Book Review: The Merry Matchmaker by Sheila Roberts

 

Come along with Frankie Lane as she meddles in everyone's lives in the town of Carol with a mix of interesting, and sometimes hilarious, results. 

The Merry Matchmaker by Sheila Roberts is a modern retelling of Jane Austen's Emma. In this fun and romantic novel, widow Frankie Lane enjoys matchmaking and meddling in the lives of the residents in Carol. Owner of the Holiday Happiness gift shop, Frankie thinks she knows just what everyone needs: her mother, her daughter, her friend Viola, even the young woman who works at her shop, Elinor. Seemingly unaware of the disastrous turns some of her meddling creates, Frankie never seems to run out of ideas. That's okay, because she is certain no one can get along without her help. 

Her idea of the Santa Walk has been a huge success for the town of Carol. She and Mitch have played Santa and Mrs. Claus since Frankie came up with the idea, and it just gets better every year. Mitch was her strong shoulder when Frankie lost her husband in a freak accident, and she is determined to repay the favor by finding him someone special, whether Mitch is interested or not. 

The Merry Matchmaker is equal parts funny, romantic, and heartwarming. This charming cast of characters living in the small town of Carol will capture your heart and tickle your funny bone. As Frankie maneuvers to "help" her friends and loved ones, the unanticipated consequences bring about mixed results, especially as far as Elinor is concerned.

Roberts has that knack for knowing what works. She is the queen of women's fiction, and her style and wit make for a fantastic story that keeps you turning page after page. I polished this one off sooner than planned because I couldn't put it down. 

If you love romantic tales of the season, women's fiction, or stories sprinkled with a dose of humor set in memorable places, you will want to grab a copy of The Merry Matchmaker. 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ MIRA; Original edition (October 1, 2024)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0778369609
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0778369608

I received a paperback copy from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Top 5 Tuesday - Top 5... New Authors

Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme that explores different topics. Originally created by Shanah at Bionic Book Worm, it is now hosted by Meeghan at Meeghan Reads. For a list of November topics you can click here. To participate, link your post back to Meeghan's blog or leave a comment on her weekly post.

Like I said yesterday, I can't even believe it is November. We are starting a new month of Top 5 Tuesday topics. This first one is neat because it makes you look back upon your reading list from the year to see what books you've read from authors you never read before. 

Top 5... New Authors

This is a modern Sense and Sensibility story. I've never read Austen's book, but that didn't stop me from enjoying Keena Richins' book.

This phenomenal middle grade novel by C.R. Stewart, the first in a planned series, captures you right from the first line. It has a well-rounded cast of good guys and bad guys and a fabulous ending that will lead perfectly into the next book.

Though I had read other books in The Daughters of the Mayflower series, I have never read a book by MaryLu Tyndall. I expected to enjoy it, since I have loved all the books from this series, but this is also one of my favorite time periods in American history. If you like faith-filled books with strong female leads that defy the norms of their times, this is a good choice.

In Hunting Teddy Roosevelt, debut author James Ross blended history and fiction to create the perfect opportunity for adventure and intrigue. It is a well-written story set against the African outback.

Debut author Cindy Wilson dives into the Hard Winter of 1880-81 like no author I've ever read before. Her attention to historical detail makes for a fascinating take on the story we came to know thanks to The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Wilson weaves history through Wilder's fictionalized tale, focusing on the weather, the railroads, and the pioneering spirit that kept the settlers holding on until the trains finally arrived in May.

I am glad I had a chance to read this books in 2020. I look forward to more from these authors in the future. 

Have you read any of these books or authors? Please share some new authors you've read this year. 

Book Review: Sense without Sensibility by Keena Richins

Sense without Sensibility by Keena Richins is a story about family, wealth, and true love.

When her father is debilitated by a stroke, Elinor works to keep his company and their family together. But, with her step-brother in control of financial affairs, and his obnoxious wife Fanny using her money and influence to put forth her own agenda, things quickly deteriorate.

In walks Edward, Fanny's brother, who is in charge of diving into Elinor's father's company's records to see what changes need to be made to attract a buyer. Elinor plans to fight Edward with all she has, but the surprise is on her when she discovers a much kinder and personal foe than she could have imagined. New plan: get Edward on her side. In order to succeed, he would need to go against his wealthy and influential family. Would he do it to save Elinor and her family from ruin?

I am at a slight disadvantage to some other folks who have read Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. I've never read an Austen story. I don't feel, however, this kept me from enjoying Sense without Sensibility.

With a great plot and superb characters, this novel is an easy read. You are engaged from the beginning. Edward is full of secrets and surprises. Elinor is the dutiful daughter holding everything together. Then there is the side story of Marianne and Jack and Brandon which adds another interesting element.

While all the loose ends seemed to get tied up very quickly at the end, this romance is sure to delight readers. I would definitely read more from this author again. If you're a Jane Austen fan, Sense without Sensibility should be added to your wish list.

Series: Pemberley Estates (Book 3)
Paperback: 284 pages
Publisher: Independently published (June 23, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1074858077
ISBN-13: 978-1074858070

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

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