A Wager with the Matchmaker, by Jody Hedlund, is the third tale in her A Shanahan Match series. Alannah Darragh is working as a maid in the O’Brien home. She is surprised when she learns her brother has acquired a matchmaker to find her a husband. Alannah has no interest in marriage; however, you soon will get a sense that the matchmaker has his eye on an interesting individual as her future mate. Kiernan Shanahan, her employer’s brother!

After Kiernan offers Alannah an opportunity to work at his family’s estate, you get the sense that his mother is not happy with the situation.
Not only does Alannah have to work long hours for a mother not happy about her presence, but the matchmaker shows up and makes a bet with Alannah involving Kiernan!

When the matchmaker also makes a bet with Kieran about his future bride, you realize this matchmaker is rather crafty himself. He sees the potential between these two; however, it may take some time before Alannah and Kiernan see that their match is meant to be!

A Wager with the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund is the third book in the A Shanahan Match series and a definite must read if you love inspirational historical romance.
Alannah Darragh flees St. Louis and her family's troubled past hoping to find safety while working as a maid for the affluent Shanahan family, but in spite of trying to keep her position and the safety it provides danger looms.
Kiernan Shanahan has decided that investing in a clay mine and brickyard is the perfect way to aid in the city's rebuilding after a devasting fire, but to secure his venture he seeks to marry a wealthy bride however the matchmaker has other ideas.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

A Wager with the Matchmaker
by Jody Hedlund
Pub Date: May 6, 2025
Thanks to the author, Bethany House, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Award-winning author Jody Hedlund presents a sweeping finish to her Irish matchmaking series with sizzling chemistry and closed-door romance for fans of the marriage of convenience trope, Mimi Matthews, and Elizabeth Camden.
I was a little disappointed with this book. While the premise was promising, the writing style was such that nearly every conversation was broken up by long stretches of internal dialog. One character would say a sentence, and the other would think long and hard about the implications of that sentence or what they needed to say before they responded.
The relationship didn't work for me either. We are told many, many times that Alannah is beautiful. Like, REALLY beautiful. Fair enough. Beautiful women exist. But it kind of felt like that was the main reason for Kiernan's attraction.
And finally, I couldn't understand why everyone was so convinced that the bad guy, a violent gang member, accustomed to taking what he wants, would honor the bounds of marriage and leave Alannah alone once she'd tied the knot.
All in all, not a book for me, but I can see how someone else might love it.

I have read and enjoyed both books 1 and 2 in the A Shanahan Match series - this being book 3, I have now also read and enjoyed this one as well! This was such a tender story and I enjoyed it from start to finish. I especially appreciated each of our characters, as Alannah was so deeply admirable in my opinion. The tension between her and Kiernan was absolutely appreciated as well, as it was very swoon-worthy!
As always, the themes of faith and following God was displayed throughout the story beautifully and it always speaks to my heart. I’d definitely recommend if you’re looking to pick up a sweet story.

Romance with a touch of danger is what Jody Hedlund does best.
I enjoy it when JH foes a forbidden romance, she has a knack for keeping up the angst and building the romance at the same time.
I really like how both of the main characters had things they had to overcome and lay aside to be together.
While here were a couple parts where I kinda rolled my eyes to the somewhat scandalous situation the characters found themselves in, those parts didn't last long. I do sometimes get bored when the main cause of why the characters are attracted in the beginning because they are the most beautiful/handsome person they have ever seen.... I just feel like that is overdone in this series.
All in all an enjoyable read once I got into it.
While this series is not really my favorite from this author I am looking forward to finding out who will get a match next.
I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are honest and completely my own.

4. 5 stars
This book was so good! I have been loving this series and I was so excited to read this one! A Wager with a Matchmaker is the third book in Jody
Hedlund’s Shanahan Match series. Kiernan’s story needed to happen and I adored getting to know the characters better.
Kiernan cared deeply for his family and those under his care but he also wanted to prove himself. He felt the pressure of being a Shanahan and wanted to make his dad proud. I loved his growth over the book as he learned that he didn’t need to find fulfillment in his accomplishments. It was also sweet to read about him falling for Alannah.
I really liked Alannah too. She was struggling to find her place and she wanted to protect her brother. I loved how she enjoyed reading and how kind she was. She found herself falling for Kiernan but she was scared to let him in. She was so strong and didn’t allow life’s circumstances to break her.
The romance was sweet and passionate but still closed door. Kiernana and Alannah had a lot to work through and figure out to see if a relationship would even work. I enjoyed reading about their interactions as they learned to trust each other. The side characters were interesting and Bellamy was plotting as usual.
I really enjoyed this book and I would totally recommend it. I love the hints of what is to come for the next book. I am so excited for the next book, I know that it is going to be amazing! A Wager with a Matchmaker is a closed door historical romance.
Book Highlights:
Matchmaker
Reader fmc
Class differences
Siblings
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.

A Wager with the Matchmaker is a page-turning historical romance set in 1840s St. Louis.

Alannah works as a maid, but she needs to flee St. Louis after an Irish gang threatens her safety. She goes to work for her brother’s employer’s family as a maid. The family is wealthy and she feels a strong attraction to Kiernan. Both of them try to deny their feelings because it will cause trouble in his family, hoping he will make a match with a wealthy woman. Kiernan seeks the help of a matchmaker, and Alannah’s brother goes to the same matchmaker on his sister’s behalf because it’s the only way he can protect her from the gang. Alannah and Kiernan cannot conceal their attraction to each other from the wily matchmaker, and he devises a clever plan.

A matchmaker adds an interesting layer of complexity to a romance. I guess matchmakers were needed when marriage was more of a business deal. It’s odd, isn’t it, to think about a matchmaker (or parents) choosing your life partner based on social standing or financial gain. Don’t get me started on the man taking all the money in a dowry for himself! I’m grateful I live in modern times and in a culture where marriage is not a business arrangement. Stories like this one seem to romanticize matchmakers and give them special abilities. Do you love stories that feature a matchmaker?

Alannah and Kiernan are likeable characters who find themselves caught up in a forbidden romance.. Alannah is strong-willed, determined, and brave, while Kiernan is generous, protective, and kind. I loved the gifting of books and their habit of reading together late at night on a blanket by lantern light.

I love a page-turner. This story is compelling from the first page. An Irish gang threatens the safety and happiness of our main characters. A forbidden romance provides tension and threats from the gang endangers their physical safety and livelihood.

Content Consideration: threats of physical harm

I recommend A Wager with the Matchmaker for fans of page-turning historical romance and for readers who enjoy the 1800s and stories of Irish immigrants. This story is the third in a very loosely connected series and can be read as a standalone.

Thanks #NetGalley @Bethany_House for a complimentary eARC of #AWagerWithTheMatchmaker upon my request. All opinions are my own.

I have loved the books in this series. I really enjoyed this book. I liked how both Alannah and Kiernan both didn’t think their attraction to each other could lead anywhere since they were from different classes but the matchmaker knew better. I liked how they each ended up making a wager with the matchmaker that they both lost but didn’t seem to mind in the end. I also like that Kiernan eventually learned that he needed to be his own person and not try to follow in his father’s footsteps. I liked how Alannah and Kiernan came together and that they had a lot to overcome but were eventually willing to give up their fears and take the leap.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

The immigrant maid and the son? Can love grow in spite of differences and difficulties?

He has a list of qualities for a wife, but it doesn't include love?

She doubts that he could truly love her.

His family doesn't agree with his choice, but he is sincere.

Her brother started things in motion.

His mother is hiding a secret.

She has lost so much already and she fears losing her brother, but if she can push aside her fears and allow herself to be loved completely, she will have a family who welcomes her.

The Matchmaker plays his hand well.

Such a good read, you won't regret it!

A Wager with the Matchmaker is Keirnan Shanahan’s story. It follows on the heels of the great fire that destroyed St. Louis in the second book. Keirnan sees an opportunity to rebuild the city, using bricks so he positions himself to do so. The only thing is, he needs a wealthy bride to help him succeed.

Alannah Darragh is in hiding and finds refuge in the home of Keirnan Shanahan as a servant. Her protective brother fears for her life, thinking the only way she’ll be safe from the violence that threatens her is to see her safely married.

Bellamy returns as the matchmaker destined to take over his father’s matchmaking business. Of course, Bellamy has different ideas for matches than his clients.

Overall, the story was engaging. Descriptions of the city help readers anchor themselves in the St. Louis of the past. There is conflict and tension enough to match the previous story, but with a different twist to it. There is quite a bit of sizzle between Keirnan and Alannah, though nothing untoward ever happens in the novel.

The story leaves readers wondering if there will be a match for Bellamy in an upcoming novel.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have really enjoyed this whole series! I haven’t read a lot of books about the Irish and I LOVE it. This is book 3 in a series, and *can* be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading them all 3 in order.

This book is about Kiernan Shanahan, and I was so happy we got his story! His sisters got theirs, and I loved that it was his turn. He had instant attraction to Allanah but they were of different stations so he continued to fight his feelings. When the matchmaker tells her that she is matched with Kiernan, she thinks he is nuts. But I loved their late nights, and ever growing attraction for each other. Add on that she is in hiding from a scary gang leader, and you have a book full of romance, passion and suspense.

A definite must read for all who love historical romance, and Christian romance. Thanks to the author and publisher for an advance copy.

A Wager with the Matchmaker is book 3 in the Shanahan Match series and I think I just found my new favorite by Jody Hedlund! I loved everything about Alannah and Kiernan's love story! Even before Kiernan realized how much he cared for Alannah, he still watched over her and her brother who works for him. Theirs is a sweet story of late-night talks and reading books as they come to know one another. And this wouldn't be a Jody Hedlund book without some adventure, danger and family members working together! This is one of those series you will want to read in order as the characters of this family carry on throughout. I am really looking forward to the next book and the others that she has on the horizon!

This is definitely another 5-star book from Ms. Hedlund!

I received a copy from the publisher, Bethany House, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Publication date: 6 May 2025

I would be lying if I said I didn’t love Jody Hedlund’s Shanahan Match series, and this newest title in the series, A Wager with the Matchmaker, is no exception.

Kiernan Shanahan is determined to prove himself. With a father who worked his way up from nothing, he feels the pressure to succeed in everything he does. Alannah Darragh is in hiding from notorious gang leader Shaw Farrell. They both think they know what they need, but matchmaker Bellamy McKenna has different ideas for each of them. When things start falling apart around them, will they finally give each other a chance?

Hedlund’s characters are so easy to connect with, and the way that she weaves in bits and pieces from other characters’ tales into each individual book makes me wish there were at least ten more books in the series so that I didn’t have to stop reading just yet. As it is, it appears I can look forward to at least one more Shanahan match in the future. Thank goodness for that!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

Bellamy McKenna strikes another match. This time Kiernan Shanahan is the target of his expertise. This was a peek at the Irish immigrant life in St. Louis in 1849. I learned a lot about the Irish who came to America and made a real go of it. Kiernan tries to prove himself a businessman but the bad element of society wanted to see him fail. Lots of interesting facts about brickmaking and the need for safe building materials after the great fire. I can attest to lots of brick buildings in St. Louis, having lived there for 20 years.
The characters were well drawn. Alannah wanted to be near her brother and live peacefully but a bully had other ideas. Clever Bellamy wagered that she would fall in love. A favorite character was Zaira who saw Alannah as a friend and not merely a maid. And I loved when Kiernan gifted Alannah with the books.
Ms. Hedlund brings together a caring hero, a skittish heroine, danger to mix things up, and a faith thread that shows the characters doing their best to honor God.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Michigan has much to be proud of. We are known for our Great Lakes. We have coney dogs. We also have Little Caesars, Detroit Tigers and Red Wings. But most of all we have Jody Hedlund!

A Wager with the Matchmaker is the third book of the Shanahan Match series by Ms. Hedlund. And I have loved every one!

Bellamy, the Matchmaker was one clever Irishman. He knew what he was doing even though Alannah and Kiernan weren't exactly sure who they were to be matched with.

I really enjoyed the story. Alannah and Kiernan came from completely different backgrounds. Is there a chance they could have a future together?

The Matchmaker, Bellamy, is an interesting character himself. I look forward to the next book as the Matchmaker might make a match of his own.

You don't want to miss Book 3 in the "A Shanahan Match" series! The Shanahan family are such strong people and Kiernan is both strong and sweet! Alannah Darragh is an Irish immigrant who came to the St. Louis area. I find the stories of Irish immigrants and the hardships they endured interesting but sad. One of my favorite quotes was “A man who gave her books was a man who knew the way into her heart.” I've never had a man give me books but that sounds good to me too! Jody Hedlund has written another winner in A Wager with the Matchmaker and you don't want to miss it! I received a complimentary advance copy of the book from the author and Bethany House and through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

A Wager with the Matchmaker is a sweet, spirited historical romance with a clever premise and heartfelt emotion. When spirited Sophia Hayes challenges a well-known matchmaker, she finds herself entangled with charming but guarded Spencer Langford. Their reluctant partnership grows into something deeper as past wounds and societal expectations test their hearts.

Hedlund’s writing is engaging, with lively dialogue and just the right balance of tension and tenderness. Fans of clean romance and witty matchmaking plots will find this a delightful, uplifting read.

Swooning romance, as author Jody Hedlund always delivers! I love that the author combines things I love in a book in a way that seems almost effortless! The characters are relatable, not perfect but admirable in many ways and very lovable, the romance is sizzling yet clean -kisses only-, lots of endearing romantic moments, there are always many obstacles in the main characters journey to HEA, there’s always character growth, a faith inspired message, and a battle to do God’s will above our human desires.
This is the third book in the “A Shanahan Match” Series and it’s Kiernan Shanahan’s turn at finding love. I love how Bellamy, the young matchmaker who takes after his dad in this unique profession, always manages to find the Shanahan siblings the best match. There is some fun and light banter in this process, yet the way he does it makes them learn something about themselves along with the surprise of “almost” unexpectedly finding their second half.
This story has a higher degree of difficulty in the match, being a forbidden love, where Kiernan is from the high society of St. Louis and Alannah is not only an impoverished immigrant from Ireland, but also works as a maid in HIS house. Even worse, Kiernan needs to make a wealthy match if he wants to make his brick factory survive this difficult time, so considering Alannah is completely out of question. Still, Kiernan can’t help feel responsible for Alannah, being the sister of one of his best employees, so he’s the one who gives her the job, as he sees no better option to keep her safe from a disgusting leery man who leads a shadowy gang and wants to make her his wife at all costs as a way of revenge to Alannah’s brother Torin who wronged him.
I loved Kiernan, he’s a wonderful and dreamy hero. His protectiveness of Alannah was endearing and the way they started a friendship -both resisting their growing attraction- which naturally led to deeper feelings, was sweet and very romantic. Some of my favorite parts were their nightly innocent meetings in the garden where they get to know each other.
Alannah is a great heroine too: she’s strong -having endured loss and hardship- yet sensible, with a big heart that loves fiercely. Her love of books made her even more relatable, and Kiernan gifting her books and leaving them on her pillow, just melted my bookish heart. A man who appreciates and supports his sweetheart in this endeavor is a man after my own heart. Sigh!
The plot is fast paced, with twists and action that keeps you glued to the story. I had a hard time putting it down and read it in a few days. The setting is so well described that it’s easy to picture the different scenes and places.
The faith inspired message was not subtle, yet not preachy. Like the way Alannah struggles to see God’s loving care when things have been so dire for her. Discovering that God’s divine will may not always match our rational human desires, doesn’t mean He doesn’t hear our prayers, but we have to understand that He sometimes answers our prayers in a different or unexpected way, because He knows what’s best for our soul. This was one of my favorite quotes: “Maybe you’re expecting God to answer your prayers the way you think He should when he's actually answering the way He knows best”. Trusting God’s ways is not always easy, yet when we abandon our fears and turn to His Unconditional Love, unexpected miracles happen, even if they’re small and not what we imagined or asked for.
Another great thing of this book is getting an insight to the next book, which I was happy to discover that Bellamy -and Zaira- will have their very own HEA too!
I highly recommend this book. It can be read as a standalone, but I vividly recommend to read the series in order. You’ll just wish to visit with the Shanahan family as you get to know them and love them!
I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher but was not required to write a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

A Wager with the Matchmaker is Jody Hedlund’s third book in the Shanahan Match series. I have enjoyed the unique matchmaker aspect of this series and his unconventional ways of getting the couples together. Brother Kiernan has appeared in the previous two books so I was anxious to read his story. I loved his integrity, strong work ethic, and desire to excel. His love for Alannah is genuine and fiery if he can just figure it out for himself. Alannah is such a sweet and easy-to-like character. She is intelligent and hardworking. I enjoyed every aspect of their romance. The tension in the story caused by evil gang members makes the story more interesting as Kiernan tries his best to keep Alannah safe. I wanted this book to be every bit as lovely as its cover and Hedlund delivers.

I read this book in two days because I could not put it down. Each book in this series gets better and better.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I am sticking to my previous words! I say them in every review I write for a Jody Hedlund book. I love her books! And today I finished another winner. A Wager with the Matchmaker is the story of Kiernan Shanahan. He is from a well to do family in St. Louis Missouri in the mid 1800s. He still must prove to his father that he is capable of making a name for himself and being successful in his own right. He owns his own glass factory and is purchasing a brickyard. One other thing he needs to prove his worthiness to his father, is to marry a woman of certain standards. And yes, he had a list, 12 standards! When Bellamy, the matchmaker had no intention of using said list, a wager was made.
Alannah Darragh has had many heartaches and trying times of late, with only her brother Torin left of her family and both of them hiding out from a notorious gang leader. Farrell Shaw wants her brother dead and wants to take her as a wife. Torin has called on the matchmaker to find a husband for his sister to protect her from this evil man. But Alannah wants nothing to do with it and makes a wager with the matchmaker.
This is such an intriguing and charming story. I love the main characters, but also the side characters are delightful. I hoped to hear more of them in the future. The storyline is interesting and quite entertaining. It is a clean, wholesome romance, no swearing and some Christian faith beliefs. It is the third book of the series and can be read as a standalone. But I highly recommend reading them all.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.