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.

Imagine cruising down the Mississippi River on a grand steamboat—this book swept me away on just such a journey!

Saved By The Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund is another one of her book series that if you love historical romance fiction you just need to pick up! Jody’s writing never ceases to amaze me nor fail to grip me into the story!

Bellamy is back with his clever matchmaking and might just be my favorite character in the series 🤭.

This delightful historical romance, set in the vibrant mid 1800’s, brings a fresh twist by focusing on the Irish community and immigrants in St. Louis, with the added excitement of abolitionist efforts.

With a charming Beauty and the Beast vibe, Saved by the Matchmaker is a marriage of convenience story that brings together two people who’ve all but given up on love. Sullivan O’Brien stole my heart right away—he’s endearing, flawed, and just so human. And Enya, who’s been hurt and feels unworthy, finds herself on an unexpected path to healing.
The steamboat journey to New Orleans and back to St. Louis is the perfect backdrop for their romance. There’s plenty of chemistry, sweet moments, and a touch of tension as Enya and Sullivan slowly learn what real love and trust mean. Watching them fall in love was an absolute joy, hitting all the right notes for me!
I received a copy of the book from the publisher to read and review all thoughts are my own.

Having enjoyed Finola and Riley’s story, I was looking forward to reading about Finola’s sister, Enya, and this novel did not disappoint in the least! I really loved Enya and Sullivan’s story; in fact, it might be my favorite marriage of convenience story that Jody Hedlund has ever written! Their relationship faced realistic trials and allowed them to grow both individually and together in a way that shaped their character and made them believable and relatable. I had a really hard time putting the book down and found myself emersed in the story many times. Sullivan is the perfect balance to Enya and his sweet and gentle wooing of her broken heart was such a joy to read. I also liked the interweaving of faith in the novel, and the theme of being worthy despite our mistakes shone. Once again, this author pens great historical details that add depth to the setting and story. Highly recommended! I cannot wait for the next book!

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

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙨 ✨
•marriage of convenience
•she plays the piano
•he’s smitten first
•steamboats
•St Louis >>> New Orleans
•the kisses 😮‍💨
•he carries her everywhere
•faking it
•my wife

Well, this was absolutely precious. With the way Enya’s story was teased after Calling on the Matchmaker, I couldn’t help wait to read her story and I was not let down. That being said this perfectly stands alone in this series!

Enya and Sullivan both have past trauma that make them absolutely perfect for each other. Though they enter a hasty marriage of convenience, things remain a bit frosty between them at the beginning. I love love loved how much Sullivan took care of Enya and didn’t push her into anything. His resolve and patience made his character so appealing. He showered Enya with so much kindness and goodness and it slowly wore at her resolve to never give herself to another man. I enjoyed how during this time Enya and Sullivan got to know each other and form a true lasting bond. The tension and romance was absolute perfection. I also loved the backdrop of St. Louis and New Orleans and the added suspense as Enya and Sullivan work to help runaway slaves. I highly recommend this series to lovers of swoony historical romance!

Thank you to the author, Bethany House, and Austenprose for a gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.

4.5 stars

“You don’t have to let the scars of your past determine your future.“

I have been so eager for Enya & Sullivan’s story since the author set it up for us in Calling on the Matchmaker. A marriage of convenience story with Jody Hedlund at the helm? Let me think about that for negative 0.2 seconds… YES PLEASE!

“She needs someone who will cherish her, so she does. And I have the feeling that you can be that man.”

Sullivan O’Brien intrigued me in the last few pages of book one, and he completely won my heart in Saved by the Matchmaker. The more I got to know him, the more I adored this teddy bear of a hero – a little gruff on the outside, but the kind of man whose inner strength radiates around you like a comforting hug. There are so many layers to his character, but the common thread is that he does the right thing, sometimes at great personal risk. His selfless care for Enya’s heart, even as he is falling in what he assumes is unrequited love with her, is exquisitely sweet … and when they get around to kissing (even if just for show), whew! Passion ignites between them, to be sure, but it’s the undercurrent of cherishing in each kiss, touch, or embrace that makes their romance so swoony for me.

“God did not prevent the hardships or the difficulties. Instead He pieced the shards together to create something new that would not be perfect and would not be without its blemishes, but the brokenness would be beautiful in its own way.”

Both Enya and Sullivan bear scars from their pasts, wounds (whether they began internally or externally) that further complicate their emotions in an already complicated situation and make it difficult for them to fully trust each other’s heart. I wanted to hug both of them… and sometimes shake them a little too… as their fears and their feelings of inadequacy cause them to take a couple steps forward and a few steps back several times throughout this story. This dance is so worth it, though, in the end as the message of God bringing beauty out of brokenness is tenderly restorative.

Bottom Line: Saved by the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund takes two broken people and stitches them together in a beautiful picture of love and grace. Their marriage may have happened because their respective fathers forced them into it (each for separate reasons) but their Heavenly Father had His own plan all along and I loved watching it unfold. The romance sizzles (chastely) but the physical desire is grounded in sweet affection and sacrificial love, exactly as this author always does so well. While we didn’t see the delightful matchmaker Bellamy as much in this book (because the match was made at the very beginning), the stage is already set for more of his shenanigans in book three – and I can’t wait!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

What an incredibly sweet story about a man and woman both facing similar obstacles of self reflection and find a depth of love they never expected to have, with one another. Enya has been through a very difficult experience and now that her brother and father have come to her rescue, it's time to set her up with the matchmaker. Sullivan is under pressure by his father to get married by a specific day and time or find himself removed from captaining the boats he loves so much. Both of them are in a bind and the matchmaker fixes both of their problems with a marriage.

At first, neither of them ever expect to have a love-filled marriage. Enya because of her past believes she would never be good enough for anyone and Sullivan is scarred from the war and believes no one can ever look past his scars. But neither of them realize how much the other needs to be loved and is really looking for the exact same thing.

With their quicker than lightning marriage and subsequent courting happening under the pretense of already being in love, they have an adorable time getting to know one another and taking things incredibly slow. That is until they head from St. Louis to New Orleans to meet Sullivan's father, The Commodore, who fully expects displays of affection between the two love birds. It was so sweet to know that both Enya and Sullivan really cared about each other but were a little terrified to show those emotions for fear of rejection.

This was a common theme throughout the book. Fear of rejection. It's not until they are both faced with a grim reality that they may lose each other forever, that those emotions come out in a landslide and the biggest, sweetest happily ever after moment that made me cry tears of joy.

An emotional read with some humorous parts to it featuring a mostly Irish cast that was refreshing to read about. I enjoyed not only the love story that this one provided but also the undertones of the abolitionist movement happening at this time as well.

I really felt for Enya as she struggled to navigate the difficult circumstances she's in. She was rather impetuous in the first book, and in this one we see the fallout of her choices. Her family supports her in the best way they know how- making her a good match, even though they don't know each other yet. It shows her level of despair and desperation that she goes along with the plans instead of rebelling again. I just love the matchmaker Bellamy and his shrewd insight into the lives and hearts of those who come to him. Sullivan has a wounded heart, and Bellamy can sense what he needs, and what Sullivan can provide to Enya. Their beginning was naturally rocky, but the goodness they have inside peeks through as they learn more about each other and transition to married life. They way they slowly and secretly fall in love is complicated by their insecurities- blending sweetness and chemistry with frustration and tension. I loved the setting of the steamboat on the river as they journey from St. Louis to New Orleans and back again. The unexpected dangers they face bring a level of suspense and provide a thrilling climax that reveals their newfound devotion to one another. I'm loving this series and can't wait for (hopefully) Kiernan's story in the next book!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

I devoured Saved by the Matchmaker in one day! Jody Hedlund delivers a powerful, second chance, marriage of convenience story filled with heart achingly lovely romance, faith, & sacrifice. After reading the first book in the Shanahan Match series I couldn’t wait to see how Captain Sullivan O’Brien’s story would play out and who Bellamy would match with him. This book was even more amazing than anticipated. The gruff Captain with a heart of gold won me over from the first & I adored his & Enya’s story.

Enya Shanahan made a horrible mistake when she married the wrong man who left her high and dry. Now with an annulled marriage her family is desperately trying to find her a husband. They turn to Bellamy the expert matchmaker to find her a match. The beautiful spitfire is now a shadow of herself & though willing to marry to save her & her family’s reputation, she’s weary of trusting another man.

Captain Sullivan O’Brien’s a steamboat captain with a secret. As he risks his life to transport enslaved people to freedom, he’s now faced with an ultimatum. His father is forcing him to marry or lose his livelihood. He seeks out Bellamy to find him a plain, practical woman who won’t care about his scars. But, the woman Bellamy selects for him is far from what he asked for. Enya’s more beautiful & amazing than he ever imaged and he determines to gain her love at all costs.

I loved this story so much! These two broken people were the perfect match. Sullivan’s such a caring, thoughtful person. He’s extremely patient and pays attention to Enya’s needs. His perfect strategy for gaining her love is sacrifice and service. I loved his caring gifts and consideration. Enya’s fiery spirit comes back to life with Sullivan’s unconditional love. Though her scars from the past put a wall between them, Sullivan carefully tears down those walls as well as his own brick by brick.

I loved the romance in this story. It’s the perfect tutorial of loving unconditionally. I also loved the swoonworthy kisses, forced proximity, & circumstances that force them to show affection to prove their marriage. Sullivan’s father was hilarious!

Highly recommend this amazing matchmaker romance. Can’t wait for Bellamy’s next match! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

You are in for a terrific ride in the story of Enya Shanahan and Captain Sullivan O’Brien.This tale of love and redemption is so well written as I saw how Sullivan lovingly and patiently helped Enya overcome her shame and regret and see her worth. Was it easy? No, but Bellamy, their matchmaker, gave wise counsel to Sullivan that helped when it was needed the most.

Sullivan, with his brooding expressions and gruff voice, made it hard at first for Enya to see how tenderhearted he was underneath that rough exterior. She had been deeply wounded and wasn’t sure she could let down her guard. I loved her “Aha!” moment when she realized that she loved him. The conclusion to their story was lovely and made me so glad I read this story.

Things to Love:
Marriage of Convenience
Danger on the Mississippi
Steamboats
Supportive O’Brien family
Bellamy
Pillow wall
Sacrificial love
Underground Railroad

This is the second book in the A Shanahan Match series. This can be read as a standalone. However, I loved the first book as much as this one and highly recommend reading both of them. I am hoping that Bellamy will have his own HEA story told too.

I voluntarily reviewed this complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All views are my opinion in which I was not required to write a review.

Jody Hedlund does it again!!!

Now that her short but disastrous marriage is annulled, Enya's family is determined to find her something to marry, and soon.

Sullivan's father gave him a deadline when he expected him to be married and in desperation, Sullivan turns to a matchmaker.

Sullivan and Enya have the potential for so much more than a marriage in name only, but first they must confront the tragedies in their pasts and learn to trust each other in order to open their hearts to love and future together.

What you'll love:
set in St. Louis, 1849
matchmaker
marriage of convenience
wounded hero
he falls first
dual pov
steamboat captain/owner
sizzling chemistry and tension
she's carrying a secret
abolitionist efforts
a bit of fake dating
ALL THE KISSES!!

I'm loving this series and a peek at a setting that I don't see often in historical fiction. The history of steamboats and trade on the Mississippi and the tense atmosphere between slave holders and abolitionists was the perfect backdrop to this swoony romance.

Loved that Sullivan never pushed Enya, for anything. He was patient enough to wait for her on every level and the brick walls she had built could only stand for so long under that kind of love and patience. He gave her so many gifts but in the end it was his care and kindness and love that won her over. The chemistry and physical attraction between them was there from the first meeting and whew, those kisses!!! Such a beautiful romance between two wounded souls who deserve love and each other.

This is the second book in the series but can easily be read as a stand-alone, (though I loved the first book too!!) and I cannot wait to see the next matchmaker stories in the series!

CW/TW: mentions of slavery and slaves being whipped, insinuations/innuendo about a married couple being intimate , physical/emotional abuse (mentioned as past event)

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

Captivating, entertaining, and swoony from the very first chapter, this marriage of convenience romance starts off with a bang as two complete strangers marry! The two must then reconcile themselves to the relationship and eventually fall madly in love, and their love story is an emotional rollercoaster with plot twists that will keep you glued to the page! This love story depicts what very realistic relationship dynamics would exist if complete strangers marry, and remains a sweet romance with heat but no scorch. Both Enya and Sullivan had to overcome great personal hurdles and undergo growth before they were ready to fall in love with each other. Fans of the “he falls first” trope will be delighted, and those who love a protective hero will reach for the smelling salts! With beautiful depictions of Irish immigrant culture and the historical upheavals of the mid 1800s, this story is a well-told historical romance with a deep emotional component that points to faith. I literally read it one sitting because I could not put it down, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next story that was hinted at in the final chapter! The books in this series can be enjoyed in any order, but I do recommend starting with the first one to see how the Shanahan family marriage matches connect. So grab either book in the series to read first, but BE SURE not to miss Saved by the Matchmaker!

I received a copy of this book for review purposes. My opinion is my own. I really did love it!

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the ARC and finished copy of Saved by the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund. All opinions are my own.

Last year, Calling on the Matchmaker, book one in the Shanahan Match series, was one of my favorite books of the year. Saved by the Matchmaker, book two in the series, was one of my most highly anticipated books of this year. It did not disappoint!

Saved by the Matchmaker is a historical romance set in the mid-1800s in St. Louis, Missouri. It follows Enya Shanahan and Captain Sullivan O’Brien and their marriage of convenience.

While I loved both protagonists in this dual POV story, Sullivan was the highlight for me. He was such a patient, gentle, and kind man and took such good care of Enya. I loved watching him fall in love with her and try to help her in her healing process. He also became more confident as the story went on, and I appreciated how protective he was of Enya. His selflessness was so admirable, and I liked that he was such a hard worker.

Enya had a great personality, and I liked seeing her come back to herself after dealing with the trauma she had recently faced. She really balanced Sullivan’s seriousness with her feistiness and love of people. While she had major trust issues, I definitely could understand where she was coming from with everything that she had experienced. I appreciated her bravery as well in several situations where she put the wellbeing of others ahead of herself.

The romance was adorable. I loved watching Sullivan patiently wait for Enya to be ready for him. He wasn’t pushy, and he always put her first over himself. There were so many good romantic moments in this story and some really swoony kissing scenes.

Overall, I would recommend this book! Although this is book two in the series, it can be read as a standalone.

I have long been a fan of Jody Hedlund, loving each and every one of her books. Yet there is something about her new series, A Shanahan Match, and in particular the second book, Saved by the Matchmaker, that really resonated on a deeper level with me. Hedlund's characters and her development of their flaws, their emotions, and their struggles completely captivated my heart. I saw myself in this story and traveled right alongside the hero and heroine in their healing journey.
This is an encouraging story, one that offers hope, redemption, and the promise of a brighter future. And it is also one filled with romance that puts a smile on your face. Every inch of this masterpiece is a delight. I could not ask for more.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

We return to 1849, St. Louis Missouri. Enya Shanahan has just been granted her Annulment. The good side of this is she won’t have to put up with her abusive and freeloading husband. The downside is she must share with her family that she is expecting a child. Within the hour, her father and brother have stopped at the local pub. She quickly finds herself in the presents of Bellamy McKenna the local matchmaker. “ But I don’t want another husband” was her reply. To their surprise, the matchmaker said he had the perfect gentleman and they would be married before midnight! How can you not be intrigued by this kind of an opening. And it only got better from there. This is a fascinating, heart wrenching, can’t put it down story. Enya does not believe she will ever be able to give her heart to another man. But she must think of her child. Charming and a pure gentleman, Sullivan O’Brien must honor his father’s wishes to be wed before Shrove Tuesday. I loved everything about this story, The sweet patience and strength of Sullivan, Enya’s determined yet fragile heart and the interesting facts and events of the riverboats on the Mississippi. I also enjoyed the honorable yet illegal aiding of the endangered slaves. The story is a clean, close door romance with lots of sizzle and great chemistry. There is drama, there is great character development, and an overall great read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.