Hedlund’s Latest Clean Romance Trilogy
Calling on the Matchmaker (2023) takes place in 1800s St. Louis. It focuses on the plights of the Irish immigrants in that area and the impending cholera epidemic that would ultimately kill thousands. With this as the backdrop, Hedlund introduces us to Finola Shanahan – the daughter of a wealthy Irish businessman who is haunted by the death of her younger sister and has privately vowed to become a nun: never to marry or have children.
However, her parents have other intentions, and as per typical of their time and culture, call upon the matchmaker to assist in a suitable arrangement for Finola. Enter Riley Rafferty. He’s dashing, handsome, heroic, intelligent, successful… What’s not to love? Despite Finola’s hesitations and fears, she finds Riley irresistible; but he’s plagued by his own demons.
What Worked
I love to intersperse Jody Hedlund’s romance novels in between the other books I’m reading as the historical, romantic, spicy-without-being-smutty, easy-to-read novels hit the spot and give me something straightforward but enjoyable to consume.
- Forced proximity/marriage of convenience: While it didn’t fit the exact trope, it was similar with the matchmaker set-up.
- Likable characters: Final and Riley had excellent chemistry!
- Swift-moving plot with no plot holes or content issues
- Interesting historical setting (1800s St. Louis amidst the impending cholera epidemic)
- Useful supporting characters
What Worked Less
The only thing I didn’t care for was the way the matchmaker resolved things in the end. It seemed a little conniving and unrealistic. That being said, I don’t know how matchmakers worked, so maybe the way the Matchmaker Bellamy handled things was within the realm of reason. It was fun to read, but I doubted the believability.
If You Like:
- Forced Proximity/Arranged Marriage tropes
- Faith-based, clean romance
- Spicy without smutty romance
- Historic backdrop
Then Calling on the Matchmaker may be the read for you! Additional books in the Shanahan Match series include:
- Saved by the Matchmaker (#2, 2024)
- A Wager with the Matchmaker (#3, 2025. Newest release!)
If You Like Calling on the Matchmaker, Check Out These Other Hedlund Books:
- Water of Time – time-travel romance, sending characters (and readers) to 1300s England
- Come Back to Me (#1)
- Never Leave Me (#2)
- Stay with Me (#3)
- Wait For Me (#4)
- Bride Ships – faith-based historical romance, about British Columbia
- Orphan Train Series – faith-based historical romance set in 1850s New York
Final Thoughts
This novel was easy, sweet, and fun. I read it in less than 24 hours. While not the most complicated of novels, Hedlund is good at her genre, and I will continue to pick up her stories for my comfy, feel-good books in the future.
Content Rating: Mild
for sexual tension
Copyright Jody Hedlund and Bethany House. Image from Amazon.