Calling on the Matchmaker, by Jody Hedlund Will Make Your Heart Sing this Holiday Season

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

Happy Holidays, dear readers. Less than one week to go until the big day and I am still shopping for gifts and wrapping presents. How about you?

Books make great gifts and here is a suggestion for a historical romance reader. Just released this past week is bestselling author Jody Hedlund’s first book in a new series, Calling on the Matchmaker. Set in St. Louis, Missouri in the 1840s it has an interesting hook – Irish immigrants, matchmaking, and local politics. There is also heartfelt drama, smoldering chemistry between the hero and heroine, and an unputdownable story.

Calling on the Matchmaker is receiving glowing reviews from the media and readers alike. Here’s your chance to begin with the first book in a new series and also gift a copy to a special friend or family member.

I am taking some time off from the blog and social media until after the first of January, so I am wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Best, LA

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.

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

AUTHOR BIO

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over fifty novels including Convincing the Cowgirl (2023), Wait for Me (2023), and the forthcoming, Finally His Bride (2024). She 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.

BOOK INFORMATION

Calling on the Matchmaker: A Shanahan Match (Book 1), by Jody Hedlund
Bethany House Publishers (December 12, 2023)
Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook (304) pages
ISBN: 978-0764241963‎
Genre: Historical Romance, American Historical Romance, Inspirational Fiction

We received a copy of the book from the publisher. Cover image, book description, & author bio courtesy of Bethany House Publishers © 2023; text Laurel Ann Nattress © 2023, austenprose.com, an Amazon affiliate.

If you enjoy the content on Austenprose.com, please like, comment, share, and subscribe to receive email notifications of new posts.