Calling on the Matchmaker PDF: An Overview
Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund, is a historical romance. It’s the first book in the Shanahan Match series. The story follows Finola, a woman who is paired with Riley by a matchmaker.
About the Book: Calling on the Matchmaker
Calling on the Matchmaker, the first installment in the “A Shanahan Match” series by Jody Hedlund, released on December 12, 2023. The book centers around Finola Shanahan, haunted by her sister’s death. She believes herself unworthy of marriage and family. Finola dedicates her life to caring for immigrants in the slums of St. Louis.
She sabotages potential relationships arranged by her parents, prompting her father to seek the help of a local Irish matchmaker. The matchmaker pairs her with Riley Rafferty, a successful wagonmaker. It is set in 19th century St. Louis. It explores themes of love and self-worth.
Plot Summary and Themes
The plot revolves around Finola Shanahan, who is paired with Riley Rafferty by an Irish matchmaker. Themes of self-worth, relationships, trust, and overcoming grief are explored within a 19th-century St. Louis setting.
Finola Shanahan’s Story: Grief and Self-Worth
Haunted by her sister’s death, Finola Shanahan believes she is unworthy of love and family. She dedicates herself to caring for immigrants in St. Louis slums, avoiding marriage. Finola sabotages arranged relationships until her father enlists a matchmaker. The story explores Finola’s journey of healing.
Finola must confront her past grief to find her self-worth. This internal conflict drives the narrative. The matchmaker’s involvement forces her to examine her beliefs about love.
Her experiences with the immigrants help her realize her value. The central theme is whether Finola can overcome her past. Can she open herself up to love and create a family?
Matchmaking in 19th Century St. Louis
In 19th Century St. Louis, Irish families often relied on matchmakers to find suitable partners for their children. This practice was a common way to ensure compatibility and social standing. Matchmakers played a crucial role in the community, understanding family dynamics and individual needs.
Calling on the Matchmaker incorporates these traditions. The story highlights the cultural importance of matchmaking within the Irish community in St. Louis. The matchmaker pairs Finola with Riley Rafferty, a successful wagon maker;
This pairing is unexpected, showcasing the matchmaker’s unique approach. The novel vividly portrays the social customs and expectations of the time. It offers insight into how relationships were formed and the significance of family connections.
Themes of Relationships and Trust
Calling on the Matchmaker explores the intricate themes of relationships and trust through Finola and Riley’s journey. Finola’s past grief makes her reluctant to trust others or believe in her worthiness of love. As she interacts with Riley, she begins to question her self-imposed limitations.
The novel delves into the importance of vulnerability and open communication in building strong relationships. The characters learn to navigate their fears and insecurities. They discover the transformative power of trust and acceptance. The story emphasizes the value of genuine connection.
The narrative also highlights the significance of family bonds and community support in fostering healthy relationships. Through shared experiences and mutual understanding, characters develop deeper connections. These connections contribute to their personal growth and overall well-being. Ultimately, the novel celebrates the resilience of the human heart.
Character Analysis
Calling on the Matchmaker features compelling characters. Finola grapples with grief and self-worth. Riley is a successful wagonmaker. They are brought together by an Irish matchmaker. The book explores their development.
Finola Shanahan: A Wounded Soul
Finola Shanahan carries the heavy burden of grief, haunted by her sister’s death. This profound loss has led her to believe that she is unworthy of love and family. As a result, she dedicates herself to caring for immigrants in the slums of St. Louis, finding purpose in serving others while avoiding the prospect of marriage. Finola has become adept at sabotaging any relationships her parents attempt to arrange for her, further reinforcing her self-imposed isolation. Her wounded soul seeks solace in service, masking a deep-seated fear of vulnerability and connection. The arrival of Riley and the matchmaker will challenge her.
Riley Rafferty: The Successful Wagonmaker
Riley Rafferty is a successful wagonmaker in 19th-century St. Louis. He is pressured by his father to find a wife and settle down. Despite his success, Riley is portrayed as flirtatious, creating a stark contrast with Finola’s serious and dedicated nature. When the local Irish matchmaker pairs him with Finola Shanahan, it seems an unlikely match. As they work together to protect the neighborhood from an epidemic, Riley’s character will be tested. He will have to overcome his initial impressions of Finola and prove himself worthy of her trust and affection despite their differences.
Author Jody Hedlund
Jody Hedlund is a well-known author of historical romance and Christian fiction. Readers have praised her vibrant characters and engaging storytelling. She has written several books, including the Shanahan Match series.
Jody Hedlund’s Writing Style
Jody Hedlund’s writing style is often described as heartwarming and engaging, drawing readers into the world she creates. Her characters are vibrant and admirable, and her stories often explore themes of love, faith, and personal growth. Hedlund’s attention to historical detail brings the 19th-century setting of Calling on the Matchmaker to life, immersing readers in the culture of St. Louis.
Her books are known for their charming Irish traditions and the poignancy that lies beneath the surface of light-hearted romance. Some find her writing repetitive, but many appreciate the emotional depth and the way she portrays characters.
Other Books by Jody Hedlund
Jody Hedlund is a prolific author with a wide range of historical romance novels. Besides Calling on the Matchmaker, which is the first in the “Shanahan Match” series, she has written “Saved by the Matchmaker” and “A Wager with the Matchmaker,” continuing the stories within that world.
Hedlund’s other works include various series and standalone novels, often set in different historical periods. Her books frequently feature strong female characters and explore themes of faith, family, and overcoming adversity. Readers who enjoy Calling on the Matchmaker may also appreciate her other titles for similar heartwarming stories and historical settings.
Critical Reception and Reviews
Calling on the Matchmaker has garnered positive reviews; It is described as a heartwarming story. The book also features charming Irish traditions. It is set in 19th century St. Louis.
Positive Aspects: Heartwarming and Charming
Readers describe Calling on the Matchmaker as a delightful and heartwarming love story. The characters are admirable, and the Irish traditions are charming. The setting of 19th-century St. Louis adds to the appeal. Despite its light tone, the story has poignancy as wounded souls learn to love.
Reviewers have praised Jody Hedlund’s ability to create vibrant characters. These characters draw readers into the story. The book is a historical romance that readers enjoy. The story explores themes of relationships and trust. The novel offers a delightful experience.
Elizabeth Camden, a RITA and Christy Award-winning author, calls Jody Hedlund’s novels a joy to read. The novel is a treat for historical romance readers. Many find the book charming due to the characters, setting, and traditions.
Criticisms: Repetition and Narrative Issues
Some readers have noted issues with repetition in Calling on the Matchmaker. These readers find that certain words and phrases are overused. This repetition can detract from the reading experience. For some, the telling overshadows showing, leading to narrative summaries. These issues impact the overall enjoyment of the book.
One reviewer counted multiple uses of specific words on a single page; Dialogue is also repeated, which can feel redundant to the reader. Such issues led to disappointment for some readers. They felt the book did not live up to its potential due to these narrative flaws.
While many found the story charming, others struggled with the writing style. This is something to consider when approaching this novel. The repetition and narrative issues can affect the reader’s engagement with the story.
Matchmaking Themes in Literature
Matchmaking is a recurring theme in literature. Thornton Wilder’s The Matchmaker: A Farce in Four Acts explores this theme. Other books and authors explore similar themes of love and relationships.
The Matchmaker: A Farce in Four Acts
Thornton Wilder’s The Matchmaker: A Farce in Four Acts is a notable example of matchmaking in literature. SuperSummary provides a high-quality study guide, offering detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes and characters. The play explores themes of love, wealth, and social climbing through the comedic escapades of its characters.
The farce revolves around the character of Dolly Levi, a widow and matchmaker who manipulates events to her own advantage. The play’s humor and witty dialogue have made it a classic of American theater. Its enduring popularity speaks to the universal appeal of matchmaking themes.
Similar Books and Authors
If you enjoyed Calling on the Matchmaker, you might like other books exploring similar themes of matchmaking and historical romance. Lisa Plumley and Elizabeth Camden are authors who write in this genre. Their stories often feature strong female characters, heartwarming relationships, and charming settings.
Books like The Matchmaker by Lisa Plumley also explore the theme of matchmaking. These books often feature witty banter and unexpected twists. The focus on relationships and finding love in unconventional ways is a common thread. These stories offer a lighthearted escape into a world of romance and connection.
