OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "It's a Match! The Guide to Finding Lasting Love" by Natalie Moore.]

It’s A Match! The Guide to Finding Lasting Love is an advice book by Natalie Moore. The author is a professional relationship coach with a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.

The overall mission of the book is for readers to better themselves so that they can attract better people into their lives. This greatly involves honest self-assessment, so that readers can determine their best qualities, what needs improvement, and what they want in a potential mate. The author expertly guides the reader to reflect on failed relationships and to discover what needs to change in order to have a successful love life. She describes a system called "The 4 Levels of Love" that categorizes relationships based on how many intimacies and core values two people have in common. She gives her take on online dating, including how to choose the proper screen name, fill out the “about me” section, and identify the profile of a potential mate instead of just another date.

The author has a very likable writer’s voice and makes great use of analogies. The book is well organized with lots of useful tips and exercises at the end of the chapters. There are hypothetical scenarios and short anecdotes from clients or other people she knows. I can’t imagine anything that she doesn’t cover. The book is very thorough, specific, and detailed. She begins with steps that one should take within themselves before making a profile, how to go about the dating process, and advice on how to maintain a relationship once you’ve found the right person for you.

A major selling point of the book is how much personal experience and research-based knowledge the author has on the subject. The psychoanalytical nature of the book was quite enjoyable, like the idea that the person you date is a reflection of yourself. I especially liked when what she was saying could be applied to life in general. One such line is: “I had to learn how to make choices from an inspired and empowered place inside myself, instead of reacting from a place filled with fear.” While the aim of the book is about finding love, she also stresses the importance of loving oneself and not seeking validation.

I happened to notice a few minor errors throughout the book, like the use of a comma instead of a period or stating “have go” instead of “have to go.” A potential annoyance occurred when the author would state that she would elaborate on a particular matter later instead of stating it then and there. Surprisingly, it didn’t bother me too much because the structure of the book made perfect sense and everything effectively came together. I was bothered by some of her suggestions, like taking classes to attract a more educated man or hiring a professional photographer for an online dating profile. However, it’s all about how much you’re willing to invest in yourself, as she points out. Opinions will differ.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. There were plenty of times when I thought: “Geez, this is a lot of work. It’s not worth all of this…” But then again, I’m not the target audience. I read this book out of pure intrigue and enjoyed what I read. The author comes across as a true expert on matters of love. It was fun and enlightening to read her insights. This book is geared toward those looking to find their perfect match, settle down, and share a life filled with long lasting love.

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It's a Match! The Guide to Finding Lasting Love
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Like Tanaya's review? Post a comment saying so!

Great review! It sounds like the author did a lot of research and genuinely wants to help people. I like that she stresses the importance of self-love and not using relationships for validation. Too many people today expect their significant other to fill an emotional void or raise their self-esteem, and that's not what a relationship should be about. While I am also not a part of the target audience, I do have a psychology degree, and I find the subject matter very interesting. I would read it just for knowledge's sake.

Thanks! Yes, that was definitely one of the best parts of the book. She talks extensively about becoming the best you that you can be so that you can complement another person well. She does a great job in portraying what a healthy, functional relationship looks like. I was left with a lot to think about.

Gosh! I didn`t know that "a professional relationship coach" exist as a profession. Neither did I know that it might need "a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy". I got married very long time ago. Your review is excellent, Tanaya. I`m note sure if I will read the book. Like yourself, I`m not the target audience. But who knows - curiosity might win over. At least I will know if my spouse is really a match!

I thought about picking this book to review! I'm glad you found it so likable. Great review!

Yay, I toyed with the idea too and finally just went ahead and read it. I'm glad I did!

Wow, there's a lot of points here I wouldn't have considered for this aspect of life, such as the professional photographer and properly filling out the about me section. Thanks for the review!

Yeah, the author really covers everything, especially the little things that one wouldn't ordinarily consider or might simply overlook.

Great review! I was intrigued when I read the title and after reading your review, it got me interested. Though I'm also not the 'target audience' I believe I will like this book for the way it was written. I also like the part about stressing 'self-love'. Some people expect so much out of romantic relationships that they tend to forget they can still be happy even without one.

Thanks!