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The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe #1
A Match for a Bookish Bride
Can a worried mother find the perfect matches for her family of eccentrics on remote Whale Island? Amelia In the spring of 1910, an advertisement I spotted in the Boston newspaper called out to me. “Wealthy family in need of secretary on Whale Island. Must have an affinity for books.” When I’m offered the position, I do not hesitate to pack my meagre belongings and travel to Washington state. After all, I have nothing to lose. I’ve been dismissed from my current position. I have no family. It’s all a dream come true. The only problem? My employer, Benedict Tutheridge, makes my heart flutter and my knees wobble. I didn’t expect him to be devastatingly handsome or interesting. Unfortunately, I’m not from prestige or wealth. A man like Benedict would never marry a woman like me. Benedict In a town full of misfits, I win the prize. After my father’s untimely death, I’m expected to run the family business. However, despite my efforts and education, I can barely read or write. At my mother’s urging, I agree to hire a secretary, fully expecting A.F. Young to be a man. To my utter shock, Amelia Frances is very much a woman. A beautiful, beguiling one. A woman who would never fall for the town idiot. A clean and wholesome historical romance that will pull on your heartstrings and have you cheering for second chances in this new family saga by USA Today Bestselling author Tess Thompson.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2023
About the author
Tess Thompson
111 books1,772 followersTess 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
December 27, 2025
DNF at around 60%.
This is one of those books that has such good bones, you wonder if it could have lived up to its potential if it had had an editor (or a better suited one).
Instead, we get a lot of chitchat from characters who would be far more interesting if we were shown, rather than told about them (60% into the book, for instance, Briggs, who is supposed to be an artist, has never been seen painting and we've never seen one of his works, etc. Worse still, our "bookish" heroine doesn't seem to read or love books any more than some of the other characters - in fact, her fixation seems to be on food, which is fine, but I guess the author thought it was less sexy than books?)
As many other reviewers have mentioned, this book is part of a series revolving around a murder mystery, which is a pretty unique idea for a romance-focused series. And that actually could have really moved the plot along. At times, our two protagonists imagine themselves as detectives and try to gather clues from the locals, but then that peters off. I kept thinking how much better this book would have been if Benedict, our male protagonist, had sent away to a Pinkterton-esque agency or some sort of rebellious ladies' detective agency or something (no worries about that being period accurate, since so much else in this book, from vocabulary to basic etiquette, was not), and requested someone come investigate the circumstances of his father's death. That person turns out to be our heroine, Amelia, and in addition to the mystery they fall in love. Their own issues and complicated pasts could also be included.
But instead we get dull ramblings for the most part. At times I felt like I was reading a rather unexciting diary, or a low-end Victorian novel - not the "penny dreadful" kind, but one that just sort of...exists and goes on about social matters without any of the wit or drama that masterpieces in the genre might.
I think this book could be fine if you just want a completely low-key read and aren't paying too much attention. But for me, despite the fact that I wanted to finish it at least because some of the storylines were somewhat interesting if you ignored the dull clutter, I just couldn't resist the siren song of other books.
I feel bad writing all of this because I do believe that Thompson loves her story and characters, and I love that. But no matter how much I love Beauty and the Beast retellings, a slight L.M. Montgomery influence, and bookish and food-loving heroines equally, this just wasn't the novel for me.
This is one of those books that has such good bones, you wonder if it could have lived up to its potential if it had had an editor (or a better suited one).
Instead, we get a lot of chitchat from characters who would be far more interesting if we were shown, rather than told about them (60% into the book, for instance, Briggs, who is supposed to be an artist, has never been seen painting and we've never seen one of his works, etc. Worse still, our "bookish" heroine doesn't seem to read or love books any more than some of the other characters - in fact, her fixation seems to be on food, which is fine, but I guess the author thought it was less sexy than books?)
As many other reviewers have mentioned, this book is part of a series revolving around a murder mystery, which is a pretty unique idea for a romance-focused series. And that actually could have really moved the plot along. At times, our two protagonists imagine themselves as detectives and try to gather clues from the locals, but then that peters off. I kept thinking how much better this book would have been if Benedict, our male protagonist, had sent away to a Pinkterton-esque agency or some sort of rebellious ladies' detective agency or something (no worries about that being period accurate, since so much else in this book, from vocabulary to basic etiquette, was not), and requested someone come investigate the circumstances of his father's death. That person turns out to be our heroine, Amelia, and in addition to the mystery they fall in love. Their own issues and complicated pasts could also be included.
But instead we get dull ramblings for the most part. At times I felt like I was reading a rather unexciting diary, or a low-end Victorian novel - not the "penny dreadful" kind, but one that just sort of...exists and goes on about social matters without any of the wit or drama that masterpieces in the genre might.
I think this book could be fine if you just want a completely low-key read and aren't paying too much attention. But for me, despite the fact that I wanted to finish it at least because some of the storylines were somewhat interesting if you ignored the dull clutter, I just couldn't resist the siren song of other books.
I feel bad writing all of this because I do believe that Thompson loves her story and characters, and I love that. But no matter how much I love Beauty and the Beast retellings, a slight L.M. Montgomery influence, and bookish and food-loving heroines equally, this just wasn't the novel for me.
June 5, 2023
Vanilla_91 - per RFS
.
Oggi, Fenici, vi parlo di una storia davvero molto romantica, Per amore di Benedict, il primo libro della serie dedicato alla famiglia Tutheridge.
Il protagonista è il maggiore di quattro fratelli, un primogenito non all’altezza delle aspettative di un padre violento e crudele.
Benedict dovrebbe diventare il capofamiglia, prendere le redini della fiorente azienda familiare, ma sin da bambino ha avuto difficoltà nel comprendere numeri e parole, ai bilanci preferisce il lavoro fisico e la vita in mezzo alla natura. Per affiancarlo nella gestione dei lavori d’ufficio viene quindi assunta Amelia, una ragazza di umili origini, con competenze di ruolo di segretaria.
La giovane con la sua dolcezza e la sua comprensione riesce a far breccia nel cuore ferito di Benedict, tuttavia, superare anni di soprusi e aprirsi all’amore non sarà semplice per il primogenito Tutheridge.
La cosa che più adoro delle storie di quest’autrice è la dolcezza che caratterizza ogni racconto, i libri di Tess Thompson sono una carezza leggera, mi regalano sempre tante emozioni genuine e gradevoli.
La storia di Benedict e Amelia è un amore di altri tempi, basato su un romanticismo puro e valori solidi. Non c’è stato nemmeno un momento di trama stucchevole o banale, perché accanto al sentimento che si sviluppa assistiamo anche ad un’evoluzione dei personaggi, che si sono rivelati figure con una caratterizzazione interessante.
Accanto ai protagonisti ad animare le vicende ci sono anche comprimari con personalità sfaccettate, che davvero non vedo l’ora di scoprire meglio.
Per amore di Benedict è stata una lettura rigenerante, delicata e ricca di sentimenti positivi, una storia leggera e amabile.
.
Oggi, Fenici, vi parlo di una storia davvero molto romantica, Per amore di Benedict, il primo libro della serie dedicato alla famiglia Tutheridge.
Il protagonista è il maggiore di quattro fratelli, un primogenito non all’altezza delle aspettative di un padre violento e crudele.
Benedict dovrebbe diventare il capofamiglia, prendere le redini della fiorente azienda familiare, ma sin da bambino ha avuto difficoltà nel comprendere numeri e parole, ai bilanci preferisce il lavoro fisico e la vita in mezzo alla natura. Per affiancarlo nella gestione dei lavori d’ufficio viene quindi assunta Amelia, una ragazza di umili origini, con competenze di ruolo di segretaria.
La giovane con la sua dolcezza e la sua comprensione riesce a far breccia nel cuore ferito di Benedict, tuttavia, superare anni di soprusi e aprirsi all’amore non sarà semplice per il primogenito Tutheridge.
La cosa che più adoro delle storie di quest’autrice è la dolcezza che caratterizza ogni racconto, i libri di Tess Thompson sono una carezza leggera, mi regalano sempre tante emozioni genuine e gradevoli.
La storia di Benedict e Amelia è un amore di altri tempi, basato su un romanticismo puro e valori solidi. Non c’è stato nemmeno un momento di trama stucchevole o banale, perché accanto al sentimento che si sviluppa assistiamo anche ad un’evoluzione dei personaggi, che si sono rivelati figure con una caratterizzazione interessante.
Accanto ai protagonisti ad animare le vicende ci sono anche comprimari con personalità sfaccettate, che davvero non vedo l’ora di scoprire meglio.
Per amore di Benedict è stata una lettura rigenerante, delicata e ricca di sentimenti positivi, una storia leggera e amabile.
October 4, 2024
At one point, one foil character says to our FMC that she is the most “sanctimonious woman he has ever met.” And, while he said this in conjunction with some totally uncalled for stuff, he wasn’t really wrong. Also—a weird side tangent into whether “tart” is as insulting as “prostitute.” For the record, it probably isn’t, but when she was called a “tart” it was paired with the statement that she would have been “walking the streets” had it not been for the job she had. So the fact that he didn’t call her a prostitute is maybe moot. The scene in which this took place was so awful on so many levels that the whole mess dropped another star before I made my way out.
As for other FMC flaws. Curious to the point of nosy interference. Romantically connected to her boss and his family before she even had one day to make a case for competency in her job. Didactic. Rude. Who begins asking total strangers questions about their personal lives with the goal of naming one of them a murderer? She is described by others as resilient but has these moments of self pity that are so over the top.
Look…this could have been an interesting premise. I love the PNW and its beauty. I liked the move across the country. Family secrets that need unpacking. But the pacing was weird, there were too many underdeveloped characters to keep straight, so MUCH unresolved and described trauma with the FMC also casting herself in the role of psychologist as well as savior. The BIG PLOT point had almost no movement whatsoever to drag it out across x number of books. For all the “fact” collecting in her nosy little notebook, in the end all of her conclusions were based on intuitions.
As for plot. Both of the big “reveals” I called really early on. The only wonder is that nobody else figured it out. Also, a throw away comment that the “brat” of a granddaughter witnessed the villainous patriarch strangling the grandmother, but nobody took time to consider that maybe the granddaughter was totally obnoxious because of what she saw. At one point somebody speculated that she missed him. What???
I should stop.
But one more thing. I’m finding more and more that I hate alternating viewpoints from the first person. Third person? Absolutely. First person? Unless tackled with masterful writing, you never know whose head you are in! Poisonwood Bible this is not.
As for other FMC flaws. Curious to the point of nosy interference. Romantically connected to her boss and his family before she even had one day to make a case for competency in her job. Didactic. Rude. Who begins asking total strangers questions about their personal lives with the goal of naming one of them a murderer? She is described by others as resilient but has these moments of self pity that are so over the top.
Look…this could have been an interesting premise. I love the PNW and its beauty. I liked the move across the country. Family secrets that need unpacking. But the pacing was weird, there were too many underdeveloped characters to keep straight, so MUCH unresolved and described trauma with the FMC also casting herself in the role of psychologist as well as savior. The BIG PLOT point had almost no movement whatsoever to drag it out across x number of books. For all the “fact” collecting in her nosy little notebook, in the end all of her conclusions were based on intuitions.
As for plot. Both of the big “reveals” I called really early on. The only wonder is that nobody else figured it out. Also, a throw away comment that the “brat” of a granddaughter witnessed the villainous patriarch strangling the grandmother, but nobody took time to consider that maybe the granddaughter was totally obnoxious because of what she saw. At one point somebody speculated that she missed him. What???
I should stop.
But one more thing. I’m finding more and more that I hate alternating viewpoints from the first person. Third person? Absolutely. First person? Unless tackled with masterful writing, you never know whose head you are in! Poisonwood Bible this is not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2023
A Match for a Bookish Bride (The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe Book 2)
I truly enjoyed this story by Tess Thompson.
A new series. This is book 2 There is a sweet novilla right before this one that gets you into the beginning of how everything comes about..
This new series is absolutely wonderful.
It is full of suspense mystery and second chances.
It all began in the spring of 1910.
AmelIa Working after the loss of her mother. an angry boss who treats her very poorly.
Coffee has spilled, her boss that treats her horribly. Soon fires her. But that newspaper. Became everything for her amella.
An ad in the paper for a secretarial job. This might be the perfect job for amelia. Only time will tell.
I truly enjoy this author's work. I have not read one book that I honestly have not treally loved..
I would recommend her work to anyone that loves a historical book. A second chance romance book. Her books are just fabulous I can't say enough good things about them... I'm so happy she started a new series...
I truly enjoyed this story by Tess Thompson.
A new series. This is book 2 There is a sweet novilla right before this one that gets you into the beginning of how everything comes about..
This new series is absolutely wonderful.
It is full of suspense mystery and second chances.
It all began in the spring of 1910.
AmelIa Working after the loss of her mother. an angry boss who treats her very poorly.
Coffee has spilled, her boss that treats her horribly. Soon fires her. But that newspaper. Became everything for her amella.
An ad in the paper for a secretarial job. This might be the perfect job for amelia. Only time will tell.
I truly enjoy this author's work. I have not read one book that I honestly have not treally loved..
I would recommend her work to anyone that loves a historical book. A second chance romance book. Her books are just fabulous I can't say enough good things about them... I'm so happy she started a new series...
December 20, 2025
I'm glad I persevered after the prequel and read this first book. It was really good - complex characters, intriguing mystery, realistic relationships, plot twists to add to the story, and enjoyable romance. I look forward to reading more in the series.
March 23, 2023
Wow, what an amazing start to a wonderful new series… Tess Thompson has knocked it out of the park with this book! This is what she does best… Family, love, second, chances, murder, mystery, and such original characters.
This family already has my heart and I just know this author has a special person and an amazing story for each and everyone of them!
This family already has my heart and I just know this author has a special person and an amazing story for each and everyone of them!
June 8, 2023
Tre stelline e mezzo.
August 22, 2023
Torna Tess Thompson con una nuova, imperdibile saga; Per amore di Benedict è il secondo volume della serie “Il sensale misterioso di Ella Pointe”. Protagonista di questi romanzi sarà la famiglia Tutheridge.
È da poco scomparso il signor Tutheridge, uomo odiato che custodiva segreti sporchi e che si era fatto molti nemici. Siamo all’inizio del Novecento e conosciamo questa nuova famiglia che nasconde probabilmente un segreto; di sicuro i suoi componenti hanno traumi e questioni irrisolte legate al capostipite scomparso. Dopo la sua morte finalmente tornano a vivere, davvero. Benedict, uno dei figli, ha avuto in eredità la gestione dell’azienda familiare ma è un uomo che sa a malapena leggere e scrivere; per questo la madre si premura di far arrivare un segretario che lo aiuti. Grande è la sua sorpresa quando scopre che A.F. Young è niente di meno che Amelia Frances, una donna. Dolce, ma determinata, ha umili origini ed è vissuta in un ambiente molto modesto, rispetto a quello di Benedict.
Eppure, fin da subito, tra i due nasce una connessione speciale. Amelia aiuta l’uomo nel suo lavoro con competenza e acume, lui fa sbocciare la sua femminilità. Purtroppo, però, a Ella Pointe gira ancora un assassino a piede libero e la ragazza si mette in testa di scoprire chi sia, correndo un grave pericolo.
Non vi svelo altro della trama perché credo che sia un romanzo da gustare poco a poco e da cui farsi sorprendere. Lo stile della Thompson è sempre quello rassicurante e scorrevole della saga di Emerson Pass, ottimamente reso dalla traduzione della Nanni. L’amore tra Benedict e Amelia è romantico, la passione appena accennata ma è una storia che emoziona e fa sognare.
In quest’opera l’autrice introduce un tema delicato come quello dei disturbi di apprendimento. Da quello che si intuisce Benedict è un dislessico, diagnosi però che all’epoca non poteva essere fatta. È molto delicata la descrizione che l’autrice fa di questo disturbo e di come dovesse sentirsi il protagonista, in un’epoca in cui si veniva considerati degli idioti quando invece sappiamo che non è una malattia e che non inficia l’intelligenza della persona. Ho molto apprezzato che si parli di questo tema, che mi sta molto a cuore, come insegnante, e la scelta della Thompson è quella vincente. Apprezzo quando si usa un mezzo di evasione, come un romanzo, per veicolare però messaggi molto importanti di inclusione e comprensione.
La differenza, con i libri precedenti, è data dal risolvere il mistero della morte del signor Tutheridge. Un mistero, una parte gialla, che probabilmente si snoderà lungo tutti i romanzi della serie. La Thompson come sempre sa descrivere benissimo le ambientazioni e anche la psicologia dei personaggi. I fratelli di Benedict sono tutti diversi e interessanti. Ci sono colpi di scena e segreti che verranno svelati. Un libro iniziale deve sempre introdurre al meglio i protagonisti delle vicende successive e stuzzicare l’attenzione dei lettori. Devo dire che questo ha fatto ottimamente il suo dovere dato che ora desidero conoscere le vicende di tutti i Tutheridge e, ovviamente, scoprire l’assassino.
Se amate l’America del Novecento, le saghe familiari, se avete adorato Emerson Pass e non disdegnate misteri e gialli da risolvere, sicuramente un bel romanzo da leggere sotto l’ombrellone e non solo. Passo subito al successivo, quello su Briggs, e spero che tutti arrivino in Italia il più presto possibile! Complimenti all’autrice per la creatività e l’originalità di cui dà dimostrazione ogni volta.
È da poco scomparso il signor Tutheridge, uomo odiato che custodiva segreti sporchi e che si era fatto molti nemici. Siamo all’inizio del Novecento e conosciamo questa nuova famiglia che nasconde probabilmente un segreto; di sicuro i suoi componenti hanno traumi e questioni irrisolte legate al capostipite scomparso. Dopo la sua morte finalmente tornano a vivere, davvero. Benedict, uno dei figli, ha avuto in eredità la gestione dell’azienda familiare ma è un uomo che sa a malapena leggere e scrivere; per questo la madre si premura di far arrivare un segretario che lo aiuti. Grande è la sua sorpresa quando scopre che A.F. Young è niente di meno che Amelia Frances, una donna. Dolce, ma determinata, ha umili origini ed è vissuta in un ambiente molto modesto, rispetto a quello di Benedict.
Eppure, fin da subito, tra i due nasce una connessione speciale. Amelia aiuta l’uomo nel suo lavoro con competenza e acume, lui fa sbocciare la sua femminilità. Purtroppo, però, a Ella Pointe gira ancora un assassino a piede libero e la ragazza si mette in testa di scoprire chi sia, correndo un grave pericolo.
Non vi svelo altro della trama perché credo che sia un romanzo da gustare poco a poco e da cui farsi sorprendere. Lo stile della Thompson è sempre quello rassicurante e scorrevole della saga di Emerson Pass, ottimamente reso dalla traduzione della Nanni. L’amore tra Benedict e Amelia è romantico, la passione appena accennata ma è una storia che emoziona e fa sognare.
In quest’opera l’autrice introduce un tema delicato come quello dei disturbi di apprendimento. Da quello che si intuisce Benedict è un dislessico, diagnosi però che all’epoca non poteva essere fatta. È molto delicata la descrizione che l’autrice fa di questo disturbo e di come dovesse sentirsi il protagonista, in un’epoca in cui si veniva considerati degli idioti quando invece sappiamo che non è una malattia e che non inficia l’intelligenza della persona. Ho molto apprezzato che si parli di questo tema, che mi sta molto a cuore, come insegnante, e la scelta della Thompson è quella vincente. Apprezzo quando si usa un mezzo di evasione, come un romanzo, per veicolare però messaggi molto importanti di inclusione e comprensione.
La differenza, con i libri precedenti, è data dal risolvere il mistero della morte del signor Tutheridge. Un mistero, una parte gialla, che probabilmente si snoderà lungo tutti i romanzi della serie. La Thompson come sempre sa descrivere benissimo le ambientazioni e anche la psicologia dei personaggi. I fratelli di Benedict sono tutti diversi e interessanti. Ci sono colpi di scena e segreti che verranno svelati. Un libro iniziale deve sempre introdurre al meglio i protagonisti delle vicende successive e stuzzicare l’attenzione dei lettori. Devo dire che questo ha fatto ottimamente il suo dovere dato che ora desidero conoscere le vicende di tutti i Tutheridge e, ovviamente, scoprire l’assassino.
Se amate l’America del Novecento, le saghe familiari, se avete adorato Emerson Pass e non disdegnate misteri e gialli da risolvere, sicuramente un bel romanzo da leggere sotto l’ombrellone e non solo. Passo subito al successivo, quello su Briggs, e spero che tutti arrivino in Italia il più presto possibile! Complimenti all’autrice per la creatività e l’originalità di cui dà dimostrazione ogni volta.
September 19, 2024
Dopo le macchinazioni del volume precedente, vediamo i frutti del lavoro da sensale della sig.ra Mantle e di Matthew, che scelgono come futura compagna per Benedict miss Amelia, una graziosa fanciulla che è stata appena licenziata dal suo precedente datore di lavoro, da cui era assunta come segretaria.
A corto di soldi e di speranze risponde all'annuncio di mrs Mantle e viene inviata sull'isola per aiutare Benedict nella gestione dell'azienda.
Benedict inizialmente crede che AF sia un uomo ed è quindi sorpreso (e irrimediabilmente innamorato) quando scopre che in realtà è una ragazza, e bella per giunta.
I due inizieranno a lavorare insieme e a sviluppare dei sentimenti l'uno per l'altra, ma prima di rivelare il loro amore dovranno superare diversi ostacoli (di cui la maggior parte creati da loro stessi, ma dovevamo arrivare a 300 pagine, no?).
Nonostante l'inizio fosse promettente, tutti i punti positivi del libro sono stati annullati dalle interazioni tra i due ragazzi, che definire stentate è un complimento.
Dovrebbero essere attratti l'uno dall'altra ma c'è più chimica tra un cactus ed un cavolfiore.
Entrambi poi continuano a ripetersi che l'altro è troppo e che non meritano una persona così meravigliosa accanto. Come concetto poteva essere sviluppato moolto meglio, perchè ad una certa è diventato davvero pesante leggere delle loro paturnie.
Io capisco che con il loro passato credano di non essere degni d'amore, di essere ignoranti e immeritevoli, ecc.. ma che pesantezza dopo un po'.
Presi singolarmente i personaggi non mi sono dispiaciuti: Amelia è una ragazza forte che non si lascia abbattere dalle difficoltà e non ha paura di rimboccarsi le maniche e lottare per ottenere i risultati che si prefigge, mentre Benedict è un uomo che si sente sempre in difetto ma che ha un gran cuore e che mette il benessere della famiglia prima di tutto. Come coppia tuttavia mi hanno convinto poco.
La cosa che però non ho proprio sopportato è stata Bebe, capisco che ai fini di trama debba essere ritratta come una bambina pestifera e bisognosa di una mano ferma, ma così mi pare pure troppo. Una bambina più viziata ed irritante non l'ho mai vista. La sua futura tata ha più speranza di addomesticare il demonio.
Non parliamo poi del filone giallo, che ha dato il colpo di grazia alla storia.
E' stato un peccato, perchè il prequel mi era piaciuto davvero tanto e avevo alte aspettative su questo libro, che sono state irrimediabilmente disattese.
A corto di soldi e di speranze risponde all'annuncio di mrs Mantle e viene inviata sull'isola per aiutare Benedict nella gestione dell'azienda.
Benedict inizialmente crede che AF sia un uomo ed è quindi sorpreso (e irrimediabilmente innamorato) quando scopre che in realtà è una ragazza, e bella per giunta.
I due inizieranno a lavorare insieme e a sviluppare dei sentimenti l'uno per l'altra, ma prima di rivelare il loro amore dovranno superare diversi ostacoli (di cui la maggior parte creati da loro stessi, ma dovevamo arrivare a 300 pagine, no?).
Nonostante l'inizio fosse promettente, tutti i punti positivi del libro sono stati annullati dalle interazioni tra i due ragazzi, che definire stentate è un complimento.
Dovrebbero essere attratti l'uno dall'altra ma c'è più chimica tra un cactus ed un cavolfiore.
Entrambi poi continuano a ripetersi che l'altro è troppo e che non meritano una persona così meravigliosa accanto. Come concetto poteva essere sviluppato moolto meglio, perchè ad una certa è diventato davvero pesante leggere delle loro paturnie.
Io capisco che con il loro passato credano di non essere degni d'amore, di essere ignoranti e immeritevoli, ecc.. ma che pesantezza dopo un po'.
Presi singolarmente i personaggi non mi sono dispiaciuti: Amelia è una ragazza forte che non si lascia abbattere dalle difficoltà e non ha paura di rimboccarsi le maniche e lottare per ottenere i risultati che si prefigge, mentre Benedict è un uomo che si sente sempre in difetto ma che ha un gran cuore e che mette il benessere della famiglia prima di tutto. Come coppia tuttavia mi hanno convinto poco.
La cosa che però non ho proprio sopportato è stata Bebe, capisco che ai fini di trama debba essere ritratta come una bambina pestifera e bisognosa di una mano ferma, ma così mi pare pure troppo. Una bambina più viziata ed irritante non l'ho mai vista. La sua futura tata ha più speranza di addomesticare il demonio.
Non parliamo poi del filone giallo, che ha dato il colpo di grazia alla storia.
E' stato un peccato, perchè il prequel mi era piaciuto davvero tanto e avevo alte aspettative su questo libro, che sono state irrimediabilmente disattese.
June 5, 2023
recensione a cura del blog “Libri Magnetici" by Meghan
La villa e la vita della famiglia Tutheridge è finalmente libera dalla presenza del capofamiglia Roland: uomo violento, dispotico e molto fortunato in affari, ha dominato sulla vita di sua moglie e dei figli, con violenze fisiche e morali.
Benedict, il più tormentato e ferito, è però quello che eredita: lui, che, con i numeri e le lettere ha sempre avuto dei problemi (oggigiorno sarebbe un risolvibile disturbo specifico di apprendimento), ha subito più di tutti le offese e le botte, pur avendo un animo gentile.
Ama da sempre la vita all’aria aperta, sta costruendo una casa da solo su un terreno comprato con i suoi guadagni: per questo, quando sua madre gli propone una segretaria che lo aiuti con i bilanci, le lettere e il lavoro d’ufficio accetta senza porsi alcun problema.
Si trova di fronte Amelia Young, arrivata sull’isola attraverso la mediazione di una sensale di matrimoni, che ha accettato il lavoro di segretaria spinta dalla fame e dalla disperazione: per lei che arriva da Boston, l’isola, piena di verde e la vista a perdifiato sul Puget Sound, è un nuovo inizio.
Il suo rapporto con Benedict nasce proprio per quella strana condivisione di una vita fatta di offese e meschinità, ricevute del tutto gratuitamente dagli altri.
«Quel sentimento, qualunque cosa fosse, si era impadronito di me e non sembrava destinato a lasciarmi andare.»
Introno a loro, ritroviamo gli altri fratelli, a cui Roland non ha risparmiato altrettante cattiverie, e che poco alla volta cercano di riscostruire le loro vite: la scoperta di un nuovo componente della famiglia non destabilizza il loro legame, ma anzi lo accetteranno con affetto, con quel senso di comunità familiare che l’autrice ci ha ben descritto nella precedente serie storica.
Siamo all’inizio del Novecento, con le carrozze e le prime auto, e si riesce a percepire bene anche la disperazione, la fame, l’ambientazione del selvaggio West, il tutto mescolato con la giusta sensibilità narrativa, tipica della Thompson, di una storia che racconta due persone a cui la vita ha dato poco, e li ha convinti di non meritare la serenità, più che la felicità.
Una bella storia, che, accompagnata dall’ottima traduzione, rende la serie sicuramente interessante e meritevole di lettura.
Cinque petali.
La villa e la vita della famiglia Tutheridge è finalmente libera dalla presenza del capofamiglia Roland: uomo violento, dispotico e molto fortunato in affari, ha dominato sulla vita di sua moglie e dei figli, con violenze fisiche e morali.
Benedict, il più tormentato e ferito, è però quello che eredita: lui, che, con i numeri e le lettere ha sempre avuto dei problemi (oggigiorno sarebbe un risolvibile disturbo specifico di apprendimento), ha subito più di tutti le offese e le botte, pur avendo un animo gentile.
Ama da sempre la vita all’aria aperta, sta costruendo una casa da solo su un terreno comprato con i suoi guadagni: per questo, quando sua madre gli propone una segretaria che lo aiuti con i bilanci, le lettere e il lavoro d’ufficio accetta senza porsi alcun problema.
Si trova di fronte Amelia Young, arrivata sull’isola attraverso la mediazione di una sensale di matrimoni, che ha accettato il lavoro di segretaria spinta dalla fame e dalla disperazione: per lei che arriva da Boston, l’isola, piena di verde e la vista a perdifiato sul Puget Sound, è un nuovo inizio.
Il suo rapporto con Benedict nasce proprio per quella strana condivisione di una vita fatta di offese e meschinità, ricevute del tutto gratuitamente dagli altri.
«Quel sentimento, qualunque cosa fosse, si era impadronito di me e non sembrava destinato a lasciarmi andare.»
Introno a loro, ritroviamo gli altri fratelli, a cui Roland non ha risparmiato altrettante cattiverie, e che poco alla volta cercano di riscostruire le loro vite: la scoperta di un nuovo componente della famiglia non destabilizza il loro legame, ma anzi lo accetteranno con affetto, con quel senso di comunità familiare che l’autrice ci ha ben descritto nella precedente serie storica.
Siamo all’inizio del Novecento, con le carrozze e le prime auto, e si riesce a percepire bene anche la disperazione, la fame, l’ambientazione del selvaggio West, il tutto mescolato con la giusta sensibilità narrativa, tipica della Thompson, di una storia che racconta due persone a cui la vita ha dato poco, e li ha convinti di non meritare la serenità, più che la felicità.
Una bella storia, che, accompagnata dall’ottima traduzione, rende la serie sicuramente interessante e meritevole di lettura.
Cinque petali.
February 25, 2024
As always, this is another entertaining read by Tessa Thompson. Granted, the couple is designated early, and there is no doubt they will get together. However, the journey, not the outcome, is essential to this author. Perhaps, in a way to have some question and tension in the story, the author tells readers that the patriarch of the family has recently been murdered. This has thrown a spell on the town, citizens, and family members. This story does not disclose the murderer. I guess this means that the trope of the search for the murderer will continue throughout the series (a total of seven books).
The Tutheridge family is adjusting to life without the patriarch. They are learning to enjoy themselves (Mr. Tutheridge was a vicious man to his family and work associates). However, the onus of the murder hangs over them. Benedict, who has dyslexia (although 1910 was too early for anyone to understand what it was), is grappling with running the family shipping business. He needs help with the necessary correspondence and organization by a CEO.
To that end, his mother contacts a matchmaker in Boston, describing precisely what is needed. A poor young woman, Amelia Young, has just been fired from her job for spilling coffee on her boss's newspaper. When she sees the job offer in the Pacific Northwest, she immediately applies because she has money for just a few more days before she will be out on the streets.
This is an engaging story with lots of problems and situations. Benedict and Amelia are well-suited and have started to turn things around at the company. There are plenty of issues to be addressed in the future stories. I couldn't put this book aside and read it in a few hours.
Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe - Total of 7 in the Series
1. The Making of a Matchmaker (2023)
** 2. A Match for a Bookish Bride (2023)
3. A Match for a Reluctant Bride (2023)
4. A Match for a Willful Bride (2023)
5. A Match for a Disgraced Bride (2023)
The Tutheridge family is adjusting to life without the patriarch. They are learning to enjoy themselves (Mr. Tutheridge was a vicious man to his family and work associates). However, the onus of the murder hangs over them. Benedict, who has dyslexia (although 1910 was too early for anyone to understand what it was), is grappling with running the family shipping business. He needs help with the necessary correspondence and organization by a CEO.
To that end, his mother contacts a matchmaker in Boston, describing precisely what is needed. A poor young woman, Amelia Young, has just been fired from her job for spilling coffee on her boss's newspaper. When she sees the job offer in the Pacific Northwest, she immediately applies because she has money for just a few more days before she will be out on the streets.
This is an engaging story with lots of problems and situations. Benedict and Amelia are well-suited and have started to turn things around at the company. There are plenty of issues to be addressed in the future stories. I couldn't put this book aside and read it in a few hours.
Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe - Total of 7 in the Series
1. The Making of a Matchmaker (2023)
** 2. A Match for a Bookish Bride (2023)
3. A Match for a Reluctant Bride (2023)
4. A Match for a Willful Bride (2023)
5. A Match for a Disgraced Bride (2023)
January 5, 2025
A cute historical romance based on a remote island off the coast of Washington. There were things to like and things that I had trouble with.
The main characters had heartbreaking pasts which helped them understand each other better. There were a lot of emotional parts where they talked about their pasts together. The romance was quick and sweet. I always love the moment they hold hands or kiss for the first time in historical romances. The swoon!!
I enjoyed the inclusion of the murder mystery alongside the romance, but felt it lacked cohesion and growth. There was a lot of talk about it and then there was nothing. And then that repeated a few times throughout.
There was a lot of dialogue that felt unnecessary to tell others where it could have been described other ways. i.e. feelings about nearly everything or character traits about themselves. I ended up skimming a lot of the conversations and just looked for the details of the story.
Amelia felt too perfect and naive and felt it her duty to “help” others by offering advice. It always felt more like she knew better than others. The title described her as a bookish bride, but there was very little focus on her love of books and more focus on her love of food. Which confused me. There was also no background of her love of sleuthing but she suddenly decided she needed to investigate the murder and find the culprit. It never flowed well with the rest of the story and felt disjointed.
Benedict had good character depth and life experience. I loved the inclusion of his struggles with dyslexia and adhd and how that affected him his whole life. It must have been so frustrating to not know what was going on to make things so difficult. I wanted him to have a bit more backbone and stand up for himself and others, especially considering his upbringing. Although, I see why he was the way he was too.
Overall, it was cute and sweet but felt a bit long and with a jumbled murder mystery thrown in.
The main characters had heartbreaking pasts which helped them understand each other better. There were a lot of emotional parts where they talked about their pasts together. The romance was quick and sweet. I always love the moment they hold hands or kiss for the first time in historical romances. The swoon!!
I enjoyed the inclusion of the murder mystery alongside the romance, but felt it lacked cohesion and growth. There was a lot of talk about it and then there was nothing. And then that repeated a few times throughout.
There was a lot of dialogue that felt unnecessary to tell others where it could have been described other ways. i.e. feelings about nearly everything or character traits about themselves. I ended up skimming a lot of the conversations and just looked for the details of the story.
Amelia felt too perfect and naive and felt it her duty to “help” others by offering advice. It always felt more like she knew better than others. The title described her as a bookish bride, but there was very little focus on her love of books and more focus on her love of food. Which confused me. There was also no background of her love of sleuthing but she suddenly decided she needed to investigate the murder and find the culprit. It never flowed well with the rest of the story and felt disjointed.
Benedict had good character depth and life experience. I loved the inclusion of his struggles with dyslexia and adhd and how that affected him his whole life. It must have been so frustrating to not know what was going on to make things so difficult. I wanted him to have a bit more backbone and stand up for himself and others, especially considering his upbringing. Although, I see why he was the way he was too.
Overall, it was cute and sweet but felt a bit long and with a jumbled murder mystery thrown in.
April 22, 2026
A Match for a Bookish Bride is the first book in The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe series by Tess Thompson. In the spring of 1910, Amelia Young saw an advertisement in a Boston newspaper that would change her life. A wealthy family is in need of a secretary on Whale Island and this person must have an affinity for books. It fit her perfectly. When she is offered the position, she packs her merger belongings and travels to Washington state. Her new employer is Benedict Tutheridge. She didn’t expect him to be handsome or interesting but she knows that he would never see her as more than an employee. After the death of his father, Benedict is expected to run the family business. He fully expects his new secretary to be a man and is shocked when his new secretary is a beautiful woman. As the two work together, they find themselves drawn together. Do they risk their work relationship for something more?
After reading the prequel, The Making of a Matchmaker, I was intrigued about the Tutheridge family and the matchmaker who would find their perfect matches, even the mystery behind the death of the Tutheridge patriarch. I enjoyed Amelia as a woman who pulled herself up from a poor beginning through hard work and her love of books. Benedict is a man who was tortured by his father and believes every horrible thing his father believed about him. However, it is when Amelia arrives, she begins to break out the falseness of what Benedict believes about himself. My heart broke for Benedict and I had my suspicions about his difficulties. The family dynamics were a great source of drama as they deal with their past and the situation surrounding their father’s death. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy clean, historical romance, I recommend A Match for a Bookish Bride.
A Match for a Bookish Bride is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
After reading the prequel, The Making of a Matchmaker, I was intrigued about the Tutheridge family and the matchmaker who would find their perfect matches, even the mystery behind the death of the Tutheridge patriarch. I enjoyed Amelia as a woman who pulled herself up from a poor beginning through hard work and her love of books. Benedict is a man who was tortured by his father and believes every horrible thing his father believed about him. However, it is when Amelia arrives, she begins to break out the falseness of what Benedict believes about himself. My heart broke for Benedict and I had my suspicions about his difficulties. The family dynamics were a great source of drama as they deal with their past and the situation surrounding their father’s death. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy clean, historical romance, I recommend A Match for a Bookish Bride.
A Match for a Bookish Bride is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
April 3, 2023
A Match For A Bookish Bride (The Mystery Matchmaker Of Ella Pointe # 1)
By: Tess Thompson
5 Stars
Welcome to Ella Pointe! A little island where Mommas have to get creative to help their wayward children wed. The murder of Roland Tutheridge also brings the death of the hold he had on his wife, children, and island in general. While in this first book we get to meet (again, if you read the prequel) the Tutheridge siblings and their mischievous mother, this story focuses on one in particular, Benedict.
Benedict was the family "idiot," as his father liked to call him. It was a shock when the running of the family l business landed in his lap. Problems with reading and numbers made it almost impossible to do the job, that was until Amelia was hired.
Amelia, a young woman with the need for a job and a place to go, jumps at the advertisement in the paper for a book loving secretary. The Tutheridge clan, Benedict especially, is just what Amelia didn't know she needed. After her hiring, she starts to look into the murder of Roland Tutheridge, and she soon learns that not all is as it seems in the house, but, what type of danger is she really in? And from whom?
I absolutely loved this story. It was so so good and written well. In this new Ella Pointe series, we have romance, mystery, family, and murder. Ahhhhh......did I read murder mystery? Yes!!!! It was intriguing and kept me guessing. I won't lie. It was an emotional roller-coaster. It was funny, happy, and yes, sad.No spoilers, but some of the scenes were so heart-wrenching I was in tears. It made this type of great writing that makes me love these characters and this new little island. It's sure to make others love it, too.
This story was just the start of a promising new series by an author who has proven herself again and again. I can't wait to read more.
Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews
By: Tess Thompson
5 Stars
Welcome to Ella Pointe! A little island where Mommas have to get creative to help their wayward children wed. The murder of Roland Tutheridge also brings the death of the hold he had on his wife, children, and island in general. While in this first book we get to meet (again, if you read the prequel) the Tutheridge siblings and their mischievous mother, this story focuses on one in particular, Benedict.
Benedict was the family "idiot," as his father liked to call him. It was a shock when the running of the family l business landed in his lap. Problems with reading and numbers made it almost impossible to do the job, that was until Amelia was hired.
Amelia, a young woman with the need for a job and a place to go, jumps at the advertisement in the paper for a book loving secretary. The Tutheridge clan, Benedict especially, is just what Amelia didn't know she needed. After her hiring, she starts to look into the murder of Roland Tutheridge, and she soon learns that not all is as it seems in the house, but, what type of danger is she really in? And from whom?
I absolutely loved this story. It was so so good and written well. In this new Ella Pointe series, we have romance, mystery, family, and murder. Ahhhhh......did I read murder mystery? Yes!!!! It was intriguing and kept me guessing. I won't lie. It was an emotional roller-coaster. It was funny, happy, and yes, sad.No spoilers, but some of the scenes were so heart-wrenching I was in tears. It made this type of great writing that makes me love these characters and this new little island. It's sure to make others love it, too.
This story was just the start of a promising new series by an author who has proven herself again and again. I can't wait to read more.
Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews
April 14, 2023
A Match for a Bookish Bride by Tess Thompson
As we learned in Book 1, the conniving, patriarch Roland Tutheridge is murdered. But quite frankly, no one seems really upset about it. More likely, everyone can now breathe a sigh of relief. His family is no longer subject to his tyranny nor is the people in town who Roland seemed to know the skeletons in everyone’s closet. His widow hires a matchmaker in Boston to find suitable matches for each of her children. However, each one thinks they are applying for a job on Whale Island, Washington. Will a well-placed ad for employment unknowingly lead the recipient to a match made in heaven?
Upon his father’s death, Benedict has suddenly become the head of the company. A position he does not want. A person, A. Young, has responded to the ad for a secretary. Expecting a man, Benedict is shocked to find that A. Young is Amelia Young, a beautiful girl from Boston.
But, there is still a murder to solve and just about everyone on the island is a suspect including everyone in the family. Amelia takes notes on things she observes about various people hoping to help solve the mystery of who killed Roland Tutheridge.
As fate would have it, Benedict and Amelia fall in love realizing that each compliments the other in ways that they could not fathom in the beginning.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to learn more about Whale Island and its inhabitants. Will Roland Tutheridge’s murder be solved? Which of the siblings will be matched next?
Tess Thompson has a way of painting a picture of a town or location and slowing drawing the read in. The reader can’t help but fall in love with the family in this book. Each unique in their own way. Each struggling with things in their past.
Trust me, you are going to want to read this series and fall in love with another wonderful series by Tess Thompson.
As we learned in Book 1, the conniving, patriarch Roland Tutheridge is murdered. But quite frankly, no one seems really upset about it. More likely, everyone can now breathe a sigh of relief. His family is no longer subject to his tyranny nor is the people in town who Roland seemed to know the skeletons in everyone’s closet. His widow hires a matchmaker in Boston to find suitable matches for each of her children. However, each one thinks they are applying for a job on Whale Island, Washington. Will a well-placed ad for employment unknowingly lead the recipient to a match made in heaven?
Upon his father’s death, Benedict has suddenly become the head of the company. A position he does not want. A person, A. Young, has responded to the ad for a secretary. Expecting a man, Benedict is shocked to find that A. Young is Amelia Young, a beautiful girl from Boston.
But, there is still a murder to solve and just about everyone on the island is a suspect including everyone in the family. Amelia takes notes on things she observes about various people hoping to help solve the mystery of who killed Roland Tutheridge.
As fate would have it, Benedict and Amelia fall in love realizing that each compliments the other in ways that they could not fathom in the beginning.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to learn more about Whale Island and its inhabitants. Will Roland Tutheridge’s murder be solved? Which of the siblings will be matched next?
Tess Thompson has a way of painting a picture of a town or location and slowing drawing the read in. The reader can’t help but fall in love with the family in this book. Each unique in their own way. Each struggling with things in their past.
Trust me, you are going to want to read this series and fall in love with another wonderful series by Tess Thompson.
April 29, 2024
In questo libro viene introdotto il personaggio di Benedict Tutheridge, figlio maggiore di Beatrice e Roland Tutheridge.
Benedic è cresciuto con un'infanzia molto travagliata, dopo la morte del padre si ritrova a essere l'erede della famiglia nonostante il suo problema con i conti... difatti Benedict ha sempre avuto difficoltà con l'apprendimento della matematica e dei conti e per questo veniva brutalmente rimproverato dal padre oltre che a essere purtroppo picchiato e usato come sfogo momentaneo del padre insieme al fratello Briggs.
Diventato capo dell'azienda di famiglia, la ormai capostipite della famiglia Beatrice suggerisce a Benedict di trovare un segretario che lo aiuti a dirigere l'azienda di famiglia, in realtà la verità è tutt'altro... Amelia segretaria promettente non è altro se non una probabile candidata a essere la moglie di Benedict, convinta di essere lì per un impiego grazie all'aiuto della Signora Mantle, Amelia si trasferirà a Whale Island per diventare la segretaria di Benedict.
Che dire io adoro la personalità di Amelia, una persona che ha passato molte difficoltà nella vita ma che è sempre rimasta in piedi anche aver perso la madre, forte e indipendente fiera di sè non ha paure di dire le proprie opinioni.
Benedict, è un bravissimo e timido uomo, diventato cupo e insicuro per via del padre, mi è piaciuto molto scoprire come sotto quel carattere ci sia una persona buona e tenera che emerge soppratutto dopo la conoscenza con Amelia, ho adorato come a poco a poco i due si siano avvicinati e come lui sia rinato o come si è rivelato il vero carattere dopo che Amelia è entrata nel suo cuore.
Lo stille di Tess Thompson è semplice ma descrive molto bene sia il background del luogo e sia i suoi personaggi non sono riuscita a non adorarla di sicuro una serie che continuerò sicuramente.
Benedic è cresciuto con un'infanzia molto travagliata, dopo la morte del padre si ritrova a essere l'erede della famiglia nonostante il suo problema con i conti... difatti Benedict ha sempre avuto difficoltà con l'apprendimento della matematica e dei conti e per questo veniva brutalmente rimproverato dal padre oltre che a essere purtroppo picchiato e usato come sfogo momentaneo del padre insieme al fratello Briggs.
Diventato capo dell'azienda di famiglia, la ormai capostipite della famiglia Beatrice suggerisce a Benedict di trovare un segretario che lo aiuti a dirigere l'azienda di famiglia, in realtà la verità è tutt'altro... Amelia segretaria promettente non è altro se non una probabile candidata a essere la moglie di Benedict, convinta di essere lì per un impiego grazie all'aiuto della Signora Mantle, Amelia si trasferirà a Whale Island per diventare la segretaria di Benedict.
Che dire io adoro la personalità di Amelia, una persona che ha passato molte difficoltà nella vita ma che è sempre rimasta in piedi anche aver perso la madre, forte e indipendente fiera di sè non ha paure di dire le proprie opinioni.
Benedict, è un bravissimo e timido uomo, diventato cupo e insicuro per via del padre, mi è piaciuto molto scoprire come sotto quel carattere ci sia una persona buona e tenera che emerge soppratutto dopo la conoscenza con Amelia, ho adorato come a poco a poco i due si siano avvicinati e come lui sia rinato o come si è rivelato il vero carattere dopo che Amelia è entrata nel suo cuore.
Lo stille di Tess Thompson è semplice ma descrive molto bene sia il background del luogo e sia i suoi personaggi non sono riuscita a non adorarla di sicuro una serie che continuerò sicuramente.
March 24, 2023
Tess Thompson's new series starts with a real winner. In the prequel (The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe), controlling patriarch Roland Tutheridge is murdered. Everyone on Whale Island, including his widow and four adult children, are suspects. Freed from his tyranny, no one is upset by his death but his family is having trouble moving on. So, his widow hires a Boston matchmaker to secretly help her find employees to support her children, who hopefully will evolve into love matches.
The oldest son, Benedict, was abused physically and mentally by his father for failure to succeed at school (due to learning disabilities). Preferring physical activities outdoors, he's shocked and overwhelmed when he inherits his father's business and becomes responsible for the family's financial success.
In Boston, Amelia struggles to survive working as private secretary to a highly demanding miserly attorney. When she's dismissed for spilling coffee on his newspaper, she sees a help-wanted ad for a book-loving secretary on Whale Island, WA. With no family or ties holding her to Boston, she jumps at the opportunity to start over in a part of the country that doesn't have frigid winters.
Expecting a male secretary, Benedict is startled when Amelia (A.F.) Young arrives. Sparks fly when they meet, but neither has enough self-confidence to trust their growing feelings for each other.
Ms Thompson creates characters I enjoy knowing. I'm grateful I received an ARC prior to publication. This review is my own, and I'm looking forward to the next installment of the series.
The oldest son, Benedict, was abused physically and mentally by his father for failure to succeed at school (due to learning disabilities). Preferring physical activities outdoors, he's shocked and overwhelmed when he inherits his father's business and becomes responsible for the family's financial success.
In Boston, Amelia struggles to survive working as private secretary to a highly demanding miserly attorney. When she's dismissed for spilling coffee on his newspaper, she sees a help-wanted ad for a book-loving secretary on Whale Island, WA. With no family or ties holding her to Boston, she jumps at the opportunity to start over in a part of the country that doesn't have frigid winters.
Expecting a male secretary, Benedict is startled when Amelia (A.F.) Young arrives. Sparks fly when they meet, but neither has enough self-confidence to trust their growing feelings for each other.
Ms Thompson creates characters I enjoy knowing. I'm grateful I received an ARC prior to publication. This review is my own, and I'm looking forward to the next installment of the series.
March 6, 2024
In questo secondo volume della saga familiare "Tutheridge", l'autrice Tess Thompson, approfondisce la figura di Benedict, il secondo figlio, e ne risalta il suo aspetto psicologico e le sue difficoltà personali e sociali nell'affrontare il ruolo che li è stato imposto, cioè la responsabilità della società di costruzioni navali del padre dopo la sua tragica e misteriosa morte. Molti gli aspetti trattati in questo volume che rendono la storia interessante sotto vari punti di vista. E poi c'è Amelia che ha vissuto una vita completamente opposta di Benedict sia dal punto di vista familiare che economico, che si ritrova all'interno di questa famiglia complicata per necessità lavorativa. Due figure differenti che si incastrano alla perfezione e ci regaleranno una bellissima storia di riscatto personale e sociale. Una storia che leggerete in pochi giorni e che coinvolgerà tutti i vostri sensi. Un libro ben scritto che non lascia nulla al caso e che riesce ad annodare tutti gli eventi alla perfezione grazie all'utilizzo di un linguaggio curato e descrittivo. Ovviamente complimenti anche alla traduttrice che ha esaltato la bellezza del linguaggio dell'autrice. Essendo una saga familiare, il finale non è proprio un finale in quanto la storia continua con gli altri elementi della famiglia ed un mistero ancora da risolvere che aleggia come un fantasma intorno ad essa, Perciò siete pronte a salpare, direzione Whale island al largo del Puget Sound? Preparate le valigie e partite. Lettura consigliata!!!
March 22, 2023
Once again Tess Thompson writes an amazing story! Jumping into the mystery scene is seemless for Tess and goes to show what an amazing writer she is.
I absolutely love this new series. The character s are very thing you expect a small town to be. I happen to love in the Pacific Northwest and can picture every scene on the Island. My heart was broken for this family in the beginning and I wished them everything that I think they will get. The twist in the book about the relationships of the characters is a whole book in itself and I am looking forward to seeing how it plays out. The mystery of who actually killed Roland has me with no clue because as we all can see, everyone wanted him dead. Such a horrible person!
I am so very happy for our first two main characters and can’t wait to see their life together unfold. Looking forward to seeing who our next match is and how it plays out with the help of our matchmakers. I also am looking forward to seeing the whole family live lives they wish for now that they don’t have someone literally beating the happiness out of them.
I highly recommended this new series to anyone who likes small town stories, romances,or mystery. This series has it all
I absolutely love this new series. The character s are very thing you expect a small town to be. I happen to love in the Pacific Northwest and can picture every scene on the Island. My heart was broken for this family in the beginning and I wished them everything that I think they will get. The twist in the book about the relationships of the characters is a whole book in itself and I am looking forward to seeing how it plays out. The mystery of who actually killed Roland has me with no clue because as we all can see, everyone wanted him dead. Such a horrible person!
I am so very happy for our first two main characters and can’t wait to see their life together unfold. Looking forward to seeing who our next match is and how it plays out with the help of our matchmakers. I also am looking forward to seeing the whole family live lives they wish for now that they don’t have someone literally beating the happiness out of them.
I highly recommended this new series to anyone who likes small town stories, romances,or mystery. This series has it all
March 22, 2023
This is the first full length book in this series by this author. We were introduced to Whale Island and the eccentric Tutheridge family and the other inhabitants of Ella Pointe in a novella.
I have devoured all other series by this author and find this series to be slightly different - I can't put my finger on it exactly, but it feels fresh and more lighthearted - despite the whole unsolved murder.
I love how Ms Thompson creates her characters, with just that bit of "normal human" to them. In this one Benedict suffers from a learning disability - it is not mentioned what it is, but I presume a type of dyslexia. This makes him more relatable to many people as they can identify with some of his struggles. Amelia is a clever lady, just held back from achieving her full potential due to her background, a poor single mother who did the best she could for her daughter.
A delightful chain of events puts Amelia without a job, but with prospects thanks to the newspaper her ex-boss caused her to spill on and suddenly she finds herself on Whale Island, where somehow everyone (except Mrs Tutheridge) is expecting a stuffy secretary, Mr AF Young.
I can't wait to read the next book as Ella Pointe has become my next favourite fictional town.
I have devoured all other series by this author and find this series to be slightly different - I can't put my finger on it exactly, but it feels fresh and more lighthearted - despite the whole unsolved murder.
I love how Ms Thompson creates her characters, with just that bit of "normal human" to them. In this one Benedict suffers from a learning disability - it is not mentioned what it is, but I presume a type of dyslexia. This makes him more relatable to many people as they can identify with some of his struggles. Amelia is a clever lady, just held back from achieving her full potential due to her background, a poor single mother who did the best she could for her daughter.
A delightful chain of events puts Amelia without a job, but with prospects thanks to the newspaper her ex-boss caused her to spill on and suddenly she finds herself on Whale Island, where somehow everyone (except Mrs Tutheridge) is expecting a stuffy secretary, Mr AF Young.
I can't wait to read the next book as Ella Pointe has become my next favourite fictional town.
June 12, 2023
Quel sorriso. Mi toccava l'anima. Mi faceva venire voglia di ballare."
- Tess Thompson
•
•
Dopo aver accettato la proposta della signora Tutheridge, la signora Mantle inizia la ricerca della compagna perfetta per il primogenito della famiglia Tutheridge, Benedict, che ha bisogno di una donna al suo fianco e di qualcuno che lo aiuti per quanto riguarda la gestione dell'azienda di famiglia.
Il destino vuole che sia proprio la signorina Amelia Young a rispondere all'annuncio, una giovane donna con le qualità giuste e con un gran bisogno di questo lavoro.
Fin da subito tra Benedict ed Amelia sembra esserci un'intesa particolare ma le loro insicurezze li spingono a credere di non meritare qualcuno al proprio fianco. Riusciranno a capire quanto, in realtà, possano essere la salvezza l'una dell'altro?
In tutto questo, la ricerca dell'assassino del signor Tutheridge continua, con nuove scoperte e nuovi sospetti.
Ho davvero adorato questo libro!😍 Ho scoperto di adorare l'ambientazione Anni '10 del secolo scorso e l'abbinamento con il mistero è perfetto!
Mi sono già affezionata a questa famiglia e non vedo l'ora di scoprire che altro l'autrice ha in serbo per noi!😍
Vi consiglio davvero di leggere questo libro, sono più che certa che vi piacerà!🥰
- Tess Thompson
•
•
Dopo aver accettato la proposta della signora Tutheridge, la signora Mantle inizia la ricerca della compagna perfetta per il primogenito della famiglia Tutheridge, Benedict, che ha bisogno di una donna al suo fianco e di qualcuno che lo aiuti per quanto riguarda la gestione dell'azienda di famiglia.
Il destino vuole che sia proprio la signorina Amelia Young a rispondere all'annuncio, una giovane donna con le qualità giuste e con un gran bisogno di questo lavoro.
Fin da subito tra Benedict ed Amelia sembra esserci un'intesa particolare ma le loro insicurezze li spingono a credere di non meritare qualcuno al proprio fianco. Riusciranno a capire quanto, in realtà, possano essere la salvezza l'una dell'altro?
In tutto questo, la ricerca dell'assassino del signor Tutheridge continua, con nuove scoperte e nuovi sospetti.
Ho davvero adorato questo libro!😍 Ho scoperto di adorare l'ambientazione Anni '10 del secolo scorso e l'abbinamento con il mistero è perfetto!
Mi sono già affezionata a questa famiglia e non vedo l'ora di scoprire che altro l'autrice ha in serbo per noi!😍
Vi consiglio davvero di leggere questo libro, sono più che certa che vi piacerà!🥰
March 26, 2023
This new series by author, Tess Thompson, is starting off with a bang. A Match for a Bookish Bride (The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe Book 2) opens with a murder of a member of the affluent Tutheridge family which needs to be solved by the sheriff on Whale Island. Introductions to many characters on the island are detailed and descriptive and I enjoyed getting to know them. Book 2 is centered around Amelia and Benedict’s relationship and how it evolves. Throughout the entire book, the reader learns past histories, hidden secrets, desires & wishes as well as personal struggles and strengths for many characters. While I enjoyed the book, this one seemed like it was rushed to end. Just as I was getting wrapped up in the mystery, the last two chapters jumped ahead too quickly for me. I wish there would have been more of a transition but I understand that most likely that this was intentionally done by the author as there are many more books in this series that will continue the storyline of the mystery to be solved. Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 21, 2023
mystery intrigue and romance
Ella and Benedict truly are meant for each other. Their budding romance was sweet each feeling they were not good enough to be loved. When Ella loses her job working for a man meaner than Ebenezer Scrooge she finds a want add for a secretary. The job is a God send since she would be out on the street without it. She is delighted with the island off the west coast and the family she will be working for.
Benedict and his brothers were ill treated by their father. After his murder they must come to terms with the change in their lives. Benedict was named to be head of the ship building company his father built. He feels overcome with the new responsibility he does not want partially due to the fact that he has difficulty reading. Thus the need for a secretary. No one is more surprised than him when the secretary he is expecting is a woman.
I was glad we got to meet and get to know his family and a little about the people of the town. I was unhappy that the ending was a cliff hanger. I expect the murderer will not be revealed until all the family have found love.
Ella and Benedict truly are meant for each other. Their budding romance was sweet each feeling they were not good enough to be loved. When Ella loses her job working for a man meaner than Ebenezer Scrooge she finds a want add for a secretary. The job is a God send since she would be out on the street without it. She is delighted with the island off the west coast and the family she will be working for.
Benedict and his brothers were ill treated by their father. After his murder they must come to terms with the change in their lives. Benedict was named to be head of the ship building company his father built. He feels overcome with the new responsibility he does not want partially due to the fact that he has difficulty reading. Thus the need for a secretary. No one is more surprised than him when the secretary he is expecting is a woman.
I was glad we got to meet and get to know his family and a little about the people of the town. I was unhappy that the ending was a cliff hanger. I expect the murderer will not be revealed until all the family have found love.
March 29, 2023
I’m always thrilled to have a new Tess Thompson book, and since this is the beginning of a new series I was even more excited to read it. The thing that made it even better is that the main character, Amelia, shares a name with my cat.
I love the setting of this new series, a small island off the coast of Washington. It seems so beautiful and relaxing, the perfect spot for… a murder. Yes, that’s what I said. A murder. This book really started with a bang.
Characters are typically one of my favorite things about a book, and these new characters are no exception. Amelia is exceptional. She is very kind and intelligent, but she has a bit of sassiness that really brings the character to life. Benedict seems like the perfect guy. He definitely has his demons from the past, but they made him who he is today. My favorite side character is Ella, Benedict’s sister. She is great, and I would love her as a best friend.
This story is full of twists, turns, and surprises, as well as a beautiful love story. I can’t wait to read the next book!
I love the setting of this new series, a small island off the coast of Washington. It seems so beautiful and relaxing, the perfect spot for… a murder. Yes, that’s what I said. A murder. This book really started with a bang.
Characters are typically one of my favorite things about a book, and these new characters are no exception. Amelia is exceptional. She is very kind and intelligent, but she has a bit of sassiness that really brings the character to life. Benedict seems like the perfect guy. He definitely has his demons from the past, but they made him who he is today. My favorite side character is Ella, Benedict’s sister. She is great, and I would love her as a best friend.
This story is full of twists, turns, and surprises, as well as a beautiful love story. I can’t wait to read the next book!
March 23, 2025
Amelia is fired for spilling a drop of coffee on his newspaper. It’s 1910 and jobs for impoverished women are scarce. But the paper he threw at her held an ad for a job that suited her perfectly. The agency interviewed her but said the job was on an island in Puget Sound in Washington on the opposite coast from Boston. Being desperate and hoping for a fresh start she takes it. Benedict Tutheridge has recently inherited the management of the family shipyards upon his father’s murder. Neither of his brother’s wants the job and Benedict is feeling a failure. He has a mental issue that has kept him from learning to read, write well and handle math. His mother suggests getting a secretary to guide him in those areas and so the request that Amelia has gotten. There is lots of cruel backstory within the Tutheridge family and plenty more on the island. Many people are suspects in the father’s murder. This is a lovely romance between Benedict and Amelia. The murder mystery is, however, an overarching theme for the series. So more to come there. Good book.
March 18, 2023
I was heartbroken when Tess's last series ended but I am already in love with Whale Island! After working for a terrible, abusive man, Amelia finds her way to an agency looking for new work. She finds herself traveling from her home in Boston all the way to Whale Island off the coast of Seattle and into the Tutheridge home. Benedict Tutheridge is in charge of his family's ship business after his father is murdered. Roland Tutheridge was hated by everyone so the list of suspects that may have killed him is long. Benedict is in need of help and his mother hires Amelia as a secretary...or more. There is so much I loved about this story and the Tutheridge family. I have my ideas of who the murderer is but finding the murderer is just one layer of this book. The romance as well as the family drama kept me turning page after page. Beautiful world-building and descriptions by Tess. I cannot wait for Book 3 and Briggs story!
June 20, 2023
What a sweet story about Benedict and Amelia and how they ended up together. Amelia was a young woman alone in Boston and fired from her job by her nasty and cruel boss. But she sees an advertisement to go to Whale Island in Washington state that is the perfect fit for her. So she applies and is hired.
Benedict has been thrusted into taking over the family business after his father died. Benedict has a lot of trouble reading and doing math, today that would be diagnosed but in the early 1900s he was considered an idiot. But his mother believed in him and hired a secretary for him, telling him that it will be exactly what he needs.
So these two people are matched up even though neither of them actually knew that was what was happening. In the background, there is a couple of mysteries going on but I don’t want to spoil anything. I totally enjoyed this story and it was well worth reading.
Benedict has been thrusted into taking over the family business after his father died. Benedict has a lot of trouble reading and doing math, today that would be diagnosed but in the early 1900s he was considered an idiot. But his mother believed in him and hired a secretary for him, telling him that it will be exactly what he needs.
So these two people are matched up even though neither of them actually knew that was what was happening. In the background, there is a couple of mysteries going on but I don’t want to spoil anything. I totally enjoyed this story and it was well worth reading.
October 14, 2023
This is the next in the Matchmaker series by Tess Thompson. Benedict Tutheridge, the eldest of the Tutheridge family, is expected to take over the family business since his tyrant of a father has been murdered. Benedict suffers from a learning disability which makes reading and writing excruciating for him. His mother, unbeknowst to the family, is working with a matchmaker across the country in Boston to find her children their perfect matches now that they are out from under their father's thumb and have the opportunity to find true happiness. Enter Amelia, a woman recently let go from her administrative position who is in need of employment and a new life. She risks travelling across the country to see if Ella Pointe on Whale Island could be her new home. The attraction between the two is nearly instant. Can they help each other out, and also find happiness together? Read on to see. Thank you to the author and publisher for an advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.
October 15, 2023
Enjoyable romance despite heavy tones of the murder mystery
This novel is a pleasure to read in that there are very few errors in the writing, and the protagonists are likable people. However, the hero needs some work on his self-confidence, and while that character arc happens a bit in this story, more personal growth before the “HEA” would’ve been better.
The female protagonist is spunky, curious, forgiving, patient, forthright, as well as wise. She would make a wonderful friend.
The family in the story consists of unmarried folks who are likely to have their own romance novels, which also likely means that the over-arching mystery plot will go unsolved for two or three more books.
The ending of this book reads somewhat like a summary of events up to the ‘closing of the bedroom door’. Not much of a climactic ending.
Readers will need to invest more time in the series to find out who the murderer is.
This novel is a pleasure to read in that there are very few errors in the writing, and the protagonists are likable people. However, the hero needs some work on his self-confidence, and while that character arc happens a bit in this story, more personal growth before the “HEA” would’ve been better.
The female protagonist is spunky, curious, forgiving, patient, forthright, as well as wise. She would make a wonderful friend.
The family in the story consists of unmarried folks who are likely to have their own romance novels, which also likely means that the over-arching mystery plot will go unsolved for two or three more books.
The ending of this book reads somewhat like a summary of events up to the ‘closing of the bedroom door’. Not much of a climactic ending.
Readers will need to invest more time in the series to find out who the murderer is.
February 5, 2024
I finished reading this a few days ago, and I'm still on the fence about it, but I gave it 3 stars in the end. It had the potential to be a 4-star read, but several things ruined it for me. I thought the book could have benefited from more proofreading and editing. The lack of quotation marks in the proper places, incorrect use of the plural for tug of war, and the characters' use of phrases that sound more present day than 1910 bothered me and took me out of the story. I wasn't a huge fan of Amelia's character. I couldn't understand why Amelia and Benedict needed a chaperone when she read to him in the evenings after supper when everyone else had gone to bed, but they needed no chaperone when he went upstairs to her bedroom to apologize, closed the door and proceeded to kiss her more than once. Maybe I've misunderstood what was considered proper conduct between the opposite sexes at the time. I enjoy the premise of the series and will likely continue, but this one disappointed me.
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