The Book:
You Have a Match by Emma Lord, 2021
The Characters:
Best friends Abby, Leo, and Connie
Savvy and her friend Mickey
Get it on Amazon.
The Plot (from Goodreads):
When Abby signs up for a DNA service, it’s mainly to give her friend and secret love interest, Leo, a nudge. After all, she knows who she is already: Avid photographer. Injury-prone tree climber. Best friend to Leo and Connie…although ever since the B.E.I. (Big Embarrassing Incident) with Leo, things have been awkward on that front.
But she didn’t know she’s a younger sister.
When the DNA service reveals Abby has a secret sister, shimmery-haired Instagram star Savannah Tully, it’s hard to believe they’re from the same planet, never mind the same parents — especially considering Savannah, queen of green smoothies, is only a year and a half older than Abby herself.
The logical course of action? Meet up at summer camp (obviously) and figure out why Abby’s parents gave Savvy up for adoption. But there are complications: Savvy is a rigid rule-follower and total narc. Leo is the camp’s co-chef, putting Abby’s growing feelings for him on blast. And her parents have a secret that threatens to unravel everything.
But part of life is showing up, leaning in, and learning to fit all your awkward pieces together. Because sometimes, the hardest things can also be the best ones.
The Twist:
Savvy and Abby are full sisters. When Abby’s parents got pregnant with Savvy, Abby’s dad was terminally ill. Abby’s mother wasn’t equipped to raise a child on her own after he died, and her best friend couldn’t have kids. They gave baby Savvy to Pietra and Dale. But then Abby’s dad got better, and her parents wanted the baby back. They stole her from Pietra and Dale, and that is what caused the end of their friendship.
The Ending:
Dale and Pietra buy Abby’s grandpa’s store. They change it into a cafe/art gallery and feature Abby’s pictures and Leo’s food. Abby and Leo end up together, as do Savvy and Mickey.
(I apologize for any name misspellings–I listened to this on audio!)
The Review:
This novel was the classic DNA-test-turns-up-missing-sister trope turned YA and rolled up with The Parent Trap. I loved it!
All of the characters were genuine and relatable. I loved seeing Abby grow into herself despite everything going on in her life. I was expecting more of a rom-com, but was pleasantly surprised that most of the story revolved around family dynamics. There was certainly romance as well, but it took a back seat to Abby’s character growth.
This was my first from Emma Lord, but I will certainly be looking into her other novels.
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