The Matchmakers Bride Collection – Romance on Tilt!
With such an alluring title and cover, I could hardly resist reading this bevy of romance tales. They may not be Amish stories (my usual go-to), but they were still a delight to read. Here’s a little synopsis, and my take, on each of the novellas…
The Homegrown Bride by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer is set in 1887 Trenton, Illinois. It tells the story of Landon Knipp, who has just chosen to make Trenton his home, and where he’ll set up his new store. Meeting boarding house owner Emmie Mueller certainly was one of his reasons for choosing Trenton. But Emmie has different goals: Matchmaking for those at the boarding house, then moving to Kansas to be with her parent. When an unexpected visitor comes to Trenton, confusion ensues. My take: This novella needed to be longer. It wrapped up too quickly and left some subplots hanging at the end.
The Unmatched Bride by Amanda Cabot is set in 1886 Wyoming Territory (Cheyenne). Wealthy widower banker Robert Carmichael (Rob) employs infamous matchmaker Deborah Johnson to find the best match for his one an only daughter, Emily. The whole town is abuzz that Deborah is matchmaking at the Carmichaels. But is there more than one match in the making? And can past tragedies and heartbreak be put aside to find true love…or will it ultimately ruin everything and everyone in its path? My take: A colorful story with well thought-out characters. For being a novella, it still read very much like a novel – and I was ready for the next chapter! Excellent story.
Playing Possum by Lisa Carter is set in the quaint town of Possum Trot, Wyoming, 1895. It tells a delightful tale of suffragette wannabe Theadosia Holland (Thea) and plain-talkin’ Cage Cooper. Thea has returned home to teach at the newly erected school. Thea and Cage have spent their lives taking pot shots at one another. Neither has a desire to marry. So they strike a deal: Come up with a ruse to make the town think they’re engaged during harvest time. But in the process, feelings get muddled – what will become of Thea and Cage? My take: Playing Possum was a wonderful, engaging tale. I found myself cheering on Thea…and ready to sock her nemesis, Sue Ellen. This definitely felt a bit like a Laura Ingalls Wilder story, and I loved every minute of it!
Hog Trough Bride by Ramona Cecil is set in 1885 Honeytown, Indiana. This novella introduces readers to Rose Hamilton and Ty Roberts. Rose and Ty are anxious to marry, but there’s a problem: In this town, the eldest sister (if not betrothed) must partake in an unusual ritual. Rose longs to spare her elder sister Violet from these shenanigans…so she’s on the hunt for a match! But who Rose chooses is shocking…and his response is even more surprising! My take: This was a fun little novella. It didn’t have much depth, and it lagged in parts. But overall, it was a fun diversion.
The Tinman’s Match by Lynn A. Coleman is set in 1878 Pearisburg, Virginia. This one features a male matchmaker – Xander Russell. But matchmaker is not his full-time profession; he is also a tin maker that sells his wares from town to town. When he finds a match for Sarah Wooley, per her uncle’s insistence, they go by wagon to meet her new suitor. What Xander does not expect is Sarah’s outspoken, over-the-top (yet very practical) cousin Jo. The group encounters a few bumps along the way – and Sarah begins to doubt making this trip in the first place. How will it turn out? My take: The Tinman’s Match was a nice switch, having a male matchmaker. I enjoyed learning a little about the tin trade along the way. The romance was a bit contrived and the story as a whole lagged near the end. But overall, it’s worth the read.
Miss Matched by Susanne Dietze is set in 1879 Colorado Springs. This novella tells a fun story about a new matchmaker, Grace Perkins, that has adopted a method of “scientific matchmaking.” Her close friend (and her father’s protégé) Dr. Mitchell Shaw watches with amusement. He delights in her antics, but has no desire for marriage – ever…even if he does love Grace from afar. When Mitch makes a major decision that will affect the lives of everyone around him, how will they cope? My take: Miss Matched was a fun, quick read. I enjoyed the light mood as well as the deeper subplots surrounding it. Well done.
The Backfire Bride by Kim Vogel Sawyer is set in 1889 Friendly, Kansas. Long time friends Lyla Emerson and Jared Hardwick are ready to strike out on their own. Jared wants to claim land in Oklahoma, and Lyla has just received her teaching certificate and longs to teach somewhere on an Indian reservation. What stands in the way? Jared’s pa and Lyla’s aunt – both are lonely (having lost a spouse), and will be lonelier when Jared and Lyla go away. So what’s left to do? Somehow bring Jared’s pa and Lyla’s aunt together…and so the hijinks ensues! My take: This novella was a wonderful story, full of conniving, conspiring, and downright fun. This one definitely stood out in the collection.
Sing of the Mercy by Connie Stevens is set in 1880 Prescott, Dakota Territory. This novella is matchmaking of epic proportion! Sarah Trent is the owner of Sarah’s Hash House, located deep in a nearly defunct gold mining town. In years gone by, there was gold to be had, but not anymore. When Prescott elects a mayor, Quinn, both Sarah and Quinn do their best to turn Prescott into a REAL town – with shops, buildings…and wives for the miners that are hanging up their mining hats. When Sarah’s brother gets himself into more trouble than he can handle, what will become of him? Of Sarah? Of the town? My take: This novella was a good, solid read. The characters were well-developed and I was fully invested in each character. It didn’t feel like I was reading a novella by any means – except I wanted it to continue! Great read!
A Match Made in Heaven by Liz Tolsma is set in 1885 Detweiler, Iowa. It tells the story of a new pastor named Len Mongomery. Pastor Montgomery has a rule: Do not get involved with members of his congregation. Shakespeare-quoting, congregation member Cora Thomas, who works at the local post office, harbors a secret from a past relationship. When a man from Des Moines contacts Pastor Len asking for help in finding a mate, intrigue, mystery and mischief ensue. My take: This was a good read. The premise for the novella was a good start, but too many of the turns in the story were predictable.
I was given The Matchmaker Brides Collection in exchange for my honest review. A couple of the novellas fell flat, but overall the collection was a delight to read. This is a great collection to get you ready for romance and the upcoming wedding season. Grab your copy today and decide who YOUR favorite match is!
Susan Ferrell and her husband make their home in the Atlanta Metro area. Although Susan struggles with chronic migraine headaches, she stays very busy as a stay-at-home mom to one very precocious little girl. While catching her breath, she feeds her Amishaholic tendencies by reading vast amounts of Amish literature!