I am hooked on this Shanahan Match series! Thank you @bethanyhousefiction for my early reading copy of @jodyhedlund new novel SAVED BY THE MATCHMAKER, second in the series, out now.

This novel jumps right into the two main characters' need for a marriage for two very different reasons. Enya’s husband was not what she thought, and her marriage has been annulled after he disappeared, but she’s pregnant. Sullivan is at his 11th hour ultimatum from his father to get married, or his steamboat will be docked.

There’s a sweet bond between Enya and Sullivan as he tries to navigate the risky decisions he has made on the boat with the expectations of married life, and Enya’s fierce distrust as a result of her past.

What I enjoyed the most was Sullivan’s secret use of the steamboat to ferry runaway slaves to freedom, and Enya’s discovery and subsequent bravery to care for these stowaways. This was a unique perspective on history and I enjoyed seeing the research Hedlund and put into accurately portraying this time period.

I am looking forward to another book in this series!

Saved by the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund is the second book in A Shanahan Match series, but can be a stand-alone novel. Enya Shanahan is in trouble and needs a match quickly. Her brother and father take her to the see the matchmaker in hopes he can help her with her circumstance. Sullivan O’Brien is a steamboat captain who must find a wife before Shreve Tuesday, and he too visits the matchmaker. Could they both be a match?

I adored this story and was lost in it! The characters were so engaging and they both grew and changed in the story as they learned to trust each other. Sullivan O’Brien is the hero of heroes. #sullivanthehero Enya had so much to overcome and it was exciting to watch her mature and overcome her past. I loved the change in both characters brought on through their love of each other. The setting of St. Louis, New Orleans and on steamboats during the 1800’s was fascinating. I found this to be a tender heartwarming story that will stay with me. I cannot wait for the third book in the series.

The story has wonderful romantic tension, a beautiful love story, and an interesting setting. I feel it will delight you, stay with you, and hold your interest. Saved by the Matchmaker will be a favorite of 2024 for me. I highly recommend.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

What a wonderful read! I loved the romance and the characters of Sullivan and Enya. The way they overcame their pasts and scars to find happiness made for a story that was hard to put down. This read has several twists that brought additional layers to the story and made it all the more intriguing for me. Loved this one!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Saved by the Matchmaker, by Jody Hedlund, is the second book in A Shanahan Match series. Woven with fine threads of history, adventure, suspense, and romance, this book shines as a special tapestry of storytelling! From the first page to the last, it is a meaningful and engaging novel. Its southern settings, unconventional characters, and unexpected plot points are truly engrossing and memorable. 

With each new novel, Ms. Hedlund continues to showcase her terrific skills as a writer. In Saved by the Matchmaker, she has proven once again that she knows how to entertain and engage her readers. In this novel, her writing is certainly vivid and detailed. From the settings to the characters, immersive descriptions add depth and thoughtfulness to a touching story.

Ultimately, it is the characters in this book who add vulnerability and authenticity to the story. Their hurts, insecurities, and convictions are raw and moving, making it easy to become genuinely sympathetic to their stories. Gradually, they reveal their true natures and the desires of their hearts. As the story develops and the characters begin to pursue forgiveness, redemption, and hope, the novel grows more inspiring and thought-provoking.

Saved by the Matchmaker is an impressive story of healing, hope, danger, courage, and second chances. Uplifting and well-written, it abounds with detail, drama, and plenty of sweet romance. I gladly recommend it, and I am eagerly 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.

Saved by the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund is the second book in A Shanahan Match series and a definite must read if you love inspirational historical romance.
Set in St. Louis in the 1800's this inspirational historical romance is a marriage of convenience story about Sullivan O'Brien who must marry or lose his livelihood and Enya Shanahan who must marry to protect her family's reputation. They both are learning to trust not only each other, but love as well as they face their pasts and confront their greatest fears.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books in this series in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

I love Jody Hedlund's books, and was so looking forward to this one. It stunned me when it brought up horrible memories for me. I guess people would say I was "triggered", as much as I hate that word. This one was hard for me to read. I did finish it, and I'll be keeping the book because of the Matchmaker series. But it was difficult for me to read. Not because of Jody's lack of writing skills, and not for lack of a good story. It just brought horrible memories back for me.

How does one deal with an annulment and a soon-to-be-revealed secret? What if you have to be married by midnight on Shrove Tuesday and you have no idea how to make it happen? Can you trust that a well-known matchmaker will work his magic again? This is the predicament of two people who desperately need Bellamy McKenna's matchmaking skills!

I always enjoy Jody Hedlund's stories, but this book has just become my favorite! The two main characters are individually charismatic but together, they become an extraordinary super-couple! Enya Shanahan is beautiful inside and out, and Sullivan is strong, brave, and willing to put the needs of other people ahead of his own. How many gentlemen were willing to risk their health and wealth to help slaves escape to freedom in 1849? How many husbands would put the needs of their 'marriage of convenience brides' before their own?

Hedlund gives readers a mesmerizing tale of danger, adventure, and romance. A raging fire and the threat of a cholera epidemic add to the action, but the real drama is in the relationship between Enya and Sullivan. I loved their deepening respect and concern for each other, and I swooned at their increasing physical attraction. The romance is clean, but oh, so sizzling and there's also a reminder that joy and peace can come from unknown people and unexpected circumstances. I recommend Saved by the Matchmaker to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

A midnight marriage of convenience to save her reputation leaves Enya the wife of steamboat captain, Sullivan O'Brien, a man who likes having the freedom to do his business up and down the river as a cover for a greater mission.

I liked Sullivan instantly, he is a man who has been hurt in love before, not a flashy or silver-tongued man, but one with a quiet strength and integrity. I liked how he keeps trying to show Enya that he can be trusted, in a steady and dependable way. Enya knows that she made mistakes and struggles with punishing herself for the past. I loved seeing her regain her confidence, with Sullivan's love and support. Sullivan's father provided much of the romantic comedy, in the book throwing them into one situation after another.

An engaging read, with captivating characters, strong themes of commitment and trust, as well as doing what is right and trusting God to forgive. I loved seeing Bellamy at his matchmaking again, and hope to read many more in the series, and maybe even see him find a match himself! A wonderful addition to the series, but it could also be read as a standalone. Highly enjoyable!

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

From the epilogue of the last book in A Shanahan Match, I knew I would love this story!
Sullivan and Enya’s independently needed realities of marriage are brought together quite suddenly, and it is up to the two of them to decide how their new union will shape their future.
My favorite thing about Sullivan is his integrity at all costs and his intentional, but gentle and respectful pursuit.
Enya has had some huge hurts in her recent past and her hesitancy is to be expected, but there are wonderful blessings ahead if she can choose to embrace them.
Great sparks, sweet gifts, tender care, swoony moments, and love that conquers all in this great read.
Two thumbs up!

This is book #2 I the Shanahan Match series but can be read as a standalone book.

This is Enya Shanahan and Sullivan O’Brien’s story. This is a marriage of convenience story. They both have reasons why they need to get married in a hurry and the both go to the local matchmaker who pairs them up together. They both have to come to terms with their situation.

They face many challenges the first few months of their marriage but through it all the realize y they have fallen in love with each other.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.

Saved by the Matchmaker is another 5 star romance by Jody Hedlund! Everything she writes is top-notch. This is book 2 of A Shanahan Match and it's my new favorite now! My heart immediately went out to Enya and her situation. Sullivan is a patient and honorable man who is perfect for Enya. Wonderful marriage of convenience love-story.

Enya and Sullivan's story will quickly pull you in and you won't want to leave their world. In fact, I hope to go back soon to see what Bellamy, the matchmaker, is up to!

Susan Hanfield did an amazing job, as usual, as narrator of this series.

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

Publication date: 6 August 2024

I really loved this book. I found my self not wanting to put it down. I loved how the author made the characters so vulnerable and how they each had to deal with past hurt, whether physical or emotional. I liked how Sullivan was so patient and loving to Enya even when she was fighting her feelings. I liked seeing them fall in love as they got to know each other and strived to make their marriage work. I liked how they became friends first before striving for anything more. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

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.

What is your favorite romance trope? Marriage of convenience, second change romance, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, etc.? Saved by the Matchmaker is a romance novel with one of my favorite tropes, marriage of convenience.

Enya Shanahan thought she found the love of her life when she eloped with Brian. After he abandoned her, her family quickly had her marriage annulled. One problem is that she is pregnant. Her father hires a matchmaker to find her a husband quickly. The matchmaker pairs her with steamboat Captain Sullivan O’Brian, who also needs a quick marriage to appease his father and keep his job. Will these two find love and understanding? Will they be able to work together to help enslaved people find freedom?

My thoughts on this novel:
• This was a very romantic story full of romantic tension.

• Sullivan has scars from rescuing people from a devastating fire during the Mexican American War. He is afraid no one will love him because of these scars.

• The story had hints of Beauty and the Beast, if the Beast was actually a nice man with unsightly scars.

• This story takes place in the 19th century in St. Louis, New Orleans, and along the Mississippi River.

• Both Enya and Sullivan were wonderful, deeply developed, and well-rounded characters. I loved their growth through the novel, as well as their romance.

• This was a clean read, but oh my – the romantic tension was definitely there!

• This is the second book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone.

• I loved that Sullivan gave time for Enya to fall in love with him.

• The story is told through Enya and Sullivan’s alternating points of view.

• It was an interesting detail on how Sullivan used his river boat as part of the underground railroad to help enslaved people escape to the north. Enya loves this about him and wants to help.

Overall, Saved by the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund is a beautiful historical romance with well developed and likeable characters, and great romantic tension.

Book Source: Review copy from Bethany House Fiction as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Saved by the Matchmaker is an 1800s historical romance with strong characters, a page-turning plot, and thoughtful themes.

Enya’s annulment is finalized, and to save her from further scandal, her father seeks the assistance of a (cunning) matchmaker. Sullivan is a steamboat captain who risks his life to hide and transport enslaved people to freedom. His father demands that he find a wife or lose his inheritance, so Sullivan seeks the services of the same matchmaker. Enya and Sullivan are brought together by the matchmaker in a marriage of convenience. They face a few trials and harrowing experiences as they learn to trust each other. This is #2 in a series but can be read as a stand-alone.

A marriage of convenience was probably fairly typical in the 1800s when women were dependent upon a husband or father for protection and/or support. I often wonder what those circumstances would be like. It’s difficult for me to imagine in that situation as a woman living in the U.S. in modern times. A marriage of convenience trope lends itself to witty dialogue and entertaining circumstances! I think this slow-burn romance was well done.

I enjoyed both Enya’s and Sullivan’s perspectives in this story. Each was unique and equally interesting and complicated. Enya’s circumstances (abandoned by her husband) were unfortunate for the time when women needed to be married and taken care of. A pregnancy complicates everything. Can the matchmaker find her a husband before her pregnancy is obvious? Can they fool a prospective husband into thinking it’s his child? Or will a potential husband reject her when he finds out she’s pregnant? Sullivan has his own complicated life. His father threatens to disinherit him if he doesn’t marry within the year. He also hides and transports enslaved people in their escape attempts. Right away, we realize these two are desperate to marry (for different reasons) and that both risk a great deal in trusting another person. These dynamics raised the stakes in their marriage of convenience. We still have the typical stressors that come with this type of arrangement but we also get so much more.

Saved by the Matchmaker has thoughtful character development, a slow-burn romance, and a page-turning conclusion. I love this balance! I also appreciated the unique steam-boat setting which created “forced proximity.” Transporting enslaved persons added a compelling storyline. The tension of trusting each other permeates the story from beginning to end. For this reason, it is an engaging read.

I’m enthusiastically recommending Saved by the Matchmaker for readers who are fans of 1800s historical romance with strong characters, compelling content, and thoughtful themes. It is #2 in a series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Thanks #NetGalley @Bethany_House @AustenProse for a complimentary e ARC of #SavedByTheMatchmaker upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Upon discovering this book, I was immediately drawn to its description. I have a penchant for history, especially when it's presented in a way that's not overly serious but still retains a hint of fiction. Having enjoyed the author's previous works, I was eager to delve into Saved by Matchmaker, fully anticipating the same level of personal enjoyment from her unique writing style that I've experienced before.

It is the way it starts, and we meet a daughter named Enya, her father, and her brother. However, when Enya mentions that she is holding a secret that will harm her family's reputation, things get pulled into action when her brother rushes to meet the matchmaker named Bellemy.

We are also introduced to Sullivan O'Brien and his livelihood. Will Sullivan take his father's ultimatum and lose his life? Will I love Enya, and will they indeed find love with each other? Will Enya learn to trust Sullivan, or will she fall back when she compares her new husband to Brian? Will he overcome her trust issues and fall in love with Sullivan?

We see that Sullivan loves to free enslaved people, but will the enslaved person catch him captured? Enya seems to see and want to help her husband, or she has found an enslaved person while on her way back from New Orleans.

There was a fire that caused some boats to be lost. But will Sullivan save him and the enslaved person, or will he be lost to see when he daringly moves to have his boat floating away from other boats? Will he help save another boat so the fire does not spread, or was it someone who started fires? Was it an act of nature?

What does the matchmaker see in Enya? Why does he think Sullivan is a good match for Enya? There seems to be something Belmy sees in Enya, and she is able to see Sullivan as a match. Will it work? Belmy appears to have a knack for matchmaking to have them marry and fall in love.

I could not put this book down!! I really enjoyed the first one, so when I got to read this one I was so excited. And it totally stood up to and exceeded my expectations. It was so so good!!! I have not been reading books very quickly lately, I just haven’t had a lot of time, but I read this one so fast because I was so absorbed in to the story.
This marriage of convenience hits hard right from the start, and Sullivan is so likable. He is like an onion- he seems rough and tough on the outside but he has layers, and it just so happens, the onion is actually a great big cinnamon roll. He is soo incredibly sweet and thoughtful, and I loved him.
Enya is a bit more of a stinker, but she does have good reasoning, so I can’t blame her. And she really does have a great heart once she gets past her selfishness. I love watching her growth through the story, and I loved watching her recognize what true love is.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves a great Christian romance. Thank you to @jodyhedlund and @bethanyhousefiction for an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

2024
I just fell completely in love with this sweet Marriage of Convenience story! Actually, Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, maybe my number 1 trope, and this book has excelled it!
Enya Shanahan is left brokenhearted and devastated after her husband mistreats her and leaves her for another. Hiding a secret and with a scandal about to explode, her father and brother come to the rescue and help her get her marriage annulled. But her reputation is at risk, so a matchmaker is required -the well known Bellamy- to find her a suitable well positioned match that will be willing to accept her with her “baggage” to save her reputation. Bellamy doesn’t waver, as he has the perfect groom for her. Captain Sullivan O’Brien, pressured by his father, his livelihood at risk, and not looking for love after a painful rejection, is in urgent need of a wife. After the unexpected proposal and equally unexpected reaction by both parts, they end up agreeing and hastily married. Sullivan is an experienced Captain of different Steamboats that travel along the Mississippi River to trade, and he is secretly involved in helping slaves runaway toward their freedom by hiding them in his boat. As they start their fragile marriage sailing through the river, there will be enough obstacles for them to find true love. Not only danger and adventure, but especially when both have to face their pasts and heal to be able to love again. Will their marriage remain one of convenience or develop into one of true love?
I loved how the plot developed -it flowed at a perfect pace- and the interactions between the characters. Well, I guess I fell in love with the characters and their growing relationship. Sullivan, with his rough exterior and physical scars from war, couldn’t be more gentlemanly and caring toward Enya. He falls first. Enya is so heartbroken after her previous marriage, that she doesn’t know if she’ll be able to trust and love a man again. But the way Sullivan wooed her… It was absolutely swooning! I fell immediately in love and wanted to shake Enya a few times. Sullivan was so caring and patient. He treated her as she saw her: a beautiful fragile treasure that deserved all the happiness in the world. The little details he had with her, his protective attitude and his fierce devotion made me sigh! What a man! I just found a new book boyfriend. Enya’s attitude was completely undersanding and I loved how she revived and flourished with Sullivan’s care of her. It just took a little time -and events- for her to realize that Sullivan was the kind of man you encounter once in a lifetime. The romance was sweet but with lots of sparks and passion, while remaining clean. I liked the secondary characters too, like Bellamy, Mrs. Christy. And the inspirational redemptive message of how worth of love we are, even in spite of our faults. Worthy of love and respect, not only from others, but especially from God. Sullivan had his insecurities and issues to heal, and I loved how he faces them. The same for Enya, although their paths for restoration were different but equally inspiring.
Loved the scenery, the St. Louis and Mississippi River setting. It was so well described that I had no trouble imagining everything. And the historical details of the era -the slavery and abolitionist problems, the danger of the cholera, the fires- made the story not only more engaging, but more realistic. The Irish customs and lilt made it more charming too.
The second book in the “A Shahanan Match” Series that can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend to read in order, to get to know the characters better.
All in all, a delightful historical romance that I definitely will reread! Can’t wait for the next book in the series, hopefully Bellamy’s love story?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Saved by the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund is primarily a romance, and an edgy one at that. The historical events, the characters’ spiritual growth, and Sullivan’s abolition efforts were present and enjoyable, but they played second fiddle to the physical attraction, romantic tension, and relational development between Enya and Sullivan. Some readers may be put off by the strong romance while others may embrace it. Personally, I gobbled up the story with delight.

Saved by the Matchmaker took the familiar marriage-of-convenience trope and applied it to Sullivan, a man of strong morals, and Enya, a woman broken by a man of poor morals and her own past decisions. The beautiful way that Sullivan loved Enya allowed their physical attraction to be on display without feeling lusty and overbearing. In the formation of their relationship, the story cast out the idea that “obligation sex”– a practice that the church has perpetuated and caused much harm with – is appropriate. Rather, Hedlund chose to have Sullivan love and support his wife until she was ready for the physical expression of their love for each other. This healthy view of marriage and sex is the opposite of what the church taught me as a young wife, and I applaud Hedlund for her courage in addressing the topic.

Saved by the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund lands as the second book in the Shanahan Match series but read well as a standalone. Four stars for this edgy romance with a wily Irish matchmaker, sizzling romantic chemistry, and an enjoyable story.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

This was a great historical fiction. It had romance, some drama, and a well played marriage of convenience trope. It really swept me away, with brilliant writing, a beautiful story, history, and some endearing characters.

Though I hadn’t read the first book of the series, this one flowed so well. It was easy to jump into without any prior knowledge, which I’ll need to remedy soon by reading the first one.

The story of Enya and Sullivan was sweet. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. This novel showed their dedication to their relationship. Though it must have been created out of convenience, you could see the care and love that grew between them.

Then, adding in the setting, the steamboats, the abolitionist movement, and the tension, it was difficult to put this novel down! If you’re looking for a new historical romance novel, this one may be for you!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from Jody Hedlund, Bethany House, and Austenprose. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

I just LOVED this book! If you love marriage of convenience stories run to get this sweet story about Enya and Sullivan.

Enya feels like the biggest fool. Having eloped with a man she thought loved her only to realize he only wanted her family’s money, he leaves her alone after mistreating her and leaving her carrying his child. Sullivan just wants to keep doing what he loves- captaining steamboats between St Louis and New Orleans and helping sneak slaves to safety in the north. But his father wants him married and has threatened to ground him until he can settle down. Cue the matchmaker!

Both come into their marriage of convenience with literal and emotional scars. Neither thinks the other could ever love them for who they are. And what a beautiful journey it is to watch them come to a place of realizing they are each exactly what the other needs.

There are sweet threads of faith woven into the pages, swoon-worthy quotes, and a truly satisfying love story amidst a little bit of danger and uncertainty. This story satisfied all the things I like in a book- I learned something from the history, enjoyed a few parts that had me on the edge of my suspense-loving seat, and certainly a romance that has stayed with me since finishing.

Completely recommended!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not asked to leave a positive review. My opinions are my own.