Publication Date: 18th April 2023
Genre: Contemporary Small Town Romance
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Delightful and entertaining but slow
Katie Collins has lived in Ennisbawn, a tiny Irish village, all her life. She loves the local community, the pub she works at, her dear friends, her granny, and the surrounding hills and forests.
However, the peaceful village is being disturbed and revamped by Glenmill developers intent on building hotels, golf parks, and spas that will bring tourists but ruin the local culture and its authenticity.
When Kelly, the only remaining local pub, is next on the list, Katie has a faceoff with Callum, the site manager, and his boss, Jack. She is determined to revive the village’s annual matchmaking festival and help people find love. Except that she has a lot to do and not enough time, funds, or support.
However, Katie and her friends are determined to fight to the last second. Maybe they can pull it off. And what’s a matchmaking festival without some love? What does the future have in store for Katie & Callum and the little village?
The story comes in Katie’s first-person POV.
What I Like:
I have a special love for small-town settings, be it rom-com or cozy mysteries. The setting is spot on in the book. It also shows how bringing together a group of people feeling resigned and defeated is not easy.
Anushka, Gemma, and Adam are great supporting characters and friends. I’m not sure if it’s a fluke or well-researched, but I have to admit how Anushka goes by Nush (instead of Anu) and the secularism hardwired into her psyche made me read much like an immigrant she is. There isn’t much about her background (which isn’t necessary anyway, so no complaints).
Noah reads like a typical eleven-year-old until he shows maturity in the second half. That kid will grow up to be a good guy. And he loves cakes… ;)
The writing seamlessly has humor and funny moments woven into the plot. I enjoy this kind of writing, even if it reads a little dramatic and cheesy at times. It’s cute, in a way.
Granny Mauve has some spunk and has a beautiful relationship with Katie. Also, Katie has a relatively happy and safe childhood. It’s comforting to read.
Jack Dorsey’s character arc is realistic, possibly better than Callum’s, who goes from one to another real fast.
What Could Have Been Better for Me:
I won’t complain about insta-love as I was prepared for it. However, I do wish the characters are a little more developed, especially Callum. He is the MMC of the book and needs to be something more than an enemy-turned-lover of the FMC. Those itsy bitsy bits about his childhood aren’t enough.
The matchmaker event is crucial for the plot. While quite a lot happens, the core of it is supposed to be match-making. Here, the book misses its mark. We see Katie learning how things that look good on paper don’t always work in real life. However, this could have been elaborated on a little more. Maybe continue the conversation with her Granny and show how Katie grows as a person. It feels like a lost opportunity when multiple hints refer to this aspect.
The side characters are sometimes more interesting than the lead couple. I love strong supporting characters, but they shouldn’t shadow the main characters. A bit more character development for Katie and Callum would have prevented this. Also, Granny needs more space. She is a darling.
To summarize, The Matchmaker is a delightful entertainer if you want something lighthearted and sweet. You’ll enjoy it more if you go prepared for insta-love and Hallmark-ish plot.
Needless to say, I like how the author has a natural flair for incorporating funny elements into her writing, and look forward to reading her future works.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC.
#NetGalley #TheMatchmaker
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