Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund

Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund is first in her Shanahan Match series. Finola Shanahan believes her place is with the church and not to be a wife after the death of her sister. She has turned, tricked, and forced away many men. Her family has called on the local Irish matchmaker to hopefully help her marry. Riley Rafferty is a successful wagon maker running for mayor. He wants to win Finola’s hand, but does he have a chance?

This was all things sparkly for me. I loved the banter, romance and push and pull between Finola and Riley. The author writes characters who are so fascinating and with great depth. The Irish matchmaker brought some mischief and comic relief to the story. The Shanahan family was so interesting and I look forward to getting to know them better in future books. I enjoyed learning about mid eighteenth-century St. Louis, MO. The ending gives a hint to the next book in the series, and I cannot wait.

Calling on the Matchmaker has great romance, fun banter, and an interesting setting. I found myself turning pages into the night. I highly recommend it!

I was a given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.

Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!). When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

Following Caesar by John Keahey

In Following Caesar the author seamlessly blends history and the sites he is seeing bring you along to explore the Roman Road. Each chapter starts with a historical text that author weaves into the chapter to share about his journey. I found I enjoyed the book when I read a little bit each day. The book shares many travel tips for anyone wanting the travel the roads today. I found the facts about the road itself so interesting. It was fascinating to learn about a road that was built thousands of years ago and could carry 6 soldiers abreast, chariots, wagons, and animals was still here today. I recommend Following Caesar by John Keahey

I was given a complimentary copy and a positive review was not required. 

  

Cyanide and Sensibility by Katie Oliver

Cyanide and Sensibility by Kate Oliver is a delightful Austen inspired cozy mystery and third in the Jane Austen Tea Society Mysteries.  Phaedra Brighton is a college professor of Austen Literature.  Her sister Hannah has just opened up a new patisserie, Tout de Sweet.  Unfortunately, at the opening one of her cupcakes sends a customer to the hospital with poisoning.  Hannah asks Phaedra to help solve the mystery, but is Phaedra or her family one of the targets?

This book had it all for me with a cozy mystery, Austen references, a sweet small town, and a dash of romance.   I absolutely loved all the references to Austen novels and the play on characters’ names from Sense and Sensibility.  My favorite reference was that Phaedra’s cat was named Wickham.  The story moves along well and is truly a delight to read. I found myself lost in the small-town mystery with the delightful characters and wondering about Phaedra’s future.  The ending was very satisfactory and I am hoping there is another book in the series. 

I highly recommend Cyanide and Sensibility by Kate Oliver. 

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.  

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Katie Oliver is known internationally as a writer of Jane Austen rom-coms with a hint of mystery. In the US and the UK, she is the bestselling author of the Dating Mr. Darcy and Marrying Mr. Darcy series.

 

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A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen

  A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen published by Bethany House Fiction is the second in the author's On Devonshire Shores series. Emily Summer is pining after her old neighbor and lost love. Her family circumstances have changed and now they keep boarders in their seaside home. Recently some of the overflow from the Duke and Duchess of Kent’s household will be staying with them for the winter. Emily meets the Duke of Kent and his much-loved daughter Victoria while out walking.

I was delightfully lost in this story. It was a pleasure to get to know the Summer family better and Emily Summer is a wonderful heroine. I am always so struck by the beautiful writing of author, Julie Klassen. I enjoy her attention to historical details, the endearing characters she creates, and the sweet romance she weaves in to create an amazing story. One of my highlights of 2023 will be A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen. I highly recommend.

I very highly recommend A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen.

I love all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, I worked in publishing for sixteen years and now write full time. Three of my books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park won the Minnesota Book Award, and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America’s RITA awards. I have also been honored with the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. I enjoy travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. My husband and I have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.