4.5 Stars

Sweet, heartfelt and absolutely enchanting, it’s impossible not to be completely charmed by Kiley Dunbar’s latest novel, Matchmaking at Port Willow.

Everything has been coming up roses for Beatrice Halliday ever since she had moved to the magical town of Port Willow six months ago. After nursing a broken heart she had thought beyond repair, Beatrice had managed to turn her life around. Now successfully running The Princess and the Pea Inn where she welcomes tourists from all over the world, Beatrice has also met her own Prince Charming who has made her so happy: the gorgeous Atholl Fergusson. Beatrice is on top of the world, until she makes a surprise discovery that threatens the life that has come to mean everything to her!

In desperate need of a distraction, Beatrice decides that the best way to stop herself from dwelling on her problems is by match-making. With an empty-nester couple holidaying at the inn needing to bring the spark back into their relationship, not to mention city girl Nina and Atholl’s handsome Mutt needing a push in the right direction, Beatrice certainly has her hands full in the romance stakes. But will cupid’s arrow strike again in Port Willow? Or is she about to realise that sometimes one should just let the laws of attraction take their course…

Kiley Dunbar’s Matchmaking at Port Willow is a little escapist slice of happiness that will leave readers with a massive smile on their face. Matchmaking at Port Willow is a lovely story that is uplifting, heart-warming and so irresistible, I simply didn’t want to put it down.

It’s such fun to catch up with Beatrice, Atholl and all the latest goings-on at the Princess and the Pea Inn. New character Nina comes across as initially rather prickly, but I soon found myself warming to her and hoping that she would get her happy ending in Port Willow.

Warm, witty and absolutely wonderful, heart-melting contemporary romance does not get any better than Kiley Dunbar’s Matchmaking at Port Willow.

This is the second book in this series and I had a lot of fun in reading it.
It's fast paced, the characters are relatable and likeable and the setting lovely.
Engrossing and entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This was a very sweet book about 3 couples at different stages in their relationship. One were just falling in love and getting together, the second is expecting their first baby after a past miscarriage, and the third is struggling to reconnect after their children grow up and fly the nest.

I love how this book is in a similar style to Love Actually, although it is set in the scenic Scottish Highlands in the holiday season. Not only does is highlight the different stages of a relationship, but also the various female experiences through the years. One woman is recovering from a horrible breakup and career setbacks, another is pregnant after going through a miscarriage, and the last is going through menopause. Dunbar is great at writing female characters and I was able to relate to them despite never going through anything similar. I really enjoyed this feel good novel and hope to read more of the author's work.

3.5 but rounding up. Not my favourite book of Kiley's, but still a very enjoyable read. I haven't read the first book in the series but there's enough information during the book to let it be read as a stand alone. I will read the first in the series when I've a chance. I'd very much like to move to Port Willow and take advantage of a crafting holiday. All of the characters are so endearing. I was drawn to Mutt and Nina from the start. A nice way to pass a few hours hours as the nights draw in.

I have been a fan of Kiley’s work for a little while. I haven’t quite caught up with everything that she has written but I am getting there. I read the synopsis for ‘Matchmaking At Port Willow’ and it certainly sounded as though I was going to be in for a treat with what sounded like a heart warming and feel good story with more than a sprinkle of romance. Well this book ticked those boxes and then some. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Matchmaking At Port Willow’ but more about that in a bit.
It took no time at all to get into this story. In fact the synopsis was enough to grab my attention and draw me into this story. I couldn’t wait to get started on the story and so without further ado I dove straight in. To say that reading ‘Matchmaking At Port Willow’ became addictive is a bit like saying I like reading- in other words a massive understatement. I took to two of the female characters so well that I had to keep reading to find out how the story panned out for them both. I found it extremely difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. My Kindle certainly travelled far and wide that day. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of this delightful book.
‘Matchmaking At Port Willow’ is extremely well written and then some. Kiley has one of those writing styles that reads more like a chat between friends rather than reading a story. I hope that makes sense. Kiley has touched upon some sensitive topics, but she handles them extremely well. I won’t go into too much detail as I would hate to spoil the story but what I will say is that I knew somebody who had gone through the same as one of the characters has gone through and I recognised the feelings that such an incident stirs up. I like the very vivid and realistic way in which Kiley describes Port Willow. She describes it so well that I was all set to pack a bag and go for a holiday. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Kiley’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Matchmaking At Port Willow’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Kiley’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

This is the second book in Kiley's Port Willow Bay series. A cosy, easy read of a book with characters we have met before, with new ones introduced.

I enjoyed this nook, I hadn’t read the first one but the recaps were very good but not drawn out, I do want to go back and read the first ones, I enjoyed how some of the characters I liked immediately and some we grew into, lovely way to start the Christmas reads

I really enjoyed Summer at the Highland Coral Beach, so I was really pleased to receive a copy of Matchmaking at Port Willow, which is the sequel.

It was so wonderful to return to Port Willow, and to see how all the lovely characters are getting on. I particularly enjoyed catching up with Beatrice, after going through such an emotional journey with her in the first book. That journey continues in this story, in a satisfying way (I can’t really say much more without spoilers).

As well as catching up with old friends, this book also follows several new characters. The characters are all well written (as is the whole book), and I especially loved Nina’s story.

The setting is lovely (again). The Princess and the Pea Inn is continuing it’s renovation, and the surrounding area creates a great atmosphere.

Overall, this was an emotional, but rewarding story, following old and new characters. I recommend it, but make sure you have your tissues handy.

I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

Matchmaking at Port Willow
by: Kiley Dunbar
Hera Books
Dunbar's new novel showcases the rich heritage of the Scottish Highlands through a romantic storyline linked to local craftsman and their talents in creating works of art.
An arts and crafts holiday at the nineteenth century The Princess and the Pea Inn on the beautiful shores of Port Willow Bay sounds divine, especially during the winter holidays. It would be hard to choose between classes such as watercolor, glassmaking, cookery, and silversmithing, but I think I'd select the willow weaving and crocheting. With the magic of both new and renewed love always in the air here as well, I might want to stay a while.
Romantic relationships and friendships are paramount, with Nina coming from New York to Port Willow for a job assignment. She gets to know community members Beatrice, Atholl, Kitty and Gene, as well as a cast of Inn guests, locals, two charming dogs, and one special guy named Mutt. Dunbar vividly portrays the culture of her stunning setting through exquisite portrayals of language, landscape, foods, and traditions.
Come and get lost in romance and experience the taste of Scottish shortbread and the smell of lavender amid the splendid sights of the Scottish Highlands. This book can stand alone but is a sequel to Summer at the Highland Coral Beach.
Thank you to Net Galley and Hera Books for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
 #MatchmakingatPortWillow #NetGalley

This was my first time reading a book by Kiley Dunbar. Even though it is the second book in the series, I did not have any trouble following along. The book started out very slow, but by the middle of the book I was definitely interested in all 3 couples stories. Love the descriptions of Scottish scenery!

Beatrice and Atholl run the Princess and the Pea Inn. After finding love with Atholl, Beatrice has set her sights to matchmaking with other couples at the inn. Nina has come to Scotland on a mission, to scout new products to bring back to New York and win back her fancy job and life there. But Nina finds that all of the makers and businesses there aren’t so willing to work with her. Murray (his friends call him Mutt), is currently working to help spruce up then inn. After meeting Nina he sets out to help her win back her job.

Ruth and Mark are empty nesters who have won a one month stay at the Inn. Once they arrive Beatrice realizes that this couple seems to have lost their way and sets out to help them find their way back to one another.

This is the second book in Kiley Dunbar’s Port Willow Bay series. If you’d like to read the first, pick up Summer at the Highland Coral Beach.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

If you enjoy a story with romance, likeable characters, a village setting in the Scottish Highlands, then Matchmaking at Port Willow is for you. Although this is the second book in a series, it works just fine as a stand alone novel. New characters make their appearance while readers are re-acquainted with Atholl and Beatrice and the Princess and Pea Inn.

This is the second book set in Port Willow and follows on the story of Atholl and Beatrice as they are refurbishing the Princess and Pea Inn. If you haven't read the previous book then you can still enjoy this book as a Standalone novel.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I absolutely love the setting in the Scottish Highlands and enjoyed reading about the Scottish customs and features. I love Scotland and haven't been able to visit for a long time. It was lovely to be able to escape there via the pages of this book.
This is a lovely cosy festive read, perfect for reading on a cold day. Port Willow is a lovely location and it would be wonderful if there were more books in this location.

Matchmaking at Port Willow - Kiley Dunbar

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Since arriving in the Scottish Highlands village of Port Willow six months ago while nursing a broken heart, Beatrice Halliday has turned her life around.

Now she’s running The Princess and the Pea Inn, madly in love with gorgeous boyfriend Atholl Fergusson, and welcoming visitors from around the globe.

It was a lovely experience to return to Port Willow Bay - whilst this is the second book in the series I feel that it could easily be read as a standalone. Such a heart-warming and sweet story set in a small town, with a vast array of unusual characters. We meet Nina Miller early on who is set to the Scottish Highlands for work following a unceremonious dumping by her boyfriend.

I read this book in one setting as I loved the charming sitting, and as a fan of Kiley it was exactly what I expected from her latest book. I would highly recommend this book to fans of Kiley Dunbar, small-town romance and heart-warming stories.

Rating 4/5

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this.

I read this book, unaware that it was a sequel to "Summer at the Highland Coral Beach". Despite this, this book can be read as a stand-alone.

This book follows the continued lives of Beatrice and Atholl, as well as introducing new characters such as Nina. Because of the introduction of the new characters, I found myself enjoying this read, allowing you to connect to new characters, and see previous characters settle into their lives.

Beatrice and Atholl are running a new event of speed dating in their Inn, while Nina is sent to the Highlands (from New York), after a demotion, looking for the 'next big thing' in hopes to regain the favours from her bosses, but as all romance stories go, there is always something more, and she learns to stand on her own two feet.

The first book I read by Kylie Dunbar was The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday. I really liked that one so I decided to give this one a try. I wound up enjoying it toward the end but I did not like it as much as the Bookshop story.

This is told in third person about multiple characters at a small inn in Scotland. We are introduced to Nina Miller, a British young woman making her way in New York who in true romance style fashion gets unceremoniously dumped by her jerk of a boyfriend and replaced by his new girlfriend both at their apartment and her job at the company. She gets shunted off to Scotland to "scout brands" for the same job or they will fire her when she returns. I would have told them good riddance but then we wouldn't have a book, yes?

There are also multiple other characters in the story - Beatrice, who had her own heartbreak and found love at this inn, her handsome Scotsman "boyfriend" who owns the inn, a couple who wins a month long stay at the resort who have grown apart over 25 years of marriage and Murray, affectionately known as Mutt, who is a wayward soul with a dark secret.

I found the setting of the book to be quaint and charming, such as to be expected in this genre. It actually is quite a cute idea. I had to get used to the British expressions and some of the Scottish ones as well but I definitely appreciated the author's use of the Scottish brogue and I could definitely "hear" it when I was reading it. My favorite part was Burns Night, as I had been exposed to this in another story, albeit not in Scotland and I was delighted to see it written about again.

This is a cute romance I read quickly. I would be open to other works by this author, this one just didn't give me the feels quite like her other book.

💘Happy matches seasoned with sadness in a Scottish setting🎑

I really enjoyed this sweet tale of romance breaking through the surface of a snowy Scottish winter. I did not read the first book in the series but it really wasn't required. Beatrice and Atholl from that first book return, here in an established relationship which prompts Beatrice to want to spread love and romance to others visiting or residing in her adopted (fictional) Highland coastal village just up the coast from the Isle of Skye.

Four visitors are the objects of Beatrice's matchmaking plans and, along with their stories, a scary wrinkle develops in Beatrice and Atholl's own story. From the way the book started, I thought Nina with her career and relationship problems would be the main focus. While I liked the storylines for all three couples, I think I would have preferred the story focusing on one, possibly two couples instead so more pages could be devoted to each.

Dunbar really knows how to evoke a feeling for the natural beauty of the place and the community of characters she creates. Seth McVie, the energetic octogenarian bachelor looking for companionship, even game for speeddating, was one of my favorite secondary characters.

Thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

How can you not enjoy a novel set at the Princess and the Pea Inn which is by the sea in Scotland? It's the tale of Beatrice, who runs the inn, and those who come to stay. Everyone has an issue which is assuaged or solved or otherwise helped along but Dunbar has done a nice job of keeping it realistic and not too smooth. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This makes for a good read for a day when you need a light read that has a positive outlook.

Kiley Dunbar has a very special set of skills - not like Liam Neeson in every film he makes, but just as effective! She writes a cheesy, predictable rom-com without coming across as remotely too cheesy or too predictable. Not an easy task! What I love about her writing is how subtle and skilful she is - at no point does she fall into my least favourite cheesy rom-com trap: stating the obvious or, even worse, repeating the obvious!
Matchmaking at Port Willow follows various couples and singles during their stay at a delightful craft-making hotel. They all have their troubles and some have their secrets, but Beatrice, the owner, takes it upon her meddling self to make sure they all leave in love. And it’s just stunningly warm and beautiful! Special shout out in particular to Dunbar’s description of Burns Night: it is the literary equivalent of a hot cup of cocoa on a winter’s night.
I was a wee bit surprised this book is predominantly set over winter. The cover suggests spring or summer to me, with the green-leafed trees and no sign of the snow that is repeatedly mentioned, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the wintry story and its festive glory at all!
Enjoy!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

t was lovely to be back with Atholl, Beatrice, Gene, Kitty, as well meeting the new characters that made this book a great read.
Settling into their life at the inn Beatrice and Atholl have new projects to get up and running.
Coming to stay with them is a couple who are celebrating their twenty-fifth anniversary for a month. As well as that, a young woman from New York, who is looking for something new that she can recommend to her company and can be the big thing and price she is worth being with the company.
Every character has their own reasons for being there, which comes clearer as the story proceeds, some relatable to readers.
There are issues/topics which the author has covered so beautifully and sensitively.
The mix of characters was lovely to see, hoping to find love.
A heart-warming story that maybe could have a sequel……

Highly Recommend This Book

Beatrice is running the Princess & The Pea Inn along with Atholl. She found love there and is trying to do the same for others. Nina has been demoted from her high powered job in New York and has been sent to find new products to sell. Loved this book and first time I've read this author. Definitely be looking out for more. Couldn't put it down