Matchmaker, Matchmaker...

by Anna Schmidt

fluff piece on Grace Harrison's Christian speed-dating program was all well and good for reporter Jud Marlowe, but his instincts told him a different story lay with her senator father. If only Grace weren't so ... appealing. With the article in question, it was up to Jud to decide what was more important--a scoop or a sweetheart.

Genres: Love Inspired, Romance, Christian Romance

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Anna Schmidt's historical novel, THE WINTERKEEPER, received a Five Star rating from Reader's Favorites. Reviews for the story have been strong including one from the Historical Novel Society that raved: "The storytelling and scene building are masterful and create an immediacy that keeps the reader turning pages. This is a writer who feels words as well as thinking them." Anna is a three-time finalist for the coveted RITA award presented annually by Romance Writers of America. In addition she has been a four-time finalist for the Reviewer’s Choice Award from Romantic Times magazine—an award she has won twice. Her latest novel RENEGADE is the second in her new series: Cowboys and Harvey Girls and is available now. Publisher's Weekly hails the series as: "Easygoing western romance readers will cheer for this good-hearted heroine to achieve all her dreams." Anna splits her time between Wisconsin and Florida, noting that, “I am blessed to have a career that travels well!”

Reviews

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend sent me this book. I picked it up on a day that I wanted an easy read.

I do like the idea of Grace Harrison's church based matchmaking coffeehouse. I like that they have an application process to make sure participants are serious about finding a relationship.

My main complaint, as is common with this series, is that the characters meet, fall in love, and get married within a short span of time. I'm not sure that's a wise course for real life.

I was glad to see that David was willing to follow Suni's father's rules even when they were inconvenient or not the US norm.

[Martic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gets my four stars because the heroine had a good head on her shoulders, and the author didn't constantly remind the reader of all the heroine's insecurities, which other authors tend to do. For a short book-approximately 250 pages-I felt the characters were well defined, their conflicts and troubles were realistic, as was how they handled them. I loved the idea of Grace's business and wish it could be a reality (not that I need one as I've been married for AGES). I liked Grace and Jud's friends and family, too. All in all, it was a good story.

[Dorry Lou · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of "tea"

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

If the story started on page 185ish, then I’d have given it 4stars. I almost DNF’d it before then, found it bland and sweet and very predictable. I did like the male lead which I have trouble finding “confident but not arrogant”. It’s a fine line.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent LI about a Christian matchmaker and journalist in Washington DC

[Tiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good ol fashioned boy meets girl, but pretty good. :-)

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really want to give this one 4 1/2 stars. This was a nice, quick read. The plot is easy to follow and uncomplicated. Almost too uncomplicated, but not quite. There is very little in the way of scenery development, but it works as the character's relationships and interactions carry the story. I really didn't miss "seeing" the setting, the story didn't hurt from the lack of detailed surroundings. The male lead is easy to like and has good character development, though I almost wanted to see evidence of it a little more fleshed out -probably because I enjoyed getting to know him so much. Same for all the characters. The female lead is likeable, too, though I'd have liked to see more of her character's growth. I liked how they inspired growth in each other. I enjoyed getting a feel for the characters and rooting for them. It's a feel good story through and through. Had it been fleshed out more, it could have been a great book, but as it is, it is a nice, light story about trusting God and not putting anything past His ability to bless. All in all, I really liked this one and had a hard time putting it down. Definitely recommend it!