Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review below...
Saved by the Matchmaker
(A Shanahan Match #2)
By Jody Hedlund
Christian Historical Romance
Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 352 Pages
August 6, 2024 by Bethany House Publishers
Summary
After her annulment is finalized, Enya Shanahan finds herself caught in a web of scandal and obligation while carrying a secret that threatens to shatter her family's reputation. Determined to find a suitable marriage for Enya, her father turns to a wily matchmaker to save them from their circumstances.
Sullivan O'Brien, a steamboat captain committed to aiding enslaved people on their path to freedom, is faced with an ultimatum from his father. Forced to marry or lose his livelihood, a marriage of convenience seems to be the only solution. As he and Enya face the trials of their pasts and a city consumed by fire, they must confront their deepest fears and learn to trust in love, even when darkness threatens to engulf them.
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My Review
SAVED BY THE MATCHMAKER is a story about a woman who has lost her faith in love and trust in men and a man who doesn't feel worthy of anyone due to the scars he carries. It's about family, the historical expectations and situation of the time, and finding love. Fans of the genre and author will enjoy this one!
I liked these characters from the start. They both have their own stubborn ways, hurts, strengths, and personalities. I liked how well they countered each other and the slowly building friendship and romance. I also really liked how the author weaved through all the different historical aspects of this story. She touches on how marriages were orchestrated among the upper class, traditions, slavery, the railroads and river travel, a bit of war, and takes readers from St. Louis to New Orleans. There was also a bit of a faith element, but nothing over pushing or preachy, as well as some suspense towards the end. It was a fairly balanced story with the main focus being the romance, which is full of chemistry and a strong aspect.
Please note that I felt like the story skirted the edge of being clean. It surprised me how the focus included so much lust and marital relations and that being the main focus of this story. Of course, the purpose was to have the initial attraction grow to a much more concrete love with elements of forgiveness and learning to trust. General historical romance readers may enjoy this more than clean or Christian romance readers, and it's something to be aware of in case this isn't the type of story you're looking for.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a fun read! I liked the characters and the overall story with historical details weaved well throughout. I'm looking forward to reading the next Shanahan love story!
Content: References to marital relations, lust, attraction, etc. but still on the clean side.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Other Books in the Series
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