head over heels for love to do when her feelings are unrequited? Matchmake, that's what. Armed with library patrons' check-out histories, she's determined to make at least one love connection--even if it's not her own.

Tattoo artist Tai Davis is used to people judging him with a single glance, so it doesn't surprise him when the town's quirky new librarian believes his bad-boy reputation without giving him a chance. He can't help being intrigued by her, though, so when he discovers Evangeline's secret matchmaking scheme, he's not above striking a bargain with her. She just has to agree to one date with him for every time she uses his hometown knowledge to set up library patrons on a romantic rendezvous. The deal is made, but in the process, they both might learn you can't judge a book--or each other--by the cover.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

In terms of memorable characters, I'd say that Evangeline Kelly and Tai Davis rank fairly highly for me because of how well their characters are developed and how vital their voices are in a story about looking beyond appearances. The themes of God's unconditional love and His unending pursuit of us are certainly reflected in Tai's pursuit of Evangeline. Aspects of their relationship have a tinge of Redeeming Love to it, including her nickname, with much more of a modern-day twist. At the same time, this story is uniquely their own due to how sensitively the effects of alopecia are portrayed. I appreciate the author's call to show grace, along with her heart in enlightening readers about this condition in a poignant way. Getting to meet underrepresented characters by Sarah Monzon is both delightful and eye-opening when she opens people up and gifts us with the ability to peer inside their thoughts and emotions.

I love that Tai draws what he does back to what Christ has done for us, demonstrating God's persistent and fervent love for His people. This book does focus more on physical attraction between the main characters; however, it makes sense as it is in keeping with the messages about beauty and appearance and how people can struggle with what society has deemed to be beautiful. I also appreciate that the topic of consent is identified and discussed, for both romantic and arranged relationships. Privacy implications suspended and set aside (which you would have to as there are major transgressions with FOIP), An Overdue Match is a fun experiment picturing what matchmaking could look like based on readers’ tastes and book tropes, with expected results not always being what's expected. If you are looking for a literary escape that explores the qualities and conditions for falling in love, Tai and Evangeline are characters who easily jump off the page and leave an indelible impression on your heart.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍
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