- Title: Calling on the Matchmaker
- Series: A Shanahan Match (Book 1)
- Author: Jody Hedlund
- Genre: Historical Romance, American Historical Romance, Inspirational Fiction
- Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (December 12, 2023)
- Length: (304) pages
- Format: Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook
- ISBN: 978-0764241963
- Tour Dates: December 11 – 20, 2023
BOOK DESCRIPTION
Haunted by the death of her sister, Finola Shanahan has resolved that she's not worthy of a family of her own and commits to spending her days caring for immigrants in the slums. When Finola sabotages yet another unwanted relationship her parents arranged for her, her father calls upon the local Irish matchmaker, who pairs her with successful wagonmaker Riley Rafferty. Finola quickly realizes her usual tricks won't work on him, however, as she cannot outsmart or outwit the dashing, determined, and daring man.
A candidate in the St. Louis mayoral election, Riley is confident a union with the wealthy Shanahan family will help solidify his chances of winning--and even more assured he and Finola can make a difference together. When a cholera outbreak begins to take St. Louis by storm, they must navigate a burgeoning attraction and growing danger testing all they know about love and sacrifice.
PRAISE FOR CALLING ON THE MATCHMAKER
“Hedlund’s textured historical backdrop brings the city’s Irish tenements to life, and the romance between Finola and Riley, full of longing and barely contained passion (“She was like a fire burning down a building. And he was walking straight into the flames”), is a treat. Readers will revel in this charming romp.”— Publisher’s Weekly
“SOOO CRAZY GOOD!!! Absolutely loved this book - one of my new favorites from this author!”— Marilee, Marilee Loves to Read
“Sizzling chemistry, rich detail, and compelling action.”— Misty M. Beller, USA Today bestselling author
MY THOUGHTS
I’ve read most of Jody Hedlund’s historical romances, and Calling on the Matchmaker takes the cake for wily characters and humorous dialogue. Neither Finola Shanahan nor Riley Rafferty are eager for marriage, but their betrothal sets in motion Finola’s plan to sabotage the match and become a Nun. Her antics are met by Riley’s uncanny insight and steadfast determination to pursue her. Humor, romance, and hidden hurts swirl between the two as they face an uncertain future.
Calling on the Matchmaker sizzles with romantic
tension and physical desire between Finola and Riley from start to finish. At
some points, I wished the relationship depth matched the level of steam, but it
caught up eventually, which satisfied me. Jody Hedlund certainly knows how to
write a kissing scene. The “awakened manly desires” rhetoric felt unoriginal, but
it didn’t make me put the book down. Calling on the Matchmaker is edgy
for a Christian Fiction romance, but stays in the “clean steam” romance category.
I’m not quite sure how to rate Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund. While reading the book, I had some challenging personal circumstances that affected my experience with the story. However, when I sat down to finish the novel more recently, I found myself truly enjoying Finola and Riley’s love story. I do intend to continue reading this series, especially since Matchmaker Bellamy McKenna will reappear!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of
this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
PURCHASE LINKS
AUTHOR BIO
Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over fifty novels and is the winner of numerous awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle.
Pretty cover
ReplyDelete