Calling on the Matchmaker

 

QUICK FACTS

Title: Calling on the Matchmaker

Series: A Shanahan Match (Book 1)

Author: Jody Hedlund

Genre: Historical Romance, American Historical Romance, Inspirational Fiction

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (December 12, 2023)

Length: (304) pages

Format: Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook 

ISBN: 978-0764241963‎

Tour Dates: December 11 – 20, 2023

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Haunted by the death of her sister, Finola Shanahan has resolved that she's not worthy of a family of her own and commits to spending her days caring for immigrants in the slums. When Finola sabotages yet another unwanted relationship her parents arranged for her, her father calls upon the local Irish matchmaker, who pairs her with successful wagonmaker Riley Rafferty. Finola quickly realizes her usual tricks won't work on him, however, as she cannot outsmart or outwit the dashing, determined, and daring man.

A candidate in the St. Louis mayoral election, Riley is confident a union with the wealthy Shanahan family will help solidify his chances of winning--and even more assured he and Finola can make a difference together. When a cholera outbreak begins to take St. Louis by storm, they must navigate a burgeoning attraction and growing danger testing all they know about love and sacrifice.

 

BOOK REVIEW

This book was oh so good. I enjoyed every minute. The sparks between this couple were flying almost immediately even as they had their own reasons for pushing each other away.

Jody Hedlund has another winner here. The matchmaker is a bit unexpected and completely manipulative in all the good ways, The couple is resisting each other as hard as they are attracted to each other. This book was pure entertainment.

Finola tries to do everything she can to atone for her guilt after the death of her sister and Riley needs to marry to boost his campaign though he has vowed not to marry again, as they fight each other off, it is clear to the reader that they need each other.

This was a strong story that seems to be setting up a series because I could definitely see what else our matchmaker has in store.

If you love immigrant stories, romance, and the building of America, this has it all. If you don't like those elements, it is still a wonderful story.

I highly recommend this story!

I received an early copy of this story from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest review.

PRAISE FOR CALLING ON THE MATCHMAKER

• “Hedlund’s textured historical backdrop brings the city’s Irish tenements to life, and the romance between Finola and Riley, full of longing and barely contained passion (“She was like a fire burning down a building. And he was walking straight into the flames”), is a treat. Readers will revel in this charming romp.”— Publisher’s Weekly
• “SOOO CRAZY GOOD!!! Absolutely loved this book - one of my new favorites from this author!”— Marilee, Marilee Loves to Read
• “Sizzling chemistry, rich detail, and compelling action.”— Misty M. Beller, USA Today bestselling author

 

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB |    GOODREADS

AUTHOR BIO

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over fifty novels and is the winner of numerous awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle. 

 

WEBSITE | X (Formerly Twitter) | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

A Winter by the Sea - Julie Klassen

 

QUICK FACTS

Title: A Winter by the Sea

Series: On Devonshire Shores (Book 2)

Author: Julie Klassen

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Inspirational Fiction

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (December 5, 2023)

Length: (448) pages

Format: Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook 

ISBN: 978-0764234286‎

Tour Dates: December 4 – 18, 2023

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Royalty comes to Sidmouth, bringing unexpected danger and the sweet possibility of romance. . . .

When the Duke and Duchess of Kent and their daughter--the future Queen Victoria--rent neighboring Woolbrook Cottage for the winter, the Summers sisters are called upon to host three of the royal family's male staff in their seaside house. But they soon realize they've invited secrets and intrigue into their home.

Meanwhile, Emily Summers longs to become an author. A local publisher offers to consider her novel if she will first write a Sidmouth guidebook for him. Emily agrees and begins researching the area with help from the Duke of Kent's handsome private secretary. But a surprise visitor from her past shows up at Sea View, leaving Emily torn between the desires she's long held dear and her budding dreams for the future.

Return to the Devonshire coast with the Summers sisters, where loyalties are tested, secrets come to light, and new love emerges.

BOOK REVIEW

It was wonderful taking a second visit with the sisters at Sea View. This one focused a bit more on Emily and her perspective. This time, royalty is in town and they are hosting some of the staff. The characters are colorful and interesting and the sisters are ever learning things in the process of their guest house.

 Emily rubs shoulders with Queen Victoria herself as a baby as well as Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and his secretary.

 The story is delightful and true to itself. Julie Klassen has done an amazing job in creating this world and introducing real characters as well as bringing sympathy to both the real and fictional. There are things to figure out and surprises to be had, but the essential story with Emily, gives her a lot to discover  about herself and how others view her. She gains a strength that all must gain as they learn more about themselves and the world.

 While there are no extraordinary mysteries or happenings, there is a realism to the story. There is nothing propelling the story at an unnatural pace. It is just sisters living and relating as well as learning from experiences as well as finding exactly what it is they do want for their happiness.

 I loved this story and struggled to put it down when it was required. I look forward to seeing more of the sisters find their happily ever after,

 I received an early copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

PRAISE FOR A WINTER BY THE SEA

• “Enlivened by historical details of the royal family’s 1819 visit to Devonshire, the narrative is propelled forward by an irrepressible protagonist whose spunk will easily win readers’ sympathy. This breezy and delightful installment is sure to satisfy Klassen’s fans.”— Publisher’s Weekly
• “A Winter by the Sea is a story about finding your purpose and realizing that the things we hope and pray for...might not always be the things we truly need…
  The On Devonshire Shores series is truly a delight.”— Lauren, The Books Script
• “Julie Klassen has provided such a beautiful escape with this series…I can't wait to see what comes next in this series and will be highly anticipating book 3!!”— Tasha, Clean Read Book Club

 

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB |    GOODREADS

 

AUTHOR BIO

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing's Best Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

 

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Cyanide and Sensibility - A Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery

Title: Cyanide and Sensibility

Series: The Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery (Book 3)

Author: Katie Oliver

Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Austenesque Fiction

Publisher: Berkley (December 12, 2023)

Length: (320) pages

Format: Mass Market Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook 

ISBN: 978-0593337653‎

Tour Dates: December 4 – 18, 2023

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Murder is on the menu and Phaedra Brighton is called on to serve up justice in the latest Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery.

While Phaedra Brighton might not have a Mr. Darcy (yet), she's quite content with her loving family and loyal cat. Phaedra's sister Hannah is the Jane to her Elizabeth, and Phaedra is ecstatic that Hannah has decided to move home for her next adventure—opening a business. 

All of Laurel Springs is out in full force to celebrate the grand unveiling of Hannah's new patisserie, Tout de Sweet, including local celebrity Rachel Brandon. Hannah is a master of her craft, with confections so divine, one bite will make you think you've died and gone to heaven.

Of course, you never want that to happen literally. 

When one of Hannah's famous dark chocolate cupcakes sends Rachel's assistant to the hospital with poisoning, Hannah begs for Phaedra's help to save her reputation and budding business. But Phaedra has more questions than answers: Who was the cupcake actually meant for? And how far is the culprit willing to go to take their target off the menu—permanently?

 

BOOK REVIEW

This was such a fun mystery and it really kept me guessing, Those are the best kind, right? Many suspects, dead ends, misdirection, it's all there in this cozy Mystery.

Katie Oliver really has something here with her heroine, Jane Austen professor, Phaedra Brighton. She and her friends make up the Jane Austen Tea Society and you couldn't ask for a more interesting trio of ladies.

The characters are great, the mystery is full, and quite honestly, it doesn't get too dark. It stays true to the cozy mystery piece.

Phaedra's life is just as interesting as the mystery. Can you figure it out before she does?

I jumped right into this story and it was a page turner that I really couldn't put down. It kept me guessing and I like to think I can usually figure things out. It may have been who I suspected but the why, that was something else entirely.

You would not be remiss in picking this up, for all fans of Jane Austen and Cozy Mysteries.

I received an early copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest review.

 

 

PRAISE FOR CYANIDE AND SENSIBILITY

• “This is the first book I have read in the Jane Austen Tea Society series, but it won’t be my last…If you enjoy cozy mysteries, then this is a book you will enjoy.”— Book Looks by Lisa
• “The book is filled with great characters and a fun, twisty plot. Highly recommend.”— Cara Putnam, author of Come What May
• 5 STARS— Gwendalyn’s Books

 

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB |    GOODREADS

 

AUTHOR BIO

Katie Oliver is known internationally as a writer of Jane Austen rom-coms with a hint of mystery. In the US and the UK, she is the bestselling author of the Dating Mr. Darcy and Marrying Mr. Darcy series.

 

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | X (FORMERLY TWITTER) | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

Her Secret Hope - by Shelley Shepard Gray

 Her Secret Hope is the third story about a group of Amish girls who went on vacation to Pinecraft, Florida. This group of girls called themselves the Wallflowers. 

This is Lilly's story. Lilly struggles with who she is as she was adopted as a child and never felt like she belonged. She decides to move to Pinecraft to be near her friends who have settled there with their husbands. She is resigned that she will never find love but is going to work at the hotel there and save money to live on her own. 

Lilly is bright and efficient, but is so insecure. She meets Eddie and his grandmother, November and they find her delightful and also different than other girls her age. She is genuine and she is kind. 

This story is about Lilly's journey in discovering herself and what she wants. It shows that sometimes the things we want can change. 

I loved every minute of this book. It was a delightful escape and had just the right touch of romance, friendship, and real love. There were reminders about the importance of treating people right.

I would recommend this for those who love a good Amish story full of hope.

I received an early copy from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt

 

This is a powerful story of WWII set in Warsaw that saw much devastation at the hands of Germany. It is from the view of two sisters, who each had a different experience, even in their shared experiences. 

This book was raw and insightful. It was emotional. There were moments of triumph and moments when my heart was crushed. There were moments of hope in the great darkness. Even having the perspective of knowing these things actually happened to people while not necessarily to these characters brought this story to life. It felt real. I felt all that these sisters were experiencing. 

This book needed to be written. This book needs to be read. We cannot forget the atrocities that happened to Poland and in Poland as well as other parts of Europe. There is a need to fight evil and sometimes we just need to remember. This book brings that remembrance. 

The book is well-written from the perspective of these twin sisters and the secrets they keep from each other in the name of protecting each other in a time when knowledge could be dangerous. 

I highly recommend this book and recommend a box of tissues be kept near. 

I received an early copy through the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest review.