Finola is determined to become a nun, but her parents want her to marry. She agrees to one last attempt of the matchmaker before becoming a nun. Riley wants to make his father happy by finally starting a family. Plus it will help his mayoral campaign. The two are matched, but Finola's tricks to stay out of marriage combine with Riley's determination not to force anything. Will these 2 make it to the alter?

I enjoyed this book. Aside from the fact that Riley is the stereotypical romantic lead. I enjoyed the romp even though I could have predicted the ending.

Jody Hedlund knows how to write a K•I•S•S•I•N•G book. Her historical novels always grab ahold of me and don’t let me go till the end. Her latest novel Calling on the Matchmaker is no exception. Jody masterfully takes you to St. Louis in 1849 as the expansion west is gaining popularity giving it a different setting for this romance! Finola Shanahan still deeply affected by her sister’s death has committed to caring for immigrants in the city’s slums rather than marry. At their wits end her parents arrange for her to meet with the local Irish matchmaker. Her match? An up and coming candidate for the mayoral election and widower Riley Rafferty. Finola quickly discovers she can’t outwit this dashing, determined man with her usual tricks. As a cholera outbreak takes St. Louis by storm Riley and Finola will learn that together they can make a difference.

I love the antics and fiery spirit of Finola. And Riley oh well Riley is smooth as chocolate. This book is full of passion and heartfelt drama! One of my favorite moments (hard to choose there are many) but the “list” 🙈🥰😃! Oh man so good!
I love it when I get to see both of the main characters POV and what they are seeing and thinking, that just draws me more into the story!

So that’s my gushing recommendation for your next historical read. Read it and let me know what you thought of the list and first kiss 🫠!!

Thank you to @bethanyhousefiction for sending me a gifted copy of the book to read and review. All thoughts are my own.

#BookReview: CALLING ON THE MATCHMAKER by Jody Hedlund

In this captivating historical romance, I was introduced to the unique custom of matchmakers amongst Irish communities in America. When Finola's parents seek to arrange her marriage to various gentlemen, she cleverly finds ways to evade their attempts, demonstrating her agency and independence.

Riley and Finola's unconventional first meeting was quite exciting. Exhilarating and even life-threatening, it was an experience that was memorable for both of them. The author has a good way of weaving romance, drawing you into the sweet tenderness of their connection. Riley's personality, particularly his desire to help others, resonated deeply with me.

This story, while familiar in its core elements, offered a refreshing twist on the typical romance novel. While not without its imperfections, the journey of Riley and Finola held me spellbound as they navigated the challenges thrown their way. Their personal growth and realizations felt remarkably relatable, even when Finola's stubbornness occasionally tested my patience. The story's pacing kept me engaged, and I gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by Irish immigrants during that era.

Rating: 4.5 stars
Pub date: 12 Dec 2023

Thank you Bethany House Publishers and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

It's great to see a historical fiction book based on immigrants from Ireland. Yes, there are others but the ones I have seen had the characters coming over and settling in New York so one where the characters are settled in St. Louis is new and exciting to me. The way the author describes the slum area is so realistic but tragic. To give everything to move to a new country, leaving behind family and friends, never to be seen again. They had such hope to see their family prosper but in many cases that never came about. The Irish were discriminated against and had such a hard time finding work. My ancestors came over from Galway and settled in Pennsylvania in the 1800's.
There is a lot going on in this book which makes it interesting. A young woman, Finola Shanahan who blames herself for the death of her baby sister feels unworthy of marrying and having children. When she is almost trampled by horses, she is saved by wagonmaker Riley Rafferty.
When her parents realize that she is not interested in any of the matches they've made for her they enlist the help of a local Irish matchmaker. Now this is where the fun comes in as she's paired with none other than Riley Rafferty, a man she already feels attracted to with her senses on high alert when he's around. Convinced she's doing the right thing; she knows she must become a nun and not marry. If only the sparks didn't fly when the two are together.
Touching on a lot of important historical topics I found the book to be relevant and interesting. I love the sense of humor the author injects into her books making the characters fun and realistic.
I greatly look forward to reading more books in this series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book . All opinions expressed are my own.

There is just something so wonderful about jumping into a Jody Hedlund novel and her latest book, Calling on the Matchmaker was so good. I have not truly binged a book lately like I binge read this one. I didn’t even notice time passing, I was completely engrossed in the story.
I loved the dual POV and how that connected me to each main character in such a deeper way. I saw their motivations, their vulnerabilities, and the way they fell for each other. The humor was on point with a wittiness Jody brings that I really enjoy. The chemistry was fire. Riley was previously married and wanting to be better and do better from his first experience. Finola didn't believe herself worthy of a husband and all that comes with that type of relationship. While their physical attraction was definitely strong, I liked how they really got to know one another, truly learned to love one another, and support one another. The growth for both was really well-done.
I also enjoyed the setting of this story with Irish immigrants in the "gate of the west". The historical background complimented the plot really well.
Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have a list of my favorite authors. Jody Hedlund is on that list. I am always excited and eager to read her newest release. This one is called Calling on the Matchmaker.

Both Riley and Finola are single. Neither are looking for a mate. Their respective parent(s) feel it is time.

Bellamy, son of the current matchmaker, is starting on his own. This will be his first assignment as a matchmaker. He has an unique approach to bring Riley and Finola together.

Both Finola and Riley are running from their past. Can they resolve their past to have a future together?

Great story. I loved it. It looks as though Bellamy has another opportunity to use his matchmaking skills in a future book. I can't wait.

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.

Jody Hedlund has wowed me again! Did I hum “Matchmaker, matchmaker make me a match. Find me a find. Catch me a catch” while I was reading? Yes, yes I did. Let me tell you, the matchmaker in this book is a young, mischievous man who has more tricks up his sleeve than Yenta. I was blown away by the unique storyline, the passionate yet clean love story, and the heartfelt drama as two endearing Irish young people with messy pasts deal with an arranged marriage. Set in St. Louis, Missouri in the 1840’s when the question of slavery was building to a fervor and cholera posed a deadly threat, the author completely captures the sights, smells, and history that made me feel like I was there. It’s a story that was so difficult to put down and I can’t wait for more!

Finola Shanahan is determined not to marry after the tragic death of her sister. She wants to become a nun and continue helping those living in the Irish slums. Her family has other plans for her. Though she’s managed to reject one suitor after another, she’s finally met her literal match in Riley Rafferty. Their hilarious meet-cute leads to them becoming the latest match orchestrated by the matchmaker, Bellamy. Despite Finola’s tricks to get out of the betrothal, Riley sees through it all. As they become closer, Finola’s in danger of losing her heart, but her determination to remain single may threaten her chance for real happiness.

The charming Riley fell hard for Finola after he rescued her. He wants to become the town’s next mayor, but is pressured to take another wife after his previous wife died. Their marriage was complicated and Riley’s not interested in marrying again. But, a deathbed promise makes him seek out the matchmaker and when he’s matched with Finola, he’s not disappointed one bit. Can he convince her to give him a chance?

I loved Finola and Riley! The sizzling chemistry between them was off the charts. Their attraction was palpable and there were a few scenes where I needed a fan. Yet, the author keeps things very much closed door. I loved that while there was strong physical attraction, their friendship and bond was strong as well. They respected and challenged each other to be better. Both suffered from mistakes and hurt in the past and I enjoyed how they helped one another see through their problems. I also enjoyed the side characters, especially Bellamy. He’s a charming if sneaky matchmaker and I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book with the captain.

I found the historical aspects so interesting. Most of the books I’ve read involving Irish immigrants are set in railroad communities or New York. It was a refreshing change to read about how the Irish fared in places like St. Louis. I also appreciated the issues Riley faced while running for mayor, especially slavery. The cholera epidemic was so sad, especially looking at it from a modern perspective where the solution is easily found in proper sanitation.

This must read story is the beginning of a new series and I’m already anxiously anticipating the next book. Highly recommend to historical romance fans. There are elements of faith brilliantly woven into the story, but they’re subtle and expressed in a natural way. If you only want a chaste kiss or two in your romance, this may not be the book for you, but if you like a little sizzle while keeping things firmly closed door, I highly recommend this! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

Finola Shanahan is bound and determined to become a nun. Maybe if she makes it her vocation she will be able to assuage her guilt. Her parents have promised that if this last suitor the matchmaker has brought for her to meet (the 13th one!) does not work out, she may be free to enter the convent. She is confident that she will be successful, but she has yet to meet Riley Rafferty.

Riley has things in his past too, including a miserable marriage and mistakes he hopes not to repeat. It’s only by a promise he has made to his father does he consider remarrying. Little does he realize that the young lady he saved from a carriage mishap is the same one that Bellamy the matchmaker has chosen for him.

Finola and Riley were the perfect couple and truly complemented each other. They both saw needs and were quick to help wherever they could. The conflicts they had in their relationship made me wonder how they were ever going to work things out. It was a good thing that Bellamy the matchmaker was more clever than either one of them to help them navigate their courtship. I really loved his ingenious schemes and can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.

Things I loved:
Saint Riley and his heroic deeds
The stable incident
Bellamy the matchmaker
Things that Riley hates list
The Shanahan clan
Ice skating date
Letting go of the past

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, NetGalley, and AustenProse. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

“From the moment he’d rescued Finola Shanahan that day in the mud, it was almost as if she’d taken his heart captive. And now it was hers. He didn’t want it back. But he wanted hers in return.”

It’s always a joy to read Jody Hedlund’s stories, and this new series starter was an absolute delight!

After a a childhood tragedy that Finola Shanahan blames herself for, she decides to become a nun to pay her penance, rather than getting married and having a family. After driving away several suitors, Finola’s parents call in the help of an Irish matchmaker.

Riley Rafferty was married before, and blames himself for its failure. He has no interest in getting married again, but he can’t say no to his father's deathbed request that he remarry.

When he learns the matchmaker has picked Finola as his intended, Riley is elated and he’s prepared for Finola to thwart his efforts at winning her heart.

Jody is a wonderful storyteller and does a masterful job in creating colorful and relatable characters. The chemistry and the push and pull between these two was intense and so enjoyable. I loved the blend of humor, a bit of heartache, and the clean but sizzling romance.

The sights, sounds, and smells of St. Louis, Missouri in 1849 were obviously well researched and vividly portrayed, as was the difficulties of the Irish immigrants that lived in the area.

A highlight of the book was Bellamy McKenna, the matchmaker. I adored him! He knew these two were right for each other, and was not above scheming to help them come together. I look forward to seeing more of him in the next book.

I loved this sweet and heartwarming story, with its themes of unconditional love and the importance of forgiveness, especially the forgiveness of oneself. I’m really excited for the next book in the series!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley, Bethany House Publishers, and Austenprose PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

Calling on the Matchmaker is the first book in a brand new series by Jody Hedlund, 1847 in St. Louis during the cholera outbreak.
Finola Shanahan is determined to become a nun, a penance for something she believed she was guilty of. Riley Rafferty is determined to fulfill his father’s dying wish of getting married again. Bellamy has more than it takes to take over his father’s matchmaking business, and Finola and Riley will be the couple just to prove it.
This is a fun, but sizzling romance (in the Christian Fiction world). There’s a lot of chemistry between Finola and Riley right from the first introduction, and the chemistry continues to mount right until the last page. Readers are immersed into the Irish Catholic population of the time period through dialogue and a descriptive narrative of the tenement buildings and community.
Finola tries to thwart the matchmaker’s efforts and Riley is in hot pursuit of her. Riley is a hero that anyone can like, but Finola isn’t as easy to warm up to.
There are plenty of funny moments, but just as many frustrating moments (it takes more than half the book for her to realize what she actually wants).
And in the end, readers are left with a glimpse of what’s to come in book two. I have a strong suspicion who the bride will be for the last character introduced in the final chapter.
And, I’d love to see Bellamy have his own matchmaking story…
I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the ARC of Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund. All opinions are my own.

This is my favorite Jody Hedlund book yet! Such an easy five star read.

One of my best discoveries of 2023 was Jody Hedlund, and now I want everyone to read her books! If you haven’t read any, I definitely recommend starting with this one. It’s the first in a series and can be read as a standalone.

This book is fun, charming, and sweet while also discussing harder topics like death and the treatment of immigrants in the 1800s.

If you’re looking for a good historical romance without the spice, I would suggest you read this one.

I am so excited to re-read this book in the future and the sequel coming out in 2024.

This was a good book for its time period. I can’t say I was a fan of Finola. Her deviousness in trying to avoid a marriage was funny in parts but seemed a bit annoying as it went on. I liked Riley much better than Finola. He sounds like an idea romance partner.
Thanks to the author for the early copy

Set in St Louis during the 1800's, this historical fiction novel is the first in the Shanahan Match series. Fiona, having never forgiven herself for her younger sister's death has rejected twelve suitors and seeks a place in the Covent as penance. Riley is trying to live above and beyond his father's expectations since he is the only surviving son after a tragic accident. When the matchmaker is called, things may not turn out like either Fiona or Riley has anticipated. Fun story! Looking forward to the next one. Recommended.

"Calling on the Matchmaker" is a romance set in 1849 in St. Louis. Frankly, the matchmaker was the best part of this story. He was a good judge of character and compatibility and was quite the schemer, but with a good intentions and sense of humor. Plus he had a good information network, so he knew people well. He knew what to do and say to keep Finola and Riley working on their issues and relationship when they wanted to give up.

Riley felt like he'd pressured his first wife into marriage and had gotten physically intimate too quickly, so he was determined to never pressure a woman into marriage if she had reservations about it. Ah, oh, Finola had reservations. Her inattention at a critical moment led to her toddler sister dying in an accident, and she's so guilt-stricken that she feels she must do penance the rest of her life and never feel happy again. Plus it surely proves she'd be a horrible mother, so she's determined to become a nun. Riley did use kissing to convince her that maybe she didn't want to be a nun after all, but he always stopped before things could move too far.

The main characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. Riley was thoughtful in how he treated Finola, respected her knowledge about the needs of the immigrants, and supported her work among them even when it was dangerous. They shared a passion for helping improve the lives of the immigrants. Historical details were woven into the story and gave a sense of what life was like at that time.

The Christian element was Finola learning that God forgives if we ask and to not to mistake her own inability to forgive herself with God's unforgiveness. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable novel.

Jody Hedlund’s newest novel Calling on the Matchmaker is a resounding success. I was immersed from the very beginning in the story of a young woman doing everything she can to thwart a matchmaker’s designs for her future. At times humorous yet brimming with romance, Hedlund has created a story that fully entertained me. With colorful characters made relatable by deep inner struggles and expertly timed tension, the book exceeded all my expectations. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Boy, oh boy, did I love this book!!!! I was hooked right from the get go, and I didn’t want to put it down. The tension between Riley and Finola was soooo good, and it was addicting. I found myself reaching for every opportunity to open this book back up. The “meet cute” was the perfect start to their relationship and set the ground for a whirlwind, unconventional romance.
I loved Riley! He was patient, and sweet, and full of heat! He is a widower and finds himself instantly attracted to Finola, and has very strong desires to be with her physically and to get to know her better. This comes as a great surprise to him after swearing off being with another woman.
The romantic tension is very high in this book. It is a closed door Christian romance, but holds a lot of sexual tension between the characters. I found it was more than I usually read in a Christian romance, so I wanted to note it for anyone who may be really sensitive to that sort of thing. I still consider it clean and appropriate, but I wouldn’t have my teens reading it. Riley had had previous relations with a wife and found his mind wandering around Finola.
I really enjoyed this book, and am really looking forward to book 2! That ending was enough to have anyone antsy for the next book!!
Thanks to the author and publisher for a copy, all opinions expressed are my own and were not required.

As soon as this popped up on NetGalley I requested it to review and was tickled when it was granted earlier this week! I quickly moved it up the line and dove into this new novel from Jody Hedlund.

I had to laugh because this book involved an Irish matchmaker--something I just read about in the soon to be released book The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel. Because of Jennifer Deibel's book, I knew what many of the terms were in Jody Hedlund's book. I love it when that happens!

Now let's get to my thoughts on the book.

As the synopsis shares, this book is about Finola and Riley. Two very strong characters with childhood trauma that defines their actions today. Finola blames herelf for the death of her baby sister vowing to live a life serving God as a nun rather than as a wife or mother. For how could she trust herself as a mother when she let her baby sister die?

Riley aka Saint Riley is a strapping young man who grabs life by the horns and is known for rushing in to help and save anyone and everyone without through of the risk to himself. He's a widow with no room for any woman. He's determined to run for mayor so he can help his town and immigrant brothers and sisters who struggle to survive.

Finola and Riely get thrown together when Finola's father hires the local matchmaker to find his daughter a husband. Not long afterwards, Riley promises his dying father he will get married again and seeks out the matchmaker. the matchmaker brings the two together sure they will be perfect for each other...

and that's when the fun begins. I love how Finola schemes to make herself undesirable to any man to avoid marriage. and how that backfires when Riley figures out her tricks and sabatoges her plans.

The book follows the ups and downs of their courtship--as Finola keeps deciding to wait a little longer before ending the match--and Riley decides he absolutely wants to marry Finola.

One thing you will notice right from the get go---as has been the case with the latest of Jody's books---the characters have serious sexual tension. and I mean--serious. you don't get far into the book before Riley is lusting over Finola. and eventually finola herself gets heated up. This goes to the point of--well, about ready to ravish each other.

it honestly is getting to be too much in her books lately. Their heated glances and thoughts distract from so much of the plot.

Plot itself--it was a good plot. I enjoyed the story line. I also like how the last chapter prepares you for book #2. And I have a feeling that we will be seeing Finola's sister Enya again.

4 stars. it was interesting, but I didn't love it.

**I was given a copy of this ARC from the publisher and Net Galley. i wasn't required to write a positive review and all opinions shared are my own.

CALLING ON THE MATCHMAKER by JODY HEDLUND is a most enjoyable read, with very real characters and a heartwarming story which takes place in St Louis, Missouri in 1849, against a background of poverty and sickness amongst the Irish immigrants that haee moved into the area.
Finola Shanahan’s parents are determined to find a suitable husband for her, and seeing that she has already chased away twelve suitors, decide to call in the Irish matchmaker, Oscar McKenna. Oscar’s son Bellamy takes on the challenge of finding a husband for Finola, who seems to have no desire to get married and, together with her brother Madigan, finds ways to chase away her suitors. The guilt she feels at the death of her beloved baby sister, Ava, has made her feel she should join the Sisters of Charity and become a nun, as a form of penance which she hopes will please God…..
The heroic Riley Rafferty had a bad experience with his first wife and is at first only prepared to remarry to put his father’s mind at rest, but the beautiful Finola, soon has him head over heels in love with her. Their developing relationship is interesting, to say the least, and both frustrating and amusig at times…..
This is a story of unconditioal love and the importance of forgiveness, especially the forgiveness of one’s self.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

This is a sweet historical romance that will warm your heart and make you laugh. Set in 1849 St. Louis, MO, we follow two Irish families that have hired a matchmaker for their children. Finola, suffering from a devastating accident in her family, vows she's unworthy to marry and have her own children and is intent on becoming a nun. She thwarts all of her family's attempts to marry her off. Riley is a successful, confidant businessman who is running for Mayor to improve the plight of immigrants and the poor. When his father falls ill and requests Riley finally marry, Riley reluctantly agrees. Neither Finola or Riley think a matchmaker could possible find their perfect match, but he's more than welcome to try, thank you very much.

I loved the chemistry between Finola and Riley. It leapt off the page and their banter was adorable. Finola definitely knows her own mind. She is clever, witty and not afraid to do what she thinks is best. Riley rushes into danger without a second thought, earning the nickname Saint Riley, but is he a bit too reckless with his own safety? I loved the matchmaker in the book - every time he arched his eyebrow at one of the couple's declarations, I cracked a smile. He's not above playing dirty to get a couple who so clearly belongs together to wake up and admit they are falling for each other.

I couldn't put this book down and read it in one sitting. While dealing with serious issues involving the death of loved ones and grief, the author does a great job of depicting the character's survivor guilt. It's understandable why they feel the way they do, but also just as important is to give themselves the grace they so freely give to others. This sweet book has all the feels and will warm your heart and give you a lot of laughs along the way. I highly recommend you read it!

The book ended on a crazy cliffhanger setting up the next book in the series and I am there for it! I can't wait to read it.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley, Bethany House Publishers and Austenprose PR. All opinions are my own.