After her brother’s entanglement with an Irish gang threatens their family’s safety, Alannah Darragh flees St. Louis and her troubled past, seeking refuge as a maid for the affluent Shanahan family. Alannah’s resolve to avoid romance is tested by the undeniable attraction she feels for Kiernan Shanahan. Determined to maintain her position and the safety it provides, she vows to resist the pull of her heart despite the growing bond between them and their undeniable chemistry.
In the wake of a devastating fire, Kiernan Shanahan sees a shrewd opportunity to invest in a clay mine and brickyard to aid the city’s rebuilding. To secure his venture, he seeks a wealthy bride with a substantial dowry. However, the matchmaker he consults has different plans. As danger looms and Alannah fights to keep her brother safe, Kiernan’s protective instincts draw them closer, but a future together seems too far out of reach. It will take a miracle–or a wager with the wily matchmaker–to form a match between the unlikely couple.
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.
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Sexual Content - 2/5
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Violence - 2/5
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Language - 0/5
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Drugs and Alcohol - 0/5
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Summary
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,