The Irish Matchmaker

 

About the Book:

As daughter of a well-known matchmaker, Catríona Daly is no stranger to the business of love--and sees it as her ticket away from the sleepy village that only comes alive during the annual matchmaking festival. Enter Lord Osborne's son, Andrew, who has returned to the festival after being disappointed by a rival matchmaker's failed setup. Catríona seizes the opportunity to make a better match for the handsome man--and for herself!

Cattle farmer Donal Bunratty is in desperate need of a wife after loss left him to handle the farm and raise his daughter on his own. Shy and lacking the finer social graces, he agrees to attend the matchmaking festival to appease his daughter. But when he arrives, it's not any of the other merrymakers that catch his eye but rather his matchmaker--who clearly has eyes for someone else.

Catríona will have to put all her expertise to work to make a match that could change her life forever. Will her plan succeed? Or will love have its own way?

My Review: 

With the attention given to the details of the beautiful Irish countryside and the Gaelic words and phrases, it was extremely easy to become immersed in the story of the single matchmaker, Catríona Daly. I imagine it must have been difficult not finding a match of her own as she continues to help other people find their true love. I thought it was funny when Catríona sets her heart and hopes for her own with a handsome, suave gentleman and matches him with ladies she knows he will not like.

Donal Bunratty was a gentle, yet awkward man in social settings. I felt a bit anxious for him as he leaves his farm on several occasions to attend the town’s matchmaking festivities. He was my favorite character because of his champion’s heart and going against all odds.

I loved Donal’s daughter, Sara. She was nearly the story stealer with her sweet spirit and her caring nature. It was easy to love her and want to see she had a mama in her life. Of course, she was the perfect matchmaker herself when she convinced Donal that it was time for him to find a wife.

I highly recommend this Irish love story for readers of all ages. I would love to see this made into a movie. I received a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.