So I probably should have read the synopsis of the book before I started reading it... but oh my goodness I absolutely loved this book! It was fantastic, just the right amount of suspense mixed with romance. i didn't know what was going to happen. I'd read it again in a heartbeat.

An intriguing historical mystery from a new-to-me author. I look forward to more from this author!
Amelie is a bit of an anomaly. In that day and age (1880s), women were not really supposed to be working for newspaper offices. Or rather, proper, genteel women didn't. Amelie does not consider herself to be a proper young lady, and doesn't really expect to ever get married.
But...she does have a bit of a "tendre" towards a certain Harold Radcliffe. And when he turns out to be "Mr. Dashing" that had written a personals ad to the Gazette where Amelie is employed, she's just not sure what to think. Then...she's caught spying on Mr. Radcliffe by a certain handsome but gruff police detective, Mr. Baker.
Amelie agrees to join forces with Michael Baker as a means of clearing Radcliffe's name, because the detective seems to think that Radcliffe had something to do with the death of his wife.
The ensuing chase towards tracking down clues and the bad guys was quite entertaining. Lots of twists and turns, action, and even a few more murders.
If you enjoy historical mysteries, I highly recommend this one!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

This Victorian romantic suspense novel focuses on a detective who never intends to fall in love and an independent young woman who works for a matchmaking newspaper. I found myself enjoying the book more and more as it went on, as it is a very slow burn, sweet romance.

The story includes a book club, a trip to the theater, an Egyptian mummy, and more. It is a fun ride, and Allen sets up some excellent side characters in the heroine's cousins, whom I assume will get their own books in time. Each of them has their own interest in traditionally masculine professions, and Allen balances their talents with the societal expectations of the time well.

I really like that the hero never tries to stifle or patronize the heroine. He wants to protect her from physical danger, but he is quick to acknowledge her competency and how she helps him. It was refreshing. This is an excellent read if you want a little mystery mixed in with your historical romance.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen is a Victorian Style romantic suspense novel.

Amelie Hampton is a journalist for the marriage gazette who finds herself caught up in a police investigation against a particularly handsome and charming member of her book club, Harold Radcliffe. The Detective heading up the investigation, Michael Baker, is convinced Mr. Radcliffe is responsible for the death of his wife, Mrs. Radcliffe, and is desperate to prove it. Amelie on the other hand is determined to prove that Mr. Radcliffe is innocent and agrees to enter a courtship with Mr. Radcliffe. As Amelie spends more time with these two very different gentleman she finds herself losing her heart, but which gentleman returns her affections in earnest and which is using her for his own selfish desires?

There are so many things I loved about this story! I loved the slow burn romance, the gradual unraveling of the mystery, and I especially loved the character growth.

Amelie is a very naive young woman. She always sees the best in people and has a difficult time accepting that not everyone in the world has the same good and kind intentions Amelie does. Being involved in a murder investigation causes Amelie to lose some of that naivety, but her resilience helps her maintain her optimism. I love seeing the effect she has on the very cynical Detective Baker and how she helps him choose to appreciate the joys of life instead of dreading the challenges.

Overall this is a captivating story. The characters were so relatable and lovable, the slow burn romance was so swoony and so well written. I have been loving Victorian era stories and seeing female characters have a greater level of independence while continuing to maintain the civility I love from the Regency era.

If you enjoy a good clean slow burn romance, an intriguing mystery, handsome working class heroes, and strong independent heroines you absolutely need to pick up The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart! And trust me, once you pick it up you won’t be able to put it down!

I really enjoy the Proper Romance Line and was excited to read Nancy Campbell Allen’s latest novel. The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart is a good addition to the line, even if it isn’t my favorite of her stories.

It was well written and I read it fairly quickly. I liked the mystery aspect and the main characters working together to solve it. I wasn’t a huge fan of Amelie though. At times she seemed so strong, and at others she came across as very young and naïve. Her name also bothered me, and when that happens I get hung up a bit instead of having a smooth read.

I enjoyed the other characters and would definitely read spin offs if the author gives Amelie’s cousins their own books.

I have such a big love for Nancy's books! I am convinced she can write in any genre and I will happily pick it up.
In this case, it's a bit of a romance, a bit of intrigue, a bit of mystery, and a whole lot of entertainment.
Amelie is an avid reader of mystery and suspense. Her enthusiasm to be embroiled in a mystery with the entrance of one Detective Michael Baker is too appealing for her to deny. His claims that a man she admires is a wolf in sheep's clothing drives her to the man's defense.
I had a lot of fun reading this book. The supporting cast is perfectly suited as a backdrop for Amelie's antics and her HEA. Amelie is both naïve and full of gumption and I can't help loving a grump and sunshine together. I'm looking forward to the next two books in the trilogy with - I'm assuming - Amelie's cousins.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

I suppose if I had any complaint about this story at all, it would be that we don't find out what year it takes place. Maybe we do and I just missed it? That's highly likely. Yes, that is a very silly complaint, but I like the know all of the little details that don't really matter in a story. I'm weird like that. The rest of it though? (You know, like the actual story...) It was hard to put down. Really, the only reason I didn't finish this book in one day is because life is in full swing around here and I actually need to get some things done. Plus, I get up way too early, so whenever I sit down to read, I tend to fall asleep, no matter how engaging the book is. I should, perhaps, get more sleep just so I can stay awake when I'm reading. :)

The author tends to write books with strong female characters, and this one was no different. Amelie was strong-willed and independent, but she was also somewhat naive, a combination that didn't always end well for her. It did introduce her to Detective Baker though, which was definitely not a bad thing.

This story had just the right amount of romance and suspense all mixed together. I found it way too easy to read "just one more chapter" even though I really needed to put the book down and get some things done. (No surprise at all where my kids get THAT trait from.) I hope we get to read future stories with some of the side characters in this book. Winston was a strong side character, still somewhat of a mystery at the end of the book. His story would be fun to read.

The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart is a sweet, captivating read with an unputdownable quality – ultimately leading to a thrilling climax. It is also a mystery – and a pageturner full of suspense.

If you loved the recent PBS mystery series Miss Scarlet and the Duke, then you’ll likely enjoy this historical mystery that includes a bit of a love triangle between a villainous rogue and a handsome, witty detective.

I wanted to find out more about Detective Baker and the fanciful and wide-eyed Amelie from the start. Their interactions were fun to read with a believable slow-build romance – making the pair a compatible and appealing investigative duo even if Amelie’s choices and naivete could be frustrating at times.

But since Amelie reads like an older teenager – personality-wise and level of innocence – this would also be a good book for teens and adults. Still, the light-hearted crime story contains numerous romantic moments sure to please all the hopeless romantics out there who can relate to the female protagonist (a hopeless romantic herself in a Catherine Morland kind of way).

Besides the appealing love story, I particularly enjoyed Amelie’s interactions with her two female cousins (who are a bit more experienced and worldly than Amelie) and her independent Aunt Sally, who runs The Marriage Gazette. If I have any complaints, it’s that I wanted more with these characters.

So, if there is ever a sequel or a spinoff, I would love an entire series dedicated to Aunt Sally as I found her intriguing even if she was underused.

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

Overall, if you adore swoon-worthy romances with clever heroines and dashing detectives, this is the story for you. The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart is an absolute delight and the perfect escapist read for all romantic mystery fans.

It’s a captivating book with well-crafted characters, a tantalizing mystery, and a swoony romance; just don’t expect anything serious!

ADAPTATION RECOMMENDATION
The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart would make a fun movie! But I think it has potential as a series – just keep the romance an even slower burn!

The setup of The Marriage Gazette mixed with detectives would be such an entertaining show – a la Miss Fisher style. Each of the cousins could have their individual stories – as could the wealthy, successful aunt. I would definitely watch.

Content Note: The romance is wholesome and sweet. The book overall is PG-esque since it is a murder mystery. But nothing graphic.

Overall Rating: 4
Romance Rating: 5

I'll be damned!! This was unexpected and in the best of ways. Oh my. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns of this mystery in there so much. The title combines the romantic elements with the crime/suspense so well, it felt like a combination of all my favorite things, in a way I did not anticipate. The couple is just to die for, and so much fun. I really hope we get more in this world, and from this author.

I liked the story but was a bit disappointed too. I really enjoyed the steampunk romance line of stories that the author did prior to this one. I didn’t connect with this story as much. Here are the issues:
It took a while for me to warm up to Amelie.
The beginning jumped around between characters, and it took a while to figure out where the story was going.
The first encounter between Amelie and Detectives Baker was awkward.
There was a feminist tone to the book that didn’t sit quite right.

I saw a number of spots where I thought there were historical inaccuracies - I looked them all up and I was wrong but it still pulled me out of the flow of the story.

As a reader I was sure from near the beginning that Harold Radcliffe was guilty of his wife’s murder so it was really hard to watch Amelie in her interactions and how certain she was that she was smarter than Mr. Radcliffe.

I liked Detective Michael Baker. I like Sally Hampton and Amelie’s cousins.
I liked the story overall. Maybe my expectations were too high but for me this only comes in at 3 stars.

Wow, people! This book is definitely going to be one of my top reads for the year! It has a bit of everything and a lot of romance! I guess you could class it as a cozy mystery romance. It reminded me of that TV show, Castle, except with reversed roles and set in Victorian London. The book is set during a time when forensic science was just starting to take off and make a real impact on criminal cases. I found it fascinating to read about! Amelie was simply adorable! And so sweet, independent and optimistic! I'm always a big fan of a broody, serious male, so Michael just hit the spot perfectly. I loved all the other characters too and sincerely hope Amelie's cousins will get their own stories soon! I found the romance storyline a touch disjointed but it all comes together nicely in the end with some very satisfying and enjoyable to read kisses! I absolutely loved this story, there was mystery, adventure, lovable characters and, of course, romance!

So so so good! I plan to buy this in a formats. It's witty and romantic and suspenseful and exasperating and surprising and sweet and clean and all the good things!
Some may say predictable, I say a beautiful HEA that ends up exactly how I hoped.
Ther banter is on point, Amelie and Michael's relationship is adorable and the slow steady growth is what dreams are made of. I will happily recommend this book to anyone!

From advice columnist to deputy detective. Detective Michael Baker is investigating a murder and it soon becomes clear that Amelie Hampton has more that a bit of curiosity regarding the victim's husband, Harold Radcliffe. Reluctantly, the detective allows Amelie to share in the case, albeit as minimally as possible.

Amelie works for her aunt, Sally Hampton, on The Marriage Gazette to offer advice, offering words of wisdom concerning matters of the heart. She is now excited to find herself working alongside the detective and looks at it as a great adventure. What fun this book was! I laughed out loud more than once in this story.

However, while danger ratcheted up, it slowly proves clear that Amelie and Michael are attracted to one another. However, there are barriers with regard to their growing feelings. For one thing, Amelie has a prospective suitor and he is definitely turning her head. Michael has his own reasons for not being willing to follow through with how he feels. A game of cat-and-mouse ensues, but only one of them gets the cheese.

This cozy mystery really delivered. The slow romance, minor intrigue and engaging characters all worked together to create an enjoyable read. I believe that this book is the first in a new series. Amelie and Michael work well together and I would love to see the pair of them in future stories.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

This book is another great add for the #ProperRomance collection. This book had a little mystery and suspense and you cant forget the love story! . I don't care how predictable the story I loved as it unfolded into a great love story. Amelie & Detective Baker are such a fun pair and I love their little moments that made me laugh.  I believe there are a few lessons to be learned along the way as well if you are a lady in the dating world.  The Radcliff character reminds us that people are not always as they seem.  I believe as Amelie says he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. 
 
When a woman’s body is pulled from the river, Michael suspects the woman’s husband—Harold Radcliffe—of foul play. Amelie refuses to believe that Harold is capable of such violence but agrees to help, imagining it will be like one of her favorite mystery novels. Her social connections and clever observations prove an asset to the case, and Amelie is determined to prove Mr. Radcliffe’s innocence. But the more time Amelie and Michael spend together, the more they trust each other, and the more they realize they are a good team, maybe the perfect match.
I do hope for another novel in with this one that maybe goes with one of the cousins or maybe Winston.  
Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing and Netgalley for my advanced ebook!

#TheMatchmakersLonelyHeart #netgalley #ShadowMountainPublishing #ProperRomance #advancereadercopy #bookreview #bookish #NancyAllenCampbell

This was such a fun mystery romance story set in a lush, immersive Victorian setting!

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t typically gravitate towards mystery as a genre. It’s not one I usually find myself enjoying, so I was a little nervous when I started this book, but I was very pleasantly surprised! This story felt less like a whodunit-type story and more of a “how are these characters going to catch the bad guy” type story. I don’t know if that makes any sense, but I really enjoyed it!

I loved Amelie and Michael! I thought their banter and dynamic was fun and engaging and their characters worked really well together. I loved that Amelie grew and learned over the course of the story but her charisma and love of life were not lost as she overcame her naivety.

One of my favorite things about this book was the wonderful cast of side characters. Everyone’s personality seemed to burst off the page and make the entire story feel more real and immersive. I definitely wouldn’t complain if we were to see Amelie’s cousins each get their own story in the future!

The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart was a delightfully pleasant surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading! If you’re a fan of mystery romance, or even if you’re not, I highly recommend giving this super fun story a try and letting Nancy Campbell Allen surprise you too! super fun story a try and letting Nancy Campbell Allen surprise you too!

The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart was a fun, sweet romance with a twisty mystery. I enjoyed Amalie and Michael as our couple. They are super cute together and it was nice to see Amalie struggling and Coming to terms with her feelings. I do feel like the “I love yous” could have waited a bit longer, but it was a really nice scene. Though we know the answer to the mystery relatively early in the book, I liked that we got to follow them connecting the dots and figuring out the motives. I would recommend this historical mystery/romance.

This was a fun Victorian Detective Novel. I loved the inclusion of girls with jobs. I liked the development of the characters and not just the main two. I loved the cousins and the aunt as well. It is so fun to see a story that lies more in the middle class rather than the upper echelons. This lends itself to some fantastic story telling. Our detective is trying to solve a murder and our matchmaker is checking on some advice she gave. When the two stories collide, what ensues left me enthralled and turning page after page without a second thought,

I can struggle with visualizing sometimes but that was not a problem as I read the story and placed myself in Victorian London with the rest of the characters.

Amelie was a perfectly flawed heroine who was terrible at hiding her insecurities, She tried to be brave, but soon realized she was over her head. Michael is trying very hard to protect people from his job as a detective, having lost his partner to the job. The villain was as all villains should be, not entirely what he seems to the world. It takes Michael and Amelie working together with a little help from their friends to crack this case.

I received an early copy through Shadow Mountain and NetGalley and this is my honest review.

The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart by @authornancycampbellallen

Happy Publishing Day!

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. All I know is that I enjoyed it.

I am one of those peeps who like a little murder mystery. Not like gorey or creepy, just the mystery. The plot was great and I loved the action and the strong characters.

Though my romantic heart wanted more tension in the brooding and admiration department, I can't say I didn't cheer and smile for the lead couple. Plus that saving scene was excellently written.

I hope Mrs. Allen plans to write more of these. Maybe we can ask @shadowmountainpub for a mystery series to look forward to in the future. They made a great trend with the Proper Romance, maybe they can do the same for mystery and thriller.

Thank you @netgalley for the chance to read this one.

This was not what I expected from the title, it was so much more. I enjoyed the mystery, intrigue and danger, but my favorite was watching the relationship between Michael and Amelie transform. They were so fun together. I really enjoyed their time together. I also enjoyed the supporting characters. There were so many wonderful ones and I hope this isn't the last we see of them.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest review.

3.5 stars. This entertaining story is part murder mystery and part romance. It starts off with a body being pulled from the Thames, and soon there is more than one murder to solve. The main character Amelie Hampton works for her Aunt Sally’s Marriage Gazette, answering correspondence from young ladies looking for love. She meets Detective Michael Baker when he is trailing a murder suspect whom she happened to set up on a date with one of her correspondents. Although each has different motives, they begin working together. I enjoyed their banter and Amelie’s quick wit. She is a smart girl, if a bit naive, but I never got the impression that she was actually pining for love as the title implies. She was all about working and being independent, things not so common for upper class women in Victorian England. The plot moved along at a quick pace. The supporting characters were great and I wonder if this will be a series featuring each of the cousins introduced here. It’s a sweet, clean romance though there is a little more violence than I’m used to seeing in a proper romance. If you enjoy historical mysteries then definitely check this one out. I received a free ebook from the publisher via NetGalley. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.