An Undaunted Matchmaker is a lovely novella that is set in 1850, as Eve Molloy finds herself alone in Eureka, California, robbed of her possessions, and needing to get back to San Francisco. Eve is stunning in appearance, but her inner beauty is even more alluring, because she has made it her mission to find suitable husbands for the young girls who are no longer permitted to live at the Hibernia Orphanage. Eve herself was an orphan there, and she fully understands the danger that unmarried eighteen-year-old girls face. Rafe Riley is the mortician in Eureka, and he is immediately smitten with Eve, but sadly, she's isn't as impressed with him. Oh, yes, he is good looking and seems to be very kind, but he touches dead bodies! Will Mr. Riley be able to convince this Matchmaker from San Francisco that he is the perfect match for her?

I was immersed in this story immediately, and I found myself smiling at Eve's determination to resist Rafe's charms. It's apparent that they truly are meant to be together, and it's obvious that he is everything she wants in a husband. Anne Greene has a knack for creating intriguing characters, placing them in exciting adventures, and including interesting historical details of the time and place. Panning for gold in this Gold Rush country is a big part of this story, and Greene perfectly describes the people and the lust and greed that can sometimes overtake men. She also shares how God and faith can help all of us overcome these desires.

An Undaunted Matchmaker is a captivating story with adventure, love, and a powerful faith message. I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.

I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation of a favorable review. These are my own thoughts. ( )

An Undaunted Matchmaker by Anne Greene
This book starts out with dedication page then the story.
Story follows Eve Malloy an Irish woman who teaches at the orphanage in San Francisco. She had brought six women who were no longer eligible to stay at the orphanage as they were over 18 so she sought out husbands for them in Eureka.
She loved matching them with men that worshipped God.
The story also follows Rafe RIley as he comes across Eve and has some bad news for her about her uncle.
He is also the mortician and tends to many who have fallen on tough times mining for gold in Eureka, CA.
He even opens his own place and sees over the ceremonies.
She does not want to marry him even after meeting his mother who lives with him in the huge mansion. After she had been robbed of her earnings and no longer has money to make it back to get another group of women that seek husbands.
She has a hard road ahead of her but is glad to know she's inherited her uncles things, one being a shanty and claim. She pans for gold...
Many others help her but she relies on God and his guidance to make it through the toughest of days.
Love hearing about how she took on a man that could pan for her, just food and a bit of land to place his tent is all he wants. He's also been paid to watch out for her...
She hates Rafe's job and lets him know it. He hates it also and does something about it. He thinks Eve might pick up with the new mayor and know he has to make his move soon or lose her.
Love the direction this book takes, so many detailed descriptions of the time frame. So precise and clear.
Love learning about the history of our country in other areas that I'm unfamiliar with.
Excerpt from Dollar Brides is included at the end. About the author, her listings of books, and how to contact her are also included at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion. ( )