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A review by bellesmoma2021
Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved every minute of Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund. I actually feel a tad overwhelmed because I did enjoy every aspect of this well-written Historical Romance, so I don’t feel I can do this story justice in a single review. Let me begin by saying that Calling on the Matchmaker has all the hallmarks of an excellent Hedlund story: superb attention to historical detail, a unique historical setting, endearing and relatable characters, and timely themes. And it made me feel ALL the feels. I honestly could spend the whole review discussing any one of these features, but what I’m going to address are reviews already posted and a cautionary theme.
So, reviews I’ve read. Several stated that they didn’t appreciate, or were uncomfortable by, the steaminess of the story. One of my favorite things about Hedlund books is her realistic and relatable characters. Personally, I didn’t find this story particularly steamy. Our main characters are two young and very beautiful people who have instant attraction to one another. They never break with the rules of their Society. Even when it appears that they do, they actually don’t. There is one scene where they are in bed together. The heroine is caring for the hero who has cholera. She falls asleep. That’s it. I actually worried for her because I didn’t want her to get sick, too. I mean, cholera! They do exchange a few kisses, but it did not feel opened-door steamy. It didn’t even feel closed-door steamy. It felt like two young people having a hormonal moment who then gather their wits and DO THE RIGHT THING. People have passions and people make mistakes. Personally, I don’t want to read a book about perfect people. I find those books tedious, unrelatable, unrealistic, moralizing, and super boring. I like seeing characters face weak moments and then choosing to react in a strong, moral way. It’s the reactions after these weak moments that illustrate really good teachable moments. Moments I actually want to evaluate and think on and put myself into the situation of to see how I might react. So, I don’t agree with many of the reviews I’ve read stating this book is too steamy for Christian/Clean-Read audiences. I think it actually has really good teachable points we all could learn a thing or two from.
Next up is the cautionary theme. Early on, Finola flashes back to a great, big, awful time in her life. In this horrible moment, Finola’s mother says to Finola, “What did you do?!” Those words devastated Finola to her core. They changed her emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. They physically damaged her. And they set her on a path that she probably would never ha chosen had her mother not said those heart-breaking words. This one single, seemingly-insignificant moment stuck with me throughout the whole book. I struggle with my words. Some of the most convicting parts of the Bible deal with controlling the tongue. As a mother, I want so desperately to nourish my daughter’s emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. I want her to feel loved by her mommy no matter the situation she finds herself. However, I am honest enough with myself to know that some of my words have hurt my daughter. I’m sure deeply. This single moment in the story had a profound effect on me, and I see it as cautionary because I have been Finola’s mother. Perhaps, if you’re a mom you’ve been in the same situation — you’ve said something that hurt your kiddo’s heart, too. I think the moral of the tale is to pay attention to our words. How do our words hit those we are speaking to? Do they speak life, or do they cause hurt? If they speak life, great! If they speak hurt, then we’ve got to face that honestly and ask for forgiveness.
Whew! Sorry for my verbosity, I just have much to say about this seriously excellent story. If it isn’t clear yet, I highly recommend this book. If you’re a fan of engaging Historical Romances that make you gush, then check out Calling on the Matchmaker. I really don’t think you’ll be disappointed you did.
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on December 17, 2023, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
So, reviews I’ve read. Several stated that they didn’t appreciate, or were uncomfortable by, the steaminess of the story. One of my favorite things about Hedlund books is her realistic and relatable characters. Personally, I didn’t find this story particularly steamy. Our main characters are two young and very beautiful people who have instant attraction to one another. They never break with the rules of their Society. Even when it appears that they do, they actually don’t. There is one scene where they are in bed together. The heroine is caring for the hero who has cholera. She falls asleep. That’s it. I actually worried for her because I didn’t want her to get sick, too. I mean, cholera! They do exchange a few kisses, but it did not feel opened-door steamy. It didn’t even feel closed-door steamy. It felt like two young people having a hormonal moment who then gather their wits and DO THE RIGHT THING. People have passions and people make mistakes. Personally, I don’t want to read a book about perfect people. I find those books tedious, unrelatable, unrealistic, moralizing, and super boring. I like seeing characters face weak moments and then choosing to react in a strong, moral way. It’s the reactions after these weak moments that illustrate really good teachable moments. Moments I actually want to evaluate and think on and put myself into the situation of to see how I might react. So, I don’t agree with many of the reviews I’ve read stating this book is too steamy for Christian/Clean-Read audiences. I think it actually has really good teachable points we all could learn a thing or two from.
Next up is the cautionary theme. Early on, Finola flashes back to a great, big, awful time in her life. In this horrible moment, Finola’s mother says to Finola, “What did you do?!” Those words devastated Finola to her core. They changed her emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. They physically damaged her. And they set her on a path that she probably would never ha chosen had her mother not said those heart-breaking words. This one single, seemingly-insignificant moment stuck with me throughout the whole book. I struggle with my words. Some of the most convicting parts of the Bible deal with controlling the tongue. As a mother, I want so desperately to nourish my daughter’s emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. I want her to feel loved by her mommy no matter the situation she finds herself. However, I am honest enough with myself to know that some of my words have hurt my daughter. I’m sure deeply. This single moment in the story had a profound effect on me, and I see it as cautionary because I have been Finola’s mother. Perhaps, if you’re a mom you’ve been in the same situation — you’ve said something that hurt your kiddo’s heart, too. I think the moral of the tale is to pay attention to our words. How do our words hit those we are speaking to? Do they speak life, or do they cause hurt? If they speak life, great! If they speak hurt, then we’ve got to face that honestly and ask for forgiveness.
Whew! Sorry for my verbosity, I just have much to say about this seriously excellent story. If it isn’t clear yet, I highly recommend this book. If you’re a fan of engaging Historical Romances that make you gush, then check out Calling on the Matchmaker. I really don’t think you’ll be disappointed you did.
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on December 17, 2023, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.