Shannon's Library

LET’S GET EXCITED ABOUT THIS BOOK!

Olivia Huang Christenson is excited, and a little bit terrified, to be taking over her grandmother’s matchmaking business. When Liv learns about a new dating app, which also uses the Chinese zodiac approach in their matchmaking, she is furious! Bennett O’Brian, LA’s most eligible bachelor, is the man behind the app that could destroy Liv’s family legacy. But Liv won’t go down without a fight. As the two businesses go head-to-head, Liv and Bennett make a deal; they’ll find a match for each other – and whoever falls in love loses. Liv knows she is dealing with someone who’s already adept at stealing business ideas…so what’s stopping him from stealing her heart, too?

Shannon’s Rating — PG-13

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LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS BOOK!

What do you know about the Chinese zodiac? I have to admit, previous to reading “Lunar Love,” by Lauren Kung Jessen, I knew next to nothing about it. I DID know that 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit – thanks to social media! Reading this fun, romantic novel made me curious about all of the zodiac signs and I’ve had fun researching more about it during the last few days.

For more than 2,000 years, the Chinese zodiac has played an integral role in Chinese culture. This astrological system is extremely complex and detailed, but here are just a few of the basics that are good to know going into this novel…

The Chinese zodiac is a repeating cycle of 12 years, and each year is represented by a different animal. In order, the 12 animals are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Legend has it that long ago a Chinese emperor held a race to determine which lucky animals would have the honor of being added to the calendar. The rabbit came in first place and was therefore given the first year of the 12-year cycle. The rest of the cycle was determined by each animal’s place in the race.

There are a lot of superstitions surrounding the Chinese zodiac signs – much like the Western superstitions of astrological horoscopes. However, since Western astrology is governed by the constant planetary movements, your monthly horoscope changes. Chinese astrology with the zodiac signs is predetermined by your birth year. As such, it never changes. Certain personality traits are given to each zodiac sign. For example, I was born in 1973 so I am an Ox. According to the zodiac, an Ox is determined, generous and patient. Some of the weaker qualities of an Ox include stubbornness and tardiness. This is a surprisingly accurate assessment of my personality. (I’m sure different days bring out different traits in me – most likely depending on how hungry or tired I am at the moment!)

Because of these assigned personality traits, traditional Chinese matchmaking often used zodiac signs to determine compatible couples. For example, it’s said that snakes, rats and roosters make the best matches for an Ox. And an Ox should avoid matching with a tiger, dragon, horse or sheep. I married a fellow Ox. When I looked up whether an Ox should marry another Ox, apparently, it’s approved of! That’s good news! In fact, it says, “Any relationship formed between people born under the Chinese zodiac sign of the Ox has a good chance of succeeding. The Ox and another Ox will understand each other and will be loyal to one another.” Jeff and I have been married for almost 26 years – so it’s working out ok for us so far! Now that I know the characteristics of an Ox – I’m so glad for our dual traits of patience that (most of the time) counteract our stubborn traits!

All of this stuff with the Chinese zodiac sets up for a fun story in “Lunar Love!” I would describe this book as being similar to the Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan movie, “You’ve Got Mail.” But instead of competing bookstores, this story is about competing Chinese zodiac matchmaking services. It’s such a fun, unique premise for a love story and I LOVED it! Liv and Bennett were both well written and I was totally rooting for them the whole time. I might have even cried a little at the end. Although my tears didn’t really have to do with the love story of the book. I was just caught up in a sweet family moment. (The Chinese tradition of burning paper objects at funerals to send to loved ones who have passed on is such a lovely idea.) Learning a bit more about Chinese culture was part of the reason why I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted love story this month – I highly suggest “Lunar Love.” It’s different. It’s fun. It’s sweet. And it’ll totally get you fascinated with the Chinese zodiac, if you aren’t already!

So, tell me, what animal are you??