Mary St. Aubin is a stellar matchmaker, but society has decided that, as a spinster, Mary can no longer be trusted with their matches! After watching her parents’ cold marriage, she refuses to wed for anything but love.
Then at a Christmas house party she encounters dangerously attractive Scottish laird Charles. He needs Mary’s help saving his ward from a reputation-ruining liaison with a rake. But when Charles’s own rakish past starts to get in the way, is there another match that must happen first…between Mary and Charles?
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
Matchmakers of Bath
Book 1: The Earl's Cinderella Countess Book 2: Their Convenient Christmas Betrothal
Amanda wrote her first romance at the age of sixteen--a vast historical epic starring all her friends as the characters, written secretly during algebra class (and her parents wondered why math was not her strongest subject...)
She's never since used algebra, but her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in Oklahoma with a menagerie of two cats, a Pug, and a very bossy miniature Poodle, along with far too many books.
When not writing or reading, she loves taking dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network--even though she doesn't cook.
I was shopping for a short Christmas romance to read in between singing gigs on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and this fit the bill. I generally enjoy Amanda's writing and had this series on my TBR, so I figured I'd dive right in.
Mary St. Aubin is a successful matchmaker living in Bath, but her career is in jeopardy now that her business partners are both married. No one believes a single woman could be a matchmaker—if she can't find a husband for herself, she couldn't possibly find one for someone else—so she needs to do something to make people trust her again. Enter Charles Campbell, a grumpy Scot and guardian to a teenage girl about to come out in society.
Charles is an Exasperated Man™️. He is guardian to his niece, Adele, and she's driving him nuts. She believes herself to be in love with a completely unsuitable young man, and Charles will do almost anything to keep her from him. But he has no clue how to handle Adele and needs someone who understands sensitive teenage girls to help him. The answer to his troubles falls into his lap when he overhears someone telling Mary that her unmarried state is why they won't work with her. Charles steps in, feigning a betrothal so Mary will get the client. Now he can help her business, and she can help with Adele.
This was a delightful Christmas read. Mary is a compelling heroine, Charles checks most of my boxes for a historical romance hero, and Amanda McCabe has built a rich world in Bath around her matchmakers. I haven't read book one yet (I have it, just wanted to read the Christmas book on Christmas!), but I wasn't confused about anything. Amanda does a great job of giving the reader the context they need, should you want to chaos read.
What I really liked about this book was the way Amanda McCabe raised the stakes for all of our characters. We're in multi-POV, so we have Mary and Charles as our primary narrators, but we also get chapters from Adele and her erstwhile suitor. We clearly understand everyone's motivations and what will happen to them should they not get their way. This book could have been written without those extra points of view, but I think including them made it stronger.
Overall, I had a lovely time reading this and am looking forward to the rest of the series. 4 stars.
Amanda McCabe’s Their Convenient Christmas Betrothal is a delightful Regency romance that perfectly blends wit, warmth, and a dash of holiday magic. Set against the backdrop of a festive house party, the story offers readers a charming mix of matchmaking schemes, sparkling banter, and undeniable chemistry.
Mary St. Aubin is a refreshingly independent protagonist. A skilled matchmaker but considered a spinster by society, Mary’s refusal to settle for a loveless marriage stems from her own family’s icy dynamics. Her resolve to remain true to her beliefs makes her relatable and inspiring. When she meets Charles, a brooding Scottish laird with a rakish past, their alliance to protect his young ward from scandal feels like the perfect setup for both romantic tension and heartfelt growth.
Charles is a well-drawn hero—handsome, honorable, and carrying just enough baggage to make him intriguing. His interactions with Mary crackle with wit and growing affection, and their evolving relationship feels both authentic and deeply satisfying. McCabe masterfully develops their connection, moving it from mutual respect to a genuine partnership.
The festive setting adds a layer of charm to the story, with Christmas traditions and wintry details enriching the atmosphere. The house party becomes the perfect microcosm of Regency society, filled with gossip, drama, and the expectation of romance. The subplot involving Charles’s ward adds stakes and urgency to the narrative while providing a clever foil to Mary and Charles’s own relationship.
McCabe’s writing is elegant yet accessible, perfectly suited to the Regency era while remaining engaging for modern readers. She handles themes of love, trust, and societal pressure with nuance, ensuring the story resonates emotionally.
If there’s a minor drawback, it’s that some secondary characters feel underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals. However, this does little to detract from the overall charm of the novel.
Their Convenient Christmas Betrothal is a heartwarming holiday romance that will leave readers smiling. With its endearing characters, festive setting, and thoughtful exploration of love and partnership, it’s a must-read for fans of Regency romance. Perfect for curling up with a cup of tea on a chilly winter evening!
This is the second book in the Matchmakers of Bath Series. It is a regency romance set at Christmas time to make it feel even more magical. The author does an incredible job of transporting a reader back to that time when women were considered spinsters if they don't marry by a certain age and the effect this has on their reputation. Mary is such a woman. Mary is now running the matchmaking business started by her sister and their friend. After being a successful business things have slowed down and Mary thinks the reason is because she is unwed. How can people trust her to find their perfect match when she can't even find her own?
When Mary meets Charles she is attracted to him but she realises that nothing could happen, that is until Charles reaches out asking for her help with his ward before she makes a decision that will ruin her reputation for good. But when Charles's past starts to raise its ugly head Mary and Charles realise they have to work together and act like they are each others match first before they can think about helping Charles's ward. Should be straight forward right? If they pretend to be a couple then faith will return in Mary and her matchmaking skills and Charles will receive help with his ward. But what happens when the lines between what is fake and what is real blur and they realise that their feelings may not be as fake as they once thought.
This is a very sweet regency romance and the addition of Christmas for me makes it all the more magical. It reminds me of so many Christmas films about finding love when you least expect it and it coming together around Christmas time.
Their Convenient Christmas Betrothal (Matchmakers of Bath) by Amanda McCabe – Reviewed by Britney Humphreys
4 Stars
Admittedly, I am not really in the Christmas spirit this year, and Regency romance is not my favorite romance genre. With that being said, this book was a fun read. I struggled to really connect with the characters, but I think I’m just not in the mood for this book right now. Since the story itself was so well written, I plan to revisit it later, and will update my review when I do.
The story, romance, tension, and suspense all meshed well and helped me enjoy the book overall, so I’m sure when I’m more in the Christmas spirit I will better connect with Mary and Charles. The story kept me guessing, and I really liked the insta-sparks between the FMC and MMC. I love that Charles Campbell is a divorced man who has a 16-year-old girl to raise. I have not read very many books with a single dad, so this has opened up a desire in me to find more books with a MMC who is a single, divorced dad (probably because I am a single mom going through a divorce, ha!). A matchmaking service is another new idea for me, and I’m definitely open to more books with this element as well.
Overall, this is a great story, and I know quite a few of my friends will enjoy it because they watched and loved Bridgerton. I will be recommending it to them ASAP.
Their Convenient Christmas Betrothal is the third book in the Matchmakers of Bath series by Amanda McCabe. It is a sweet historical/regency romance, with a Christmas theme, a little angst, emotion, and drama. This is the first book that I have read by Amanda McCabe, so I really didn’t know what I could expect from one of her stories. But, as I love a good historical romance, and the blurb sounded intriguing- I decided to take the chance on finding a fun read. Mary McCabe’s reputation as a matchmaker hangs on the line, as her own lack of finding a match means that spinsterhood fast approaches. Charles has his own reputation- ruining issues involving his ward to deal with- and requires Mary’s help to save the day. And what happens makes for a sweet read- While I did enjoy Mary and Charles’s story, I was frustrated that I didn’t connect with the characters or get as invested in them and their story like I was hoping for. But, I am open to reading more of this series, and hopefully I will find my groove with a different instalment. Happy reading…
3 – 3.5 stars Their Convenient Christmas Betrothal is the second instalment in the Matchmakers of Bath series. Set against the backdrop of the Regency period, this tale offers a heartwarming romance. The narrative revolves around a spinster who has taken on the somewhat precarious role of matchmaker, helping others in their pursuit of love while grappling with her own romantic prospects. This central conflict adds depth to her character. Mary encounters an attractive Scottish laird, Charles. He needs Mary’s help as a reputation is on the line. I was particularly charmed by the presence of a Scottish Laird, whose accent and distinctive personality brought a refreshing energy to the tale. The dynamic between him and the heroine is interesting, as the story unfolds, she gradually realises that she might not be destined for a life of solitude after all. I did notice a few inconsistencies at certain points in the narrative. However, these minor flaws didn’t significantly detract from the story.
Another enjoyable and engaging Regency romance in the ‘Matchmakers of Bath’ series. It can be read happily as a standalone story or as part of the series. Successful matchmaker Mary St Aubin is shocked to learn that society has decided she can no longer be trusted with their matches. The only reason being that she is a spinster, but having witnessed her parents cold and loveless marriage, she is determined to only wed for love. Whilst at a Christmas house party Mary meets Scottish Laird Charles who needs her help. Charles’s ward needs saving from a liaison with a rake, which could ruin her reputation. However, it’s Charles’s own past that causes problems, leading to him and Mary making their own match, together. This is a charming and festive romance which kept me hooked throughout. The descriptive narrative and added historical details transported me back in time to the Regency era. The heartwarming storyline, wonderful characters and the festive feel to the story kept me happily turning the pages.
I have read a few books from this author and she always ends up surprising me. This author has got me addicted to historical romance due to this series. This is the second book of the amazing Matchmakers in Bath. You could read this as a stand alone and you would be ok but the first book is also good. I was so excited to read this book that I started it right away. I could not put it down until the end. I can’t wait to see who she will write about next.
Mary St Aubin is the best matchmaker. She has matched so many couples and she loves it. Mary still has not found her match though. The society is starting to not trust her because she has not even found herself a match. Mary goes to an amazing Christmas party where she meets the very handsome Charles. He needs her help and she decides to try but he also has a not so good reputation. Will Mary find her match or will she become a spinst?
The St. Aubin and Briggs Confidential Agency of Bath has been a phenomenal success at matchmaking. So much so, that two of its three founding members are now married genteel ladies of society. The third, Mary St. Aubin has no desire to find herself under the thumb of any man and hopes to happily continue the business while remaining single. Enter, Charles Campbell a Scotch Laird of “strong jaw, dimpled chin and vivid green eyes”. Also single, Charles is attempting to raise his 16-year-old headstrong ward, Adele. After one failed marriage, Charles feels he is not marriage material. When Mary and Charles meet, sparks fly. I enjoyed this delightful easy read. The characters are well drawn, and one can almost picture a Bridgerton-like setting. True to the period, our protagonists have difficulty voicing their needs, which can sometimes be a bit frustrating to the reader, however this really is the perfect Christmas time read for those who enjoy a bit of spice and romance.
Their Convenient Christmas Betrothal Is the second book in the Matchmakers of Bath series. It is a historical romance full of drama, angst, emotion, wit, charm, and chemistry. The story is set against the backdrop of a festive holiday party and centers round the characters of Mary and Charles. Mary has been running a successful matchmaking business up until recently when business has slowed. She feels that it is perhaps because she herself is unwed and will be a spinster if she's not to wed soon. When Charles comes into the picture, Mary is attracted to him but realizes that nothing will come of it. He needs her help and the two must work together. They pretend to be a couple so that faith will be returned as far as Mary's matchmaking skills go. As Mary and Charles spend more time together, they develop feelings for one another and the line becomes blurred between what is real and what is fake. A delightful and charming holiday romance.
While Mary St. Aubin and her business partners and friends Eleanor and Harriet have been quite successful at matching up couples, now that both Eleanor and Harriet have married and Mary is left to run the business, society seems skeptical of a single matchmaker. Then Mary bumps into Charles Campbell, and discovers he needs help guiding his niece and ward Adele Stewart through the season. If Mary and Charles were to pretend to be engaged, this would not only help Charles out with Adele, but it could boost business for Mary. All Mary and Charles have to do is pretend to be a couple for a few months. But what happens when their fake feelings for each other suddenly become very real? McCabe’s deftly drawn characters and impeccably evoked Regency setting shine brightly in the latest addition to her splendidly entertaining Matchmakers of Bath series. Lightly infused with holiday cheer and festive charm, this is the perfect reading gift for historical romance fans.
In the second book of the Matchmakers of Bath series, Mary is perplexed by the slowdown in the number of people seeking the matchmaker agency's assistance after several very successful matches. It seems that people don't trust a spinster who can't find a husband for herself to find a spouse for them. Charles is a Scottish laird tasked with bringing his teenage niece into society after the death of her parents, whilst having a hard time keeping her away from the disreputable young man that she fancies herself in love with. When his first marriage ended with his wife leaving him, he is reluctant to give his heart away again. Together Mary and Charles hatch a plan for a fake engagement, whereby Mary helps Charles with his niece, and Charles boosts Mary's reputation as a successful matchmaker. The trouble is that Mary has always been attracted to Charles, and he is to her! How can they possibly hide their true feelings and pretend when the match is so right? There is a lot of love in this clean Regency romance. The characters are delightful and the writing is descriptive enough for you to imagine yourself there.
Their Convenient Christmas Betrothal (Matchmakers of Bath) by Amanda McCabe. This is another great regency period read in the Matchmakers of Bath series. Mary is a very good matchmaker but since she is a spinster herself people have lost faith in her. While Mary is so into her job she quite often misses out on potential callers around her. When she meets Charles who is trying to help someone he knows get a better reputation with Mary's help he can't help but notice how he's drawn to Mary. Mary is quite drawn to the Scottish Laird herself. Will she be able to stop helping others to be able to see what's right in front of her very own eyes. Will Mary be able to help Charles' friend as her reputation as a matchmaker is on the line. Read this historical regency romance to find out!
This is the first book I had read by this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The cover looked intriguing, and I knew I had to pick it up as soon as I read the summary. This is the perfect time of year to read this book which gave me an excuse to curl up with a cup of tea next to the fireplace and lose myself in this world. The character development is incredible and feels more like catching up with friends instead of fictional people. Charles and Mary have palpable chemistry, and I found myself invested right away. I love the witty banter in this slow-burn romance! If you’re looking for a delightful blend of Christmas cheer, emotional depth, a well-developed heroine and a charming yet flawed hero, this should be your next read!
First book in the series that I’ve read and pretty much can be considered a stand alone read even though a few characters may have been from previous one but doesn’t interrupt flow of this story. Set in the 1800s, it is a cute love story where it focuses on Mary, one of the matchmakers, who ends up being enchanted by Charles. Both are not looking for love from their ill fated past experiences yet fate has left them right where they should be. They both end up in a Christmas engagement and set rules to prevent each other from an actual relationship. Between the surprise emotions they bring out in one another and helping with his niece’s situation, things end up going in a different direction. Very entertaining read!
4 Stars Their Convenient Christmas Betrothal (Matchmakers of Bath Book 2) By Amanda McCabe
Their Convenient Christmas Betrothal is the second book in the Matchmakers of Bath Series. This is a Historical Romance/Regency Romance with a bit of a Christmas theme. I enjoy reading historical romance that have such vivid details as this story did. The attention to detail along with developed, relatable and fun characters make for a epic story. Mary and Charles find themselves in a situation where they need each others help. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. It’s really worth your time. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
I sure enjoyed this romance. Mary is really quite the matchmaker. she tries really hard with her job and totally puts herself second. Sometimes she's so into her work that she doesn't see the gentleman around her. She does have eyes for one and it was a pure delight to follow these two during their relationship dance/flirt. Neither quite felt ready but, as we all know, love has a mind of its own. The writing was great. I though there was a wonderful flow to it. Such entertaining characters that really brought this story to life. It was a real treat to read and I loved the holiday theme.
It has been a while since I have read a book from the regency genre and this was a really enjoyable one to pick back up with. I loved the characters right from the word go. They had such a strong connection to each other and I couldn’t wait to see more of their relationship. The premise of the story was interesting. It is the first one of this genre I have read where the female main character plays a definitive role of matchmaker and it made for a nice change. This is a really great story and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I love an old fashioned Christmas romance, and this book was right up my alley. There was some drama, some suspense, plenty of romance and a lot of holiday cheer. I loved the idea of the mfc running a matchmaking agency, and how much the MMC rooted for her to succeed. I wish we had gotten a little more of the nieces story here, because it seemed like she was kind of pushed to the side a little more than I would have liked to see, but it was still a great read. I highly enjoyed it, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a nice romantic holiday read this season.
I'm not one for historical romance's but I actually did enjoy reading this one. Mary is known for her matchmaking skills, but it might all come crashing down if she doesn't get a match for herself first! She isn't the only whose's reputation in on the line. Charles needs to find a way keep his wayward ward from making a similar mistake. But his past might keep him from doing that. A wonderful back and forth between Mary and Charles was pretty awesome to read. I might just pick up another one of Amanda's books!
This is the second book in the Matchmakers of Bath series by this author and the first one I have read. It absolutely can be enjoyed as a standalone, but I will absolutely be reading the first one now. I was pleasantly surprised with how good this historical romance is and can't wait for more! There is a talented matchmaker who is less-talented at matching herself in love. Of course, wonderful characters, festive theme, and intriguing story-telling suck you into the story and don't let go! I recommend this author and book and will be getting my hands on book one for sure!
A woman and her sister run a match making service, but when her sister gets married, she starts to run it alone. Will she ever find love for herself? She’s looking for someone to marry and he’s looking for someone to marry but both are trying to avoid one another because they don’t think they are good enough for one another. They both want to help one another to accomplish the goals so they work together thinking it’ll just be fun until it ends, but how will it go? Read the story to find out. I’d definitely recommend it! I really enjoyed it.
Their Convenient Christmas Betrothal is book 2 in the Matchmakers of Bath series by Amanda McCabe. I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars, highly recommended. This book was a quick, easy read. It was fun to watch Mary’s matchmaking skills.
I forgot how much I enjoyed regency romance. It has been a long time since I read anything in this genre and reading this book helped to remind me of the joy I felt when reading the genre. This book was very good. I found myself enjoying the story of Mary and Charles as they worked through their issues so that they could find happiness together. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical romance novels.
As a newcomer to this author's works, my experience was somewhat divided. Although I couldn't fully invest in the main characters, the plot and storyline proved captivating. Given my fondness for sentimental holiday romances, I was delighted to discover that this book fulfilled its promise. Additionally, the novel showcases exceptional world-building and considerable opportunities for character growth throughout the remainder of the series.
Their Convenient Christmas Betrothal is book 2 in the "Matchmakers of Bath" series by Amanda McCabe. While this is book 2, you can absolutely read and enjoy this as a standalone, however, now I can't wait to go back and read the first in the series! This was a very enjoyable historical romance, which I am an absolute sucker for. Wonderfully written world building, and in depth characters! I wholeheartedly look forward to more from this author!
This was a really fun and easy to read Christmas time book. Period setting, but definitely a different sort of vibe for the main characters. Both are hesitant/refuse to get married again/first time. The back and forth conversation with them is witty and fun to read. The set up of pretend engagement to real engagement has obviously been done, but I really like the Elizabethan vibe twist to this one. Would recommend :)
Another great read by this author. I have loved the characters and personalities in this series. I do feel that Mary has been my favorite to learn and understand more. Every matchmaker deserves her chance for love. But Mary is so much more than a matchmaker. She truly cares about everyone. This is a must-read for anyone who loves fake relationships that turn into soul mates.
This was a great read to help me get into the holiday spirit! I love a good Regency style romance and this did not disappoint. Mary is a fun character who loves to put her matchmaking skills to the test. However, she's in need of some of those skills for herself! Enjoy this quick read set in Scotland!
A cute Christmas time match. Mary and Charles are a pair that is trying to help each other out. But along the way they come to start having feelings for each other. But of course they aren’t saying this out loud in so many words. Little hints here and there. Only to have their darkest fear brought to the forefront. Will they be able to see that being together is truly the only way to be.