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.

A Wager with the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund is a clean historical romance with plenty of chemistry and heart. It’s the third book in the series, but works well as a standalone. While I personally preferred Calling on the Matchmaker (book two), this was still an enjoyable read.

Set in post-fire, post-cholera 1849 St. Louis, the story follows Alannah, hiding out as a maid after her brother's ties to an Irish gang put her in danger. Kieran, whose sister employs Alannah, feels drawn to her and steps in to help — though he doesn’t see himself as the one to protect her long term. Enter Bellamy, the charming matchmaker with a surprisingly personal stake in both their futures. Unbeknownst to each other, Alannah and Kieran both make a wager with him, adding a fun twist.

The historical setting was especially engaging, and living near St. Louis made it even more interesting to me. As with all of Jody Hedlund’s books, this one is clean with Christian themes — though be prepared for more physical tension than is typical in most Christian fiction.

I’m especially excited for Bellamy and Zaira’s story next — it’s bound to be a great match!

kissing, lots of physical thoughts
violence - gangs and gang violence, fire, stabbing,

So I've read 12 books by Jody Hedlund. After a while, you start to get a feel for an author. Some of her books I've rated 4 Stars and some 3 Stars. I don't think I've had a 5-star book from her yet, but she's been consistent. One of the things I like about her is that her books are clean, often Christian fiction, yet they don't deny physical attraction and longing. She can bring some yearning into her books. At the same time, the last three I've read by her (including this one), felt almost like a formula. They each felt either lacking in an area that I couldn't describe, or they felt rushed. I did miss the second book in the A Shanahan Match series. I hope to come back to read it eventually.

Basically, Alannah is being sheltered at Kieran's sister's house as a maid. Her brother got entangled in an Irish gang upon arriving in St. Louis. Unfortunately, that means his loved ones are in danger from the backlash of his trying to get away from this gang. Kieran is attracted to Alannah and wants to see her settled and protected. Of course, he doesn't immediately consider himself as an option for protecting her, even though he takes on the responsibility of finding her suitable work. Sometimes I'm all about forbidden love stories, and other times I'm frustrated with the characters for making poor choices. I found that I was unhappy with the characters choosing to spend time together alone in what would have been a compromising position had they been discovered. Yet. I wanted to root for them at the same time.

Favorite quotes:
-"The only sure thing about luck is that it will change."

-"You never miss the water till the well has run dry."

-"We cannot be blaming the problems we create on God."

-"God could turn His nose up at us for all the times we think we know best and go our own way. But He doesn't. Instead, He's there offering to help clean up our problems and walk with us through them."

-"Maybe you're expecting God to answer your prayers the way you think He should when He's actually answering the way He knows is best."

-"Doncha be prodding me along without telling me where you're pushing me."

All of that being said, A Wager with the Matchmaker was not my favorite Jody Hedlund book. They can't all be the best. I have been a little frustrated with the last three books that I've read by her, yet I still plan to read more because I've read enough of her books to know what she's capable of writing. A Wager with the Matchmaker gets 3 Stars. I'm looking forward to Bellamy & Zaira's story. Have you read A Wager with the Matchmaker? What did you think? Let me know!

This series is one of my favorites, and Kiernan and Allanah’s story was a fantastic addition to it. Having eagerly anticipated their story since the last book, I was delighted to find that it exceeded my expectations. Loved it from beginning to end!

After threats from a dangerous gang leader, Alannah leaves St. Louis and becomes a maid for the affluent Shanahan family, where she must resist her attraction to Kiernan Shanahan to maintain her position with the family and to keep hidden.

Kiernan is seeking a wealthy bride to help fund his clay mine and brickyard venture, but his plans aren’t so certain the more he’s around Alannah, a woman he’s strongly attracted to and extremely protective of.

Jody did an amazing job of creating layered and lovable characters, a compelling storyline, a swoony romance full of sizzle but no spice, and a dash of danger and suspense.

The chemistry and attraction between Kiernan and Allanah were palpable. I loved how they were from differing social classes, but shared a strong connection with each other. Seeing their love blossom, especially during their late night meetings, was utterly enchanting. And so was the way Kiernan gifted books to her.

I really enjoyed the historical setting, the vivid descriptions of 1849 St. Louis, the light faith elements, and the wonderful side characters. I cannot wait for Bellamy to get his story!

As the third installment in the series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the entire series.

I received a copy from the author and publisher via NetGalley, but a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

The Shanahan Match series is one of my favorites by this author! The swoony, tension filled romance of this series continues with this third book. With the set up of the eldest Shanahan brother and an ordinary Irish immigrant turned maid in his family home, you know that there will be plenty of reasons that these two characters would not be expected to end up together. However, the charming local matchmaker, Bellamy, sees something that others miss.

I loved that Kiernan and Alannah fought their attraction to each other, yet were both continually drawn together. Kiernan was determined to keep Alannah safe from a very real threat. By becoming her protector and spending time with her, these two really began to learn more about each other. They truly fell in love with each other as they shared their hopes and dreams every evening.

The sizzling chemistry between the two added lots of great tension as they both resisted the pull to each other. However, I loved the moment that Kiernan realized that he was all in for Alannah and did not want a society wife after all. He had an uphill battle ahead of him trying to convince Alannah that she was truly the woman he loved!

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

What a fun story this was with all the feels, romance, and charm that you can expect to find in a Hedlund novel. I have really been enjoying the matchmaker stories, and I must say that the matchmaker, Bellamy has really grown on me. More on him later. This is brother Kiernan Shanahan's story. Since he is pretty much heir to his father's businesses, he wants the perfect match. One that looks good on paper, or so he thinks, but will this make him happy in life? I really felt for him as he tries so very hard to live up to the legend of his father and his mother's demands. Not that they are bad, they just have expectations for their children, especially for their son.

Now Alannah definitely does not match with the list that Kiernan has for a future wife. She is a servant and poor immigrant who is in danger just as much as her brother is from an unscrupulous gang leader who will stop at nothing to make her his out of revenge. Well, Kiernan who has a very soft spot for her will not allow that to happen. He takes her to his family's country home for safekeeping, or they all hope so.

In the meantime, wily Bellamy has been called in to make a match for both of them. Reading the other two books, Bellamy has a gift for matchmaking, except when it comes to himself. Unbeknownst to one another, both make a wager with Bellamy. To say I could not read fast enough as the events unfolded is an understatement. I started and finished this book in a day. Loved it, what can I say. And I am really looking forward to Bellamy's story in the next one. That should be quite a doozy when the matchmaker meets his match, finally.

Don't miss out on this whole series. Each book is full of toe-curling romance and undeniable faith to see the characters through.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

“Luck has nothing to do with it,” she whispered. “It has everything to do with my wager with the matchmaker.”
Book #3 in the Shanahan Match Series, A Wager with the Matchmaker, has wonderful characters. The affluent Kiernan Shanahan and Alanna Darragh, a maid in the Shanahan household are opposites going in different directions. As they draw closer a future together seems out of reach. Will it take a miracle or a wager from the clever matchmaker to bring them together? Author Jody Hedlund’s storytelling ability is what keeps drawing me to her books.
I received a copy from Bethany House and the author. All opinions are my own.

I read this third book in Jody Hedlund’s Shanahan Match series in a day, I was so invested in the characters! Kiernan Shanahan has been busy with his businesses and is finally ready to settle down- so he gives a list of everything he wants to find in a wife to matchmaker Bellamy McKenna. But Bellamy knows that the perfect match for Kiernan doesn’t meet a single one of his qualifications! The crafty matchmaker has a lot of work to do to convince these two opposites that their chemistry is worth exploring and their class difference can be overcome.

Alannah is so easy to root for. She works so hard and is just a sweetheart who wants the best for others. Kiernan is such a good hero for the same reasons. Their chemistry is truly enjoyable and Hedlund brings her signature sizzle while keeping it sweet. There’s heart-stopping kisses, but no spice.

There’s also some great history, as this story takes place as St. Louis deals with the aftermath of the big fire and cholera epidemic of 1849. I love learning something new in my historical fiction, and this series has taught me a lot about St. Louis during this time period!

This series has been so good. In Book 4 (rumor has it!) Bellamy finally gets HIS happy ever after… and I CAN’T WAIT.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not asked to leave a positive review and my opinions are my own.

This is book#3 in the Shanahan Match series but can be read as a standalone book.

This is a wonderful historical romance that you will fall in love with from the very first chapter.

Alannah is hiding out as a maid for the Shanahan family after a gang leader threatens her brother and wants Alannah for himself. While Kiernan helps to protect Alannah he realizes that he is getting feelings for her even though she is from a different class of society and needs to find a wife who would give him a dowry to help him with the startup with his brickyard.

But Kiernan uses the local matchmaker to find him a bride and Alannah’s brother got the matchmaker to find a husband for her so that she can be safe.

You will have to read the book to find out what happens with both Alannah and Kiernan and also Alannah’s brother.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. The review expressed here is my honest opinion

Readers will be delighted to read the third book of the Shanahan Match series. Set in St Louis after the great fire, the cholera epidemic had people leaving the city. Allanah, a poor Irish immigrant is hiding from the head of a powerful gang when Kiernan Shanahan offers to hide her at the family home. When Bellamy, the matchmaker is ask to find matches for both Allanah and Kiernan, who will he choose? Very enjoyable story. Recommended.

St Louis, Missouri 1849

Delightful! The sparks from book one in the series have returned.

Alannah doesn't much like St Louis and plans to return to Ireland. She's just trying to get by until that can happen. Alannah dreams of being an editor, but is happy enough serving as a maid for the Shanahan family.

Kiernan Shanahan has big dreams of success and sees a woman with a nice dowry as a good way to compliment his plans. Although this may sound harsh, Kiernan has a good heart and takes care of his employees and helps protect Alannah and her brother Tobin from a gang.

What I loved about this novel...Alannah, Kiernan, Irish brogue, banter, historical details and matchmaker Bellamy. Delighted that there is one more novel in the series to come.

Set in St. Louis Missouri in 1849, A Wager with the Matchmaker continues matching up the Shanahan siblings with their perfect-for-them matches. This story stars swoony hero Kiernan Shanahan, who is sure he knows what type of wife he needs. Matchmaker Bellamy begs to differ and sets about to show him. Alannah Darragh is plucky and determined to keep her troubled brother safe from rival gang members. I loved these two main characters from the start. Their integrity, their care and concern for others, their love of family, and their sweet, changing relationship were engaging and enjoyable.

Talented author Jody Hedlund is a master at creating wonderful, relatable characters and placing them in interesting and imaginative settings under intriguing circumstances. She then proceeds to wrap them up in a delectable story and bring them out the other side stronger and better. I enjoyed learning more about the history of St. Louis during this time period while reading a very entertaining tale. I’m excited for Bellamy’s story, which I’m assuming will be coming up soon. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House. All opinions are my own.

I so enjoyed this third book of the Matchmaker series by author Jody Hedlund. Filled with intrigue and a strong storyline, the “matchmaker” sets out again to bring two unlikely characters together in a most unexpected way. With some humor and plot twists, this book carries a strong Christian theme that is encouraging and uplifting. Highly recommend !

“Maybe you’re expecting God to answer your prayers the way you think He should when He’s actually answering the way He knows is best.”

Ohhhhhhhh y’all. A Wager with the Matchmaker is classic Jody Hedlund romance and I loved every minute of reading this swoony book! We’ve seen Bellamy McKenna match two of Kiernan Shanahan’s sisters with forever-loves, and now it’s Kiernan’s turn. Hedlund set the stage for his story – and his match – at the end of the previous book so I was eager to see how she wove it all together. Because the match Bellamy has in mind for Kiernan comes with her own set of challenges, and an uphill climb to be accepted as an appropriate match for a affluent businessman from an established society family. And when this author is at the helm of a romance with a difficult road to happily-ever-after, you know there’s going to be some delicious tension and kisses sizzling with repressed passion (while staying chaste). Wow! Did she ever deliver those!! I’m still fanning.

Bless Kiernan’s heart, he has a list of all the requirements he has for a bride – things like ‘from a wealthy family’, ‘a St. Louis native’, ‘a substantial dowry’, ‘able to navigate society’s expectations’, etc. Yet the woman he’s increasingly drawn to is the exact opposite of everything on that list. Alannah Darragh is an impoverished immigrant and – even more significantly – a maid in the Shanahan household. Granted, that last one is his own fault because he brought her there for protection from the Irish gang leader who has her in his sights. But to say a marriage between them is unlikely would be an understatement. Enter the matchmaker who has more than proven in this series that he’s willing to go to clever lengths to facilitate the right matches. And Bellamy’s wilyness is on full display in his machinations to help Kiernan see that Alannah IS his best match. I delighted in the wagers that he puts into place with each of them – it’s always fun when readers are in on the secrets that the characters don’t yet know, especially when a Hedlund-driven romance is the end result. (Side note: I’m so happy that Bellamy gets his own story next!)

I loved Kiernan and Alannah as individual characters – they each are people I would want to spend time with in real life (assuming I could speak coherently in Kiernan’s swoony presence lol). But oh I adored them together – first as friends (albeit friends who are deeply attracted to each other and fighting it) and then as people in love. Their late night talks – you’ll love the setup & setting for these – are such special scenes that spark with affectionate humor, meaningful conversations, and of course yummy romantic tension. Until the kissing started, these were my very favorite scenes in the story. And then, well… have mercy, the passion between these two is just perfection so keep a fan handy and remind yourself to breathe. But even more than being in a swoon-induced puddle, the tenderness and even gratefulness that shares space with that passion brought tears to my eyes for its exquisite sweetness. (And don’t let the word ‘passion’ scare you – they are sizzling kisses but kisses only.)

Bottom Line: A Wager with the Matchmaker is Jody Hedlund at her best. Kiernan and Alannah are compelling, layered, and likable characters, and readers will be cheering for them to find their happily-ever-after together. I easily immersed myself in this novel, lost to everything else until I’d finished the final word and even then I simply sat with it for a few moments, unwilling just yet to leave the glow of a story well told. The obstacles in their path gave the plot just enough sharp edges to deepen the character growth without distracting from why we’re all here – the swoonilicious romance that Hedlund so excels at. And after the foreshadowing we’re given at the end of this one, I am so eager to read the final book too (though I wish there were at least a dozen more). If you’re looking for a story that combines subtle-but-meaningful faith themes, compelling history, engaging characters, and sizzling kisses-only romance, look no further than A Wager with the Matchmaker!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

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.