A Wager with the Matchmaker is the current addition to Jody Hedlund’s A Shanahan Match series. While the story takes place in 1840s, I still found their struggles and the characters relatable. This was my least favourite storyline in the series thus far as I seem to be drawn to Kiernan's sister and Bellemy so much that I can hardly wait for the next book. This review contains my personal opinions.

This is the latest installment in the Shanahan family's matchmaker series. This time it's big brother Kiernan whose heart is on the line. We briefly met the lady Alannah in the previous book--but this novel is all about these two lovebirds.

The theme of trying to outsmart a gang leader in order to keep Alannah safe honestly plays second fiddle to the never-ending sizzling romance of these two. When I say sizzle, I mean--the looks, the passion, the kisses, the necessary restraint...This isn't a typical Christian fiction love story. And honestly, it's not meant for teenagers unless they are ready for sizzling. ;)

Honestly, it felt like the story itself got lost in all the steamy looks, pent-up restraint of passion, and kisses. Even the descriptions of the lead male who kept dealing with his body's muscles hardened with desire for Alannah every time he sees her was a bit much. (rolling eyes)

Of the three books--this one is the one I like the LEAST. The story just got lost amidst the passionate glances and kisses.

I will be curious for Bellamy and Zaira's story--which obviously will come next.

4 Stars
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.

A Wager with the Matchmaker is a swoony, heart-stopping addition to Jody Hedlund’s A Shanahan Match series! I enjoyed the characterization; even though the story takes place in 1840s St. Louis, the characters and their struggles are relatable. Plus, the chemistry between Alannah and Kiernan is off the charts.

I always enjoy Hedlund’s books, and I absolutely can’t wait for Bellamy’s story! 4.5/5 stars

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

This is the third in Jody Hedlund’s series A Shanahan Match. Set in St Louis immediately after the time of the second book (Saved by the Matchmaker), the city is still overwhelmed with cholera and the results of a devastating fire that spread from the docks to the city. The oldest Shanahan son, Kiernan, is the one next in line for the matchmaker. You don’t have to have read the first two books, but they do set the scene of the place, characters, issues of the time, and how the matchmaker works.

This book fits in well with the others, but has its own special issues and plot twists, while the romance is unique as well. Hedlund keeps up the reader’s interest and delivers a good story as expected. I enjoyed it and look forward to the next one!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. #AWagerwiththeMatchmaker #NetGalley

This book for me was a page-turner. The author grabbed and and didn't let go, and I really enjoyed all of it!
A young woman whom is down to one brother left out of a former family of five, and she has made her way to be near her surviving brother in St. Louis. When this read starts she is working as a domestic, and dreaming of going back to Ireland.
Of course, things can't stay calm and even, she has attracted the attention of a really not to nice individual, a gang leader!
We are given some very sweet romance, some very real danger, and a look at St Louis after the 1849 fire.
Family dynamics play a big part in this read, and throw in violence and danger!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

The wonderful A Shanahan Match series continues with this captivating historical romance story. The well-paced, skillfully planned plot--combining light, humorous moments and serious, dangerous ones--grabbed my attention instantly and kept me reading expectantly to the end. The impact of the story is enhanced by an impressive lineup of well-crafted, unforgettable characters with whom I easily formed emotional connections. Allanah and Kiernan's challenging romance adds an interesting and touching layer to the story. Vivid descriptions of pivotal historical events, including the aftermath of the Great St. Louis fire of 1849 and a devastating cholera epidemic, create a dramatic, authentic backdrop for the story. I totally enjoyed this story and highly recommend it and the series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the ARC of A Wager with the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund. All opinions are my own.

I’ve yet to find a Jody Hedlund book I didn’t like, and this book was no different. I just really appreciate the way that this author writes romances with so much longing while also still keeping them closed door.

A Wager with the Matchmaker is book three in A Shanahan Match series. It can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading the books in order for the best experience. The first two books in the series follow two of the Shanahan daughters, but this third book follows their brother.

As with the other books in this series, I really appreciated Bellamy, who is the matchmaker. His parts always make me laugh, and I can’t wait until he gets his own story. In this book, he makes a wager with Kiernan Shanahan, a wealthy businessman who’s trying to live up to his father’s successes. Bellamy also makes a wager with Alannah Darragh, a maid that’s trying to hide from a dangerous man that’s determined to marry her. Both wagers are different, but they are ultimately that Bellamy will be able to find each one a match within a couple months’ time.

The character growth in this story was excellent. Kiernan starts off his search for a bride thinking he knows everything he wants in a future wife, but by the end, he realizes what’s really important in a spouse. Alannah, starts off determined to not get married anytime soon but is instead just wanting to have a good job that will allow her to save money to one day return to Ireland. Her world changes when things become more dangerous, and when she realizes that getting married is something that she might actually want sooner rather than later.

The sweetness of these characters and their romance really made me love this story. I loved their connection to each other with books, and I appreciated how they became friends before they ever became more. I also liked that they were both willing to sacrifice things to have the chance to be with each other.

There are some Christian faith elements throughout the story that I appreciated. It was cool to see these characters, especially Alannah, grow in their faith.

Overall, I would recommend this book if you want a sweet romance with some danger and depth.

A WAGER WITH THE MATCHMAKER is the third novel in the Shanahan Match series by JODY HEDLUND, but it can easily stand alone.
The story takes place in St Louis in 1849 at the time of the cholera epidemic and the fire that destroyed about four hundred buildings in the town.
The beautiful Alannah Darragh is in danger from Shaw Farrell since her brother Torin fell foul of him and his henchmen by leaving their gang. Torin wants the matchmaker to find Alannah a husband to keep her safe, and Kiernan Shanahan needs the matchmaker to help him find a suitable bride with a big enough dowry to save his brickyard. They each agree to a secret wager with Bellamy McKenna, the very successful Irish matchmaker…….
There are many complications, twists and turns and conflicting emotions in this beautifully told love story.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

“A man who gave her books was a man who knew the way into her heart.”

I need to blurt this out: Readers will love Kiernan Shanahan! Of all the leading men in the Matchmaker series to date, Kiernan Shanahan, Riley Rafferty and Sullivan O’Brien, Kiernan is my favourite. Is it because he leaves books on Alannah’s pillow? Maybe!

Should you read this just to figure out why Kiernan is so beloved? Sure, but you’ll also see the four reasons why I love a Jody Hedlund book.

Firstly, Hedlund inspires readers with her faith thread. In this case, it’s lessons about prayer and righteousness. With so much happening that could derail them, Alannah Darragh and Kiernan Shanahan stand up against wrongdoing. Taking the harder route means danger and hardship for them and all they love, but readers see the value and reward in doing the right thing. Hedlund spotlights the chasm between how we think prayers should be answered and how God answers, reminding us that He knows best.

Secondly, Hedlund educates us about the historical events in her setting. I learned about the rebuilding after the Great St. Louis Fire, the resulting need for brickworks and glassworks factories, and the cholera outbreak. By painting a full picture of her setting, and paying attention to details that make it authentic, readers aren’t dragged out of the world she’s created.

Thirdly, Hedlund always pays special attention to the social conventions and presents an authentic setting. She knows the controversy that would arise if Kiernan and Alannah were to become too friendly or seen together unsupervised. Hedlund’s attention to authentic dialogue also adds to the grounding of her story.

Lastly, Hedlund’s characters are always internally consistent and yet she crafts them to be capable of surprising readers. She’s mastered the art of crafting fully realized characters and imbuing them with the perfect measure of chemistry. I’ve loved following Bellamy McKenna and his influence on the Shanahan family! I hope Hedlund isn’t finished with this series.

You’ll get more than you bargained for in this series. You must put it on your radar.

I was gifted this copy by Bethany House through NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

3rd and last book in this series. I'm sad to see it end as I've enjoyed it so much!
This Alannah's and Kiernan's story. And my most favorite of all!
I simply couldn't put this wonderful story down! I finished at 2am it was so good!
I've loved getting to know each character and felt like they were my friends when this story ended.
Hedlund has done a wonderful job with this series. I loved every minute of it.
This book will keep you turning the pages until the end once you start it.
There's some humor in it along with a bit of mystery to make it interesting
5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.