Calling on the Matchmaker, by Jody Hedlund, is the first book in A Shanahan Match series. Captivating and truly meaningful, this novel certainly impresses with its vivid setting, compelling characters, and engrossing plot. With a stunning combination of history, adventure, and romance, this book is an absolute pleasure to read!

A prolific writer and gifted storyteller, Ms. Hedlund has succeeded yet again in crafting a novel that is truly enjoyable and utterly entertaining. From beginning to end, her writing in this book is expressive and immersive. The settings that form the vital backdrop of every scene are described with a keen attention to detail, and prove to be quite essential to the story itself.

And within the settings, the characters in this book really come alive. In the most interesting of ways, they gradually reveal their hearts' desires and even their true natures. Page after page, these characters are memorable and authentic as they seek forgiveness, redemption, and a stronger faith. Their hopes, concerns, insecurities, and convictions are meaningful and moving, making it quite easy to become thoroughly invested in the characters’ stories and the plot details that flow from them.

From beginning to end, I was wholly engaged by this remarkable story of peril, hope, courage, compassion, and second chances. Rich with detail, drama, and plenty of sweet romance, this book is well-written and edifying. Calling on the Matchmaker is certainly a special novel, and I recommend it wholeheartedly. I am very happy to have read it, and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher/author and from NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

I loved this book.

The wit, banter, conversations... they are brought so much joy to my heart and made the book so enjoyable.

The way the author captured the characters and the story was genus.

Riley and Finola were simply adorable. From the beginning I knew they were right for each other. I loved reading how they broke free from their various entrapments and got to return the love they felt for each other.

God's forgiveness is ever before us. We just had to accept it and bask in it. That's was one profound truth this book reminded me of.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

One thing I like about Jody Hedlund's writing is that she can write Christian fiction without foregoing the chemistry between her characters. Some Christian writers completely skip any physical attraction between their main characters. Jody Hedlund writes some of the most realistic tension I've read in this genre.

The description tells more about Finola than I would have. But since it's already stated, Finola is traumatized by the death of her baby sister, which happened many years ago. She's spent her life in service to God by working closely with a convent in the area that serves the poor immigrants of the city. Finola's father has brought suitor after suitor in attempts to find someone who might marry her, but Finola has secretly managed to run them all off. She has begged to be allowed to join the convent, and her father finally agrees on the condition that she try one last suitor brought in by the local matchmaker.

Riley was married once before and is now a widower. He has no intentions of marrying again, but his campaign for mayor has his staff pressing him on the idea. He would be more appealing as a married man. He has two interactions with Finola that stir the desire to marry again. Only, he's pretty focused on her being his future bride. He quickly realizes Finola is trying to chase him away, and he decides to play her own game against her.

The tension between these two was so enjoyable. Their backstories led to a depth of character that pops off the page. Jody Hedlund is good at writing characters such as these. She also usually sets up the next book or at least one of the main characters for the next book thus leaving future books as some of my most anticipated reads for the year.

Favorite quotes:
-"Mind you, smart and sensible make for a better husband than handsome and dashing."

-He could get used to spending his life chasing after her and winning her anew each day.

Calling on the Matchmaker was a wonderful introduction to a new series. Jody Hedlund's characters are multifaceted, and their connects are fully of sizzle even while keeping things clean. I love that Jody Hedlund has realistic characters and situations. Even though this is Christian fiction, her characters are human, make bad choices, and still struggle with fleshly desires. I can't wait to read the next book about Finola's sister. Calling on the Matchmaker gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read Calling on the Matchmaker? What did you think? Let me know!

I cannot express just how much I enjoyed this book. At first, I struggled getting into the story, so I tried the audiobook. Since I’m a mood reader, I quickly learned that all it took was the proper “mood” for me to enjoy this book.

I loved it so much I sped up the audiobook to get though it faster. I was screaming in my car toward the end (this isn’t an exaggeration).

The main character, Finola, wanted nothing more than to join the convent as punishment for an event that happened years prior. Her stubbornness only drove the love interest, Riley, faster toward the challenge of wooing her. But Riley had his own monsters he needed to defeat, and both of them struggled to hold each other at arm’s length as they fought their natural attraction to one another.

There’s nothing better than a romance book that feels real. This one did. It was CF, but it was also romantic and also a little “spicy” (I mean that in a good way. Not too much heat to scorch.)

Do yourself a favor and dive right into this book. Grab your favorite beverage and a warm throw before you curl up in your favorite chair. Because you’re not going to want to quit reading until you reach the last page. I was absolutely thrilled to learn that Jody Hedlund had begun a new series, A Shanahan Match. I was not disappointed. This first book, Calling on the Matchmaker is set in St. Louis, Missouri. A beautifully told story which made me eager for the rest of this new series. It is great to read stories like this that is just so lovely and are just simple romance stories with faith and trust in GOD.

I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own

In 1849 St. Louis, RIley Rafferty is more interested in doing good deeds and becoming mayor than in remarrying. His first marriage was anything but happy before his wife's passing. But his father's ill health forces him to consult with a young matchmaker, who insists the perfect woman for him is the one who has vowed never to marry.

Finola Shanahan's interests lie in joining a convent. She believes she is not worthy of love or a family of her own. But her well-established family won't accept this for their oldest daughter, and they are certain their thirteenth round with the matchmaker will be the one that sticks.

The first thing I was surprised about in this book was that the matchmakers were both male. Maybe I've seen too much Mulan or Fiddler on the Roof, but I thought matchmaking was a singularly female pursuit. The second thing I was surprised about was how much physical attraction played a role in the story. One knows to expect a certain level of that with a Jody Hedlund book, but this pushed it a little too far for me personally. Another surprise was just how scheming Riley, Finola, and the matchmaker each were. Constant schemes! Always trying to work things out the way they wanted. None of them came across as very realistic characters to me.

The best part of this book focused on Riley's work within the city and the portrayal of St. Louis in this time frame. The worst part of this book were the scenes involving romance at a cholera sickbed.

This end did set up the next book in the series very well and I am curious to see it unfold.

I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.

"She was a dutiful daughter in almost every way except one...she wasn't cooperating with her parents' efforts to find her a husband" (location 56). This is a great start to the new series. I loved it! Parts of it reminded me of a Jen Turano novel...the situations were so ridiculous...in a good way. I enjoyed the chemistry between Riley and Finola. I laughed when Riley found out one of Finola's schemes and used that to his benefit.

I liked Bellamy and was shocked at the lengths he'd go to to make a match. I look forward to seeing how he's going to finagle his next match. The book ends with a great lead in to the next one. I can't wait to read it.

This book is fun while also dealing with heavier topics like the plight of immigrants, sickness, guilt and forgiveness. I'd highly recommend it. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to @bethanyhousefiction for the #gifted copy!

Finola just wants to become a nun. After 12 failed matches, her parents agree that if this last match isn’t successful, she can join the convent.

Enter Riley. Known around town as “Saint Riley” due to the number of people he has saved, he has no desire to marry again. Yet when he saves a pretty young woman from being run over by a horse and buggy, he can’t get her - or how he accidentally walked in on her wearing just her unmentionables in a barn - out of his mind.

When Finola and Riley are matched by the new local matchmaker, Riley is determined to make her give him a shot and Finola is determined to end the match by any means. When her sabotage backfires due to Riley catching on, she begins to spend more time with him and catch feelings.

Calling on the Matchmaker is a love story about redemption and the battle between head and heart.

Read for:
- A meddlesome matchmaker
- Kissing
- He falls first
- Historical fiction in an atypical setting
- A grand gesture

Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund was a fun historical romance fiction. Ms. Hedlund has a way of writing a unique story that is entertaining.

Set in the 1800's, Fiona Shanahan is determined to enter the convent where she has been doing charity work. Her parents are against it and want her to marry first before her siblings. After several failed matches, she agrees to a final match. If this one fails, she will be free to become a nun.

Widower Riley Rafferty is known for his heroic rescues. Although he has no plans on remarrying, he falls hard for Fiona during their first encounter.

Fiona and Riley are running from their past. Both are struggling with tragedies they experienced in their past. But their attraction to one another is strong and there is some sizzling chemistry between them. So when matchmaker Bellamy McKenna is brought in, he devices ways to help them come together.

For a Christian romance there is a lot of sexual tension between the characters. As some may be sensitive about this, I wanted to make you aware as it is a little more descriptive than I usually read in a Christian romance novel.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I’m not sure I’m the right audience for this one! The faith elements felt a bit forced and just didn’t feel as genuine and effortless like I prefer

What a fantastic start to a new series by a talented author! Jody Hedlund does it once again, delivering a novel full of clean romance and sprinkled with interesting history, threads of faith, and twists along the way. I really liked the spunky Finola and thought she was the perfect match for the witty Riley, both of whom are stubborn and determined. The romance definitely takes center stage in this novel, with steamy scenes that never cross an uncomfortable boundary for Christian fiction. I really liked how Finola and Riley were great at helping the other overcome past hurts and grow and develop in the story. I also found the concept of the Irish matchmaker to be quite fascinating. The history of the cholera outbreak in 1840s St. Louis was also interesting to read about and I appreciated the compassionate natures of both Finola and Riley. I loved this novel and cannot wait to read more in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I am embarrassed to admit that Calling on the Matchmaker may be my first book by Jody Hedlund. I have already been searching for additional books of hers to add to my TBR list because this book was so good. It exceeded my expectations.
The author created characters to fall in love with. Finola felt responsible for her sister’s death and felt that the only way to overcome the guilt was to become a nun. She was totally onboard with this until she realizes her feelings for Riley. Her parents hire a matchmaker who sets her up with Riley.
I thoroughly enjoyed Riley’s character, their antics and banter. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series. I even hope that the matchmaker gets his own love before the series is over.
I highly recommend this series. I am a fan of matchmaker stories and this is one of my favorites.

What fun! This was my first Jody Hedlund novel, and it won't be the last! I especially admired the portrayal of lust and desire, which is so realistic and true to life. I also enjoyed the cute banter between Finola and Riley. You can tell that Hedlund spends time carefully developing her characters. The pacing is also great and keeps the reader turning the pages. The Shanahan family rings true to life, and I can't wait to read more about them as the series progresses.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance e-galley; I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

Calling on the Matchmaker
by Jody Hedlund
Pub Date 12 Dec 2023
Bethany House,Bethany House Publishers
Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance


Bethany House and Netgalley sent me a copy of Calling on the Matchmaker to review:


Finola Shanahan, haunted by the loss of her sister, has decided she's not worthy of her own family and commits to caring for immigrants. Finola sabotages yet another unwanted relationship her parents set up for her, so her dad calls the Irish matchmaker, who pairs her with wagonmaker Riley Rafferty. She quickly realizes she can't outsmart or outwit the dashing, determined, and daring man.



As a candidate for the St. Louis mayoral election, Riley is confident a union with the Shanahan family will help him win--and even more confident he can make a difference with Finola. During a cholera outbreak that takes St. Louis by storm, they must deal with a burgeoning attraction and growing danger.



My rating is 5 stars for Calling on the Matchmaker!


Happy Reading!

Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund is first in her Shanahan Match series. Finola Shanahan believes her place is with the church and not to be a wife after the death of her sister. She has turned, tricked, and forced away many men. Her family has called on the local Irish matchmaker to hopefully help her marry. Riley Rafferty is a successful wagon maker running for mayor. He wants to win Finola’s hand, but does he have a chance?

This was all things sparkly for me. I loved the banter, romance and push and pull between Finola and Riley. The author writes characters who are so fascinating and with great depth. The Irish matchmaker brought some mischief and comic relief to the story. The Shanahan family was so interesting and I look forward to getting to know them better in future books. I enjoyed learning about mid eighteenth-century St. Louis, MO. The ending gives a hint to the next book in the series, and I cannot wait.

Calling on the Matchmaker has great romance, fun banter, and an interesting setting. I found myself turning pages into the night. I highly recommend it!

I was a given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.

I won this ARC as part of the Library Thing’s Early Review Program via NetGalley from publisher Bethany House. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review and received no compensation for writing this review.

Jody Hedlund has always been a to-be-read author for me, however Calling on the Matchmaker left me with mixed emotions. As with all of Jody Hedlund’s book the historical information was well done, and I liked learning about Irish immigrants to Illinois in 1849. Hedlund always does a great job researching history. While this book has its moments, it becomes decidedly "unchristian" when page after page one reads about how badly Finola and Riley lusted for each other. Knowing the way Hedlund’s books are, I expected character development and a change in their thoughts, but nothing ever changed. They continued to be lustful and shallow. This made the rest of the book and its plot uncomfortable for me. An important note was the lack of Christian principle or conversation. The characters are Catholic but do not seem to take their faith serially and lack conviction.

The story has a great premise and I did enjoy the story, but in the end, I am not sure I could recommend this book to anyone because of the visually descriptive sexual thoughts of the characters. I in good conscience could only give this book two and a half stars.

Jody Hedlund did it again! I absolutely fell in love with Calling on the Matchmaker. Finola and Riley's match was so much fun to watch unfold and I can't wait to read more of her latest series!

I listened to the audio book and read along at times. Susan Hanfield did a wonderful job narrating.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 12 December 2023

Oh my goodness, y’all. Calling on the Matchmaker is SO FUN! I’ve been woefully behind on my Jody Hedlund reading so I couldn’t wait to dive into this new series from the very beginning. And what a treat it is! (I’ve also started the Bride Ships series this week – finally – and am LOVING it as well. Determined to get caught up!)

Fiona Shanahan is such a delightful heroine and had me laughing on more than one occasion with her courtship-avoidance antics, especially when they backfired so deliciously on her with Riley. (Still swooning over a couple of those scenes!) She has definitely met her match in Riley Rafferty, a local hero who is running for mayor. And both of them have met their match in Bellamy, the town matchmaker’s son who takes on the tough job of arranging a marriage for them both. He. Is. Hilarious! I loved him so much, and he perfectly steals the scenes he’s in with his wily tactics. Based on the last paragraphs in this story, I CANNOT WAIT for book two to see what ‘risky-but-ends-up-working-out-beautifully’ havoc he wreaks on his next clients.

I loved so many things about Calling on the Matchmaker, in addition to Bellamy’s trickery and the tangible (read: smoking hot) chemistry between Riley & Fiona. One of my favorite elements to this book is how they each deal with the tragedies in their respective backstories because it feels so authentic and relatable. We may not have experienced the same trauma as Riley or Fiona have, but we all know what it is to take on guilt and blame that’s not ours to carry and we’ve all experienced how grief indelibly shapes us. The reminder that our Heavenly Father forgives us as far as the east is from the west – and that His forgiveness sets us free – is sweetly woven through the plot in ways that feel natural to the characters and organic to the story. I also loved that, even though Fiona comes from a wealthy family, we still get to spend time with the immigrants who are living in tenements, giving us an important historical perspective that we didn’t often learn about in school.

Bottom Line: What’s a professional matchmaker to do when his clients aren’t being cooperative? Well, if you’re Bellamy McKenna, you decide that if you can’t beat them at their games you join them with some of your own. What follows is a supremely entertaining battle of wits that will delight your sense of humor – and a sizzling (but wholesome) romance that will have you reaching for your fan. Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund is charming and absorbing, fully captivating you in the story from the death-defying opening scene to the breath-stealing romantic tension a few pages later… and all the way to the ‘just-perfect’ grand finale, complete with a compelling teaser. I’m eagerly looking forward to the second book, and I’m tempted to read this one again in the meantime because it made my whole heart smile!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Calling on the Matchmaker
by Jody Hedlund
Pub Date: December 12, 2023
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I read all Jody Hedlund books so it was a thrill to get to read this one early!
First book in a series is always a good read for me.
This one is soo good!
One of my favorites of this author. I loved the unique theme and the many wonderful themes woven into this book.
1840's St. Louis
Dual POV
The Shanahan sibiings.
Can't wait for the next book in the series.
5 stars

Calling on the Matchmaker
by Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Bethany House
Series: Shanahan Match, Book 1
Rated: 3
Obtain: Borrow
Back of the Book: “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.”

Impressions: Forewarning on this book, it’s a lusty romance. No sex but very descriptive and sensual. I don’t like the lusty bits of this book or how the hero is portrayed. The characters used a lot of scheming to come to finally see the truth. I did like how spunky the characters were and how they complimented each other's personalities without giving up parts of themselves as they eventually found peace in their love.

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.