The Matchmaker by Catherine Walsh ~ a Review

by MK French

Katie Collins loves her tiny Irish village of Ennisbawn, but developer Callum Dempsey is building a hotel just outside the village, and planning to knock down Ennisbawn’s only remaining pub. That place is the last connection for Katie to feel close to her parents, who met at Ennisbawn’s once-famous matchmaking festival, both throwing coins into the wishing well that sits in the pub garden. To save the pub, Katie plans to uncover the well and revive the festival, which she's sure can bring the town back to life again. In addition to battling Callum for the fate of her village, Katie also hopes to help her two best friends find love as well. What’s another project when she's already taking on the village's evilest man?

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

April 2023; Bookouture; 978-1803149165
audio, ebook, print (334 pages); romantic comedy

We open with the trucks and bulldozers waking Katie as they tear through the fields to lay the foundations for the hotel. Half of the town was bought up, and Jack has no intention of letting the village interrupt the building plans. Jack is the target of everyone's ire, and Callum works with him. He is cute and likes Katie, who loves her hometown and volunteers or is involved with most goings on. She was heartbroken when her hard work to build up the town is undone, and I felt that pain right along with her. She knows what makes her happy, and it's her village of people who love and care for each other. This is what Callum is looking for as well, even if he doesn't explain it to her right away. He doesn't mind her emotional rants, or that she is actively trying to block part of the project he's working on. If anything, he's very calm in the face of her drama, so it's a big deal when he has his own emotional moments. 

I really enjoyed reading about the small town and the people in it. They had their issues at times, which is hard to avoid when most people in small towns know everyone else's business. They all really cared about each other and Katie's efforts, and I loved seeing them all together for her festival. It was a fun read, perfect with a cozy blanket and cup of tea.

Buy The Matchmaker at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever. 

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