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.

Saved by the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund is part two of the Shanahan Match Series and I found myself completely enthralled. Unable to put the book down. Enya is desperate and despite dealing with scars and scandal, she agrees to a match with Sullivan. She is reserved and fearful and determined to keep her heart well-guarded. Sullivan gets a class of his own when it comes to swoony men! He is so incredibly patient and determined to show his love to Enya. He may be quiet and stoic, but his everyday acts of kindness are touching and romantic. They are opposite in so many ways and yet find themselves unified on the most important issues. Seeing him come a little unraveled by Enya is endearing and adds to the chemistry between these two. While the marriage is one of convenience, their growing feelings and attraction is anything but and seeing it play out was both riveting and satisfying. There is plenty of chemistry and clean romance with strong feelings. I have to add, the commander, Sullivan’s father, is absolutely the comedic relief and a treasure in this story!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

"He didn't prevent the hardships or the difficulties. Instead, He pieced the shards together to create something new that wouldn't be perfect and wouldn't be without its blemishes, but the brokenness would be beautiful in its own way."

I am completely in love with this story and the characters!

After reading the first book in the series last year, I’ve anxiously been waiting for Saved By The Matchmaker. It was well worth the wait, and even better than I had anticipated.

It’s a beautiful and heartwarming love story, told with Jody‘s fabulous style of writing and gift for storytelling. From the opening lines to the deeply satisfying ending, I was completely immersed in this story and could not put it down.

Enya Shanahan eloped with someone who she quickly learned was a scoundrel, and who left her not long after marrying her. After her annulment is finalized, her father and brother are in a rush to get her married to cover up the scandal. They turn to the local matchmaker for help.

Sullivan O’Brien is also in need of the matchmaker’s service. He is a steamboat captain who’s being forced to marry, or he’ll lose his livelihood.

This marriage of convenience seems to be the best solution for both of them. But Enya and Sullivan both carry heavy burdens from their past, and now they face the challenged to learn to trust in themselves and each other.

I loved Enya’s feisty and passionate character. You can feel how that first marriage crushed her spirit, and it was lovely to see it grow strong again with Sullivan’s patience, love, and kindness.

Sullivan is now one of my favorite MMC‘s. He has a gruff exterior but is extremely sensitive underneath that. I loved how protective he was of Enya, how deeply in love he fell for her, and that he was so aware of all of her wants and needs.

If you love well-written historical fiction, closed door romance with lots of sizzle, and a story with depth and some danger and intrigue, then you really need to read this book!

I received a copy through NetGalley, Bethany House Fiction, and Austenprose, but a positive review was not required.

One of my favorite marriage of convenience stories!

Saved by the Matchmaker held me captive from the very first page and did n0t let go til I exhaled a very satisfactory sigh at the end. Both Sullivan and Enya bear scars, visible and invisible, that have each feeling unworthy of love. Sullivan was a wonderful hero. His desire to help Enya heal and then possibly to win her love was selfless, an act of sacrificial love that had me swooning. "...marriage vows didn't come with a time limit or an end date. They were forever. And he'd spend that forever trying to win her."

I was not a fan of Enya's in the beginning. Granted she had been hurt, but I thought her selfish and spoiled. With excellent character development, Ms. Hedlund penned a heroine that not only drew my sympathy, but found a place in my heart. The back and forth POV between Sullivan and Enya, allow the reader to follow the insecurities each is attempting to overcome. The overall theme that something new can come from brokenness, something that can be beautiful of not perfect is woven throughout the story.

With excellent plot pacing and skillful world-building, Ms. Hedlund paints a vivid picture of St. Louis during this era, the hazards of the steamboat trade on the Mississippi and the cholera epidemic. I am already hooked by the foreshadowing with Bellamy and his next matchmaking task that awaits readers in the next book in the series.

****I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Return to 1800s St. Louis for more matchmaking adventure in Saved by the Matchmaker, the second book in A Shanahan Match series by Jody Hedlund. Saved by the Matchmaker, can be read as a stand alone. However, reading the first book in the series provides an opportunity to know some of the characters and explore the setting. This Christian historical romance is the story of Enya Shanahan, a lady in need of a husband, and Sullivan O’Brien, a steamboat captain looking for a wife, who enter a marriage of convenience in order to help each other.
I recommend this novel to readers who have enjoyed other historical fiction series with sizzle by Hedlund and anxiously anticipate the next book in the series. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

1849 St Louis & New Orleans

I adore matchmaker Bellamy McKenna and my favorite parts of the novel include him. He uses his charm and confidence to make matches. In this novel, the match happened quickly. Very quickly, which was part of the joy of Enya and Sullivan's story.

Enya's sham married was just annulled and her father and older brother promptly seek to make a respectable match for her. After being spurned in her first marriage, Enya is agreeable, but leaving her heart out of it.

As a steamboat captain, Sullivan is focused on his career and only willing to get married because his father is forcing his hand.

Watching their romance blossom was an enjoyable journey.

I'm so glad there is more to come in the series.

This is a sweet historical romance set in 19th century St Louis and touched briefly on some of the city’s history including the Great Fire of 1849 . Although there are two POVs we actually got more of the hero’s perspective- which is generally unusual for historical romance

Though this easy can be read as a standalone I'd suggest you read the series in order. I loved the first book in the series, and I think this one was even better.

Once again, the matchmaker is called upon, with different circumstantial needs the couple has a marriage of convenience. A previous marriage had her thinking she was in love, and he loved her until she realized it wasn't true.

He has insecurities due to past circumstances. I loved how gentle and understanding Sullivan was. He didn't rush her into anything. He knew she was hurting from her past relationship and not ready to trust another man yet. He goes out of his way to ensure her happiness, security and trustworthiness not caring it was at the expense of himself.

Time and again he proves to her he is not like the one who abandoned her and he can be trusted.

I loved Enya and Sullivan's characters and how he gave her all the time she needed to trust him and fall in love. I couldn't put this down and highly recommend it to all lovers of historical fictional romance.

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