After her brother's entanglement with an Irish gang threatens their family's safety, Alannah Darragh flees St. Louis and her troubled past, seeking refuge as a maid for the affluent Shanahan family.
Releasing May 6, 2025
After her brother’s entanglement with an Irish gang threatens their family’s safety, Alannah Darragh flees St. Louis and her troubled past, seeking refuge as a maid for the affluent Shanahan family. Alannah’s resolve to avoid romance is tested by the undeniable attraction she feels for Kiernan Shanahan. Determined to maintain her position and the safety it provides, she vows to resist the pull of her heart despite the growing bond between them and their undeniable chemistry.
In the wake of a devastating fire, Kiernan Shanahan sees a shrewd opportunity to invest in a clay mine and brickyard to aid the city’s rebuilding. To secure his venture, he seeks a wealthy bride with a substantial dowry. However, the matchmaker he consults has different plans. As danger looms and Alannah fights to keep her brother safe, Kiernan’s protective instincts draw them closer together, but a future with him seems too far out of reach. It will take a miracle–or a wager with the wily matchmaker–to bring the unlikely couple together.
Be swept away in a tale of love, danger, and destiny in this captivating historical romance from bestselling author Jody Hedlund.
Editorial Reviews for A Wager with the Matchmaker
- Booklist: A Wager with the Matchmaker is the third installment in Hedlund’s exceptionally entertaining Shanahan Match series (after Saved by the Matchmaker, 2024). Set against an 1849 St. Louis backdrop of Irish gangs, cultural identity, and class divisions, it explores the tensions between ambition, love, and the steadfast presence of God within a broken world. The forbidden romance and deferred desire positively sizzles from start to finish, and readers will cheer its bookish heroine toward her long-awaited happily ever after.
Reviews for A Wager with the Matchmaker
- Abby: Jody Hedlund delivers another emotionally rich and delightfully romantic historical tale in A Wager with the Matchmaker. Set against the backdrop of post-fire St. Louis, this novel blends heartfelt romance, high-stakes danger, and unexpected humor, making it impossible to put down.
- Chelsea: This is definitely my new favorite of the series and one of my favorites overall from this author! The characters are fantastic- the stubborn MMC and the feisty FMC, and the class differences?! Are you kidding me?! SO good. forbidden romance at its finest. I loved this book and I can’t wait for the next one!
- Becky’s Bookshelves: The book is filled with engaging characters, sweet romance, a great historical setting, and wonderful themes of grace. I am hoping there is one more book in the series.
- Audrey: As always Jody brings us her well known sizzling chemistry, but also touches of faith that are relatable even in today’s times. The story is rich, and pulls you in, and you won’t want to put the book down until Kiernan and Alannah get their happily ever after!
- Marilee: Oh my swoon! I am IN LOVE with this entire series and Kiernan and Allanah’s story was the perfect addition. I have been waiting anxiously for their story since the last book and it did NOT disappoint! I binged this book in one sitting because I could not put it down!
- Taylor: This book is full of history and romance. Plenty of sizzle without the crass and raunchy scenes. A page turner that leaves you wanting more of their story! Highly recommend this book and the whole series!
- Julie: I loved the late night talks, the book references and talks, the early morning meetings, the longing glances, the feeling of unrequited love, the gazebo, the reveal, the protection, the friendship and buildup of love. Oh my heart!!! I loved it all!!!
