The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel is another beautiful historical novel about the beloved Emerald Isle. This story features Lisdoonvarna and its matchmaking festival. It was so much fun to experience all the merriment, sparking, and matching of the festival as well as seeing what different responsibilities the matchmakers had during the month-long race to the altar. I love that the author once again brought a less-known historical gem to life in her book.
And the characters are excellent. All of them! Catriona and Donal are incredibly genuine and relatable. I loved watching their characters grow throughout the story, and I loved the emphasis on the simple words of the Sermon on the Mount. Having Catriona and Donal grow in their faith and character made me love this story even more.
I loved opening this novel and seeing the list of Irish words and phrases I would find on its pages. It’s so much fun to get a taste of the native tongue and imagine the thick accent that would accompany those words! It just makes the story that much more authentic.
If you want an escape to Ireland, a unique look at its history, and an uplifting story, then The Irish Matchmaker is the next book on your TBR pile! I highly recommend it to all historical romance fans!

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I am a sucker for inspirational historical romance - especially when it is set in Ireland. Having read Jennifer Deibel's other books, I knew I was in for a treat. While I didn't love this as much as some of her other titles, it was still a nice quick read. Catriona Daly is a matchmaker just like her father - she is too busy helping other people find their forever love that she never gets to find a man for herself. When she starts to work with Andrew Osbourne - a man of means and property she is determined to match him with herself so that she can get away from their small Irish town and be financially well off. Donal Banratty, is a single father with a barely functioning farm. He never seems to come out ahead no matter how hard he tries. When his daughter Sara begs him to go to the matchmaking festival so she can have a mother - he reluctantly agrees. If nothing else he could use an extra set of hands around the farm. He isn't looking for love - he's looking for a partner. Little do Catriona and Donal know that what they are looking for could be right in front of them. ( )

The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel is an absolutely wonderful example of Christian Historical Fiction. It tells the story of Catriona, the Irish matchmaker of the title, and Donal Bunratty, a local farmer with a young daughter, and their slowly developing relationship.

I found their relationship to be very authentic. Each started out NOT considering the other as a romantic partner; Catriona had her sights set on a handsome, wealthy young man, and Donal only initially attended the matchmaking festival to honor a promise to his daughter. (This promise was extorted from him disguised as a birthday wish. Sara is a truly delightful character, and I hope the author will eventually give her a book of her own.) Catriona and Donal's interactions are honest, realistic, and sometimes funny. By the time they acknowledged their mutual attraction, I fully believed in it and was very invested in the outcome.

The Christian aspect of the book is clearly present. Donal was a Christian, but had lapsed a bit in his faith after the death of his wife. I found it very interesting to watch as he began to read his Bible and reconsider the importance of his faith. It was especially sweet how this renewal was inspired by the childlike faith of his daughter Sara.

The author's descriptions of the fantastic natural beauty and customs of Ireland, both rural and in a small town, made me feel like I was right there with Donal and Catriona, enjoying the beauty around them and participating in the various community events and activities.

Easily a five-star rating from me! ( )

Let Jennifer Deibel sweep you away to the beautiful land of Ireland at the turn of the last century. As the time for the annual matchmaking festival in Lisdoonvarna nears, professional matchmaker Catríona Daly rues the irony of being an unmatched matchmaker. Her dearest wish is to for some rich festival-goer to woo her away from this small, backward town to a bustling city.

Meanwhile, Donal Bunratty and his nine-year-old daughter are struggling to make a go of their small farm a few miles away. Donal will do anything for his daughter, so he reluctantly agrees to attend the matchmaker’s festival.

Andrew Osbourne’s match from last year was a flop. He is back with his determined parents, set on finding a match that will see him well politically.

When Catríona becomes the matchmaker for both men, scheming on more than one front nearly brings disaster. Will true personalities show through the posturing of such times? Will wisdom or personal gain drive decisions?

Of course, my fave character is 9-year-old Sara, so precocious in some ways and forced by circumstances to assume adult roles never meant for children. No wonder her father will go to great lengths to please her, or that she attracts goodwill and help from Caty.

A glossary at the front of the book helps with Irish words and phrases and gives an air of authenticity to the novel. It was fun learning some of the details of what went on behind the scenes of a match, like the “plucking of the gander.”

Bullying, social status, love of the land, and pure selfishness, plus romance and trust in God all make this a believable and enjoyable novel to be visited more than once.

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher via Netgalley. I also bought my own paperback for my keeper shelf. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own. ( )

Delightful! I love that this author lived for a time in Ireland and writes from a first-hand experience with the culture because, as someone who also lived on the Emerald Isle, her accurate language and poise transport me back to the lilting language of the Irish and the green rolling hills of the countryside. I love the descriptive scenes and the spunky characters. This novel had great romance that, due to the love triangle, was not altogether predictable. I had a hard time putting the story down and greatly enjoyed reading about the developing relationships. The near tragedies and character development both add complexity to the plot and make the story believable. And the spiritual truths of faith and trusting God’s provision were well written and not preachy. I really loved this novel and highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ( )