I have been a fan of Jody Hedlund's books for many years. This is one of my favorite series that she has written. I have found Bellamy the matchmaker delightful and the Shanahan family heartwarming. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone, but it is nice to read the books in order to have the complete backstory. Ms. Hedlund skillfully foreshadowed Kiernan and Allanah's story in the previous book. I was delighted to find that Kiernan was finally going to get his story. As he handed his list of requirements for a match to Bellamy, he found himself agreeing to a wager by the matchmaker.

Bellamy had a curious knack of prodding his unsuspecting clients into a direction they would not have picked for themselves. In A Wager with the Matchmaker, he makes a wager with both Kiernan and Allanah. While Allanah is not interested in a match at all, Kiernan's prospective list of qualities in a future wife don't coincide with the direction of his heart. While I anticipated the ending, I LOVED reading the way they would get their happy ever after. Ms. Hedlund writes clean romance, but those kisses practically sizzle off the page.

The historical detail of the cholera epidemic and the fire in St. Louis in the 1840's provide an atmospheric backdrop of the early days of St. Louis. Along with the prejudices against poor immigrants and the gangs that control the inner city. These events affect Kiernan's developing business interests as he ventures into crafting his own legacy. This is a wonderful story of learning to relinquish control and rely on God to provide wisdom and direction for one's life.

With a wee bit (I couldn't resist) of foreshadowing, I discovered there will be a fourth story in this series. My vocal squeal of happiness made my husband laugh. Will Bellamy finally stumble into his own match? Fingers-crossed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Bellamy the Matchmaker does it again! I love how he is able to take two people and create circumstances so that they become a perfect match for one another. I love this series and this is another book that adds depth to the overall story arc of the matchmaker.

Kiernan has a generous and giving nature, and while he is trying to impress his father with his business savvy, he really wants to help those who need jobs. It’s great to see him discover that the things he thought he wanted in a wife were all very shallow societal expectations. What he came to find out was the Alannah was much more than all of those things.

Bellamy is perhaps my favorite character. As the series progresses we learn more about this private young man. He not only is a man who studies people, but he also has a hidden talent that I hope we see in future stories.

Things to love:
dual POV
danger
protective brother
the brickyard
inventions
the countryside
the list
late evening talks
books

I received a copy of the book. All opinions are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

Jody Hedlund delivers another emotionally rich and delightfully romantic historical tale in A Wager with the Matchmaker. Set against the backdrop of post-fire St. Louis, this novel blends heartfelt romance, high-stakes danger, and unexpected humor, making it impossible to put down.

The story follows Alannah Darragh, a young woman who has fled a dangerous entanglement involving her brother and an Irish gang. Taking refuge as a maid in the Shanahan household, she is determined to protect her family by staying under the radar and avoiding romance. But her resolve is tested when she meets Kiernan Shanahan, a businessman with charm, ambition, and plans of his own.

Kiernan is driven by duty and practicality—he needs a wealthy bride to fund a clay mine that will help rebuild the city. But when a clever matchmaker steps in and fate begins to stir, his heart starts pointing him in a different direction.

What makes this book shine is the tension between duty and desire, and how both characters grow as they face trials that test their courage and loyalty. Jody Hedlund’s writing sparkles with rich historical detail, natural dialogue, and sizzling chemistry that never feels forced. Alannah is a strong, relatable heroine, and Kiernan’s journey from self-interest to genuine love is both believable and touching.

A Wager with the Matchmaker is a compelling, heartwarming page-turner.

These Shanahan Match books have quickly become some of my favorites! I love the cleverness of the series and the matchmaker. I love the characters and the Shanahan siblings! I love the matches and the sweet love stories. This third book was no exception! I was hooked and didn't want to set it down at all. But alas, there were moments that I had to because life was calling. But you better believe that during my reading time, I was thoroughly enjoying ever moment that I had to be immersed within the pages of this book! I didn't want it to end but I am definitely looking forward to the next book.

I will tell you that you could read these as standalone novels, but I would highly recommend, and even urge you to read them in order. Everything flows together and builds and you get to know the main characters for each book throughout all of the books. Especially Bellamy. I CANNOT WAIT FOR HIS BOOK!!!! Just saying!

I loved that this book is about Alannah and Kiernan. Their story was set up near the end of the previous book, and can I just say that this is one of those books that you just release a happy sigh for while you're reading and when you've finished. It just made my heart so happy! I smiled. I laughed out loud. I giggled. I held my breath. I cheered out loud. And I told one character in particular that they needed to be getting on with things. Hahaha! If you've read the series (and especially when you read this one) you might be able to guess what character I'm referring to. I can't wait for that character's story!!!! There's a hint for ya!

As I'm writing my review and thinking back over this book and all of the scenes, especially the ones that I love, I want to go pick up my copy again and read it over and over again!

The wagers were fantastic!!! Hahaha! I love when the main characters don't know what the reader knows and so we're sitting back reading and having a lark over what they don't know and can't wait for them to come to a knowledge of what we know. It's so much fun in this book! There's a certain matchmaker who was definitely laughing all the way to the bank over these two!

I loved the late night talks, the book references and talks, the early morning meetings, the longing glances, the feeling of unrequited love, the gazebo, the reveal, the protection, the friendship and buildup of love. Oh my heart!!! I loved it all!!! If you think I'm gushing, well, you'd be right! Because I am! That's just how I feel about this book. I want to gush about it and tell everyone to read it because I loved it! I hope if you do decide to pick it up that you enjoy as well!!!

Now I am going to patiently wait for the next book to be written and released because it is definitely going to be worth it!

Content: Clean. Some mild moments of peril. Some kisses but nothing further than kisses. Some mild innuendos.

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

Happy Reading!!!

When Alannah Darragh immigrates from Ireland to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1849, she has no idea Torin, her brother, has entangled himself in a gang or struggled to get out. The consequences of his actions create an untenable situation for Alannah when she arrives. Shaw Ferrell, the gang leader, wants to marry Alannah in exchange for letting Torin get out alive.

But Alannah has no interest in marrying Shaw or any man. She dreams of working as an editor, which she did in Ireland. Instead, Torin and his new boss, the handsome Kiernan Shanahan, arrange for Alannah to work as a housemaid in Kiernan’s sister’s house. When that job ends, Kiernan offers Alannah a job at their family home.

Torin insists that Alannah marry as soon as possible, so he enlists the local matchmaker to find her a match. Alannah refuses, but the wily matchmaker makes a wager with her and only asks that she give his choice a fair chance. The matchmaker’s choice? Kiernan Shanahan—a man so far above her social station that Alannah almost laughs.

Kiernan Shanahan grew up hearing stories of his father’s exploits—arriving penniless in America and working from destitute to owning a business empire. His father expects nothing less of Kiernan. After a fire devastates St. Louis, Kiernan seizes the opportunity to profit from the disaster by investing in a brickyard.

Setbacks and financial worries convince Kiernan he needs to find a wealthy wife who can bring money to the marriage and have the social graces to act as his hostess. When he visits the matchmaker, Kiernan has a list of attributes he wants in his wife. The matchmaker promises to find suitable women for him to meet, and if Kiernan doesn’t fall in love within a month, he’ll let the matchmaker burn the list and agree to the matchmaker’s choice.

As Alannah adjusts to her new job at Kiernan’s parents’ home outside the city, she works long hours and finds little time to read or practice her editing skills. She spends more time with Kiernan, and a friendship forms between them.
Who will win the wagers? The matchmakers or the two reluctant individuals?

What I Liked About This Book

The author paints a fascinating picture of St. Louis and a little-known tradition of entrusting future marriages to a third-party matchmaker. Both protagonists grow as they realize marriage is more than a beneficial business agreement. Kiernan and Alannah must win over the Shanahans, who have reservations about Kiernan marrying someone outside their social circle.

This book is suitable for YA readers.

A Wager with the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund is book number 3 in the A Shanahan Match series. Alannah Darragh is working as a maid so she will not be found by a mob boss. She is avoiding romance and trying to lay low. Kieran Shanahan is trying to keep Alannah safe. Both have talked to the matchmaker for a match, but keep thinking about the other.

I loved getting lost in this story! I have enjoyed this series and Bellamy, the matchmaker, has a way of making things come together for couples. Kieran and Alannah had amazing chemistry, are so likeable, and you have to love a man who gifts a girl books. The time of 1840 St. Louis made for such an interesting setting, and the historical details brought the story to life. I loved how the author wove in faith in such a relatable way.

I am thoroughly enjoying Shanahan Match series. The book is filled with engaging characters, sweet romance, a great historical setting, and wonderful themes of grace. I am hoping there is one more book in the series. I highly recommend A Wager with the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund a favorite of 2025 for me.

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.

You don't have to read the previous books in this series to enjoy this one but it always adds if you do! I really love the matchmaker, Bellamy, whose presence is in all of the books. He adds so much and makes me smile every time!
Alannah is a strong willed gal and I liked reading her character grow and develop throughout the story. She loves to read and is determined to read her books when she can and I love that about her. The wagers with the matchmaker are entertaining and made for a fun twist. There is a "forbidden" love situation that I didn't especially enjoy but the author did surprise me in the end with how she handled the family members and conflict. I really struggled to like Kiernan and even at the end he just didn't work for me. His attitude and personality grated on my nerves. So because of this I wasn't totally invested in the love story. But there are lots of "swoony" moments that I am sure Hedlund fans will love.
There is a good amount of action and a few intense moments that had me eager to flip to the next page. Overall this is a captivating read with excellent secondary characters that I am hoping will pop up in another book!

Four Stars.

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Absolutely fantastic historical romance!

Alannah is in hiding as a maid for the Shanahan family after a gang leader threatens her family. The only problem with her position is that it is hard to ignore her growing attraction to Kiernan Shanahan when she is around him so often.

Kiernan protective feelings toward Alannah are growing into something more but he needs a bride with a dowry to keep his business afloat. When he employs the services as a matchmaker, the result is both something he desperately wants but knows he can never have.

What you'll love:
1849 St. Louis
dual pov
protective hero
he falls first
brilliant matchmaker
forced proximity
different social classes
late night talks
so much chemistry
the gazebo
the wagers
suspenseful scenes
swoony kisses!!

Oh my swoon! I am IN LOVE with this entire series and Kiernan and Allanah's story was the perfect addition. I have been waiting anxiously for their story since the last book and it did NOT disappoint! I binged this book in one sitting because I could not put it down!

Loved the chemistry and attraction between Kiernan and Allanah but also loved that they had such a wonderful emotional connection from so many conversations together. Despite their different social classes, they have so much in common and watching the fall in love during all of their midnight picnics absolutely melted my heart!! And I can't write a review without mentioning that first kiss.... (insert all the fire emojis here!!!)

Loved the historical setting, the suspenseful moments, the endearing side characters (Bellamy!), the witty dialogue and banter, and of course, the swoony romance! This is the third book in a series and while it references past characters, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. However, I would highly recommend picking up the entire series! They are all fantastic reads from a favorite author.

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

A Wager with the Matchmaker had so much potential, but for me, it fell a little bit short. I would have loved more plot and less of what seemed to move from just romance to lustful thoughts that Alannah and Kiernan constantly have for each other. I love a good romance where the couple comes from different socioeconomic statuses. This one just seemed a little much to me. My favorite part of the whole book is the bond over books that Alannah and Kiernan have.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

4.5 stars rounded up

Another fabulous installment of this series. Kiernan and Alannah had such great chemistry, I could not put this book down. I loved Kiernan's fierce protectiveness and Alannah's gentle, kind spirit. They made a great pair and the journey of them falling for each other was so fun to read. Jody excels at writing tension that leaps off the page and will have you yelling "JUST KISS ALREADY!" at your book. I also loved the hints we get for the next book, which I'm already dying to read!

Return to 1800s St. Louis for more matchmaking adventure in A Wager with the Matchmaker, the third book in A Shanahan Match series by Jody Hedlund. A Wager with the Matchmaker can be read as a stand alone. However, reading the first two books in the series provides an opportunity to know some of the characters and explore the setting. This Christian historical romance is the story of Alannah Darragh, a new maid for the Shanahan family, and Kiernan Shanahan, a businessman who employs Alannah’s brother.
I recommend this novel to readers who have enjoyed other historical fiction series with sizzle by Hedlund and anxiously anticipate the next book in the series. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Set in 1849 St. Louis “A Wager with the Matchmaker” is filled with the rich history of Irish men and women who immigrated to America to find a better life, some to open businesses, some to be in service or as laborers, and some to take the easy way by preying on others.

Alannah has found herself the target of a gang leader who wants her as his bride. To protect her Torin her older brother goes to the matchmaker to find her a husband. Though she isn’t interested in being matched her interest is captured when she finds out she’s been matched with Kiernan her brother’s boss who she has a secret attraction to. The problem is, he’s a successful businessman and she’s the maid to his married sister.

I love how the attraction between Alannah and Kiernan gradually becomes more. Jody knows how to perfectly write the slow burn romance with lots of sizzle but keeping it clean. Every action, every nuance, leads to the culmination of the perfect love story.

This is a great historical romance that I recommend. I was given a copy courtesy of Bethany House. This is my honest opinion of the book.

A Wager with the Matchmaker is the current addition to Jody Hedlund’s A Shanahan Match series. While the story takes place in 1840s, I still found their struggles and the characters relatable. This was my least favourite storyline in the series thus far as I seem to be drawn to Kiernan's sister and Bellemy so much that I can hardly wait for the next book. This review contains my personal opinions.

This is the latest installment in the Shanahan family's matchmaker series. This time it's big brother Kiernan whose heart is on the line. We briefly met the lady Alannah in the previous book--but this novel is all about these two lovebirds.

The theme of trying to outsmart a gang leader in order to keep Alannah safe honestly plays second fiddle to the never-ending sizzling romance of these two. When I say sizzle, I mean--the looks, the passion, the kisses, the necessary restraint...This isn't a typical Christian fiction love story. And honestly, it's not meant for teenagers unless they are ready for sizzling. ;)

Honestly, it felt like the story itself got lost in all the steamy looks, pent-up restraint of passion, and kisses. Even the descriptions of the lead male who kept dealing with his body's muscles hardened with desire for Alannah every time he sees her was a bit much. (rolling eyes)

Of the three books--this one is the one I like the LEAST. The story just got lost amidst the passionate glances and kisses.

I will be curious for Bellamy and Zaira's story--which obviously will come next.

4 Stars
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.

A Wager with the Matchmaker is a swoony, heart-stopping addition to Jody Hedlund’s A Shanahan Match series! I enjoyed the characterization; even though the story takes place in 1840s St. Louis, the characters and their struggles are relatable. Plus, the chemistry between Alannah and Kiernan is off the charts.

I always enjoy Hedlund’s books, and I absolutely can’t wait for Bellamy’s story! 4.5/5 stars

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

This is the third in Jody Hedlund’s series A Shanahan Match. Set in St Louis immediately after the time of the second book (Saved by the Matchmaker), the city is still overwhelmed with cholera and the results of a devastating fire that spread from the docks to the city. The oldest Shanahan son, Kiernan, is the one next in line for the matchmaker. You don’t have to have read the first two books, but they do set the scene of the place, characters, issues of the time, and how the matchmaker works.

This book fits in well with the others, but has its own special issues and plot twists, while the romance is unique as well. Hedlund keeps up the reader’s interest and delivers a good story as expected. I enjoyed it and look forward to the next one!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. #AWagerwiththeMatchmaker #NetGalley

This book for me was a page-turner. The author grabbed and and didn't let go, and I really enjoyed all of it!
A young woman whom is down to one brother left out of a former family of five, and she has made her way to be near her surviving brother in St. Louis. When this read starts she is working as a domestic, and dreaming of going back to Ireland.
Of course, things can't stay calm and even, she has attracted the attention of a really not to nice individual, a gang leader!
We are given some very sweet romance, some very real danger, and a look at St Louis after the 1849 fire.
Family dynamics play a big part in this read, and throw in violence and danger!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

The wonderful A Shanahan Match series continues with this captivating historical romance story. The well-paced, skillfully planned plot--combining light, humorous moments and serious, dangerous ones--grabbed my attention instantly and kept me reading expectantly to the end. The impact of the story is enhanced by an impressive lineup of well-crafted, unforgettable characters with whom I easily formed emotional connections. Allanah and Kiernan's challenging romance adds an interesting and touching layer to the story. Vivid descriptions of pivotal historical events, including the aftermath of the Great St. Louis fire of 1849 and a devastating cholera epidemic, create a dramatic, authentic backdrop for the story. I totally enjoyed this story and highly recommend it and the series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the ARC of A Wager with the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund. All opinions are my own.

I’ve yet to find a Jody Hedlund book I didn’t like, and this book was no different. I just really appreciate the way that this author writes romances with so much longing while also still keeping them closed door.

A Wager with the Matchmaker is book three in A Shanahan Match series. It can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading the books in order for the best experience. The first two books in the series follow two of the Shanahan daughters, but this third book follows their brother.

As with the other books in this series, I really appreciated Bellamy, who is the matchmaker. His parts always make me laugh, and I can’t wait until he gets his own story. In this book, he makes a wager with Kiernan Shanahan, a wealthy businessman who’s trying to live up to his father’s successes. Bellamy also makes a wager with Alannah Darragh, a maid that’s trying to hide from a dangerous man that’s determined to marry her. Both wagers are different, but they are ultimately that Bellamy will be able to find each one a match within a couple months’ time.

The character growth in this story was excellent. Kiernan starts off his search for a bride thinking he knows everything he wants in a future wife, but by the end, he realizes what’s really important in a spouse. Alannah, starts off determined to not get married anytime soon but is instead just wanting to have a good job that will allow her to save money to one day return to Ireland. Her world changes when things become more dangerous, and when she realizes that getting married is something that she might actually want sooner rather than later.

The sweetness of these characters and their romance really made me love this story. I loved their connection to each other with books, and I appreciated how they became friends before they ever became more. I also liked that they were both willing to sacrifice things to have the chance to be with each other.

There are some Christian faith elements throughout the story that I appreciated. It was cool to see these characters, especially Alannah, grow in their faith.

Overall, I would recommend this book if you want a sweet romance with some danger and depth.

A WAGER WITH THE MATCHMAKER is the third novel in the Shanahan Match series by JODY HEDLUND, but it can easily stand alone.
The story takes place in St Louis in 1849 at the time of the cholera epidemic and the fire that destroyed about four hundred buildings in the town.
The beautiful Alannah Darragh is in danger from Shaw Farrell since her brother Torin fell foul of him and his henchmen by leaving their gang. Torin wants the matchmaker to find Alannah a husband to keep her safe, and Kiernan Shanahan needs the matchmaker to help him find a suitable bride with a big enough dowry to save his brickyard. They each agree to a secret wager with Bellamy McKenna, the very successful Irish matchmaker…….
There are many complications, twists and turns and conflicting emotions in this beautifully told love story.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.