Book Tour & Review: Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund

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 . . .

 

Praise for Calling on the Matchmaker

“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

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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Review: Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows by Jody Hedlund, Lacy Williams, Misty M. Beller

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

From bestselling and award-winning authors, experience Christmas on the rugged western frontier with three novellas filled with unforgettable adventures, enduring romance, and the timeless message of hope found in the Savior’s birth.

Claiming the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund
Serena Taylor is hiding in Colorado’s high country to keep her son safe, and she knows the best way to protect him is by marrying again and giving him a father. Weston Oakley needs a wife by Christmas to placate his meddling family, but after being spurned one too many times in love, he’s reluctant to give his heart away again. When they agree on a marriage of convenience, both of them get much more than they bargained for.

Doctor's Snowflake Bride by Lacy Williams
Minnie steps off the train ready to become a mail-order bride, but she finds the well-dressed man waiting for her isn't her intended husband. The protective oath Jed took when he became a doctor doesn't cover stranded women, but he can't leave the beautiful stranger alone in a building blizzard two days before Christmas. When circumstances force them into close proximity, Jed and Minnie find that their growing feelings aren't convenient at all.

Marrying the Mountain Man’s Best Friend by Misty M. Beller
Two Stones, a Salish warrior accustomed to navigating between tribes and miners, unexpectedly finds himself summoned to the side of a dying friend in Virginia City. Sworn to honor the miner’s last wish, Two Stones agrees to marry his daughter, Heidi, but plans to take her to live with his parents. He’ll provide all her needs, make sure she’s safe, and visit her on occasion when his path leads him that direction. As they set out on the journey, their path is fraught with challenges that defy Two Stones' plans and reveal a surprising depth to Heidi's character. As they near the end of their trail and join the Christmas festivities at the Coulter Ranch, Two Stones begins to realize this inconvenient marriage might really be a Christmas gift he’ll always treasure.

My Review

I adore a good historical marriage of convenience story! This collection features three of my favorite authors, and I enjoyed each novella. The men and women are in circumstances that call for creative problem-solving, and forming a marriage bond strengthened their partnership to face the challenges before them. A strong work ethic is an admirable quality that all the characters shared, which helped make their match equally yoked as they take time to learn more about each other and deepen their affection. The first story by Jody Hedlund is especially romantic and is my favorite of the three. Novellas are a perfect way to give secondary characters from the author's other books their own story, and it's fun to see the characters we've grown to love as they encourage their friends and family on the path to love.

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.

Takeover Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Last Chance Cowboy by Jody Hedlund

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Last Chance Cowboy by Jody Hedlund, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Last Chance Cowboy 

Series: Colorado Cowboys #5 

Author: Jody Hedlund 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishing 

Release Date: February 14, 2023 

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

With danger drawing ever closer, their only hope of saving their futures lies in each other.

As a midwife, Catherine Remington is successful in bringing new life into the world, but she's failed one too many times in finding true love. When she's accused of a murder she didn't commit, she's forced to flee to Colorado to honor a patient's dying wish by delivering a newborn infant to his father. 

The repentant prodigal Dylan McQuaid is finally back in Fairplay. As sheriff, he's doing his best to prove to the town he's a changed man and worthy of their trust. When a woman shows up with an infant son he didn't know he had, Dylan is left with only complicated choices on what to do next. 

Having grown attached to Dylan's son, Catherine doesn't want to part ways with the infant, but what she doesn't bargain for is how easily she'll fall for the charming sheriff, or how quickly the past will catch up with her and put their love and lives in danger.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Christianbook | BookBub

 

Excerpt

Chicago, Illinois
March 1871

“It’s a boy.” Catherine Remington held the squalling infant upside down by his ankles, making sure he didn’t inhale mucus.

The new mother managed a nod, her face pale, her eyes closed, her pretty features etched with pain.

Catherine clamped the baby’s cord in two places and then cut between. Everything about him was absolutely perfect. With each lusty intake of oxygen, his skin was turning pink. His pulse thudded steadily, and he flailed his limbs energetically.

If only the mother were faring as well, but blood continued to saturate the newsprint Catherine had spread over the dirty mattress.

“You did wonderfully, Kit.” Catherine forced cheer into her voice. She started wrapping the baby in a soft cotton blanket, wiping the remaining blood and mucus from his nose and mouth. “He’s a handsome fellow.”

If only she could transfer even just a smidgen of cheer to the mother . . .

Kit rolled to her side and faced the wall. The outline of her body was visible under the threadbare blanket, and she was thin, almost emaciated, as though she’d been wasting away long before today. She’d spoken little during the long night of labor, and Catherine knew almost nothing about her— only her name, mentioned by one of the other prostitutes.

The Last Chance Cowboy • Jody Hedlund
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group © 2022 used by permission

More Books In Series

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About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats.

Connect with Jody by visiting www.jodyhedlund.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive the full paperback set of the five books in the Colorado Cowboys series!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 22, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 1, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

Review: The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

When he agreed to guard her, he never bargained on having to guard his heart.

Brilliant scientist Linnea Newberry is on the adventure of a lifetime, traveling the Santa Fe Trail with her grandfather, Dr. Powell, on a botanical expedition to Colorado Territory. She longs to be valued for her contributions and not seen as a helpless liability. But at every calamity she faces, her grandfather threatens to send her home.

After watching his ma suffer and die in childbirth, Flynn McQuaid has sworn off women and marriage forever. Headed west to start a new life, he has his hands full not only taking care of his younger siblings but also delivering cattle to his older brother. He doesn't need more complications.

When Flynn rescues Linnea from drowning during a river crossing, Dr. Powell promptly hires Flynn—unbeknownst to Linnea—to act as her bodyguard for the rest of the trip. As Flynn fights against the many dangers of the trail, he soon finds himself in the greatest danger of all—falling for a woman he's determined not to love.

My Review

I love the setting of traveling to Colorado in the 19th century. Linnea is highly intelligent with her botany research, but has a tendency to find herself in dangerous mishaps while in the wilderness- some were humorous but others were more harrowing. Flynn's role of unofficial bodyguard allows for frequent proximity, while driving cattle and exploring the terrain. Of course, his secret arrangement with her father foreshadows the misunderstanding that will inevitably come... I enjoyed this journey and adventure with the McQuaids and getting to know the members in the family more, as well as the complex dynamics between them. I really felt for Flynn with the pressures that are on him, and the expectations that he struggles with. Linnea is also trying to prove herself, but while some accidents can be explained, others cannot, bringing an element of mystery and suspense. The romance was a little too up and down for me, but I did enjoy the spiritual thread of faith woven in.

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.

Don't miss the other books in the Colorado Cowboys series . . .

Review: To Tame a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Brody McQuaid is a broken man, and he knows it. While his body survived the war, his soul did not. Besides loving his little niece, his only other sense of purpose comes from saving the wild horses that roam South Park. Ranchers in the area have taken to killing the horses, which are competing with their cattle to feed on the open grass.

Savannah Marshall is a veterinarian on her family's Colorado ranch. She longs to keep her father happy following the tragic death of her older brother, including marrying a man of his choosing. But days before her wedding, she gets cold feet and disappears to South Park. As she learns more about the destruction of the horses, she joins Brody in an attempt to save the wild creatures. But when Savannah's family and the resentments of the area cattlemen catch up with them both, Brody and Savannah will have to tame their fears if they've any hope to let love run free.

My Review

This was such a fun series to read and this last book was my favorite! Wounded heroes experiencing PTS tug at my heart and I love reading about their healing process. Brody and Savannah have an impact on each other for good, and Brody's family encourage their connection when they see the changes in him just from her presence. The plot with the wild horses was interesting as Brody and Savannah grow closer and develop amazing chemistry- great romantic tension as they struggle to work out what their futures hold in store. I appreciated the depth to the characters and the way the author skillfully allowed me to connect with their emotions. I can't wait for the next book!

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.

Don't miss the other books in the Colorado Cowboys series . . .

Review: A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Greta Nilsson's trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died. Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.

Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He'll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt's ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family with Greta. But when old insecurities and surprising revolutions arise, can a union born out of desperation survive?

My Review

Reading this book was like settling in with an old friend- several of my favorite story elements wrapped up in a new tale. It was just a pleasure to read! Wyatt and Greta both have heavy worries and vulnerabilities, but one of the major themes of the book is how we are stronger together rather than apart. Even though Greta and the precocious Astrid bring light and joy into the lives of Wyatt and Judd, not to mention her hard work and a new income with her pie and jam selling, she still feels they are a burden. Complications with neighbors and townspeople keep their relationship from being simple, and I was anxious as I read for Greta and Wyatt to learn to communicate more effectively with each other and work out their feelings. They have wonderful chemistry and it was fun to see their attraction blossom as they explored their growing feelings with stolen kisses. Some climaxes added tension and a little suspense, making this a well-rounded western with sweet romance! The epilogue gives a lead-in to the next book with Wyatt's family, and I'm looking forward to getting to know more characters in this series!  

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.

Review: Almost a Bride by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Always close, but never a bride.

Longing to find true love, Kate Millington arrives in British Columbia on a bride ship. With countless men waiting to snag a bride, Kate has no trouble getting engaged. It’s staying engaged that’s the problem. After traveling to the remote mining town of Williamsville to marry her newest fiancé, she finds herself single again.

As the prosperous owner of a gold mine, Zeke Hart has everything he’s ever wanted except for a wife. At Kate’s arrival, he takes it upon himself to protect his childhood friend from the men clamoring to court her. The more he renews her friendship, the more he wants to win her for himself. But as much as Kate admires Zeke, she’s resolved not to marry someone who doesn’t share her faith.

When Zeke begins receiving anonymous threats, he unwittingly puts them both in grave danger. In the midst of peril, the past rises up to haunt them both, and Zeke realizes the fight for Kate’s affection may be his biggest challenge yet.

My Review

I've loved the Bride Ships series! Each woman has come from a different background and faces a variety of challenges. Kate thinks she is eager to get married, but at the last minute, fear grips her and she breaks things off. She has a connection to Zeke through characters from the previous books, and he takes on the role of her protector when she moves to his remote town. She has a bit of a naive stubborn streak though, and they butt heads several times even while developing and deepening their friendship. Zeke's strong physical attraction to Kate battles with their unmatched spiritual goals, and they struggle to share a visualization for their future. The unrest in the town with vandalism and danger brings an added element of tension and suspense, and the theme of giving our fears over to the Lord is one that both Kate and Zeke explore with their own inner turmoil. A strong conclusion to a compelling series!

 

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.

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Don't miss the other books in The Bride Ships series . . .