A Wager with the Matchmaker

Author: Jody Hedlund
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: A Shanahan Match #3
Pages: 352
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

After her brother's entanglement with an Irish gang threatens their family's safety, Alannah Darragh flees St. Louis and her troubled past, seeking refuge as a maid for the affluent Shanahan family. Alannah's resolve to avoid romance is tested by the undeniable attraction she feels for Kiernan Shanahan. Determined to maintain her position and the safety it provides, she vows to resist the pull of her heart despite the growing bond between them and their undeniable chemistry.

In the wake of a devastating fire, Kiernan Shanahan sees a shrewd opportunity to invest in a clay mine and brickyard to aid the city's rebuilding. To secure his venture, he seeks a wealthy bride with a substantial dowry. However, the matchmaker he consults has different plans. As danger looms and Alannah fights to keep her brother safe, Kiernan's protective instincts draw them closer, but a future together seems too far out of reach. It will take a miracle--or a wager with the wily matchmaker--to form a match between the unlikely couple.

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Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise

Bellamy McKenna strikes another match. This time Kiernan Shanahan is the target of his expertise. This was a peek at the Irish immigrant life in St. Louis in 1849. I learned a lot about the Irish who came to America and made a real go of it. 

Kiernan tries to prove himself a businessman, but the bad element of society wanted to see him fail. Lots of interesting facts about brickmaking and the need for safe building materials after the great fire. I can attest to lots of brick buildings in St. Louis, having lived there for 20 years.

The characters were well drawn. Alannah wanted to be near her brother and live peacefully, but a bully had other ideas. Clever Bellamy wagered that she would fall in love. A favorite character was Zaira, who saw Alannah as a friend and not merely a maid. And I loved when Kiernan gifted Alannah with the books.

Ms. Hedlund brings together a caring hero, a skittish heroine, danger to mix things up, and a faith thread that shows the characters doing their best to honor God.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided through Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

“Let’s have a wager…. I’ll bet that you will fall in love with my choice by summer’s end. If I win, you agree to marry him.”

Bellamy! Had she just agreed to a wager with the infamous matchmaker? The man had an uncanny ability to orchestrate love, or to nudge it along when two unsuspecting parties least expected it. However, his mode of operation had shifted just a bit, for Bellamy had intentionally revealed his choice for Alannah Darragh in advance. Her immediate reaction—absolutely impossible!

Kieran Shanahan had a list. A list of qualities that he was looking for in a wife. His burgeoning business success depended on procuring a sizeable dowry, so while he continued to pay more attention than necessary to the lovely Alannah Darragh, the sister of one of his most valuable employees, Kieran merely convinces himself that he is serving as her protector and friend. Of course, practically nothing goes according to that plan.

Although being a wee bit predictable, as most upstairs/downstairs plots tend to be, this roundabout romance was a pure delight to read!

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

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