Jennifer Deibel

This historical novel describes a matchmaking festival set in a town in Ireland. Catriona and her dad are both matchmakers, although Catriona has yet to find her own match. During the festival, she is tasked with matching playboy Andrew Osborne, whose gentry family wants an appropriate match for him, and whom Catriona secretly longs to wed. Fate has other plans when Catriona meets widower Donal Bunratty, a local farmer seeking a wife and also a mother for his little girl. Through many twists and turns, each person finds the "match" of his or her desire, along with help from neighbors and friends.

In some ways, this story reminded me of the biblical book of Job, in which all seems lost until one surrenders to faith in God. The Christian message is an integral part of the novel, but is not overbearing or preachy. The author has researched this novel well, and integrates historical characters with fictional ones. She also weaves her own beliefs and faith throughout the book. The only problem I had with this novel was the inclusion of Gaelic words and phrases, although there was a glossary in the front of the book. It was difficult to keep flipping to the glossary in this digital copy, probably easier with a print copy.

Readers who enjoy a sweet romantic novel with a historical basis will find this to be a welcome addition to their reading list, as well as readers who like all things Irish. (Besides, who can resist a little girl who is wise beyond her years, as well as friendly beasts whom she tends.) Highly recommended.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The ideas expressed here are my own.… (plus d'informations)

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.… (plus d'informations)

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.… (plus d'informations)

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!… (plus d'informations)