I think this is my favorite books by Jennifer Deibel. I have loved the other books I have read by this author by I thought this book was the best so far. This story was engaging and I found myself not wanting to put it down. I loved the characters and I love how this book is set during a matchmaking festival that is based on fact. I loved seeing Catriona figure out what she really wanted and coming to face her fears. I also loved seeing Donal learn to move forward in his life and to let those around him help him. I loved the character growth and how the community drew together during difficult times. I really enjoyed this book and will probably read it again.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

This book was such a cute read. I really enjoyed the storyline and I love all the Irish words and sayings. I loved a single dad story and that you get to see the perspective of the daughter at times. Sara is so cute. Definitely recommend this book!

Oh, it was fun to be back in Ireland with Author Jennifer Deibel and learning about this Irish tradition of matchmaking! I thoroughly enjoyed this story!

Donal Bunratty is the sweetest, most authentic man, only attending the matchmaking festival because it was his 9-year-old daughter Sara's birthday wish. Not his cup of tea at all.

After he meets Jimmy Daly the matchmaker in town, and reluctantly tells him his story, Jimmy refers him to his daughter the matchmaker. Catríona Daly no stranger to the business of love, wants to marry well during the matchmaking festival and get out of this town.

A journey of obstacles, faith, self-discovery and love that lovers of romantic historical fiction won't want to miss!

Oh, it was fun to be back in Ireland with Author Jennifer Deibel and learning about this Irish tradition of matchmaking! I thoroughly enjoyed this story!

Donal Bunratty is the sweetest, most authentic man, only attending the matchmaking festival because it was his 9-year-old daughter Sara's birthday wish. Not his cup of tea at all.

After he meets Jimmy Daly the matchmaker in town, and reluctantly tells him his story, Jimmy refers him to his daughter the matchmaker. Catríona Daly no stranger to the business of love, wants to marry well during the matchmaking festival and get out of this town.

A journey of obstacles, faith, self-discovery and love that lovers of romantic historical fiction won't want to miss! Thank you to the author, publisher and Net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

This was a sweet, clean Christian fiction book. I loved the story and the setting and would love to read more from this author! The ending was definitely a tear jerker.

Be whisked away the Emerald Isle! The Irish Matchmaker tells the tale of a single father struggling to provide for his daughter and a traditional matchmaker whose cap is set for a rich dandy. Will the village matchmaking festival bring each the satisfactory marriage of convenience they seek? Or will heartbreak tear them both apart?

I loved this book—wish I could be friends with both the main characters! And I might have cried some happy tears at the end. I would happily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys clean/Christian fiction, thanks to the positive messages, engaging story, and compelling setting.

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a review. The honest opinion is my own.

This story is about a small Irish village with an annual matchmaking festival. Not far from the village lives a widowed cattle farmer, struggling to survive financially with a charming young daughter. When the festival comes to town, the farmer is thrust into finding a match, and the daughter of the village’s famous matchmaker is tasked with finding the match for him. Maybe she’ll find a match for herself as well!

This was a sweet and very endearing historical romance. I loved how the author’s writing really gave you a feel for the Irish setting and you could hear the accents so well. Donal, Catriona, and Sara were such lovable characters, and I really enjoyed watching their stories unfold and intertwine.

A theme of this Christian historical fiction is God’s providence, and I really enjoyed the references to the Sermon on the Mount.

If you want to be transported to 1905 and the Irish countryside, I’d definitely recommend this one!

Thank you to @netgalley and @revellfiction for my gifted e-copy of this book. 💛

Happy pub day to the Irish Matchmaker! And thank you to @netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was sweet, an easy read, and an enjoyable way to spend a few hours. The romance plot felt natural and not forced, and I liked the main characters. And especially after having travelled a bit through the Lisdoonverna area last year and hearing stories of the modern festival, I was enamored with the place and time of this book.

With that said, the use of God and the Sermon in the Mount felt a bit wedged in and out of place, especially as a theme that didn’t appear til well over halfway in. And personally I don’t love the “deus ex machina” of large sums of money dropping into existence to save the day at the end of any story.

So while I enjoyed the read, I’m glad I spent the time on it, and I’ll probably recommend it to a handful of friends, it won’t be making my top list any time soon.

I loved the history that Jennifer Deibel pulled from to write this enchanting story! It is really fascinating learning about traditions and life for different cultures and time periods in regards to marriage and matchmaking. I loved the thought of a matchmaking festival where those seeking a match would come and interact with the others seeking for a match and see how they connected and if they could be a match.

Catríona Daly (Cat) and her dad have been matchmaking for many years and Cat is ready for her own match. She has it all planned out and is going to do what it takes to make it with the man she wants. I loved watching her trying everything and working around other matches and people to work on making her plans succeed. But funnily enough, sometimes what we want and try so hard to make work, isn't what's right. I loved watching Cat encountering this lesson and trying to fight it with all she had until she finally realized the truth.

Andrew and Donal are two of the men who have come to the festival looking for a match as well. Cat is supposed to be helping them find their match, but there are some obstacles she'll have to overcome if she's going to succeed with them. One of these two you'll find absolutely charming and perfect for Cat, while the other you'll be telling her to steer clear of!

I loved the rich descriptions of the countryside, the village and the people. It was so quaint and charming at the same time. I felt like I was right there with them celebrating in the square, going for a walk along the hillside, dancing and cheering each other on, or having a cuppa in the pub. The brogue and Irish culture shaped this one beautifully! I was pulled in and full invested in who would win Cat's heart.

Content: Clean. Some mild moments of peril. Some kisses but nothing further.

I received a copy from the publisher, Revell, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

“The Lord certainly had a fine sense of humor, leading her to end up with exactly what she didn’t want. Except it was everything she could want and more.”

I loved this gentle, endearing, historical Irish romance! Jennifer Deibel knows how to weave a fantastic Irish tale that captures not only the gorgeous countryside, but the charming personalities of the people. It was such a beautiful story with a sweet message of hope and faith. The characters were so delightful and I could hear that amazing Irish brogue in my head every time I read. It’s an engaging second chance romance between an Irish matchmaker and one of her matches. Though Catriona thinks she knows what she wants, she receives a pleasant surprise when she realizes what she truly needs.

I loved Donal and his cute daughter Sara. Donal is a cattle farmer barely hanging on to his livelihood. When his wife died, he was left to raise his small daughter on his own, but increasing difficulties with the farm have caused him to seek a wife. Though he doesn’t think he can give Catriona what she desires, the powerful attraction between them makes him want to try. I loved their slow burn romance and how they managed the ups and downs in their relationship. I also enjoyed all the side characters, especially Sara, Caty’s dad, and their friends who made this story even more fun. Of course there’s a villain in the story, and I appreciated the twists that occur because of him.

It’s a heartfelt, romantic story in a lovable, small Irish village that definitely kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed how the author included the Irish brogue to give this a truly authentic feel with a glossary at the beginning of the book to easily refer back to. I also loved the references to the Sermon on the Mount and the beautiful message surrounding the lilies of the field.

Highly recommend to inspirational historical romance fans, especially those who love Irish romances. Looking forward to more stories from this author. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

A historical romance set in Ireland brings together a dreaming matchmaker and a down at heels farmer. This is well written and descriptive of the people and the place. Donal would do most anything for his daughter. Catriona would love to escape her rural life and making matches for others. Neither was what the other expected but the author weaves a tale that brings them together in a lovely way.
Thanks to Netgalley and Revell for the review copy of the book.

This is the first book of Jennifer Deibel I have read. Needless to say I will be reading more. I love historical books and The Matchmaker didn't disappoint me. The match making of the Irish is true as well as the matchmaker festival in September every year.

Why I chose this book: I have not read Jennifer Deibel before … or so I thought. The back cover copy was intriguing and a little different from what I usually read.

Type of Book: Historical Irish, Christian Fiction

Overall: I enjoyed this book. I realized after I read The Irish Matchmaker and looked up the author, that I had indeed read her before—and was not a fan. I saw potential but I didn’t like the story I had read. (It just goes to show you that books are personal because the book I wasn’t a fan of was the winner of the Kipp Award for Historical Romance when it debuted.)

Jennifer Deibel, you have grown as an author and I am so happy for you. You have developed your characters. You have given them depth, desires, motivations, and an old-school subtle conflict that gently moves the story on. I thought it was a great read.

The one thing I would change: I was overwhelmed by the glossary of terms in the front of the book and did not use them. I was reading an ebook version and could not easily flip to the front for the glossary and then flip back to where I was. It might work better in paperback where I could have a bookmark handy to mark the spot, but even then. I don’t want to be taken out of a story to find a definition, and then try to get back into it. My goal as an editor: never pop that fictive bubble (lessons from Ted Dekker). Instead, define the terms or repeat the phrase in “normal” English somehow.

What does it take to get five stars from me? I want to be moved. I want something impactful and memorable. Not every book will do that. Some are just there to entertain. Some entertain and leave their mark. The Irish Matchmaker was one of those cute reads. Those reads that you need to read when you want to check out and unwind and lose yourself in someone else’s story.

Favorite Quotes/Characters: children are notoriously difficult to write. To get the right dialogue for the age--so many authors get it wrong. Jennifer did a great job giving us a realisitc child in this story. I enjoyed how she was a vital piece to moving this storyline along.

Bookshelf worthy? It was a nice read. It may be bookshelf-worthy for some readers. Personally, this would be a great library read for me. It is a good story. It’s sweet. It’s Irish (oh, how I could hear the lilts in the phrases!). It was cute. A great Valentine’s read for the month of February.
Teenability: Yes, I would recommend this to teen readers and be comfortable with the content.

Four Stars.

**Thank you Revell and Netgalley for this copy to read for review. The opinions here are my own, honest views.**

I enjoy Jennifer Deibel's writing; her picturesque descriptions of Ireland, her colorful language, and her character personifications. While I enjoyed The Irish Matchmaker, I didn't feel it had the climactic scenes her other novels had. The climactic scenes in this story were more rocks instead of cliffs. Don't get me wrong the story is a very good story and I enjoyed reading it. The characters, Catriona and Donal are sweet and inspiring. The story is built around the matchmaking festival which lends a festive air to the story. It is a definite book to read if you are lacking faith in an area of your life. I really liked reading the book but compared to Mrs. Diebel's other stories this one was not as passionate in her writing (if you excuse the pun). But I still highly recommend this book, especially as a starter for those new to Mrs. Diebel's writing.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Revell Publishers for the advanced reader copy. The opinion expressed is solely my own.

4.5*. Readers are welcomed to the Irish countryside and immersed in the lives of the characters in this book, feeling their concerns, challenges, and celebrating their successes. The Gaelic words and unique pronunciation lend authenticity to the story. The thread of faith that strengthens the characters through their most difficult days is inspiring.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Jennifer Deibel once again transports us back to beautiful Ireland with a story rich in love, forgiveness, community, and God’s faithfulness. The beauty of the story grabs you within the opening pages and pulls you in to every high and low the characters experience until the book is closed.

Catriona Daly and her father, Jimmy, are well known matchmakers in their small village. Every September, the village holds a month long festival that is attended by surrounding villages with attendees hoping to find love. Catriona hopes this year will be the year she also finds her own match at the festival.

Catriona finds herself helping several people to find their matches including aristocratic Andrew Osborne, who had a previous failed match the previous year, and widowed farmer Donal Bunratty, who is looking for help on the farm but also a mother for his young daughter.

A story filled with delightful characters that help teach us many life lessons with an inspirational message weaved through out. It is an absolutely delightful read and Ms. Deibel’s books never disappoint! I highly recommend this historical romance.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Journey to the yearly Irish matchmaking festival in Jennifer Deibel’s new release The Irish Matchmaker. This historical fiction romance has something for all readers with elements of family drama, suspense, and action. Deibel draws the reader in to Catriona and Donal’s stories immediately. I felt as if I got to know the characters personally, but the character of Sara, Donal’s daughter, was my favorite. Also, I eagerly read to discover the matches that Catriona would make for others and herself.
If you enjoy historical romances with Christian themes, add The Irish Matchmaker to the top of your to be read pile. You won’t be disappointed, particularly if you enjoy stories with an Irish setting. I have thoroughly enjoyed every book by Deibel that I have read and eagerly await her next one. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, the publisher for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Hmm I am not sure how i feel about this, I wanted to love it but i just couldn’t get into any of the characters. I wasnt emotionally invested in the characters at all and i am super bummed because i wanted to like it. I love that she used the Irish language and had the glossary in the beginning of the book, I loved the entire premise but for me the characters just fell flat and i couldnt care.

Sweet read by Jennifer Deibel.

In The Irish Matchmaker, Catríona Daly, the daughter of a successful Irish matchmaker, is tasked by her father to find Donal Bunratty, a widower and a local farmer, a match during the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival. Donal isn’t sure he wants to be matched, though he greatly needs help. The only woman who draws his attention is his matchmaker. Catríona finds herself busy juggling finding Donal a match while trying to snag a match of her own with the son of a well-to-do family.

This story is the first of Jennifer Deibel’s I have read. I love the premise of finding love at a matchmaking festival. I enjoyed meeting the people in the town of Lisdoonvarna, the glimpses of 1900s Ireland, and watching Catríona and Donal’s friendship turn into sparks of interest.

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

Jennifer Deibel has become an auto-order author for me. Her Irish tales are rich with authenticity and well drawn-out characters who grow as the stories progress. The Irish Matchmaker is another outstanding novel by Deibel. I was drawn in from the first page.

This novel centers around a yearly matchmaking festival with a heroine who is a feisty matchmaker and Donal, a shy widower who is a farmer with a wee daughter. Will the unlikely couple find love, or will Catriona find love with Andrew, the son of Lord Osborne
?
The story kept me turning pages until it’s satisfying end. I loved the sweet love story filled with self-sacrifice and growth for both characters. Donal’s sweet daughter Sara lights up the pages! I highly recommend this story.

I received a review copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

"The Irish Matchmaker" by Jennifer Deibel is wonderful story about a matchmaker Catriona who doesn't yet have a match for herself. The story is set in the real life Irish town Lisdoonvarna during the yearly matchmaking festival. The main characters are all fictional but at the end you do get to read about 3 in the story that were real life people! I love it when authors add real life people and events in the story since it makes the story more believable.

Getting back to the story - Catriona or Caty wants to finally meet her match. Will it be handsome, rich son of a Lord Andrew who would take her far away from Lisdoonvarna? Or will it be the handsome local, poor widower with a young daughter, Donal? There is a bit of mystery, intrigue and danger in this book as well.

The characters are well thought out and outside of the main love triangle I loved the parts that included Donal's young daughter Sara and Caty's father. The town and all of the matches really come alive. The author inserts some great historical detail into the book.

If you are looking for a lighter historical romance definitely pick this one up. I'm glad I did! I finished this one pretty quickly and will probably want to re-read this one in the future.