Sophie Go's Lonely Hearts Club

By: Roselle Lim

Narrated by: Annie Q

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.

Critic reviews

"With a vivid setting, a lovable heroine, and a supporting cast of unforgettable characters, Roselle Lim’s new novel about magical matchmaking sparkles. I was enchanted by this delightful tale about family, friendship, and the redemptive power of love." —Emily Giffin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Meant to Be

"Lim’s third novel is a heartfelt exploration of the facets of love and found families. You’ll fall in love with the charming Old Ducks."—Helen Hoang, New York Times bestselling author of The Heart Principle

"This heartfelt and touching read tackles the loneliness we face when we’re dedicated to helping others feel less lonely."—Women.com

"A delightfully sweet treat made of love, family, and second chances!"—Sara Wolf, New York Times bestselling author of the Bring Me Their Hearts series

“This engaging book takes a close look at love, friendship, sorrow, loss, and responsibilities to family—both the family members you are born with and the family members that you find. Personality quirks are embraced in this delightful story about seeking—and finding—love even if you need help along the way.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Tinted with magical realism in the style of Mary Simses, Andrea De Carlo, and Samantha Verant, Sophie's story is a funny, frank, and heartfelt journey of inner strength and new connections. Lim (Vanessa Yu's Magical Paris Tea Shop, 2020) portrays Sophie and her parents with layers and nuance, setting cultural expectations against Sophie's modern sensibilities. Filled with luscious food, a catchy Beatles soundtrack, and the sight and sounds of Toronto, Lim's latest is a treat.”—Booklist

Perfectly Lovely

Since first discovering RM's work, I happily look forward to a new release each year. I generally purchase the book + Audible. She doesn't disappoint, and the listens are almost as delightful as the reading! I look forward to what story next year brings.
I feel that RM doesn't always get the honorable mention that she deserves in the Romance + Upmarket Fiction realm, but she writes on, and I am delighted that she does!!

A miss for me…

*Potential spoilers* I wanted to like this story. It was recommended in an article “books to read before they hit the screen.” I always enjoy books with topics about matchmaking and Chinese culture. But this was a tough one to get through. Toxic parenting at it’s worst. I hated the protagonists parents they were very cruel and selfish and it was hard to listen to. The protagonist spent most of the story submissive and was very self deprecating and even when she stood up for herself it was weak. The love story was minimal and felt like an afterthought. I enjoyed the Old Ducks Club they were entertaining and the narrator did a good job distinguishing the voices. I missed all of them getting their happy ending it felt like the author was tired of writing this story halfway through and just whipped out an ending and didn’t resolve everything. And the tragedy at the end was unnecessary I don’t feel like it helped the story or strengthened anything and I wish it didn’t happen. I won’t listen to this one again and if it does come to screen in some form I don’t think I would even want to watch it.

The Parents are the Worst

The main characters parents are so bad...They are evil. Like the mom is Disney villain bad. I cannot imagine living with parents those toxic. They are beyond emotionally abusive.
I love the Old Ducks. that is why I continued to slug through the novel.
I cannot imagine that anyone would consider this a dutiful daughter.

Roselle Lim is just brilliant!

Food, humor, family dynamics , unexpected treasured friendships, more food and love. this book us a treasure.

I love it all

This is the second book I've read by Roselle Lim. I highly enjoyed the first book I read by her, but I absolutely love this one. I couldn't put the book down. Best book I've read this year. Please write more!

Sophie Go is a matchmaker in Toronto. Even with her parents weighting her down, she is determined to be successful. I love her passion. I adore the Old Ducks that turn into her uncles. They are her first clients. The relationship she develops with each of them is beautiful. Sophie parents made me angry. Her dad made me more mad than the mother, but I'm not surprised by the ending. I only wish Sophie ripped them apart, but she has a kind soul. She recognizes that they are her parents. She is a good daughter despite what her mother thinks.