About the Book:
After her annulment is finalized, Enya Shanahan finds herself caught in a web of scandal and obligation while carrying a secret that threatens to shatter her family's reputation. Determined to find a suitable marriage for Enya, her father turns to a wily matchmaker to save them from their circumstances.
Sullivan O'Brien, a steamboat captain committed to aiding enslaved people on their path to freedom, is faced with an ultimatum from his father. Forced to marry or lose his livelihood, a marriage of convenience seems to be the only solution. As he and Enya face the trials of their pasts and a city consumed by fire, they must confront their deepest fears and learn to trust in love, even when darkness threatens to engulf them.
My Thoughts:Saved by the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund is primarily a
romance, and an edgy one at that. The historical events, the characters’
spiritual growth, and Sullivan’s abolition efforts were present and enjoyable,
but they played second fiddle to the physical attraction, romantic tension, and
relational development between Enya and Sullivan. Some readers may be put off by
the strong romance while others may embrace it. Personally, I gobbled up the
story with delight.
Saved by the Matchmaker took the familiar
marriage-of-convenience trope and applied it to Sullivan, a man of strong
morals, and Enya, a woman broken by a man of poor morals and her own past decisions.
The beautiful way that Sullivan loved Enya allowed their physical attraction to
be on display without feeling lusty and overbearing. In the formation of their
relationship, the story cast out the idea that “obligation sex”– a practice that
the church has perpetuated and caused much harm with – is appropriate. Rather,
Hedlund chose to have Sullivan love and support his wife until she was ready
for the physical expression of their love for each other. This healthy view of
marriage and sex is the opposite of what the church taught me as a young wife,
and I applaud Hedlund for her courage in addressing the topic.
Saved by the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund lands as the
second book in the Shanahan Match series but read well as a standalone. Four
stars for this edgy romance with a wily Irish matchmaker, sizzling romantic
chemistry, and an enjoyable story.
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.
About the Author:
Jody Hedlund (JodyHedlund.com) is the bestselling author of more than 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.
