🏮💕🎀 “Perfectly Matched” (Hopeful Hearts #3) (2023) 💕🎀🏮 – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Publisher: Scrivenings Press (March 27, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN: 1649172826
ISBN-13: 978-1649172822
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Nicki Mayfield is getting married! Or is she?
Three days after deciding to marry so she can adopt the young Chinese girl who has captured her heart, Nicki Mayfield heads to Texas to become Mrs. Ben Carrington. However, as the unlikely pair prepares to say, “I do,” a shocking revelation threatens their plans to become a family.
While searching for the answers to the mystery holding her future hostage, Nicki must also keep Ms. O’Connor’s legacy alive at New Hope Orphanage – whose future is at serious risk.
As she and Ben work toward building their unconventional family, they discover that sacrificial parenting requires putting the child first in ways that bring indescribable joy and unexpected heartbreak to everyone involved.
In the end, will Nicki find her happily ever after, or will circumstances stop her from being perfectly matched in work, life, and love?”
Thank you in advance to the author, Liana George, for providing a complimentary review copy through Travelling Pages. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
While I have the authors first two books in the series – Perfectly Arranged and Perfectly Placed – ironically, this final book in the series is the first I’ve read by the author. Obviously, having those books, I definitely needed this one. And, the cover is SO adorable. I’m not one that really is into people on the cover much, especially kids – but this one? So adorable!!
I was able to read this as a standalone, but it would be SO much better to read them in order. Some events or references in this book were plots of the first two. Also, some of the character connections start with the first book and carry through this one.
👜 Nicki
⛪ Ben
✳️ Victoria (Wu’s daughter)
✳️ Julia (friend of Nicki’s)
✳️ Longchen (friend of Ben’s)
🩺 Dr. Wu (current Director of New Hope)
🏚️ Virginia (Ginny)
The author also introduces us to Ben’s parents – Hank and Darlene.
With this being the last book of the series, George neatly wraps up all the little plots throughout the series:
🎀 Lei Ming’s Story
⚖️ New Hope Orphanage’s Scandal
🏚️ Ginny’s Hoarding and Eviction Issue
💕 Nicki and Ben’s “romance”
Some triggering content will be centered on China’s reproductive policy as well as Ginny’s hoarding.
Like the other two books, this is told in first person by Nicki. Though, I think this book could’ve benefitted from Ben’s POV.
Nicki and Ben are in Texas to do a quick marriage (Las Vegas would’ve been better). Though, it seems from the time they land there is one problem after another. And, it is a recurring theme in the story – one problem after another.
Given the fact there is a waiting period, the two travel to Connecticut to see Nicki’s mom, and of course check in on the situation. While Ginny has made some progress, it isn’t enough for the county and city.
While picking out rings, Nicki gets some potentially devastating info – Lei Ming might be a “missing kid” – Nicki and Ben may lose her. That isn’t all, the O’Connor Foundation (Katherine O’Connor from Perfectly Arranged; died in Perfectly Placed) wants Doctor Wu to resign due to the scandal from the second book. [See why I say to read them before]?
Ben and Nicki’s focus shifts from the wedding to heading back to China.
Ginny faces a devastating calamity and the trio end up in Texas. Ginny and Darlene become friends right off and handle the wedding planning.
Ben then learns there was a miscommunication and he might not be able to accompany Nicki to China. Though they do get it sorted out on a technicality.
Nicki and Ben want to make sure they’re not taking away a kid who has a family that wants them. While Ben has had doubts, he’d rather focus on what they can do instead of fret.
Nicki and New Hope run into several roadblocks in trying to find out if Lei Ming is the missing child – officials, police, and even potential family members of the girl. Though, after running into a few dead ends, Nicki is tired of putting her life on hold and wants to move forward.
Just as she and Ben want to – something changes. Though, if they don’t get Lei Ming, they do wonder what happens to them. But, it is clear – whoever gets Lei Ming is going to have to be able to cover a lifetime of medical bills for the girl.
While trying to find the girl’s family – several people note that Nicki would be a good replacement for Dr. Wu as the director of New Hope.
It isn’t until the very end that everything comes together and a unique agreement is made. It is, at times, sweet and sad. The overall series is carefully concluded without leaving any open ends.
As I stated, this was the first book of the author’s I read – and I was surprised by how quickly I was drawn in. I read this inside of a 12-hour period. Then again, the story itself is only 232 pages. The short chapters and fast-pacing really helped me read this nearly straight through without stopping.
It was so heartwarming to see DFW mentioned. I’m from that area – Grand Prairie, so reading even tidbits about the area is like a homecoming of sorts.
This is one of those novels that doesn’t shy away from the realities of life in China for certain people. This is a sweet little read, but is tempered by the brutal heart-breaking reproductive policies of China and the punishment for those who go against it (either willingly or accidentally). It is alternately heartbreaking and inspiring. The reality is the best part and the worst part of it.
As far as Ginny’s hoarding – I can definitely relate. Currently my townhome has that “Hoarders” episode vibe. Mainly it isn’t the lack of motivation – it is money for a storage unit (along with time to get stuff done). When I was able to afford one, my residence looked better. But, with the cost of inflation for goods and services – it is difficult to even manage rent. No one wants to throw away a lifetime of treasures and memories.
In speaking of storage – Ben admits to having never entered The Container Store. I have to laugh as there is a funny story about that. I’ve never been in one either, though my mom went into one to use the bathroom. She did admit to wanting to go back in there if we ever hit the lottery or won a jackpot.
George also delves into (though more so in the second book) the “poverty mentality” of keeping anything seemingly useful. My mother is on that scale. Though, our place is about 95% liveable for the most part. And, yes, there is a shame in it. It isn’t about laziness – some people also have zero resources. I like that Ben was sympathetic to Nicki’s mother.
Those who’ve read the previous two books won’t want to miss this. And, I will definitely be putting those books on the priority list of my TBR.
Scrivenings Press is known for its Christian content, this book is NO different. It is a clean read with regards to language, and intimacy content. Also, it has strong messages of the Christian faith, more so when Ben takes a temporary job as a pastor.
I’m looking forward to see what the author plans to tackle next.
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html;update) https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
Previous Books in the
Series:
Series: Hopeful Hearts (Book #1)
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Scrivenings Press (October 21, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN: 1649171552
ISBN-13: 978-1649171559
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Short on clients and money, professional organizer Nicki Mayfield is hanging up her label maker. That is until the eccentric socialite Katherine O’Connor offers Nicki one last job.
Working together, the pair discovers an unusual business card among Ms. O’Connor’s family belongings that leads them on a journey to China. There the women embark on an adventure of faith and self-discovery as they uncover secrets, truths, and ultimately, God’s perfectly arranged plans.”
Publisher: Scrivenings Press (July 1, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN: 1649172184
ISBN-13: 978-1649171559
Click Photo for Purchase Information ➡️
“Nicki’s tasked with making New Hope the perfect place for orphaned children. So why has everything gone wrong?
Six weeks after leaving China, Nicki Mayfield returns to complete two critical tasks: restore order at New Hope Orphanage and re-connect with Lei Ming, the little girl who stole her heart. However, a stonewalling supervisor, missing documents, and personal tragedy ensure Nicki faces challenges at every turn. Is she the best person to bring order – and longevity – to the place these children call home?
Then, with the help of an unexpected ally, Nicki makes a life-altering decision. One that has the potential to upend her well-planned life and the lives of those around her. Will she lose it all, or has she found a way to save what matters most?”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Liana George is a sought-after speaker, blogger, and author. Before pursuing a career in writing, she was a professional organizer and is the former owner of By George Organizing Solutions in Houston. Her debut novel, Perfectly Arranged, book one in the Hopeful Hearts series, was released October 2021 from Scrivenings Press. When she’s not putting things in order or scribbling away, you can find her reading, traveling, or playing tennis.
You can find her on the following social media outlets:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LianaGWriter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lianaygeorge/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LianaGWriter
Website: https://www.lianageorge.com/
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