I absolutely LOVED Patrick and Marnie's story in Matchmaking for Beginners, so I was thrilled to see that their story was being continued. I didn't enjoy this quite as much - it was much more somber, and who likes to see turbulence in a beloved love story? But I also think it was a great look at the realistic long-term mental health effects after trauma, and how that impacts relationships. I love Marnie's perseverance, and I thought everything wrapped up so nicely! Maddie Dawson will be an auto-read for me from now on.

Maddie Dawson's latest book, A Happy Catastrophe, is a continuation of the love story between Marnie and Patrick, two of the real, relatable characters that we meet in Matchmaking for Beginners. Like any happy couple seriously dating, they find themselves trying to figure out what the next step is for them when, true to M4B, the universe steps in and throws a kink in the works. Or maybe it was Blix, and maybe it was meant as the push the pair needs for a lasting love. Whatever the case, Dawson introduces us to delightful new characters of all ages who will live on past the pages, from squealing babies to precocious children with an answer for everything, to wise-beyond-their-years teens who seem to have it all figured out. We are also given a peek behind the lives of characters we met in M4B, as Dawson develops existing characters in Marnie and Patrick's lives and gives them dimensions I couldn't have predicted.

With such well developed characters, it is so easy for me to get caught up in the plot, allowing it to take me through all sorts of twists and turns, while a voice is calmly reassuring--maybe Blix again?--that love is still all that matters.

If you enjoy a book that will make you think, sigh, ugly cry, and laugh out loud, then this is definitely one to consider.

I LOVED "Matchmaking for Beginners" and was so excited to read this. I couldn't wait to get back to Patrick and Marnie and all the magic. I really wanted to love this book, but I found it hard to enjoy the story and I blame everything on PATRICK!!! But also Marnie because she put up with Patrick. Patrick is so hard to like in this book. Why does Marnie want to have a baby with him?? Throughout the majority of the book Patrick doesn't want to be a father to the child he already has, complains about having Fritzie, has a countdown to when Fritzie will be leaving and has nonstop negative views about children. I really felt bad for Fritzie. Yes, she was a bit annoying and definitely acted out. But what do you expect from an eight year old whose mom pretty much abandons her with a complete stranger who happens to be her father who also doesn't want anything to do with her. Marnie did everything for Fritzie and Patrick still complained. Would Patrick be able to simply snap out of it and change everything overnight???? It didn't seem realistic.

I did enjoy the rest of the characters in the book (not Patrick). It was nice to see some of the people from the previous book, especially the magical toaster. Marnie's mom was an added bonus. So was Ariana and all her unicorn sparkle. It wasn't hard to guess what was going to happen with Janelle. There were some humorous spots. I just wish the book was as magical as the first.

I say give the book a try, especially if you loved the first book. I didn't hate the book, just didn't love it. Definitely looking forward to reading more books by the author. I wouldn't mind reading more about Marnie and Patrick and there adventures in parenthood.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was such a delight. I absolutely adored Matchmaking for Beginners and this next book did not disappoint. It managed to tackle some heavier issues while still maintaining the upbeat and humorous tone I’ve enjoyed in both of these novels. If you’re looking for a (fairly) light and charming read, I can’t recommend this one enough!

I was immediately swept into Marnie and Patrick’s magical world. I felt the sparkles and the love. While the ending was predictable; I thought it was perfect and well written. However, the middle lost me for a bit. It was a lot of repeating and I was not sure I would continue. I’m glad I stuck it out. I really wanted to love this book but the middle of the book made that hard.

Lukewarm follow-up to Matchmaking for Beginners. The protagonists of the original novel return - including the haunted toaster - but the plot seems forced. She wants a baby; he doesn't; chaos ensues; suddenly, he does. Three stars for the spot-on descriptions of caring for a child.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. This is book two about Marnie Macgraw. She is living in a brownstone given to her by Blix. One of her tenants is her boyfriend who she wants to have a baby with. In the mix of this, a one night stand of Patrick’s show up with an 8 year old that is his. Patrick enters in a deep depression regarding a fire he was involved in that killed his then current girlfriend and pulls away from both girls in his life. I thought this book was ok. The humor all comes from the 8 year old.

absolutely enjoyed this book. Not at all what I had expected however it was a wonderful read and I suggest this to all!!!