My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing
Synopsis
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.
My Review
The passionate natures of Finola and Riley stood out to me in this compelling story. I loved the vibrant setting of mid-19th century St. Louis that served as a backdrop for their turbulent relationship. They are both devoted to helping others- Finola through compassionate service to the poor, and Riley is known for dangerous rescues where others wouldn't or couldn't step in. In fact, Riley's daring rescue of Finola serves as their first meeting, and in no time Riley goes from thinking he will never marry again to never being able to marry anyone but Finola. She puts up quite the fight, especially against her unwilling attraction to him. I loved their antics and the shenanigans involving not only them, but their clever matchmaker Bellamy as well. Finola and Riley both have hidden reasons for the way they live their lives, which are slowly revealed and bond them together in their heartbreaking pasts. I was riveted as Riley's patience stood up to Finola's stubbornness, and could not wait to see how they would manage to overcome the complicated choices before them.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Looking forward to the next book in A Shanahan Match series . . .
“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
Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over fifty novels and 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.
About the Author
Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over fifty novels and 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.
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