Releasing February 3, 2026

As the middle child of the Shanahan family, Zaira does her best to keep the peace. She doesn’t share her dream of becoming a published author with her family to spare herself their disapproval. When she’s caught in a scandal involving the local matchmaker, Bellamy McKenna, she must put her storytelling ability to good use and feign a match with him to avoid wagging tongues and her parents’ anger.

Feeling the growing pressure to marry as a well-known, yet single matchmaker to St. Louis’s Irish community, Bellamy reluctantly agrees to a temporary match with Zaira. But even though the matchmakers in his family might be able to find love for others, they have a history of disastrous relationships for themselves. When secrets and danger force Zaira and Bellamy to work together, is it finally the matchmaker’s turn to be lucky in love?

Hedlund delivers another captivating romance with sizzling chemistry in this romantic conclusion to her beloved matchmaking series.

Reviews for Marrying the Matchmaker

• Jo|Ruth Reads: Okay wow. This book was so good. I could not put it down. The chemistry was off the charts and the kisses were even better. These two had sparks every time they were on the page. The tension in this book was everything. So many “I hate that I love you” moments, and I ate them up. Every time they let their walls drop, I was obsessed. Now I need to go back and read the earlier books.
• Taylor: Jody’s characters are so endearing! The attraction and tension between Bellamy and Zaira can almost be felt through the pages. I love how Bellamy cares for Zaira and has always had such a connection with her. Their love story does not disappoint! I need more books about them!
• Sylvia: I’ve so enjoyed Jody Hedlund’s A Shanahan Match series, and while I’m sad to see it come to an end, Marrying the Matchmaker is a perfectly romantic, exciting conclusion. I’ve been looking forward to Bellamy’s story since book one, and Zaira was such an interesting character, too. This book is unique and captivating, and I can’t wait for more from Hedlund!
• Gena: Warning: If you’re going to start Marrying the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund, make time—because you won’t want to put this book down. 🙂
• Susan: I am still smiling hours after I turned the last page with a contented sigh. Wonderful ending to a favorite series. I have enjoyed every single book in this series and am sad to see it come to an end. The fictional family of Shanahan’s and their matchmaker Bellamy have provided many hours of entertainment.
• Angeline: I can’t believe that this series has come to an end. This might be my favorite in the series. I loved the banter and chemistry between Zaira and Bellamy.
• Jessica: I loved everything about this book. Bellamy and Zaira had such good chemistry. Bellamy was charming and thoughtful. Zaira had such passion for her writing and a boldness when it came to Bellamy. It was obvious how attractive they found each other, and I’m glad that they weren’t afraid to let each other know that attraction existed.
• Abby: I absolutely loved Marrying the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund. She has an incredible talent for storytelling—her writing is engaging, heartfelt, and beautifully paced. What I appreciate most is that every book in this series is just as good as the one before; the quality never drops. Each story feels fresh while still carrying the depth and charm I’ve come to expect from her. This book did not disappoint, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys well-written historical romance.