Jody Hedlund is an author I’ve known for years, but I haven’t read as many or her books as I’d like. Then I read one like this, and I want to find a week on an isolated island and inhale them all. Calling on the Matchmaker was filled with such vibrant characters that it pulled me into the pages and only let go reluctantly.

Calling on the Matchmaker is a richly detailed historical novel that firmly deposited me in the world of 1849 St. Louis. Finola Shanahan has committed to a life in a convent, but her family is opposed. In fact her father his hired an Irish matchmaker to see her finely betrothed and married after eleven failed attempts. Riley Rafferty is a widower who is determined not to remarry until he is asked to reconsider. Reluctantly he does so, and his consistent efforts to save others plays at odds with Finola’s desperate need for a safe, ordered life. Both leading characters have a deep pain in their past that shadows their current moments and what’s possible in the future. Calling on the Matchmaker has some heat that is sweetly tempered with self-sacrifice and a commitment to what is best for the other. I truly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to those who love a good historical romance.

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

PURCHASE LINKS

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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.

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