Let Jennifer Deibel sweep you away to the beautiful land of Ireland at the turn of the last century. As the time for the annual matchmaking festival in Lisdoonvarna nears, professional matchmaker Catríona Daly rues the irony of being an unmatched matchmaker. Her dearest wish is to for some rich festival-goer to woo her away from this small, backward town to a bustling city.

Meanwhile, Donal Bunratty and his nine-year-old daughter are struggling to make a go of their small farm a few miles away. Donal will do anything for his daughter, so he reluctantly agrees to attend the matchmaker’s festival.

Andrew Osbourne’s match from last year was a flop. He is back with his determined parents, set on finding a match that will see him well politically.

When Catríona becomes the matchmaker for both men, scheming on more than one front nearly brings disaster. Will true personalities show through the posturing of such times? Will wisdom or personal gain drive decisions?

Of course, my fave character is 9-year-old Sara, so precocious in some ways and forced by circumstances to assume adult roles never meant for children. No wonder her father will go to great lengths to please her, or that she attracts goodwill and help from Caty.

A glossary at the front of the book helps with Irish words and phrases and gives an air of authenticity to the novel. It was fun learning some of the details of what went on behind the scenes of a match, like the “plucking of the gander.”

Bullying, social status, love of the land, and pure selfishness, plus romance and trust in God all make this a believable and enjoyable novel to be visited more than once.

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher via Netgalley. I also bought my own paperback for my keeper shelf. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

I loved this fantastic historical romance. I could not get enough of Sarah and her father, Donal. I really liked Catriona and was so happy when she finally learns what love really is. I loved the romance and the near tragedies that bring these people together. I could not put this book down. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I struggled to get into the read; finally DNFing for now. I haven't read too many matchmaking tropes and maybe it's just not my jam? Not sure--I'd've thought after reading/loving Jane Austen's _Emma_ (and a few modern-day retellings on that front) that I'd enjoy it! But this one, at this moment, and I aren't the right fit for each other. I was just bored and couldn't connect with the plot or characters.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Irish Matchmaker was an easy flowing, sweet story which had me turning pages as fast as I can manage reading.

I adored Sarah, her faith and trust reminded me which God said we need to have faith like children. They don’t question or overthink, but just believe that God will do what He says.

Donal and Catriona were characters to easily love and stand behind. I liked how Donal, just by being him, silently won Catriona over. There was one character I did not like and would have liked more “justice” for the way he treated people but did appreciate how he was put in his place at the end.

The writer makes it easy for readers to feel like you are in Ireland along with the characters, with the way she describes locations and culture.

I loved the two main themes in this story: Men can make plans, but ultimately God’s will and plan for your life will come to fruitions. God will provide as sure as there He provides foods for the birds and clothes for the flowers in the fields, but how our own pride can sometimes stands in the way.

Recommended for fans of historical romance.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

This was my first book by this author, and I was not disappointed. This was a Christian romance that does a lovely job weaving biblical moments without being too preachy. Catriona is a matchmaker who is determined to break away from her small-town life and never going back to a world of poverty and struggle that she had growing up. She believes that answer is through Andrew, a Lord's son, who his parents have hired Catriona to find an appropriate wife. She tries to throw her own hat into the potential matrimonial pool. She also is tasked with finding Donal, a widowed farmer and father, to find a match. Catriona must figure out whether to follow her heart or keep to her plan to escape a world she previously deemed as unworthy. Yes, the book has the predictable outcome, and you can sense who the bad guy and true love is from the start, but the storyline keeps you interested until the end.

3. 5 stars

I adored this story of the matchmaker finding her match and it is my favorite author Deibel novel to date. What a lively way to visit Ireland and learn about its matchmaking custom in the town of Lisdoonvarna and its September matchmaking festival.

Catriona and her father are the town matchmakers. This yearly festival is her and her father's busiest time and the bread and butter of their business. Though Catriona wonders if there will ever be a match for her. One that she can abide by and not make her go back into poverty. When Andrew Osborne comes back into town after a failed match from the previous year, Catriona sees this as her chance. But will love have other plans?

Donal is a widower with a daughter who so very much wishes to have a mother. Donal is also a poor farmer, and he is not sure how he can even keep his farm. However, to make his little girl happy, he seeks the matchmaker's help in his love life. Until he meets Catriona and realizes this matchmaking business is not for the faint of heart.

I am not usually for love triangles, but this one was one that made me giggle and hope for the best for the love birds.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed Jennifer Deibel's scenery of Ireland. Her writing and vivid details had me convinced I was sitting in Ireland with all the characters. The romance was fantastic and I really enjoyed this one.

The Irish Matchmaker was a sweet book. I enjoyed the bits of history the author put into the story. It was helpful with the Irish word pronunciations in the beginning of the book, as well as what the words meant. The storyline was easy to follow through, the descriptions of the place were vivid, and I truly felt a part of the small town. The characters were written well, and I did like that they grew throughout the book. I will say that as far as Christian themes go, it was sporadic in the beginning, but it picked up toward the middle of the book. I wanted a little more in terms of the backstory to Catriona with her mother, and Donal with his wife. Other than that, I did enjoy this read, and would recommend to those who want a sweet romance, or those who enjoy bits of Irish History.

I really enjoyed this story! It was sweet and complex. Seeing the power of community throughout the story was so refreshing, and the colorful side characters added so much to the story. I really loved Donal even when he was being hard-headed. Catríona was a great character too. This was a lovely story infused with hope! Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A charming romantic tale of God’s providence against the backdrop of Ireland, The Irish Matchmaker delights! Jennifer Deibel beautifully depicts an Irish community in 1905 with vivid descriptions, well-written characters, and a storyline that makes you hold your breath through trials then sigh in contentment at the happily ever after. I loved that Caitrona was a tad older and plumper than an average heroine, and I loved that Donal was a tenderhearted loving hero. And his daughter Sara was a brilliant little Irish matchmaker!Donal and Caitrona’s journey to find one another brought lessons in God’s faithfulness and provision that warm the heart. No one writes about Ireland like Jennifer, and each of her stories is a testament to Irish culture in a way that gets better with each book. This story was extremely well done, and gets a wholehearted five stars!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts are my own. I really did love it!

Jennifer does NOT disappoint with her newest release, The Irish Matchmaker. I have read every one of her books and they consistently deliver captivating tales filled with profound emotion. In The Irish Matchmaker we follow the daughter of a well-known matchmaker, Catriona Daly. She is helping widowed cattle farmer Donal Bunratty find a wife to help take care of their family farm and raise his daughter by his side. He attends the matchmaking festival as a wish for his young daughter, only to end up not finding the one he thought he would. But what happens when the one doing the matchmaking appears to be the woman of his dreams? The story goes on from here as Donal and Catriona get to know one another but Lord Osborne's son, Andrew, throws a "cog in the wheel" we will say in all the matchmaking.....

This Christian Historical Romance is set in Ireland and Jennifer always has the best descriptions and dialogue for the setting and characters. You really feel like you are there with them. The characters always touch your heart too. I love a good single Dad story finding love again - one of my favorite tropes - and this was so sweet as his little girl stole my own heart! The story did take a little bit for me to get invested but around the 50% mark, I finished the book so quickly and loved the ending. The romance was sweet - I thought originally it was going to be a love triangle, but it wasn't really a serious one, as we knew Andrew was not a good guy from the beginning and Donal and her had a great connection together.

My favorite part of this is the ending and the Sermon on the Mount scriptures and discussion with his little girl. Absolutely beautiful.

I will always recommend Jennifer's books - solid clean, Christian Historical Romance. No content warnings or triggers to report as the romance was completely clean with kisses only. :)

Thank you to Revell and Jennifer for allowing me to be on the Launch Team and providing me with a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Author Jennifer Deibel presents her latest historical fiction novel, set during the early 1900s at an Irish matchmaking festival.

In The Irish Matchmaker, matchmaker Catriona Daly sees the festival as her chance to change her life and leave her village. She puts her expertise to work to find matches for Andrew, Lord Osborne’ son (could it finally be her turn as a match?), and for local farmer Donal Bunratty, a widowed father. Things do not go as smoothly as Catriona planned. Will she recognize God’s hand in it?

Deibel crafts an inspirational romance where the narrative is descriptive, the faith element is woven into the storyline, and Catriona is a departure from the norm - she is “thick-waisted”and slightly, (but not too old to dream of a match of her own!). The well-written characters, the historical detail, and the pace of the story does not disappoint. Readers are transported back to 1905 rural Ireland, complete with mentions of fairies, community, faith, family, and discovering what is most important in marriage. A glossary of Irish terms is presented, although it didn’t seem necessary, as the terms were understandable in the context.

This is Deibel’s fourth book set in historical Ireland, and her voice is recognized as one who writes authentically about its culture as well as an excellent storyteller. Although not in a series, readers who have not read her earlier books (A Dance in Donegal, The Lady of Galway Manor, and The Maid of Ballymacool) would do well to read them!

Recommended for adult collections in public libraries and fans of historical fiction.

NOTE: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author or publisher. All views expressed are only my honest thoughts.

This is my first book by this author and I struggled to get into the story and there were too many Irish words which were distracting and pulled me out of the story too many times.

The Irish Matchmaker was a wonderful example of life and love in Ireland. I would love to be able to attend a matchmaking festival in lisdoonvarna! The book illustrates falling in love with what you are sure you don’t want while showing Biblical stories.

I found The Irish Matchmaker to be a beautiful book to read. I believe it deserves five plus stars. I highly recommend it for those who love to read clean historical romance.

Catríona is an Irish matchmaker during a matchmaking festival. She's desperate to set herself up with her client. Donal is a widower who's daughter asks him to get married again. When he asks Catríona to match him, sparks fly.

This book was dull. Catríona wasn't a nice person and I don't know why Donal liked her. The story seemed a bit contrived with Cat not wanting to marry a farmer and despising all things related to the farm then suddenly doing an about face. It just felt unearned.

An entertaining, historical Christian romance set in Ireland.

Caty is a matchmaker and is tasked with making a couple matches during the local festival season. In turn, she finds her own match - after she discovers the path her life should be going. It's a fun story with romance, but a lot of strong undertones. The characters are well developed and mostly likeable, the storylines are fun and interesting.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

Making the perfect match is both art and science—but love doesn't always follow the rules.

I fell in love with Jennifer's writing from her very first book A Dance in Donegal. Her lyrical writer's voice and immersive scenery took me to a place I long to visit....Ireland! When I read this book, I can hear the characters’ Irish accents and nuances in their voice. I can picture in my mind everything you see, hear, touch or smell. That's a sign of an excellent author when they can make you feel like you jumped into the pages of a book!

Here we start off with the annual Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival where both gentry and poor come together to socialize, dance and otherwise have every opportunity to mingle with the intent to make love matches. It's a time of fun & frivolity for all. I loved watching all these things take place and can imagine what it would be like! Here's where we also meet our local matchmaker & heroine Catriona Daly and our hero Donal Bunratty. She's a vibrant young lady who loves life and lives to serve others. However, she's desperate to find a love match of her own and chases after what she thinks will fulfill that desire. Donal lost his wife six years ago and is raising his daughter alone. He's not looking for love for himself, but reluctantly does for a mother for his girl and help to run his farm. Well, I bet you can imagine what might happen in this story! No spoilers here, I think you will enjoy how the author weaves all things together. I liked getting to know all the side characters too, especially Catriona's dad. He taught her all about the fine art of matchmaking and will do anything for her. Little Sara—Donal's girl—added her own charm with her precarious nature, fun-loving heart and easy laughter; she added an extra layer & depth.

I enjoyed this story immensely—from the arm-chair visit to Ireland, to the festival itself and of course that happily-ever-after at the end (and everything in between). Deibel has the sort of writer’s voice that calls to a reader and makes them glad they picked up her books!

*I received a complimentary copy from Revell publishers and was not obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are my own. *

A heartwarming and unpredictable book filled with love, laughter, and unexpected twists. Compelling characters and fun setting. Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for allowing me to read and review.

This was my second book by Jennifer Deibel, and I'm hooked. In this gentle, endearing Irish romance novel Catriona is a matchmaker. As she tries to matchmake for her clients who are participating in the annual Matchmaking Festival she finds herself falling for one of her clients. She knows this is the exact opposite of what she's wanting in life but as she fights the attraction with another possible marriage source, she finds herself rethinking her wants. I love the story of Donal and his daughter Sara. Such a beautiful message of hope written throughout the eyes and scenes of the Irish countryside. As in every historical romance there has to be a captivating fellow from a high money family that is just hovering there in the scenes, making us wonder if he's the one who's going to change and make the story go big. The Irish Matchmaker didn't fail in that sense either.... it's all there. Loved this book! 5* read for me. It was Christian historical romance at its finest. I will recommend as well as continue to read novels from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jennifer Deibel and Revell publishing for allowing me this arc eversion in exchange for my honest opinion.