Calling on the Matchmaker
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4.5 • 22 Ratings
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
"Jody Hedlund's novels are a joy to read."--ELIZABETH CAMDEN, RITA and Christy Award-winning author
"A historical romance reader's delight. Treat yourself! Jody Hedlund does not disappoint."--ROBIN LEE HATCHER, Christy Award-winning author
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.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Hedlund (The Last Chance Cowboy) sets this slow-burning historical romance in a 19th-century St. Louis gripped by a cholera outbreak amid a wave of Irish immigration. In 1849, handsome Riley Rafferty narrowly rescues Finola Shanahan from certain death beneath the wheels of a runaway horse and wagon. Riley's well known for his acts of bravery around town, earning him the nickname "Saint Riley" and making him a shoo-in as the city's next mayor. He's immediately smitten with sassy, independent Finola, who's intent on becoming a nun, though she's not immune to Riley's charms ("He had the kind of body that could make a nun blush"). Things get complicated when Finola's parents turn to matchmaker Bellamy McKenna, who hopes to pair the two together. Though sparks fly, Finola remains skittish about marriage and children—a fear rooted in a buried childhood trauma she must grapple with as she weighs a life of service against the chance for once-in-a-lifetime romance. 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.
Customer Reviews
*This is a historical Christian closed-door romance- but it lacks the Gospel
This was my first book by Jody Hedlund. I love her writing style and the historical aspects of this book! I can tell that she did her research! The characters were so fun! I am a big fan of the matchmaker.
This book is labeled Christian fiction, but I feel that it is missing vital components to fulfill the Christian fiction label. I am glad that we got to see some great personal growth of the characters. The characters let go of the guilt they have carried with them for a long time, but they do not seek forgiveness or restoration from God. The characters follow Catholic beliefs instead of the Gospel, and I would have liked to see more of the Gospel in this book.
Content Warning:
-Very focused on physical attraction
-Slight graphic scene of the death of a child
*This is a historical Christian closed-door romance.
Very good
This book was very good. I loved the heart for helping others that both of the main characters had. It was really beautiful!
The depth of both Riley and Finola’s pain and the way that they both tried to make up for the past on their own was very relatable. This story was a good lesson in realizing that there is only One Who is truly in control, and we need to learn to give over our pain to Him, letting Him heal and lead us into the future He has planned for each of us.
I really enjoyed the cast of diverse characters and their different story arcs. And the matchmaker! I honestly wasn’t sure which “matchmaker” the title was referring to at first, but I’m intrigued now! He’s such a mysterious and fascinating character and I can’t WAIT to see what match he comes up with next and the methods he employs to bring his clients together!