I have to be honest, this novel was not for me. I understand it was inspired by Jane Austen's Emma, with a somewhat clueless woman playing matchmaker to her friends and family, all the while missing the clear signs of romance for herself. However, I found the main character, Frankie, to the be outright pushy and judgemental on all fronts and basically exemplify the parodied qualities of the "baby boomer generation". I'm not sure if this was Roberts intention, but I found the story hard to enjoy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mira Books for the chance to read this novel.

The Merry Matchmaker was a very cute and lovely holiday story. I really liked our leading lady Frankie because she is like the meddling mother you didn't know you needed with how much she tried hooking up people in her life with others. Although, I did find it a bit hard to follow along with who's point of view I was reading from. It felt like it was focused on one person's point of view, Frankie's, with occasional dialogue from people she was talking to such as her mother, Adele, sister, Stef, best friend and I think potential love interest, Mitch, and more. It would be nice to know who's point of view I am reading from for an easy flow in what is going on throughout the story.

The latest Christmas book by Sheila Roberts is a masterpiece. After all, who wouldn't want to find Mr. Right at the holidays?

Frankie, a widowed store owner, has mastered (or so she thinks) the art of finding love, The only problem is it's for everyone else but her. Her mother, Adele, who works part time at her daughters' shop Holiday Happiness tries to stay out of Frankie's way, but secretly has already found her happiness. Steph, Frankie's sister, who is divorced and has lost her hope of finding that special someone and has dated every eligible man in town. Elinor, Frankie's helper is a wallflower that doesn't know how to come out of her shell. Mitch, the hardware store owner down the street who has been Frankie's rock during her darkest times, and who is her best friend. Frankie's match making has touched every one of them and ends in epic fails. She is determined to "help " them even if they didn't ask for the help themselves. The real question is "Will Frankie find the happiness she doesn't know she craves as her schemes begin to come undone or will she be alone as she has been because of a fear of losing those she loves?"

Anyone who reads a holiday romance knows there is formula to writing this type of story. There are a select few authors with the skill of making that story so fun you can't seem to put it down. This is one of those authors. One of the things I love about Sheila Roberts is she writes with older readers at heart. We are all looking for the happy ending, and Sheila does this with grace. Great characters that you come to enjoy, a plot that you can sink your heart into, and an ending that just feels right makes for a wonderful holiday story. I highly recommend this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the arc of this book.

This follows Frankie who can’t help herself, she is always meddling and trying to match up her friends and family, despite her own love life needing a boost. I really liked her, yes she butted into her friend’s lives which I’m sure would be annoying, but she seemed so kind and genuine and just like she truly cared. There is a large cast of characters with rich and cute storylines and plenty of holiday charm

This author never disappoints in creating a whole scenic view of a friendly close knit village… I picture a Hallmark movie in the making….Will be a great book to read during the holiday.. grab a blanket and a cup off Hot Choclaye or your favorite tea and enjoy this cozy, mixed with a splash of romance …

This Christmasy version of Emma right off the bat reminded me of a Hallmark Movie story, taking place in a sweet small town! Frankie reminded me of the all in the family member/friend. She is always there for people and maybe a little TOO involved! The many stories involved in the bigger one have a lot of different perspectives. I feel someone can relate with one of these characters. All the stories were sweet in their own ways. Each person had something to overcome which we can relate to.

What a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit. This is the best holiday books I've read in a while. You will not want to put it down. I may need to read this book every year. It's definitely a keeper.

Cue the jingle bells and the wedding bells! In the pages following that stunning green cover, Sheila Roberts has managed to tell yet another fun and enjoyable story, filled with a great cast of characters and plenty of holiday festivities, traditions and charm.

Recommended to fans of the Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas and similar holiday novels and films.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Mira for a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

This was a cute holiday story to get you in the mood for Christmas.

Frankie is great at helping everyone else out, but sometimes to the point of getting in the way of what’s best first her. If she can step back a little bit and see what’s in front of her, things might finally work out.

There are several different intertwined stories happening at once in this book which keeps your interest as it switches between characters and what is going on in their relationships. But it’s not hard to follow or keep up with everyone and the different plot lines.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advance copy of this book.

Absolutely wonderful story about love, friendship, overcoming loss and finding your way. Cozy, holiday goodness with likable characters and a fun story. As always, I adore Ms. Sheila’s books and highly recommend you pick up a copy for yourself and some pals!. Makes for a great holiday bookclub read!

A feel good, age-gap, small town holiday romance that was good on audio but not a super standout read for me. Entertaining and with emotional depth (grief over a lost loved one), but on the whole this won't be a standout read for me. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

A cute holiday read with great characters. Frankie feels she needs to find everyone she cares about their soulmate. When it comes down it one couple it kind of backfires on her.

Fun fun book! Great holiday read to put you in the mood and also quick to read cozied up in a blanket with hot coffee on a rainy or cold day!

A Merry Matchmaker provides an entertaining and festive read for cozy winter nights by a crackling fire.

Have you ever been set up on a date?

In a nod to Emma (Jane Austen), A Merry Matchmaker is the story of middle-aged Frankie and her persistent matchmaking schemes. Christmas takes center stage as we witness Frankie’s latest and greatest matchmaking endeavors. How will her favorite handsome hardware store owner, Mitch Howard, avoid her recent scheme and how might he gain her attention? Is the incurable matchmaker about to find her own match?

All the fun of a rom-com with a few mature characters! It’s fun when older characters find unexpected romance in mid-life.

Fans of a festive Christmas setting will find lots to love here from a Mrs. Clause contest to gingerbread houses to a Santa Walk to all the decorations. A few recipes are included!

Sheila Roberts brings wit and entertainment in this nicely paced story. Frankie is meddlesome but loveable, and even though her matchmaking doesn’t always go according to plan, we love her for trying.

If you are a Sheila Roberts fan, you won’t want to miss this new release. Known for warm-hearted women’s fiction with sweet (closed door) romance and no profanity, A Merry Matchmaker might be the festive, light read you are looking for this winter…a delightful escape from the stress of the holiday season.

Thanks #NetGalley @HarlequinBooks #MiraEditors for a complimentary e ARC of #AMerryMatch

Frankie is a hoot! She is always meddling when she shouldn’t. She constantly says she is “HELPING”. And as you can guess, this comes back to bite her in the behind!! She meddles one too many times and disaster may strike!

I adored Frankie and her persistence! She takes no for an answer…but when someone ends up with her best friend, Mitch. She realizes she has gone too far. Mitch is hers…or is he??

Now, as with most Christmas reads, it is predictable. But the characters are charming and delightful!

Need a cute, joyful, Christmas read…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Cute, but needs better formatting.

Frankie has a bad habit of being a know-it all. She loves meddling into other peoples business without their permission. But when her matchmaking ends up in shambles, she finally sees what she's been avoiding all along. Her love for her best friend, Mitch.

After losing her husband so suddenly, she never wanted to fall in love again. But Mitch has been waiting years for her to finally realize that she's in love with him. When she finally does, everything else starts falling into place.

She stops meddling into her daughter's life and stays out of her mother's life as well. But her last attempt at playing matchmaker for her sister and her employee turn out to be successful.

Will she ever learn to let things be?

'I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book just wasn't for me. It was too cluttered and it just didn't flow for me. I struggled to keep track of all the different characters.

I absolutely adored this book. It was sweet, fun, romantic and Christmasy. Everything I love in a holiday romance. I’ve only read a short story by Sheila Roberts, so this was my first full size book of hers. I can’t wait to read more from her. This book was very well written with interesting characters and conflict to keep my interested in plowing through to the end in one sitting!
The heroine, Frankie, loves to meddle in everyone’s lives genuinely trying to help others find love even if it causes trouble. The characters were the best part of this cute, Hallmark-like story. Perfect for the holiday season. Huge thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this story.

The most darling, sweet Christmas book! First of all, the cover wins cutest of all! Second the sweetest story that will leave you feeling its magic all season long!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!

Cute, cute cute and full of all the holiday charm you could ask for! Frankie is such a lovable character, even when her well-meaning efforts turn everything upside down. I loved how each character’s journey intertwined, and the holiday setting added the perfect festive touch. The story definitely gave me all the cozy Christmas feels.. Add this to your holiday reads!

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.