Tuesday, May 6, 2025

A WAGER WITH THE MATCHMAKER by Jody Hedlund, Reviewed by Winnie and Rebecca #ReleaseDay

A Shanahan Match Book #3:
An Arranged Marriage American Historical Romance Novel Set in 1800s St. Louis

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
Set in St. Louis Missouri in 1849, A Wager with the Matchmaker continues matching up the Shanahan siblings with their perfect-for-them matches. This story stars swoony hero Kiernan Shanahan, who is sure he knows what type of wife he needs. Matchmaker Bellamy begs to differ and sets about to show him. Alannah Darragh is plucky and determined to keep her troubled brother safe from rival gang members. I loved these two main characters from the start. Their integrity, their care and concern for others, their love of family, and their sweet, changing relationship were engaging and enjoyable.

Talented author Jody Hedlund is a master at creating wonderful, relatable characters and placing them in interesting and imaginative settings under intriguing circumstances. She then proceeds to wrap them up in a delectable story and bring them out the other side stronger and better. I enjoyed learning more about the history of St. Louis during this time period while reading a very entertaining tale. I’m excited for Bellamy’s story, which I’m assuming will be coming up soon.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House. All opinions are my own.

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"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 Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. 3.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
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.

Award-winning author Jody Hedlund presents a sweeping finish to her Irish matchmaking series with sizzling chemistry and closed-door romance for fans of the marriage of convenience trope, Mimi Matthews, and Elizabeth Camden. 

Bethany House Publishing, May, 2025
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:



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