The Making of a Matchmaker

The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe #0.5

by Tess Thompson

In the fall of 1910, a violent patriarch with many enemies is murdered, freeing his long-suffering wife and four misfit children. Can a secret matchmaking plan find love for the eccentric members of the Tutheridge family?

The four Tutheridge siblings grew up under the savage dictatorship of their wealthy and powerful father. Isolated on a small island in the Puget Sound, his three sons and daughter have little hope for finding love. Given their unique personalities and internal demons, romance seems unlikely. But when their mother secretly engages a team of matchmakers, hope blossoms for this lonely, slightly odd clan.

As long as they don’t know they’re being matched, they just might get their happy ending.

However, when their father’s secrets are revealed in the weeks after his death, everyone becomes a murder suspect. Could one of them have snapped in a moment of rage? Or was it one of the many people he manipulated and hurt over the years that finally had enough?

And is it possible for love to grow in the wake of such darkness?

A murder mystery meets swoony historical romance in this new clean and wholesome series by bestselling author, Tess Thompson.

Read this prequel to fall in love with Whale Island and its lovable band of eccentrics!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Mystery, Fiction, Ebooks, Historical Romance

72 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 14, 2023

About the author

Tess Thompson Romance...hometowns and heartstrings.

Tess Thompson is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary and historical Romantic Women’s Fiction with over 60 published titles. When asked to describe her books, she could never figure out what to say that would perfectly sum them up until she landed on, Hometowns and Heartstrings.

She’s married to her prince, Best Husband Ever, and is the mother of their blended family of four kids and five cats. Best Husband Ever is seventeen months younger, which qualifies Tess as a Cougar, a title she wears proudly. Her Bonus Sons are young adults with pretty hair and big brains like their dad. Daughters, better known as Princess One and Two, are teenagers who make their mama proud because they’re kind. They’re also smart, but a mother shouldn’t brag.

Tess loves lazy afternoons watching football, hanging out on the back patio with Best Husband Ever, reading in bed, binge-watching television series, red wine, strong coffee and walks on crisp autumn days. She laughs a little too loudly, never knows what to make for dinner, looks ridiculous kickboxing in an attempt to combat her muffin top, and always complains about the
rain even though she chose to live in Seattle.

She’s proud to have grown up in a small town like the ones in her novels. After graduating from the University of Southern California Drama School, she had hopes of becoming an actress but was called instead to writing fiction. She’s grateful to spend most days in her office matchmaking her characters while her favorite cat Mittens (shhh…don’t tell the others) sleeps on the desk.

She adores hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to say hello or sign up for her newsletter:
http://tesswrites.com/. You’ll receive an ebook copy of her novella, The Santa Trial, for your
efforts.

Much to her father’s horror, you can find her everywhere on social media.
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2esOcrn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessTh...
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2vClTfX
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tesswrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tesswrites
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tessielouwrites

Please note: Tess is not affiliated with the writing duo of Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson.

Reviews

[Laila Nelke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow! I almost missed this short introduction to the new series that is coming in a few days and I was just waiting for the first book to get my hands on it. As it usually happens with me I just dived into the story not even knowing what that’s about because it’s from an author I love already and don’t bother to read blurbs just pick up whatever next read is available and never been disappointed.
Well, I’m in for a wild ride with this new series! A new small town Ella Pointe built by a Tutheridge family or should I say a devil itself who kept secrets about just everyone in this town, blackmailed them into town and used them every way imaginable with a strong fists until he’s killed by who? Mystery that is yet to be unfolded or not. Everyone had motives including family even more so because so much damage done by him.
And there comes mystery matchmakers for four unmarried children who won’t have any of it if they knew.
A lot of interesting characters that I’m so excited to get to know more about in the future books and I love this series so much already! Can’t wait!

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This looks like it will be another good series by Tess Thompson.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vanilla91 - per RFS
.
Sensale si diventa è il prequel della nuova serie di Tess Thompson.

Siamo nei primi anni del 900, segregati su un’isola sperduta, in una città immaginaria costruita e amministrata da un uomo ricco e crudele: Roland Tutheridge.

Quando quest’ultimo viene assassinato, la speranza di una vita migliore si palesa non solo per gli abitanti del paesino, ma anche per i figli di Roland.

Benedict, Briggs, Hudson ed Ella sono quattro giovani che hanno patito in prima persona la crudeltà paterna, subendo traumi che ciascuno di loro ha elaborato a proprio modo, e che hanno contribuito a renderli adulti con forti insicurezze e personalità stravaganti. Cosa potrebbe portare un po’ di serenità nella vita dei giovani, se non l’amore?

Ecco, allora, che la vedova Tutheridge, tramite corrispondenza, cerca il consulto di un’abile sensale che dovrà trovare le persone giuste per una sorta di matrimoni combinati all’insaputa dei diretti interessati.

Fenici, questa breve novella ha uno scopo puramente introduttivo, eppure rivela abbastanza da incuriosire il lettore, perché sicuramente, accanto allo sviluppo delle storie romantiche, ci saranno tanti misteri ed enigmi da risolvere.

Ogni personaggio conosciuto in questo prequel è una figura grigia, con una personalità da esplorare e un passato che cela ambiguità e segreti. Tra tante persone con forti moventi, chi avrà sferrato il colpo mortale?

Con tutte le teorie, le macchinazioni e le domande che ha suscitato in me, Sensale si diventa è stato un amo appetitoso, un assaggio che lascia pregustare una serie di storie che promettono davvero molto bene.

Non vedo l’ora di scoprire di più!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Making of a matchmaker.
Prequel for the mystery matchmaker.
Saga fiction.


The beginning of a new series..
Thank you, tess Thompsons


Whale island washington 1910.
Is where it all begins..

A matchmaker, Not exactly what Matthew asked for.
But it's what it's come down to.. Maybe there's more involved. Then what meets the eye. Maybe there's not. Time will tell.


There's a murder in town.. Which is where everything started.. The murder of Roland Tutheridge. Father, Husband, Friend to some. to many.. Or is he . Hes something all right..

So many had motive in this town for murder. But who was it who done it well I guess we'll find out.

This was a great start to a new series.. Definitely enjoyed it. Ready for the next book thank you test for this short introduction to this new series.. Always love your work...

[Shoshana Lipson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow going at first for me but by the end I was thoroughly engrossed in the story and can’t wait for each of the books in this series to come out!

[Vickie Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just a preview of the book to come

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice

An interesting tale to start. I will have to look for some more of her stories in this series. Recommended.

[Cathy Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new historical series coming from the bestselling author Tess Thompson. The prequel did everything is was meant to do to draw the reader’s interest. There is a whodunit and the poker playing group of characters brought together by the deceased. And how does matchmaking fit into all of this? The prequel explains just enough to make you beg for more! I can’t wait for the first book in the series.

[Claudia Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tess Thompson is so very clever. This prequel to a new historical series is just different enough to be quite exciting. There is a murder of a rather evil man, townspeople who have secrets, and two matchmakers for flawed sons and daughter of the murdered man.
I will highly recommend this series that will again showcase Tess Thompson’s skill at spinning a tale.

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great introduction to Tess’ new series The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Point! It looks like it’s going to be much more than a romance story. There are many secrets, bad relationships and mystery. Knowing Tess we are in for one wild ride! I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Janeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much. I cannot wait until the following books are released.

[patt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short introduction to a new series from Tess Thompson that appears to be much more than just a romance as the title might imply. There’s murder, an abusive relationship and plenty of secrets and this was only the prequel!

[Simoloverosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
Esce oggi 15 maggio il prequel della nuova saga familiare storica ideata dalla portentosa e prolifera penna di Tess Thompson. Potevo farmela sfuggire? Assolutamente no perché possiede tutti quei tratti distintivi che caratterizzano l ' autrice che adoro, lo stile elegante, la scrittura scorrevole, protagonisti dal tratto spesso, ambientazione suggestiva e incantevole, trama solida e sfumature suspense che mi appassionano e mi intrigano assorbendo la mia attenzione con profondo coinvolgimento. Al centro della storia abbiamo la singolare famiglia Tutheridge, 4 ragazzi cresciuti nell aspra, selvaggia e solitaria isola Whale all' ombra di un padre dispotico. Roland era un uomo ricco e potente, temuto e disprezzato da tutti che improvvisamente viene ritrovato assassinato. Ogni abitante della cittadina di Ella Pointe ha un passato discutibile, tutti hanno dei segreti che li legavano al magnate che li manipolava tenendo in pugno le loro vite quindi ora tutti sono probabili sospetti. Mentre si cerca di far luce sul terribile omicidio la moglie del defunto patriarca pensa già al futuro dei suoi figli finalmente liberi dalla sofferenza. Potranno mai tornare a vivere una vita normale? Troveranno la persona giusta al prorio fianco che li ami veramente? L' unica che potrebbe aiutarli e salvarli da una solitudine certa è una famosa sensale ma dovrà accettare una strana e geniale sfida perché non sarà facile aprire il loro cuore e costruire il loro lieto fine. Dotati di una personalità forte ed eccentrica i ragazzi Tutheridge lottano contro demoni interiori causati dal temperamento tiranno e violento del prorio genitore, riusciranno a modellare i loro caratteri induriti e fare spazio finalmente alla potenza di un sentimento mai provato? Una storia diversa che unisce i crudi toni suspence alle delicate note romantiche in modo del tutto nuovo e particolare. Grovigli cupi e oscuri adombrano il passato dei ragazzi ma un futuro di luce e speranza seppur pieno di ostacoli e inganni si delinea all' orizzonte promettendo quella serenità e felicità mai provate, non solo per il loro destino ma anche per quello degli abitanti dell' isola per troppo tempo soggiogati dalla prepotente arroganza di Roland. Una trama tosta ed originale che entra subito nel vivo degli eventi e riesce ad intrigare ed incuriosire rendendo il lettore partecipe. I personaggi sono tutti molto interessanti, ognuno splendido protagonista di un ruolo ben delineato ed intenso tutto da scoprire soprattutto la figura della sensale che combinava matrimoni tra persone sconosciute e distanti. Una serie che si prospetta curiosa e avvincente che mi ha conquistata già da questo breve prequel.

Segui @simoloverosa anche su Instagram Facebook e Tik Tok

[Ms G Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1910, Aubrey’s beloved husband is taken from her in a senseless accident. She is devastated and feels like her life is over because she adored him and was so truly loved by this wonderful man. Her biggest regret was that they had no children. Her best friend eventually had enough of her wallowing especially as she knew her husband would have been disappointed with Aubrey’s malaise. A suggestion by her friend to use her innate skills to be a matchmaker is raised.
Matthew and the majority of people on the island of Ella Pointe, Whale Island, Washington
have secrets that were used to blackmail them by the violent, controlling founder of the town. He made promises to them all but did not keep many. He liked to win at all costs. His wickedness and greed was integral to his character. He was a wife beater and emotionally brutalised his children. He was found murdered in town one night. The majority of the town are suspects in his murder including his family. No one is really interested in finding out who killed him because they not only had secrets from past lives, they were also all relieved that he no longer lived to torture or bleed them dry of their earnings.
Aubrey, his now rich and freed wife decides that her boys, now young men, and stubborn independent daughter are all emotionally vulnerable, stunted and thus kept themselves apart from finding love, had to be found loving, caring partners. She felt that was the only way they could be truly happy and mend from the brutality of their past with their now dead father.
She forces Matthew to participate in helping her, in secret, so that her kids will never find out as they would rebel. His reward will be important for him and his friends. This is the prequel, with a cliffhanger to draw you in. Aubrey and Matthew are the proponents of the great and difficult and clever machinations to try to bring this feat about.
Annoyed about the unexpected cliffhanger but it worked as I have already purchased the next book.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

recensione a cura del blog “Libri Magnetici" by Meghan

Nuovo inizio di serie storie per Tess Thompson e ripartiamo nell’sola di Whale Island a inizio secolo. Su questa fiorita isola, Roland Tutheridge ha creato la sua fortuna: lì, dove un tempo c’erano solo una fitta foresta e il profumo del mare, ha costruito case, attività, strade. Ma lo ha fatto i segreti, le bugie, i ricatti e perfino le violenze su sua moglie e i suoi stessi figli.

«Eravamo sul suo libro paga. Possedeva persino le nostre case. In quel modo eravamo i suoi burattini. In cambio della nostra fedeltà, Roland manteneva i nostri segreti. E noi mantenevamo i suoi.»

Non sorprende dunque la sua morte in circostanze misteriose, una morte che riguarda anche i cinque amici che ha portato anni prima sull’isola, promettendo loro un nuovo inizio, ma in realtà ricattandoli.
Proprio ad uno di essi, Mattew, si rivolge la sua vedova, dandogli l’incarico di combinare dei matrimoni per ciascuno dei suoi figli, così umiliati, nella speranza di poter dare loro un nuovo inizio.


«La fissai incredulo. Sensale? Io? Era ridicolo. O lo sarebbe stato se la mia commensale non avesse avuto un’aria assolutamente seria.»

E così toccherà a Mattew contattare Audrey Mantle a Boston, che come lui si è ritrovata a diventare una sensale di matrimoni del tutto casualmente: in passato, infatti, era una pratica molto diffusa quella di far sposare due persone che non si conoscevano attraverso un sensale, una sorta di agenzia matrimoniale dell’epoca.
Così in questa breve novella introduttiva della serie, ci vengono presentati i nuovi protagonisti, i figli del manipolatore Roland, con tutte le loro debolezze e fragilità; c’è da dire che però anche Mattew e i suoi amici si propongono come coprotagonisti interessanti, presentando una storia a metà tra il giallo e il romance e che sicuramente incuriosisce il lettore.

Quattro petali.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Il libro si apre con la morte di Roland Thuteridge, evento che dà il via alla ricerca da parte della moglie della felicità per i figli. E quale migliore modo che aiutarli a trovare l'amore e il partner perfetto per ognuno di loro?
Sceglie così di rivolgersi alla signora Mantle, che conosciamo al termine del suo periodo più buio, quando con l'aiuto della fidata cameriera Heidi decide di riprendere in mano la sua vita e di uscire dal baratro di dolore in cui era caduta dopo la morte dell'amato marito Daniel.
Non potendo contattarla direttamente chiede aiuto a Matthew, proprietario del bar della cittadina, che insieme allo sceriffo, al predicatore e al proprietario dell'emporio si imbarca nell'impresa di aiutare la sensale a combinare i matrimoni, tra i partner ignari.

Questo breve racconto mi ha piacevolmente sorpresa.
Nonostante un'inizio che non mi stava convincendo del tutto ho terminato la lettura decisamente curiosa di sapere come, perchè si tratta di come e non di se, i due sensali riusciranno a far innamorare le varie coppie.
In quello che possiamo definire un lungo prologo, vengono presentati i diversi personaggi, dando giusto le informazioni essenziali per caratterizzarli e per incuriosire il lettore sul loro passato e su quello che sarà il loro futuro.
Spero che non saranno solo i figli di Roland a trovare l'amore, ma anche il gruppo della serata del Poker, o che comunque avranno un ruolo importante nei libri della serie, perchè ad una prima occhiata sembrano personaggi molto interessanti.

[theflying.booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

💍Questo è il primo capitolo della serie “Il Sensale misterioso di Ella Point” di Tess Thompson. Questa recensione sarà leggermente diversa dalle altre, in quanto questa novella storica - con sentori gialli - è un prequel e ci fornisce un punto di partenza per i volumi successivi.
 
💍Ci troviamo in una tranquilla cittadina dello stato di Washington, agli inizi del 1900 e l’autrice ci introduce alla famiglia Tutheridge, che sarà la protagonista di questa serie. Parte tutto infatti, con il misterioso assassinio del crudele patriarca Roland e il successivo volere della moglie di far convogliare a nozze i suoi quattro figli, che a causa degli abusi subiti dal padre, sono visti come ragazzi deboli e problematici.
Ed è proprio in questa occasione che entrano in campo i Sensali, figure ingaggiate per combinare matrimoni.
 
💍La ricerca dell’unione perfetta per i figli sarà affiancata dal giallo dell’omicidio del capofamiglia, persona poco benvoluta da tutta la città. Ognuno può essere un sospettato e il mistero si infittisce sempre di più a ogni pagina che il lettore scorre.
 
💍È il primissimo libro che leggo della Thompson, ma ho trovato la sua scrittura scorrevole e dettagliata - grazie anche alla traduzione di Isabella Nanni. Tra intrighi, segreti e amore, si districheranno le avventure di tutti i personaggi e io non vedo l’ora di leggere i capitoli successivi per poi potervene parlare. 🥰

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Making of a Matchmaker is a prequel novella to The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe series by Tess Thompson. It is the fall of 1910, Roland Tutheridge is found murdered. His death freed his wife, his four children and residents of the small island in the Puget Sound. Ruling his family in a savage dictatorship, Roland left his children, each with their own unique personalities, with little hope for happiness and love. Their mother comes up with a matchmaking scheme. However, the cloud of their father’s murder hangs heavily. As his secrets are revealed, everyone on the island becomes a suspect. Will the plan find love for the eccentric Tutheridge family? Can love grow after such darkness?
A historical series with a murder mystery and swoony romance? Yes, please! I love Tess Thompson’s Emerson Pass historical romance series. I am slowly reading my way through it but I am loving it. So I was excited to hear that Ms Thompson announced a new historical series. The Making of a Matchmaker introduces readers to the residents of Whale Island and a murder mystery. In six chapters, readers will be ready to jump into the romances of the Tutheridge children and a murder mystery that will affect everyone. It is a very quick read as an introduction to the Tutheridge family and the series. I am looking forward to the series. I recommend The Making of a Matchmaker.

The Making of a Matchmaker is available in eBook

[Ale Ditadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ritorna Tess Thompson con una nuova saga familiare.
Questo primo libro è un prequel di nemmeno 100 pagine che ci dà modo di iniziare a conoscere questa nuova famiglia, di cui io sono già perdutamente innamorata.
Questa Saga Familiare è un genere storico con tinte gialle. Mi sono approcciata da poco allo Storico ma l’autrice ha il modo di scrivere molto coinvolgente (grazie anche alla superlativa traduzione di Isabella Nanni) che ti porta a rimanere incollata alle pagine con il fiato sospeso fino alla fine.
In questo primo Volume abbiamo modo di conoscere la moglie e i figli del violento patriarca della famiglia Tutheridge assassinato in modo inspiegabile una notte del 1910.
In questa cittadina tutti possono essere sospettati del suo omicidio in quanto il capostipite della famiglia non era benvoluto da nessuno, compresi i suoi familiari.
Per riscattare la famiglia, la vedova, ingaggia dei Sensali per i suoi figli. Tre ragazzi e una ragazza che negli anni hanno subito soprusi dal padre, rendendoli dei disadattati.
Segreti, intrighi e omissioni girano intorno a questa faccenda. Intanto che si indaga per capire chi è l’artefice dell’omicidio vediamo se realmente la squadra di Sensali accetterà l’incarico.
Per scoprirlo non vi resta che leggere questa meraviglia.
Consigliatissimo!

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Series Starter. This is one of those short novellas that is specifically designed to introduce a new series and its backstory so that these setup details all reside in a common point and the author can simply continue each individual story without having to rehash every word here within them - and as such, works absolutely perfectly. Quite a bit happens in these 72 pages, but every bit of it serves to show the world in which this new series will be set and set the basics of what to expect in each of the remaining books - specifically, it is rather obvious that each future book will be about one of the children and the match they are given, likely while continuing other elements found here (specifically involving the murder mystery and other secrets the children may or may not be aware of) as a form of connective tissue throughout.

Ultimately the entire point of an entry novella such as this is to whet the reader's appetite for the series and induce them to auto-buy the entire damn thing, and the only true weakness to Thompson's strategy there is that only the next book in the series is currently available for pre-order. ;) Otherwise, this novella does its job spectacularly. Very much recommended.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pre-quel molto interessante di questa saga di Tess Thompson, suggerrito da un'amica.
Il ricco signor Rolan Tutheridge, viene assassinato ed è proprio da questo punto che la storia ha inizio, nessuno sa chi è stato era un uomo odiato da tutti perfino dalla moglie e dai figli, chiunque avrebbe potuto ucciderlo ma l'assassino è ancora introvabile.
Beatrice Tutheridge, madre di 4 figli di cui 3 scapoli e l'ultima figlia celibe sapendo che non riuscirá a vivere a lungo chiede l'aiuto di uno dei dipendenti del suo ex-marito chiedendo di esaudire il suo desiderio ovvero di fare il sensale e far accassare tutti i suoi figli, in sua veste dovrà chiedere l'aiuto della Signora Mantle per accasare i figli senza destare sospetti.
Devo ammettere che per essere un prequel ha tutte le carte in gioco per incuriosire il lettore i personaggi sono descritti in modo tale da avere quel mistero e quella curiosità nel vedere come riusciranno i fratelli di Tutheridge così diversi unici e particolari a trovare il loro lieto fine! Che dire ho giá iniziato Per Amore di Benedict! La curiositá era troppa!

[Milica]

A straightforward novella set in a time period and locale that I usually do not read. It's obviously setting the table for what's to come and heavily hinting on the sequels. Unfortunately, although the gallery of characters are interesting enough, it did not draw me to get the next book which is languishing in the wishlist (it is available on Kindle Unlimited, but there are countless other stories that take priority).

I most enjoyed the murder-mystery aspect. Since it all takes place on an island, there is a closed-room atmosphere - and I am partial to that particular type of a puzzle. The evident future romantic interests are not too simpatico, so the additional appeal of the who-done-it is valuable. Despite the obvious criminal element, the book makes you want to make travel arrangements for Washington state.

Also, letters! I like letters in books.

[Carolyn Vandine West · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to give this a 5 star. It was so good. I really like the whole genre type of marriage of convenience, mail order and matchmaking. This is a novella size, but the others look to be in the 2-300 page range.
When a mother sees all 4 of her children floundering after the death of their father, Momma steps in. She contacts a well reputable Matchmaker to find them spouses. Since the children are not involved in this process it will be a sneaky way of going about things.
She contacts Mrs. Mantle to find matches for her sons and daughter. They live in a very isolated part of the northwest so that adds a bit of a challenge.
This is a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting to know the rest of the story.
First read by this author but won’t be the last. I received a free download from BookFunnel this did not affect my honest review.

[Lisa Wetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Making of a Matchmaker:A Prequel is the beginning of Tess Thompson’s new series The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe. Tess Thompson always writes a wonderful series and by the way this one reads, this one will not disappoint. She mixes historical fiction with murder mystery. I for one cannot wait for the next book in this series. If you like historical fiction and murder mysteries, I highly recommend you start this series!! Welcome to Ella Pointe!!

Thank you Tess Thompson for another fabulous start to what start to what sounds like a wonderful series. The opinions expressed are my own.
#themakingofamatchmaker:aprequel #tessthompson
#themysterymatchmakerofellapointe. #arc
#tessersreviewcrewsters

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

So nice to read a prequel before starting the series! In Tess Thompson's introduction to The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe, we meet the villian Roland Tuthridge, who intimidated and terrorized his family and almost everyone else living on remote Whale Island, WA in the early 1900s. When someone murders Tuthridge in 1910, everyone on the island is a suspect!

Released from his tyranny, Tuthridge's widow decides the only way that her four children will recover from their physical and mental wounds is to discover love. She puts a plan in motion to hire a Boston matchmaker who will secretly find her children their soulmates.

And so starts Ms Thompson's new series. I'm really looking forward to the next installment.

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Making of a Matchmaker: A Prequel” The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe, Book 1 by Tess Thompson
I loved this story. It is a prequel and I am working out how to get my hands on the whole series of six more stories.. AND… have the time to spend a few days on Whale Island, WA consuming those stories. I am curious if the who done it mystery will be revealed, but rather agree with some of the characters that the murder may have been a blessing not a sin. Meanwhile, there is a whole lot of healing that needs to occur and I want to be one of the folks who get to witness the Happy Ever After for at least a few of the residents on Whale Island, WA. Happy Reading ! !
Note: This review expresses my honest opinion.

[Barb McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I am eagerly awaiting Book 1 of a new series that will soon be unveiled by Tess Thompson, she surprises her readers with a prequel to, 'The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe'. This prequel is the perfect combination of information, action and mystery regarding the residents of Whale Island in 1910. I can't wait to discover who, if any of the four Tutheridge childen, will fall in love. Will the two matchmakers ever meet? Does Mrs. Tutheridge keep promised secrets silent? Is it ever discovered who the murdered Mr. Tutheridge? So many questions are yet to be answered. I can't wait for the release of Book 1!

[Kris Rubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making of a Matchmaker by Tess Thompson
What a great introduction/prequel into the next series by Tess Thompson!! This quick intro into life in Whale Island, Washington. The year is 1910. Roland Tutheridge has just been murdered. Just about everyone is a suspect. All with good reason. But when it comes to his widow, all she wants is for her children to be happily wed. Not an easy task. Enter Ms. Mantle. Can this woman help the widow Tutheridge and her children? Who murdered Roland Tutheridge? The answers await you in this wonderful new series by Tess Thompson. Don’t miss out on this series!!!

[Amy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great taste of Tess Thompson 's new Historical series. This prequel has all the teasers to make you ready for the first book. This series is set in Ella Pointe an island town set up by Rolland Tutheridrge, a shrewd businessman that no one likes. Rolland turns up dead, and no one knows who did it. For an added twist his widow seeks to find matches for their children so they will have a better life now that their father is not alive to hurt them. I can't wait to start the first book.

I want to thank the author and the publisher for an opportunity to read this book. My opinions are my own.

[Misha Saad · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very quick read.
This started as a project. I’ve been wanting to read a fun story for so long; and I’ve started one but this is not that.
Tess Thompson is very good with words. I love the characters, the trauma behind the evil, the good and the sad. I do think it is a promising story but.. (yes, there’s a but).. I wasn’t attached to it.
Or couldn’t put a finger on where did it all went crazy.
Or it’s just not my type.
There’s something about it; that I’m not going to recommend or continue on following books of it.
When I started I had a different idea of how this story would build up. It also didn’t match up with the expectations.