Set in London, in 1855, this mystery romance features a lonely-hearts columnist and a detective who cross paths as he is following a suspect and finds her doing the same thing.
Detective Michael Baker corners Amelie Hampton to ascertain why she is spying on a couple’s dinner date, and discovers she is a hopeless romantic who sometimes follows the ladies she is trying to make a match for, hoping their assignations will end in a happily-ever-after.
Michael is on the trail of a man he suspects of killing his wife, whose body has been found in the Thames. When the husband refuses an autopsy and sends his wife’s body to relatives in France to be buried, Michael becomes doubly suspicious. Amelie is very taken with the suspect, the charming Harold Radcliffe and will not countenance that he is capable of such a crime. In fact, she believes herself in love with him, encouraging his suit, but agrees to take Michael along to her book club, feigning a friendship they don’t have, in order that Michael can keep an eye on Radcliffe.
This is a diverting, easy read, light-hearted and fun with a cosy-mystery-like subject. Here we have murder, intrigue and deception, and devious motivation all wrapped up in a charming romance. Allen’s Proper Romance novels, among them several steampunk fairy-tale themes, are always a great read, and this one is no exception.

It's 1885 in London and Amelie Hampton writes a column to answer lonely heart letters for the paper The Marriage Gazette. Wanting to ensure success for two anonymous people that Amelie has played matchmaker to, she decides to secretly watch the blind date. To her surprise, Amelie knows the man on the blind date, Harold Radcliff, who is a grieving widower and a member of her book club. Police detective Michael Baker is investigating the death of Harold Radcliff's wife. As a way to further his investigation, Michael teams up with Amelie to help solve the death of Mrs. Radcliff and they end up finding out that they are a better match than they originally thought.

This is my first step into reading 'romance' as I used to stay away from this particular genre. Wanting to read out of my comfort zone, I felt like this was a good novel to start with since it is a mix of romance and mystery. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed the story, including the romance. As someone who used to poke fun at the genre, I feel like I missed out on some great literature because I never felt like reading something different. I am glad that I picked this one up and really enjoyed Amelie and Michael's story. Much thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC.

I’m very familiar with this author’s work and she did not disappoint. I read a lot of historical romances and when I saw this I couldn’t help but to read it. Matchmaking and murder? All in all a cute romance and a nice story if a bit slow in the beginning.

Amelie Hampton is a writer for The Marriage Gazette with plenty of opinions about love and marriage, even if she is an unmarried miss. When Amelie gets a little over-invested in a match she set up between two anonymous readers, she decides to surreptitiously check in on their date. To her surprise, Amelie recognizes one of them as her acquaintance Harold Radcliffe. As she is leaving, Amelie is confronted by detective Michael Baker. It seems Mr. Radcliffe is under suspicion for murder. Amelie agrees to help the detective secure an introduction and is soon swept up in a dangerous police investigation, and possibly a romance.

I liked the overall story. The investigation is engaging and the villain is downright creepy. I also really like the community of characters, especially Amelie’s cousins and their Aunt Sally. They have an interesting dynamic. Even though they are blood relations, their relationship feels like found family. Within the large extended family of Nortorious Hamptons, these four have chosen each other, or more likely, Sally has chosen these particular nieces to take under her wing and guide out into the world.

Speaking of the Notorious Hamptons, I found that moniker confusing. It’s implied that they’re some sort of criminals, but from what I could tell, nothing was really explained. Perhaps we’ll learn more in a future book? I don’t know for sure if this will end up as the beginning of a series, but the narrative established potential storylines for both Eva and Charlotte, so I think it’s a distinct possibility.

Being chased by Detective Michael Baker and coerced into helping him with part of his undercover operation was likely not what Amelie Hampton had in mind when she went to see how a client’s date turned out. Matchmaker/ writer for The Marriage Gazette, Amelie can’t help getting personally involved because she loves to see women get their happily ever after.

The beginning of the book immediately drew me in and had me engaged the entire time. There were so many things to like about this story: the mystery of the murder and the smugness of the killer; capturing a murderer and seeing justice prevail; the humorous banter between Amelie and Michael, and the suspenseful plot twists.

I enjoyed reading about this Victorian period mystery and the descriptive details made me feel like I was right there. The cover was unique and was initially why I read the description of the book. I am so glad I read it. I highly recommend this book and hope there are more books to come.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Received as an ARC from Netgalley. This story takes place in the late 1800s and follows Amelie Hampton, a personal ad matchmaker. Due to her inquisitive nature, she unwittingly involved herself in a murder mystery. The story moves at a good pace and keeps your attention. The strongest takeaway from this read is that looks can be deceiving. We never truly know who someone is or is not.

Mystery AND Regency?!? Too good to be true.

Except it's not, because this was SO good.

I absolutely loved this read. The various elements to the plot, the way everything came together, the main character being a real person without her flaws being frustrating or annoying to read; all of it was just so good.

If I HAD to find negative feedback, it'd be that the author's voice in this novel took some getting used to. It was a different voice than some of her other books I've read, so I'm not really sure how to describe why with this novel the voice felt off. But it wasn't enough to really make a huge impact, especially as all of the rest of the writing was so good.

I will definitely be buying the hardcopy for my bookshelf.

The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart is a slow burn romance amid mystery, murder, and mayhem. If you like historical novels with strong female characters, lots of action, and sweet but swoony romance, you will love this suspenseful novel.

I have read all of Nancy Campbell Allen's Steampunk Romances, and have thoroughly enjoyed them. This novel is certainly a departure from them, but it still contains all the wonderful plots, character development, and clever dialogue she is known for. I believe it is set in Victorian England. One thing I thought was charming was the subheadings in italics before each chapter, containing witty advice and news.

Amelie Hampton writes for her aunt's newspaper, the Marriage Gazette. Michael Baker is a detective for Scotland Yard. One evening they literally bump into each other, as both of them are investigating a certain gentleman, Mr. Radcliffe. .Michael would say they bumped into each other; Amalie would say he "ran her to the ground.' Mr. Radcliffe is being investigated by Scotland Yard for the murder of his wife; Amalie is spying upon him because one of the ladies that has written the Marriage Gazette for advice is meeting Mr. Radcliffe for dinner. Michael enlists Amalie to introduce Michael at the next book club that both she and Mr. Radcliffe attend, so that he can do an undercover operation. With this introduction, Michael can investigate him covertly, without suspecting Michael of continuing to investigate him for the murder of his wife. Amelie certainly does not see how this "handsome and urbane" gentleman could have killed his wife, but she agrees to cooperate if Michael does not tell her aunt about her clandestine activities.

Amelie, somehow never has a hatpin to keep her hat in place, and I love how the gift of a hatpin played a pivotal role in this novel. I hope that Nancy Campbell Allen continues to write about characters in this novel. Will it be Mr. Winston, or will it be Amelie's cousins or aunt?

Amalie is a writer for her aunt's paper, The Marriage Gazette. After playing matchmaker to a subscriber, she keeps an eye on the couple to see that everything goes well. Detective Michael Baker has been keeping his own eye on the male half of the couple, Harold Radcliffe, whom he suspects of killing his wife. Amalie and Michael meet and an investigative partnership is formed. This was an enjoyable romantic Victorian crime story. Not a mystery, as we know the villain at the beginning. But it is fun to watch Amalie and Michael get evidence and develop a relationship. They are interesting people individually, wth the secondary characters and Victorian setting giving more dimension to the story. I'd be interested in seeing if this becomes a series, as I'd enjoy seeing these people involved in more investigations. I also liked the cover, which initially attracted me to the book.

Imagine Sherlock Holmes but with romance. This book is everything!! I was brought to tears while also kept in suspense. It’s perfect for your friend who loves murder mysteries AND your friend who loves 1800s romance novels!

Can’t recommend enough!

I loved this storyline! Nancy Campbell Allen knows how to weave a romance and this one did not disappoint. #netgalley #thematchmakerslonelyheart

This was an entertaining read. I love when a romance has a separate mystery involved, too. I love that it gives added substance to the story. When I finished the book I found myself researching the history of women and working in the later 19th century. so props for making the story good enough to have me interested in learning more.

Wow, what a genuinely surprising read. The pairing of two seemingly opposite genres seemed like a recipe for disaster but instead propelled this love story straight into my favourites list. Amelie and Michael are the definition of opposites attract - one being all positive and bubbly, the other being cynical and serious. This leads to some great interactions between the two and the exploration of their feelings kept me coming back for more. I loved seeing how sweet Detective Baker was towards Amelie as the story progressed and how they both came to terms with what love really is. The heart of the story was of course the murder-mystery which kept the narrative flowing and provided some surprising moments. My only gripe is that the mystery was fairly one-note with the true suspect being revealed basically immediately with no twists or turns in terms of who killed the woman. However, this can be forgiven for such a lovely written romance.

The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen, 326 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2021. $16.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Corresponding with lonely hearts that write to The Marriage Gazette is the perfect job for a romantic like Amelie. When she decides to look in from across the street as a client meets her date, Amelie is surprised to recognize the charming Mr. Radcliffe as said client’s date. Michael, a detective, is also watching the date because he is investigating Mr. Radcliffe’s involvement in a possible murder. Amelie and Michael decide to work together for the truth, each convinced they know the real character of Mr. Radcliffe.
Allen’s books are always a joy for me to read because they keep readers engaged on the surface of what is happening while still feeling that something is lurking in the background. As the something creeps closer, readers can’t help the excitement that comes from figuring out the details with the characters involved. I love the dynamic that Michael and Amelie develop through the story, and I love how real the characters became to me, especially Michael -- I knew what he was thinking even during scenes that were from Amelie’s point of view!
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

5/5 Stars
The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen

This was my first Proper Romance and I LOVED it. In truth, this was a romance murder mystery! I was generously given an advanced copy from @netgalley and I’m happy to say it was the best ARC I’ve read yet!

Amalie Hampton is from the notorious side of the Hampton family. She’s a correspondent for the Marriage Gazette pairing people who write in with each other. She pairs a widower with a young girl but finds she fancies the man herself. She bumps into a detective who is investigating this specific gentleman for a horrible crime. The two create schemes to help solve the murder. But Amalie is caught between what her heart feels and what’s reality.

This novel felt very Pride and Prejudice and I loved every moment of it! This book comes out in September and I’m here to say it’s worth it.

Wow, this book was so interesting. It was really good and different than I had expected. The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart is the first book that I have read written by Nancy Allen Campbell, however I have loved all of the Proper Romance books so I wasn’t worried.
Amelie Hampton is a hopeless romantic and she loves answering the lonely heart letters in The Marriage Gazette. Police detective Michael Baker has been struggling ever since his best friend and partner died. He knows that his job offers no promises and so he decides to never love or marry. However when a woman’s body is pulled from a river, Michael suspects that the husband, Mr. Harold Radcliffe is to blame. Amelie, knowing Mr. Radcliffe from a book club, refuses to believe that Mr. Radcliffe was capable of such a feet, but she agrees to help in order to prove Michael wrong. However as Michael and Amelie spend time together and investigate Mr. Radcliffe, they soon learn that something is terribly wrong.
Amelie was such a fun character, I really liked her little quirks. She was kind, but she was also kind of oblivious. I also liked how although she was kind of naive, she did her best to learn and to be helpful. I loved reading about her falling in love with Micheal. She thought the funniest things about him, but as she spent time with him she began to fall for him. But Amelie would have to learn that all is not as it seems, and how to trust Michael.
Micheal was such a sweetheart, he was a little rough around the edges but he was kind. Life had not been easy for him and he was jaded but he truly cared for those around him. I liked him from the beginning and it was always so much fun to read about him interacting with Amelie. However Micheal would have to learn to let Amelie in, and that love was worth the risks.
Micheal and Amelie were such a lovely couple, I liked reading about their interactions. I was pulled in by the storyline and I wanted to see what happened, was Mr. Radcliffe truly who he said he was? I also liked the side characters, Amelie’s two cousins and Michael’s partner. I am excited to see if they have their own books
The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart was a wonderful book. I would recommend it to those who like historical books with a hint of suspense. The characters were really fun! I was so engrossed in the story, I wanted to see how it would end. It was such an interesting blend of mystery and falling in love. I wouldn’t have quite pegged this book as a mystery, but let me say that it was quite good!
The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart is a clean historical romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

I posted my review on Goodreads and Barnes and Nobles on 04/18/2021, I will post on blog, Amazon, and Bookbub closer to release date

Cute romance with a bit of mystery all tied into one. Was a bit slow to get started and some of the British lingo tripped me up a bit but overall a good read

4 1/2 stars for this gripping story about a matchmaker and a detective who end up combining their unique skills in order to investigate a mysterious death. This felt part romance, part Agatha Christie mystery, part delightful Victorian England story. The mystery in this is not so much of a "whodunnit" but still very much captivating. I will be the first to admit I wasn't sure what to expect going into this story having read some of the author's other stories with quite different styles. Very quickly in chapter one, I became hooked by the characters and the story and did not want to put it down. Once we reach encounter a second murder scene about a third of the way through the book, the story and the mystery became so captivating I didn't want to put the book down until I saw how everything worked out and reached a peaceful conclusion. In addition to thoroughly enjoying the two main characters, there was a fantastic set of side characters that I am definitely curious to learn more about in what I hope (but have yet to hear confirmation of) will be the start of a new series by this author. The three cousins living independently in a London boarding house in particular had such a sweet, supportive, almost sisterly bond that was both heartwarming and enjoyable to read about. Each of these women were strong and intelligent and had talents to contribute to the way the story unfolded.

Can I also say that the first kiss in this story is SWOONWORTHY! I loved reading about these two characters and seeing them finally get together a good portion of the way through the story was rewarding and validating for me as a reader. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, the intrigue and murder mystery aspect, and the fabulously captivating twists and turns of the story. Definitely a book I will be mentioning to others and hyping up in anticipation for it's release in five more months.

Opening line:
"My Dear Miss Franklin,
I can only imagine the despondency you must feel at your mother's insistence that you entertain Mr. B's suit."

Ms. Allen knows her way around romance and mystery storytelling and this story is another great example of her talent.
Amelie is a hopeless romantic who works for her aunt's newspaper answering other hopeless romantics letters. She's head-strong, smart and finds herself in trouble because of her curiosity and innate tendency to solve mysteries.
Michael Baker, on the other hand, is an actual detective who is good at his job in solving mysteries and guarding his heart. Too many people get hurt in his line of work, including family members. The case that he's trying to solve might just involve the young woman spying on his #1 suspect. After he bowls Amelie over trying to follow her through a park and soon their adventure begins.
Adventures through scavenger hunts, a murder and another man vying for Amelie's attention bring the two closer and closer together.
Ms. Allen introduces us to many new characters that I truly hope will be at least three more stories!

Thanks to netgalley and Shadow Mountain for the early read!

Murder. Romance. Victorian England. Amelie Hampton is a woman of independent means. She works at her Aunt Sally’s newspaper, giving love advice. With her equally independent cousins by her side, she enjoys her work, in fact, spying on one couple she had matched. What she didn’t know was that someone was also spying on her. On her way home from watching her work in progress, she is confronted about what she knows about the gentleman she was spying on.

Detective Michael Baker didn’t like that the husband of a dead woman pulled from the river was moving on with his romantic life two months after the wife’s passing. He had reason to believe that the man, Harold Radcliffe, had something to do with her death. When he catches sight of Amelie spying on a dinner between Mr. Radcliffe and another woman, he asks her what she knows about him.

What follows is a cat and mouse game between Radcliffe and the Yard. The case gets personal as Detective Baker and Amelie fight their feelings for each other and Radcliffe turns his romantic intentions towards Amelie.

If I was able to give the book 3.5 stars, I would. I enjoyed the characters of Amelie and Detective Baker and the evil of Mr. Radcliffe jumped off the pages of the novel.

#netgalley #thematchmakerslonelyheart #shadowmountainpublishing