 Author: Jody Hedlund Genre: Historical Romance Series: A Shanahan Match #1 Pages: 304 Release Date: December 12, 2023 Publisher: Bethany House 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.
 Reviewer: Juanita Varela This is not what I thought this book was going to be, but it was even better! This was a hilarious read in some parts and sad in others. And totally swoon-worthy in others. Jody Hedlund books are my favorites, and this one did not disappoint. Let me just say the matchmaker was so funny! I enjoyed the witty humor infused in this book. Fiona and Riley’s chemistry was so good. They did not have just physical attraction towards each other, but character attraction, if that makes sense. I hate when characters are so shallow and are just about their outward appearance. Like hello, all that is going to fade even in books, but Jody Hedlund also focuses on the inward attraction. It’s a *chef’s kiss*, in my opinion. The history in this book is to be expected in a Jody Hedlund book. I never get tired of reading historical books with good history research, even if the elements in this book were sad to hear. I received this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Demetria Head Jody Hedlund's "Calling on the Matchmaker," the first installment of the Shanahan Match Series, is a superbly crafted historical romance that seamlessly weaves together themes of love, loss, and societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant and evolving St. Louis, the novel captivates readers with its engaging characters, rich historical details, and a love story that transcends the conventions of its time. One of the standout features of the book is the compelling protagonist, Finola Shanahan. Haunted by the tragedy of her sister's death, Finola's journey is a poignant exploration of grief, self-discovery, and the pursuit of love. Hedlund skillfully delves into Finola's complex emotions, making her a relatable and authentic character. Finola's resolve to dedicate herself to caring for immigrants in the slums is both admirable and a testament to her resilience in the face of personal loss. The dynamic between Finola and Riley Rafferty, the successful wagonmaker chosen as her match, forms the beating heart of the narrative. The clash of their personalities creates a compelling tension that propels the story forward. Riley, a confident candidate in the St. Louis mayoral election, introduces a layer of ambition and societal expectations that adds depth to the romance. The characters' journey, marked by the intricacies of love, sacrifice, and societal pressures, is expertly crafted and unfolds with a natural and engrossing rhythm. Hedlund's portrayal of historical St. Louis is vivid and immersive. The backdrop of a mayoral election and the looming threat of a cholera outbreak add layers of intrigue and danger to the narrative. The author's meticulous attention to historical details not only brings the setting to life but also enriches the storytelling, providing readers with a glimpse into the challenges and complexities of the time period. The romance in "Calling on the Matchmaker" is delicately and masterfully handled. Hedlund skillfully navigates the evolving relationship between Finola and Riley, allowing it to develop organically amidst the backdrop of external challenges. The author captures the essence of a love that transcends societal expectations, bringing authenticity and depth to the emotional connection between the characters. The chemistry between Finola and Riley is palpable, creating a romance that will resonate with fans of the genre. The novel's exploration of societal expectations, particularly those related to class and family reputation, adds a layer of social commentary that elevates the narrative. As Finola and Riley navigate the complexities of their union, readers are treated to a thought-provoking examination of the constraints imposed by societal norms and the courage required to defy them. "Calling on the Matchmaker" is a stellar addition to the historical romance genre. Jody Hedlund's masterful storytelling, coupled with well-drawn characters, a rich historical setting, and a compelling love story, ensures that this novel will resonate with fans of the genre. The exploration of grief, resilience, and the transformative power of love makes this book a captivating and emotionally resonant read. With its perfect blend of romance and historical depth, "Calling on the Matchmaker" is a must-read that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Shanahan Match Series. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Anna Bottoms Calling on the Matchmaker is a compelling story that touches the heart. The matchmaker is such an integral part of the book and yet doesn’t detract from the romance between the main characters. She’s rather relentless in getting Finola and Riley together, yet the reader knows immediately that they are perfectly right for each other. Finola and Riley have a sizzling chemistry. Yes, they both have their issues. She’s quite independent, but his steady patience and love warms the heart. Thank you, Jody, for another winning romance. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. This is my honest opinion of the book. Reviewer: Deanne Patterson It's great to see a historical fiction book based on immigrants from Ireland. Seeing the characters settle in St. Louis as opposed to New York is new and exciting to me. The way the author describes the slum area is realistic but tragic. To give everything to move to a new country, leaving behind family and friends, never to be seen again. They had such hope to see their family prosper, but in many cases, that never came about. The Irish were discriminated against and had a hard time finding work. My ancestors came over from Galway and settled in Pennsylvania in the 1800s. A lot is going on in this book, which makes it interesting. A young woman, Finola Shanahan, who blames herself for the death of her baby sister, feels unworthy of marrying and having children. Riley Rafferty, a wagonmaker, saves her when horses are about to trample her. When her parents realize that she is not interested in any of the matches they've made for her, they enlist the help of a local Irish matchmaker. Now this is where the fun comes in, as she's paired with none other than Riley Rafferty, a man she already feels attracted to, with her senses on high alert when he's around. Convinced she's doing the right thing, she knows she must become a nun and not marry. If only the sparks didn't fly when the two were together. Touching on a lot of important historical topics, I found the book to be relevant and interesting. I love the sense of humor the author injects into her books, making the characters fun and realistic. I greatly look forward to reading more books in this series. I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.  Reviewer: Laura J. Davis I was expecting a lot from the description of this book, as I've always liked the author's previous books. However, Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund left me with mixed emotions. The story has a great premise. Finola Shanahan is determined to thwart the suitors her parents have been shoving at her. She feels a need to punish herself because of her sister's death. Frustrated, her father hires a matchmaker to get his daughter married once and for all. Enter Riley Rafferty (or Saint Riley, as he is known). When his father is on his deathbed, he makes Riley promise to get married. Not wanting to disappoint his father, he agrees to meet the matchmaker, not knowing that Finola is determined to do everything in her power to make him dislike her in order to call off the match. While this book has its moments of amusement and seriousness, it takes on a decidedly "unchristian" feel when almost page after page talks about how badly Riley (and then Finola) lusted for each other. The descriptions are very visual, and I was surprised to find them in a book marketed for Christians. The lack of Christian content was also disheartening and instead leaned toward Catholicism. I did enjoy the story and was happy to see both characters grow, but in the end, I am not sure I could recommend this book to anyone because of the visually descriptive sexual thoughts of the characters. I give it three stars. I received a complimentary review copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley for my honest opinion.  Reviewer: Conny Withay "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,” it states on Amazon regarding Finola and Riley in Jody Hedlund’s novel, Calling on the Matchmaker. The first in the A Shanahan Match series, this three-hundred-and-fifty-two-page advanced reader copy targets those who enjoy Christian historical romance regarding matchmaking in the mid-1800s. While it contains no profanity, discussions of passionate kissing, premarital sex, illness, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. In this story set in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1849, the eldest Shanahan daughter is convinced her lot in life is to become a nun based on her making an unforgiveable mistake. While her father insists that she marry instead, Finola connives and schemes to avoid over a dozen men’s romantic intentions. But when she meets Riley, a once-married man who feels the need to please everyone, the matchmaker who is hired by her father and Riley is challenged to establish their love. Those who prefer romance series involving matchmaking during the nineteenth century in America, when cholera was rampant, may like this book. Others might appreciate the differences between deciding to be married to a man or to God and the church based on Catholic teachings. Learning about the tragedy of cholera and how the Irish community dealt with it was interesting. Readers who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not care for the Catholic undertones and prayers in the book, but they are minor, with only one or two verses of Scripture noted. Others may tire of the repetitive indecisions of Finola’s immature emotions trying to figure out what she wants and Riley’s eagerness for love. I found the supposedly Christian story almost voyeuristic in its physical romance by being rather heavily descriptive as passions were awakened. Although this is an advanced reader copy and the first in a series, I hope a list of characters is included in the final print. I wish the simple plan of eternal salvation were added. I have read other books by the author and have enjoyed them, but this one seemed sensationalized and monotonous. If you like romance where a young, indecisive woman and a needy lovelorn man are professionally matched as they deal with their pasts, this first book in the series may entertain you, but you might feel a little uncomfortable as it is a Christian read but the characters play out their passions physically. I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. I am under no obligation to give a positive review. Reviewer: Lori Parrish
I just finished reading this, and it was totally awesome! I stayed up all night reading because I just couldn't put it down! Riley and Finola were the best couple ever! I loved their shenanigans. They made me laugh and smile all the way through. I really enjoyed getting to know them. If I could give this book 10 stars, I definitely would! This is a very enjoyable read, and you'll love it from the moment you open it. I believe that this will be my favorite book by her. Five stars for a job well done. I had a great time with this novel. I highly recommend it. I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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