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Matched in Merriweather: Jane Austen in Wisconsin
From the best-selling author of The Henrietta and Inspector Howard series comes . . .
A delightful 1930s retelling of Jane Austen’s beloved classic Emma.
After receiving a desperate letter reporting her father to be gravely ill, inveterate matchmaker Melody Merriweather leaves college and rushes back to her small hometown of Merriweather, Wisconsin—only to discover that she’s expected to take over the running of her family’s general store, the Merc, until he recovers.
There, Melody tries to liven up the dusty old shop by selling luxury hats and gloves while also managing the handful of eccentric employees she’s inherited—the sweet, impressionable Harriet; the crabby Mrs. Haufbrau; and the overly critical but irritatingly handsome Cal Frasier. In typical Melody fashion, it isn’t long before she sets her sights on helping Harriet find a more suitable match than the local farmer who supplies the Merc with eggs.
All of Melody’s fanciful ideas suddenly fly out the window, however, when she learns that the Merc is not so well off as she imagined and that her father has borrowed money from loan sharks to keep it afloat. With the help of a surly Cal, Melody concocts a plan to brew cider as a way to resurrect the failing store. But when her attempts at both cider- and matchmaking go awry in spectacular fashion, it throws the Merc—and her own self-confidence—further into jeopardy . . .
A delightful 1930s retelling of Jane Austen’s beloved classic Emma.
After receiving a desperate letter reporting her father to be gravely ill, inveterate matchmaker Melody Merriweather leaves college and rushes back to her small hometown of Merriweather, Wisconsin—only to discover that she’s expected to take over the running of her family’s general store, the Merc, until he recovers.
There, Melody tries to liven up the dusty old shop by selling luxury hats and gloves while also managing the handful of eccentric employees she’s inherited—the sweet, impressionable Harriet; the crabby Mrs. Haufbrau; and the overly critical but irritatingly handsome Cal Frasier. In typical Melody fashion, it isn’t long before she sets her sights on helping Harriet find a more suitable match than the local farmer who supplies the Merc with eggs.
All of Melody’s fanciful ideas suddenly fly out the window, however, when she learns that the Merc is not so well off as she imagined and that her father has borrowed money from loan sharks to keep it afloat. With the help of a surly Cal, Melody concocts a plan to brew cider as a way to resurrect the failing store. But when her attempts at both cider- and matchmaking go awry in spectacular fashion, it throws the Merc—and her own self-confidence—further into jeopardy . . .
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2024
19 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Cox
11 books1,955 followersMichelle Cox has always been obsessed with stories of the past and has spent a lifetime collecting them. She is the award-winning author of historical fiction, including the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, The Fallen Woman’s Daughter, and The Merriweather Novels. Cox also pens the wildly popular, “Novel Notes of Local Lore,” a weekly blog chronicling the lives of Chicago’s forgotten residents.
She lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago with her husband, an assortment of children who continually leave and then come back, and one naughty Goldendoodle. Unbeknownst to most, she hoards board games she doesn’t have time to play and is, not surprisingly, in love with both Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart. Likewise, she is happily addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
She lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago with her husband, an assortment of children who continually leave and then come back, and one naughty Goldendoodle. Unbeknownst to most, she hoards board games she doesn’t have time to play and is, not surprisingly, in love with both Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart. Likewise, she is happily addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 30, 2024
TITLE: MATCHED IN MERRIWEATHER
AUTHOR: Michelle Cox
PUB DATE: 09.05.2024
Delightful
Charming
Austenites will devour this
I love a new book in a series and this charming new spin off series with a nod to Austen’s Emma is simply fun, cozy, and oozing with delight that is set in small town Wisconsin. I just adore Melody Merriweather’s character - she is the best friend I had always wished for and I just love following her along through all the trials and challenges she had to face while running and saving the Merc, the family’s general store. I enjoyed the quirky and lovable characters, and seeing Melody at work in her matchmaking skills despite everything else.
This was the perfect escape read for me and lived every delightful and laugh out loud moments. Simply charming!
AUTHOR: Michelle Cox
PUB DATE: 09.05.2024
Delightful
Charming
Austenites will devour this
I love a new book in a series and this charming new spin off series with a nod to Austen’s Emma is simply fun, cozy, and oozing with delight that is set in small town Wisconsin. I just adore Melody Merriweather’s character - she is the best friend I had always wished for and I just love following her along through all the trials and challenges she had to face while running and saving the Merc, the family’s general store. I enjoyed the quirky and lovable characters, and seeing Melody at work in her matchmaking skills despite everything else.
This was the perfect escape read for me and lived every delightful and laugh out loud moments. Simply charming!
September 5, 2024
A lovely retelling of Austen's EMMA, written with gorgeous prose and a compelling narrative that Janeites and histfic lovers will adore. Brava, Michelle!
August 24, 2024
This book had me completely ready for the coziness of autumn. I was so engrossed in this beautiful story, the characters and the town. If the cover and the fact that it’s an Austin retelling of Emma don’t hook you -the story will! It is utterly charming. It may be hot outside but this will have you grabbing your favorite flannel or set of pjs, making your favorite hot beverage, or just longing for sweater weather and the cooler temps of fall. Basically, all that envelops the season. It’s sweetness personified and does an excellent job of reimagining one of Austen’s most notable characters. I would have loved a bit more finality at the end but it has me ready and impatiently waiting for the next book!!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review:)
August 30, 2024
Melody Merriweather is shocked to receive a letter informing her of her fathers bad health. She makes arrangements to leave school in Illinois and return home to a small town in Wisconsin. Her shock continues when she finds out she is expected to take over running of her family's general store. Despite her attempts to freshen up the store and get along with the employees things just get worse. After finding out how badly the store is doing financially and the secret her father is keeping will she make a success of the store or lose everything? The characters are wonderful and described in detail. The story is exceptionally well written is such a way that you can close your eyes and imagine the characters and the setting. This is book one of a new series and I can already tell it is going to be an excellent series!
September 22, 2024
I'm so glad Melody got her own book!! Melody is such a complex character - this book is an inside look into that girl you knew in high school - the one who had it so easy, came off a little snobbish, but may have had a different side deep down. Melody's sharp tongue and quick mind tend to get her in trouble so often, but deep down, she really just wants the best for all of her friends and is willing to go the extra mile to make things right once she knows she's made a mistake. The reader's sympathy for Melody and desire for her to succeed really make the story.
For fans of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard novels, this one is a little different. There is a much smaller focus, and while there is definitely some matchmaking going on, there are no sex scenes here. There isn't a big "mystery" to solve, but Melody definitely has to do some problem solving. Harriet, the young shop girl at the Mercantile is Melody's new Elsie. Melody has her hands full trying to save the 'Merc', unraveling the tangled web of her own love life, and trying to ensure a happily ever after for her friend.
I'm also so glad Melody is going to get more books - what a cliff-hanger! I hope we don't have to wait long!
For fans of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard novels, this one is a little different. There is a much smaller focus, and while there is definitely some matchmaking going on, there are no sex scenes here. There isn't a big "mystery" to solve, but Melody definitely has to do some problem solving. Harriet, the young shop girl at the Mercantile is Melody's new Elsie. Melody has her hands full trying to save the 'Merc', unraveling the tangled web of her own love life, and trying to ensure a happily ever after for her friend.
I'm also so glad Melody is going to get more books - what a cliff-hanger! I hope we don't have to wait long!
September 21, 2024
This is a retelling of EMMA set in Merriweather, Wisconsin.
It’s 1937 and Melody Merriweather has been called home from college in Chicago to run the family’s store because her dad has suffered a heart attack.
Melody is less than pleased to leave her fun loving college life. It’s even worse when she finds out the family is in debt.
Melody has to step up with the help of her employees if she wants to save the family’s store.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read EMMA so I don’t remember how closely this one follows the original plot, but I will say I loved this one.
This a fun read with a cast of entertaining characters and a great message about community and family.
It’s 1937 and Melody Merriweather has been called home from college in Chicago to run the family’s store because her dad has suffered a heart attack.
Melody is less than pleased to leave her fun loving college life. It’s even worse when she finds out the family is in debt.
Melody has to step up with the help of her employees if she wants to save the family’s store.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read EMMA so I don’t remember how closely this one follows the original plot, but I will say I loved this one.
This a fun read with a cast of entertaining characters and a great message about community and family.
September 5, 2024
You know that when you start reading a boom from Michelle Cox you won't be disappointed, that's why I was so excited to read this book, especially since it is the beginning of a new series, and brings back some of the characters from the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, focusing especially on Melody Merriweather.
Melody, a student and socialite in Chicago is called back to the little town of Merriweather Wisconsin when her father falls ill, she is tasked to be in charge of the Mercantile, the Merc as is known, a job she doesn't really wants or feels prepared for.
What she thought was going to be just for a short time turned out to be a permanent job, ad what she thought was going to be just to managed the store turns out to be saving the store, since the family is broke and the store is in danger to be taken from them by unscrupulous people.
Along the way she discovers that she does like working at the store and implementing her ideas, some good and some bad ones, and that she doesn't feel the need anymore to go back to her old live in Chicago.
Of course she doesn't let go of her need to act as matchmaker, making some very big mistakes.
This story brings many of the characters of Austen's Emma, with some name changes and tweaks, but also gives us information about the real town of Mineral Point, named in the book as Merriweather and live in there during the depression era. The amount of historical research that Ms. Cox does previous to writing her books show in her writing and makes the book captivating. Don't skip reading the author's notes at the end of the book, you'll learn a lot from them.
The book ends in a soft cliffhanger that keeps you guessing on how the story continues from there.
This was a very good book to read and I enjoyed it from beginning to end, can't wait to read the following book in the series.
Melody, a student and socialite in Chicago is called back to the little town of Merriweather Wisconsin when her father falls ill, she is tasked to be in charge of the Mercantile, the Merc as is known, a job she doesn't really wants or feels prepared for.
What she thought was going to be just for a short time turned out to be a permanent job, ad what she thought was going to be just to managed the store turns out to be saving the store, since the family is broke and the store is in danger to be taken from them by unscrupulous people.
Along the way she discovers that she does like working at the store and implementing her ideas, some good and some bad ones, and that she doesn't feel the need anymore to go back to her old live in Chicago.
Of course she doesn't let go of her need to act as matchmaker, making some very big mistakes.
This story brings many of the characters of Austen's Emma, with some name changes and tweaks, but also gives us information about the real town of Mineral Point, named in the book as Merriweather and live in there during the depression era. The amount of historical research that Ms. Cox does previous to writing her books show in her writing and makes the book captivating. Don't skip reading the author's notes at the end of the book, you'll learn a lot from them.
The book ends in a soft cliffhanger that keeps you guessing on how the story continues from there.
This was a very good book to read and I enjoyed it from beginning to end, can't wait to read the following book in the series.
April 17, 2025
I love Jane Austen novels. I did enjoy this story somewhat, however, the ending ruined the story for me. I don’t really like cliffhanger endings. Therefore the 2 star rating. Had I known about the ending, I would not have wasted my time reading this book.
August 30, 2024
Matched in Merriweather is a variation on Jane Austen’s beloved Emma. It takes place in 1937, with the Depression still impacting people’s lives, and with the likelihood of war looming. Melody Merriweather, a college student in Chicago, is urgently called to return to her home in Wisconsin when her father suffers a heart attack. It falls upon Melody to take over the family’s business, The Mercantile. She’s had little experience with the business, but she bravely squares her shoulder and lifts her chin to do what must be done.
But it’s not just the business that brings stress into Melody’s life. There’s so much more going on that requires her to grow up quickly. While Melody at times seems overwhelmed with all she has laid upon her shoulders, she perseveres.
Having faced an eerily similar situation to the one Melody must deal with, this story felt incredibly personal and real to me. I easily saw myself through Melody’s eyes. It’s really difficult to step into managing a business you know little about. However, when there’s no one else around to do the job, you figure it out very quickly. You make mistakes, as Melody does, but you keep going and come up with ways to fix them. Sometimes others help and lend a hand, and at other times, you’re on your own. This book brought back a lot of memories for me, both good and bad, but I enjoyed it immensely.
This retelling of Emma brings with it many of the cherished characters of Austen’s original with tweaks and name changes. It follows smoothly on Ms. Cox’s previous Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, and brings along several of the characters from that series. That makes for a smooth transition and interlinks the two series flawlessly. Despite the connections between the two series, this book can easily be read as a standalone. All the information you need to understand what’s going on is clearly presented. The book does end on a bit of unfinished business, but I wouldn’t exactly call it a cliffhanger. I hope that will be resolved in book two.
This is an exceptionally well written and easy to read book. It’s the first book in a new series by this author. I anticipate the next entry into this new series with eagerness. I highly recommend this book.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
But it’s not just the business that brings stress into Melody’s life. There’s so much more going on that requires her to grow up quickly. While Melody at times seems overwhelmed with all she has laid upon her shoulders, she perseveres.
Having faced an eerily similar situation to the one Melody must deal with, this story felt incredibly personal and real to me. I easily saw myself through Melody’s eyes. It’s really difficult to step into managing a business you know little about. However, when there’s no one else around to do the job, you figure it out very quickly. You make mistakes, as Melody does, but you keep going and come up with ways to fix them. Sometimes others help and lend a hand, and at other times, you’re on your own. This book brought back a lot of memories for me, both good and bad, but I enjoyed it immensely.
This retelling of Emma brings with it many of the cherished characters of Austen’s original with tweaks and name changes. It follows smoothly on Ms. Cox’s previous Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, and brings along several of the characters from that series. That makes for a smooth transition and interlinks the two series flawlessly. Despite the connections between the two series, this book can easily be read as a standalone. All the information you need to understand what’s going on is clearly presented. The book does end on a bit of unfinished business, but I wouldn’t exactly call it a cliffhanger. I hope that will be resolved in book two.
This is an exceptionally well written and easy to read book. It’s the first book in a new series by this author. I anticipate the next entry into this new series with eagerness. I highly recommend this book.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
September 1, 2024
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
✍🏻 are a fan of Jane Austen’s work
💞 like to play matchmaker
😣 have ever had to do something difficult
📚 enjoy historical fiction
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
After receiving a desperate letter reporting her father to be gravely ill, inveterate matchmaker Melody Merriweather leaves college and rushes back to her small hometown of Merriweather, Wisconsin-only to discover that she's expected to take over the running of her family's general store, the Merc, until he recovers.
There, Melody tries to liven up the dusty old shop by selling luxury hats and gloves while also managing the handful of eccentric employees she's inherited-the sweet, impressionable Harriet; the crabby Mrs. Haufbrau; and the overly critical but irritatingly handsome Cal Frasier. In typical Melody fashion, it isn't long before she sets her sights on helping Harriet find a more suitable match than the local farmer who supplies the Merc with eggs.
All of Melody's fanciful ideas suddenly fly out the window, however, when she learns that the Merc is not so well off as she imagined and that her father has borrowed money from loan sharks to keep it afloat. With the help of a surly Cal, Melody concocts a plan to brew cider as a way to resurrect the failing store. But when her attempts at both cider- and matchmaking go awry in spectacular fashion, it throws the Merc-and her own self-confidence-further into jeopardy . . .
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Such a fun play on Emma! While I’ve never read Jane Austen, I have seen the movie based on the book and so I really understood how Michelle was reimagining these timeless characters. I loved that it took place in a small town in Wisconsin because it makes you feel closer to the different players. While I’ve never had to do this, I understand how difficult it is to try your hand at something entirely new to you and I was pleased with how fast Melody picked up on learning about the Merc. While the ending isn’t quite as black and white as I hoped, it seems to suggest that we aren’t entirely finished with these characters!
✍🏻 are a fan of Jane Austen’s work
💞 like to play matchmaker
😣 have ever had to do something difficult
📚 enjoy historical fiction
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
After receiving a desperate letter reporting her father to be gravely ill, inveterate matchmaker Melody Merriweather leaves college and rushes back to her small hometown of Merriweather, Wisconsin-only to discover that she's expected to take over the running of her family's general store, the Merc, until he recovers.
There, Melody tries to liven up the dusty old shop by selling luxury hats and gloves while also managing the handful of eccentric employees she's inherited-the sweet, impressionable Harriet; the crabby Mrs. Haufbrau; and the overly critical but irritatingly handsome Cal Frasier. In typical Melody fashion, it isn't long before she sets her sights on helping Harriet find a more suitable match than the local farmer who supplies the Merc with eggs.
All of Melody's fanciful ideas suddenly fly out the window, however, when she learns that the Merc is not so well off as she imagined and that her father has borrowed money from loan sharks to keep it afloat. With the help of a surly Cal, Melody concocts a plan to brew cider as a way to resurrect the failing store. But when her attempts at both cider- and matchmaking go awry in spectacular fashion, it throws the Merc-and her own self-confidence-further into jeopardy . . .
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Such a fun play on Emma! While I’ve never read Jane Austen, I have seen the movie based on the book and so I really understood how Michelle was reimagining these timeless characters. I loved that it took place in a small town in Wisconsin because it makes you feel closer to the different players. While I’ve never had to do this, I understand how difficult it is to try your hand at something entirely new to you and I was pleased with how fast Melody picked up on learning about the Merc. While the ending isn’t quite as black and white as I hoped, it seems to suggest that we aren’t entirely finished with these characters!
September 18, 2024
If you enjoyed the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series by Michelle Cox, you are sure to enjoy her latest book Matched in Merriweather, the first in a spin off series, featuring Melody Merriweather.
When Melody returns to her hometown of Merriweather in outhern Wisconsin due to her father's illness, she does not realize that she will be resposible for running the family business, the Merc, a general store in town.
It is a job that she is not prepared for. She tries to upgrade the store by adding items, but the locals findthem too fancy and they do not sell.
Melody soon learns that all is not as it seems and that the luxury life her family led is no longer affordable. So while her brother continues in law school and her younger sister spends all her tie playing the piano, Melody works to try to save the family business and still manages to try to be the matchmaker for one of their young employees.
The book is a retelling of Jane Austen's Emma. Melody like Emma considers herself a matchmaker although most of her matches do not seem to work out for those involved.
This book as all of Michelle Cox's works are well researched and really take one back in time, here to the 1930s to a very different life than we live today. While the Henrietta andInspector Howard series takes place in the wealthy suburbs of Chicago, this book takes place in a small mining town in southern Wisconsin.
Once again Cox has created an interesting story that holds your attention filled with many historic details and believable characters. Some of the characters in the story are based on those who actually lived in this area. It is a book you will not put down as you laugh as Melody attempts to be a matchmaker and you will also share the sorrow of the Merriweather family as they deal with the problems confronting them.
A wonderful start for this spin off series.
I received an early copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.
When Melody returns to her hometown of Merriweather in outhern Wisconsin due to her father's illness, she does not realize that she will be resposible for running the family business, the Merc, a general store in town.
It is a job that she is not prepared for. She tries to upgrade the store by adding items, but the locals findthem too fancy and they do not sell.
Melody soon learns that all is not as it seems and that the luxury life her family led is no longer affordable. So while her brother continues in law school and her younger sister spends all her tie playing the piano, Melody works to try to save the family business and still manages to try to be the matchmaker for one of their young employees.
The book is a retelling of Jane Austen's Emma. Melody like Emma considers herself a matchmaker although most of her matches do not seem to work out for those involved.
This book as all of Michelle Cox's works are well researched and really take one back in time, here to the 1930s to a very different life than we live today. While the Henrietta andInspector Howard series takes place in the wealthy suburbs of Chicago, this book takes place in a small mining town in southern Wisconsin.
Once again Cox has created an interesting story that holds your attention filled with many historic details and believable characters. Some of the characters in the story are based on those who actually lived in this area. It is a book you will not put down as you laugh as Melody attempts to be a matchmaker and you will also share the sorrow of the Merriweather family as they deal with the problems confronting them.
A wonderful start for this spin off series.
I received an early copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.
November 4, 2024
The start of another brilliant series by author Michelle Cox. If you are an avid reader of Michelle’s novels you know that Melody Merriweather, is a character from her acclaimed awarding winning series Henrietta and Inspector Howard. So, it is with great pleasure and anticipation that we have Melody now in her very own series. If you are not familiar with the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, then I urge you to get them and embark on a wonderfully written mystery romance series. You will most definitely fall in love with them and be introduced to our Melody Merriweather in the process. That is not to say you need to in order to read Matched in Merriweather but in my opinion, you will enjoy the adventure all the more.
Melody can certainly get herself into such predicaments – fashion, romance, alcohol, badger holes, yes that is correct badger holes and fire….crazy, cooky situations that always seem to end up…well not how she had expected. Being thrust into the working world and the family business, Melody begrudgingly at first, takes this on as a temporary, nuances really taking her away from her silly and leisurely days of her school girl life at Mundelein College in Chicago. But after scary and dangerous events take place, Melody realizes she is in way over her head and needs to not only begin to take things seriously but figure out how to save herself, her family and “The Merc” all at once and in a short span of the time provided.
All the while, of course, in true Melody fashion, still dabbling in romance matchmaking, or so she thinks! The matches that come out will keep you turning the pages!! Thank goodness, for good friends, good cider, new friends and a surprise knock at the door… that will leave you stunned, mouth agape and on the edge of your seat with eager anticipation for Book 2 (Spring 2025) to be released!!!!
Melody can certainly get herself into such predicaments – fashion, romance, alcohol, badger holes, yes that is correct badger holes and fire….crazy, cooky situations that always seem to end up…well not how she had expected. Being thrust into the working world and the family business, Melody begrudgingly at first, takes this on as a temporary, nuances really taking her away from her silly and leisurely days of her school girl life at Mundelein College in Chicago. But after scary and dangerous events take place, Melody realizes she is in way over her head and needs to not only begin to take things seriously but figure out how to save herself, her family and “The Merc” all at once and in a short span of the time provided.
All the while, of course, in true Melody fashion, still dabbling in romance matchmaking, or so she thinks! The matches that come out will keep you turning the pages!! Thank goodness, for good friends, good cider, new friends and a surprise knock at the door… that will leave you stunned, mouth agape and on the edge of your seat with eager anticipation for Book 2 (Spring 2025) to be released!!!!
September 2, 2024
Michelle Cox, the Author of “Matched in Merriweather” has written the first in a new series that is captivating and intriguing. I always enjoy Michelle Cox’s novels and I was delighted to read this well-written story that vividly describes the scenery, plot, and dramatic and colorful characters. The genres for this story are fiction, humor, family and historical fiction. The story is set in the 1930s in a small town. One of the female protagonists in the story, Melody Merriweather, is called back home from college when her father is sick. Melody is told she will be running the family general store, called The Mercy, until he is well enough to return. This might be longer than she realizes. At first Melody misses the college life, the friends she has made and the boyfriend that proposed marriage to her. She is also faced with some hostility from the long time quirky workers. She is grateful that her friend Harriet is there to help her, but at crossroads with Cal Frasier, who can be helpful and annoying at the same time.
Melody discovers that her father has secrets and hasn’t been entirely honest about what is going on with the store. Melody has had different thoughts about what will make the store attractive, until she realizes the grave reality. It appears that Melody’s father counted on Melody to be resourceful and capable . I appreciate that the author describes the importance of family, friendship, community, honesty, communication, determination, love and hope. The author also discusses the importance of sisterhood, and working together. I highly recommend this thought-provoking novel.
Melody discovers that her father has secrets and hasn’t been entirely honest about what is going on with the store. Melody has had different thoughts about what will make the store attractive, until she realizes the grave reality. It appears that Melody’s father counted on Melody to be resourceful and capable . I appreciate that the author describes the importance of family, friendship, community, honesty, communication, determination, love and hope. The author also discusses the importance of sisterhood, and working together. I highly recommend this thought-provoking novel.
September 15, 2024
I was so excited to read Melody's story and it was so good! Melody is summoned back home to Merriweather upon her father becoming gravely ill. Once she gets back home, she realizes that the plan is for her to take over the Merc, the general store that her father and grandfather have ran for decades. Why her, and not her brother? It's only until her father recovers, and then she can head back to Chicago, back to her friends and all the big city offered. Upon taking over, she decides that they need some fancier items and the front window needs to be spruced up a bit. But with each change Melody brings, she is finding some resistance from the other workers as well as customers. No one seems to care for her fancy gloves, hats and scarfs and each day it seems less and less are coming in. Unsure of how to turn things around at the store, she knows she can succeed in the area of love and sets her sights on getting Harriet matched up and married off. But as she pushes a suitor onto Harriet, it seems that this also is backfiring on her. Often visiting her father in the hospital, she looks to him for guidance and words of wisdom and one night over hears a terrible secret. The holiday's are looming, the store is in even more turmoil than what she thought and it seems every decision she makes is wrong. But after a few harsh words from others and a fire outbreak, she realizes what really matters in this small community and an unexpected Christmas miracle is just what her family needed. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel, I cannot wait to read the others and am eagerly waiting the next story with how this one ended! This review is of my own opinion and accord.
September 25, 2024
When Melody Merriweather receives a letter containing the sad news that her father is quite ill she leaves school and her life in Chicago to return to small-town Merriweather to help care for him only to discover that her family expects her to take over the Merc, her family’s general store. While Melody is far from pleased with this turn of events, she takes the opportunity to change things up a bit, choosing to sell some luxury goods like those she has seen in Chicago, goods that she thinks the people of Merriweather might grow to appreciate in time. Unfortunately Melody doesn't have the luxury of time; the Merc is not doing so well and her father owes some unsavory people money, money they no longer want to wait for, money that Melody has to come up with if she has any hope of saving her family’s store.
When I heard that Michelle Cox was giving Melody her own book I was so excited; she is a wonderful character from Cox’s Henrietta and Inspector Howard series and I could not wait to see where her story would take her, especially seeing as I am a horrible English teacher who has never read Emma, upon which the novel is based, allowing me to come to this novel with essentially a blank slate. I loved catching up with the returning characters and being introduced to some new ones. While this was a different style of novel compared to those that I have read by Cox–there wasn’t a mystery to solve, per se–I still found the narrative enjoyable and I hope that she continues to write more novels centered around the various characters found in the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series.
When I heard that Michelle Cox was giving Melody her own book I was so excited; she is a wonderful character from Cox’s Henrietta and Inspector Howard series and I could not wait to see where her story would take her, especially seeing as I am a horrible English teacher who has never read Emma, upon which the novel is based, allowing me to come to this novel with essentially a blank slate. I loved catching up with the returning characters and being introduced to some new ones. While this was a different style of novel compared to those that I have read by Cox–there wasn’t a mystery to solve, per se–I still found the narrative enjoyable and I hope that she continues to write more novels centered around the various characters found in the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series.
August 21, 2024
I was so excited to read the first book in this series and it did not disappoint! I loved reading about Melody Merriweather and the entertaining cast of characters in the fictional town of Merriweather, Wisconsin in 1937. Melody was called home from college to run the family store after her father fell ill. Learning to run the Merc was a challenge. She had to make enough money to pay off a loan her father took from some unscrupulous fellows, but struggled to find ways that make big bucks. With help from employees and new acquaintances, she figured out how to run the Merc and make some money. Was it enough?
Harriett, Cal, and Mrs. Haufbrau were employees that had their own challenges, but helped run the store and made Melody a better person as she navigated life as young woman put in a awkward situation. Melody had to learn through experience that you can't run someone else's life even if you have the best of intentions.
The author's note has lots of details about her research, who some of the characters were based on, and interesting background about the setting.
The pace of this story kept you reading as there was always something happening or a new character popped up or something unexpected occurred. Now I have to wait for book 2. If you are looking for a entertaining historical novel, I highly recommend this engaging story!
#MatchedinMerriweather
Thank you Michelle Cox for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Harriett, Cal, and Mrs. Haufbrau were employees that had their own challenges, but helped run the store and made Melody a better person as she navigated life as young woman put in a awkward situation. Melody had to learn through experience that you can't run someone else's life even if you have the best of intentions.
The author's note has lots of details about her research, who some of the characters were based on, and interesting background about the setting.
The pace of this story kept you reading as there was always something happening or a new character popped up or something unexpected occurred. Now I have to wait for book 2. If you are looking for a entertaining historical novel, I highly recommend this engaging story!
#MatchedinMerriweather
Thank you Michelle Cox for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 31, 2024
Thanks to author Michelle Cox and BookFunnel for a digital advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own.
What a fun, witty story – similar to the classic 1930s screwball comedies. Author Michelle Cox combines the movie genre with a retelling of Jane Austen’s novel "Emma" and the result is a warmhearted story of family and romance in a small Midwestern town.
Compulsive matchmaker Melody Merriweather is summoned home from college by her father, who needs her to run their family store (the Mercantile) while he recovers from a heart attack. She soon learns the store is not doing well, plus her father must pay off a large loan to thug-like villains by the end of the year. (And it’s already autumn). That doesn’t stop her from matchmaking, while dealing with quirky characters as she schemes to generate more income to save the store.
While the plot and Melody’s moneymaking ploys initially seemed silly, the clever writing and charming small-town community won me over. I soon couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. And I gasped out loud when I got to the last page – I was totally surprised and entertained.
I was initially attracted to the book because of its beautiful cover art and can now say that the novel is just as delightful as the cover.
What a fun, witty story – similar to the classic 1930s screwball comedies. Author Michelle Cox combines the movie genre with a retelling of Jane Austen’s novel "Emma" and the result is a warmhearted story of family and romance in a small Midwestern town.
Compulsive matchmaker Melody Merriweather is summoned home from college by her father, who needs her to run their family store (the Mercantile) while he recovers from a heart attack. She soon learns the store is not doing well, plus her father must pay off a large loan to thug-like villains by the end of the year. (And it’s already autumn). That doesn’t stop her from matchmaking, while dealing with quirky characters as she schemes to generate more income to save the store.
While the plot and Melody’s moneymaking ploys initially seemed silly, the clever writing and charming small-town community won me over. I soon couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. And I gasped out loud when I got to the last page – I was totally surprised and entertained.
I was initially attracted to the book because of its beautiful cover art and can now say that the novel is just as delightful as the cover.
August 31, 2024
Readers will love the nod to Jane Austin's EMMA.
Melody Merriweather, a secondary character from Ms. Cox's earlier series, has returned to her small Wisconsin hometown after her father is incapacitated by a serious health issue. Ms. Cox skillfully develops Melody's character throughout the book as she surrenders her dreams of college as she takes the helm of the family business. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the family's general store, readers will be appreciate the historical detail woven seamlessly throughout the pages of this delightful tale that celebrates family and friendship.
I was immediately drawn by the book's cover, but quickly fell in love with the charming cast of characters. With Melody's matchmaking skills rivaling the much loved skills of Jane Austen's Emma, her heart is in the right place. I couldn't help but smile at Imogene's ramblings and Cal's unexpected nuggets of wisdom. I found this to be a brilliant 1930's retelling of EMMA.
I was captivated from the first page to the last. As I read the jaw-dropping last page, I realized that my fictional return to Merriweather in book two cannot come soon enough. Highly recommend!!
I received a complimentary arc copy from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Melody Merriweather, a secondary character from Ms. Cox's earlier series, has returned to her small Wisconsin hometown after her father is incapacitated by a serious health issue. Ms. Cox skillfully develops Melody's character throughout the book as she surrenders her dreams of college as she takes the helm of the family business. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the family's general store, readers will be appreciate the historical detail woven seamlessly throughout the pages of this delightful tale that celebrates family and friendship.
I was immediately drawn by the book's cover, but quickly fell in love with the charming cast of characters. With Melody's matchmaking skills rivaling the much loved skills of Jane Austen's Emma, her heart is in the right place. I couldn't help but smile at Imogene's ramblings and Cal's unexpected nuggets of wisdom. I found this to be a brilliant 1930's retelling of EMMA.
I was captivated from the first page to the last. As I read the jaw-dropping last page, I realized that my fictional return to Merriweather in book two cannot come soon enough. Highly recommend!!
I received a complimentary arc copy from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 7, 2024
Michelle Cox has done it again! Her new novel series featuring Melody Merriweather immediately captured my attention and kept me hooked until the very end. Melody, a beloved character from the Henrietta and the Inspector series, returns home from college to help her ailing father run the family’s failing business. Along the way, she rekindles old relationships, strengthens family ties, and meets an array of new characters—both good and bad.
True to form, Cox introduces us to a fresh cast of intriguing personalities and places Melody in fascinating new situations. Despite her somewhat naïve nature, Melody remains strong and lovable throughout. The story is filled with suspense and emotion, keeping readers eager to discover what happens next. Cox masterfully leaves us with multiple possibilities, making it clear that another book in the series is on the horizon. I, for one, can’t wait!
I highly recommend immersing yourself in this new world and enjoying Michelle Cox’s exceptional blend of history, life, and relatable experiences. Even though the setting is from another era, the themes feel timeless. Read it—you’ll be glad you did!
True to form, Cox introduces us to a fresh cast of intriguing personalities and places Melody in fascinating new situations. Despite her somewhat naïve nature, Melody remains strong and lovable throughout. The story is filled with suspense and emotion, keeping readers eager to discover what happens next. Cox masterfully leaves us with multiple possibilities, making it clear that another book in the series is on the horizon. I, for one, can’t wait!
I highly recommend immersing yourself in this new world and enjoying Michelle Cox’s exceptional blend of history, life, and relatable experiences. Even though the setting is from another era, the themes feel timeless. Read it—you’ll be glad you did!
August 26, 2024
This is an Emma retelling (one of my favorites) set in 1930s Wisconsin. I got Little Women vibes, which I also enjoyed!
Melody leaves college in Chicago after hearing her father has taken ill. She has to keep his store afloat, but the money is more dire than she’d expected.
Young and maybe a little spoiled, Melody has plenty of confidence and little experience. But we know her heart is in the right place— she’s trying to help everyone around her.
We also get Harriet’s POV, which is fun, too, with all of Melody’s hare-brained matchmaking schemes for her!
Cal is the perfect Mr. Knightley, an excellent combination of frustrated and gentle, as well as reluctantly intrigued by Melody. (I adore him.)
Read this for the characters, but stay for the historical and fall/winter vibes. I’m craving cider and cooler weather!
I’m also craving more of Melody Merriweather - I hope we get more from these characters in the future!
Do I recommend this for a cozy fall read? Absolutely!
Melody leaves college in Chicago after hearing her father has taken ill. She has to keep his store afloat, but the money is more dire than she’d expected.
Young and maybe a little spoiled, Melody has plenty of confidence and little experience. But we know her heart is in the right place— she’s trying to help everyone around her.
We also get Harriet’s POV, which is fun, too, with all of Melody’s hare-brained matchmaking schemes for her!
Cal is the perfect Mr. Knightley, an excellent combination of frustrated and gentle, as well as reluctantly intrigued by Melody. (I adore him.)
Read this for the characters, but stay for the historical and fall/winter vibes. I’m craving cider and cooler weather!
I’m also craving more of Melody Merriweather - I hope we get more from these characters in the future!
Do I recommend this for a cozy fall read? Absolutely!
August 27, 2024
This delightful book is the first in a series, but it does bring back a few names and faces from the authors’ earlier series. It's the perfect book to curl up in front of a fire with a cup of cocoa and to settle in for an afternoon of reading.
When her father suffers a health issue, Melody Merriweather is summoned from college to take over the reins of the family mercantile. While her heart is in the right place, and her intentions are good, she seems to make one blunder after another. She orders the wrong merchandise, she doesn’t get along with longtime employees, and her matchmaking skills are really off base. Melody has a lot of adjustments to make and a lot of growing up to do.
This book takes the reader back to a gentler time. When things are more straight forward. It reminds me of the old tv series ‘The Walton’s’. It’s a reminder of the importance of family and friends. I really enjoyed the small town feel of this story and how people are willing to pull together when someone needs help.
When her father suffers a health issue, Melody Merriweather is summoned from college to take over the reins of the family mercantile. While her heart is in the right place, and her intentions are good, she seems to make one blunder after another. She orders the wrong merchandise, she doesn’t get along with longtime employees, and her matchmaking skills are really off base. Melody has a lot of adjustments to make and a lot of growing up to do.
This book takes the reader back to a gentler time. When things are more straight forward. It reminds me of the old tv series ‘The Walton’s’. It’s a reminder of the importance of family and friends. I really enjoyed the small town feel of this story and how people are willing to pull together when someone needs help.
September 6, 2024
I love all things Jane Austen so I always do my best to read retellings. Last year I was sad when one of my favorite series ended. Then the author made everything right again when announcing her next series would kick off with an Emma retelling. 💕💕
Michelle Cox takes us back to an old mining town that is doing its best to stay afloat during the Great Depression. When Melody is pulled back from college to come home and help run the family store, nothing starts going according to her perfectly laid plans.
Matchmaking, misunderstandings and lots of pride take us through Melody’s first year back.
Michelle has a passion for the old historical Chicago and Illinois that is evident in all her books. I look forward to each book and this author is always an auto buy for me. I got the privilege of being on her street team with the last few books but I still always grab two copies of each book.
Michelle Cox takes us back to an old mining town that is doing its best to stay afloat during the Great Depression. When Melody is pulled back from college to come home and help run the family store, nothing starts going according to her perfectly laid plans.
Matchmaking, misunderstandings and lots of pride take us through Melody’s first year back.
Michelle has a passion for the old historical Chicago and Illinois that is evident in all her books. I look forward to each book and this author is always an auto buy for me. I got the privilege of being on her street team with the last few books but I still always grab two copies of each book.
September 7, 2024
This is a retelling of the classic Jane Austen novel, Emma and the start of a new series. Taking place during the 1930s, Melody Merriweather leaves college to return home due to her father's illness, where she's expected to manage her family's store and the employees. There is Harriet, who she feels the need to try and match up, the crabby Mrs. Haufbrau, and the handsome Cal Frazier. When Melody finds out that the store isn't in great shape, and her father has borrowed money from loan sharks to keep it going she tries to come up with ideas to change things and make it successful. This was a great read. I really liked the strength of Melody to suddenly have to step in and step up to care for family matters. I like that some of the characters from the author's other series crossed over into this one. This was witty, full of small town happenings and I can't wait for the next book. I just love a good retelling and this was perfect. I really enjoyed it.
September 8, 2024
I love all things Michelle Cox and this does not disappoint, this is a retelling of Jane Austen's book Emma. Melody Merriweather is at college in Chicago, and is called home; because her father is very ill. Melody is to manage their store Merriweather Mercantile, known as The Merc. She is very overwhelmed, she tries to liven up the dusty old store by selling luxury hats, gloves, and silk scarves. Her employees: Mrs. Haufbrau, is crabby, Cal is overly critical, and Harriet is a sweet eighteen year old. While visiting her father in the hospital, she finds out The Merc is loosing money and they may loose the store. During prohibition he made moonshine to keep the store open. Melody decides to make cider to increase profits; but it is a slow go. How resourceful can Melody be to to save The Merc? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Michelle Cox!!!
August 24, 2024
Though I haven't read the book Emma, I have seen the movie and that was enough for me to enjoy this retelling of it.
Melody is called back from school to run her father's business while he's ill. It's a lot to take for her, hang to deal with an employee who doesn't like her much, trying to find ways to bring in more money and all the whole she still tries to matchmake for her other employee Harriet.
Melody is meddlesome and always thinks she knows what's "best" for others though she almost always is gravely mistaken. She really does think she means well though so it's fun to see her bumble her way through some things.
This book though was entertaining and I laughed at certain parts that are very in line for some characters on here that are portrayals of certain ones from Emma. I will read the following books in the series though I'm not as familiar with most of Austen's works.
Melody is called back from school to run her father's business while he's ill. It's a lot to take for her, hang to deal with an employee who doesn't like her much, trying to find ways to bring in more money and all the whole she still tries to matchmake for her other employee Harriet.
Melody is meddlesome and always thinks she knows what's "best" for others though she almost always is gravely mistaken. She really does think she means well though so it's fun to see her bumble her way through some things.
This book though was entertaining and I laughed at certain parts that are very in line for some characters on here that are portrayals of certain ones from Emma. I will read the following books in the series though I'm not as familiar with most of Austen's works.
September 7, 2024
Melody Merriweather is called home from college in Chicago to run the families general store. Melody's dad has had a heart attack and can no longer run the store. Melody hates leaving school and her friends not thinking she is the one who should be running the store, that it should be her brother Freddy. Freddy is at Harvard studying and will be graduating this year, so Melody was the choice the family made. Not being familiar with how a store should be run, Melody makes choices that turn out no to be good ones. When she over hears men arguing with her dad, she learns that her father owes a large amount of money. This turns into a great story about how family troubles effect the whole family and Melody learns a lesson that family comes first and home is where the heart is. A great great book.
September 22, 2024
This is the first book in the series “Matched in Merriweather” and I can’t wait for the next one!
Melody is called home from school to take over her father’s Merc store as he has fallen ill. She is vibrant and hopeful and adds additional luxury items to the store in hopes of bringing extra profit. She also considers herself a matchmaker as she tries to set up her friend Harriet. After she discovers the money troubles her dad is in, it only adds to the many challenges she is facing with managing a store and staff, as well as adjusting to being back home all the while missing school and her friends. All these challenges humble Melody and as things begin to take a turn for the better, she is met with a big surprise. Thank you to Michelle Cox for the e-arc. The review is based on my own opinion.
Melody is called home from school to take over her father’s Merc store as he has fallen ill. She is vibrant and hopeful and adds additional luxury items to the store in hopes of bringing extra profit. She also considers herself a matchmaker as she tries to set up her friend Harriet. After she discovers the money troubles her dad is in, it only adds to the many challenges she is facing with managing a store and staff, as well as adjusting to being back home all the while missing school and her friends. All these challenges humble Melody and as things begin to take a turn for the better, she is met with a big surprise. Thank you to Michelle Cox for the e-arc. The review is based on my own opinion.
September 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The charm of the cast of characters and the storyline. Michelle always draws me into her stories. You can feel the characters come alive in the stories as you grow emotionally attached to them.
I give Melody A+ for effort. She really tried with her matchmaking skills and to save her family's store. She was a little progressive for the small-town folk but with the help of Harriett, Cal, and Mrs. Haufbrau, she makes it work.
I like the budding romance that happened between Harriett and John. You could tell that John was smitten with Harriett. Mrs. Haufbrau is like the grandma that you did not know you needed. She may have seemed gruff at first, but she really meant well. Another person that meant well is Cal. He and Melody worked well together.
I give Melody A+ for effort. She really tried with her matchmaking skills and to save her family's store. She was a little progressive for the small-town folk but with the help of Harriett, Cal, and Mrs. Haufbrau, she makes it work.
I like the budding romance that happened between Harriett and John. You could tell that John was smitten with Harriett. Mrs. Haufbrau is like the grandma that you did not know you needed. She may have seemed gruff at first, but she really meant well. Another person that meant well is Cal. He and Melody worked well together.
September 6, 2024
Matched in Merriweather is the first book in a new series by Michelle Cox.
A Delightful retelling of Jane Austen's Emma set in the 1930's.
Melody Merriweather, the protagonist receives a letter letting her know of her fathers' failing health. She leaves school to return to her small town in Wisconsin.
Things get worse when she finds out she is supposed to take over the management of her family's general store.
I loved the characters in this story. Well written, complex, and well fleshed out and consistent with the time period. I love Emma and the author really does the story justice.
I can't wait for more books in this series!
A Delightful retelling of Jane Austen's Emma set in the 1930's.
Melody Merriweather, the protagonist receives a letter letting her know of her fathers' failing health. She leaves school to return to her small town in Wisconsin.
Things get worse when she finds out she is supposed to take over the management of her family's general store.
I loved the characters in this story. Well written, complex, and well fleshed out and consistent with the time period. I love Emma and the author really does the story justice.
I can't wait for more books in this series!
September 8, 2024
I absolutely loved this retelling of Jane Austin’s story EMMA!!!
Set during the 1930s, we meet Melody Merriweather leaves college to return home due to her father's illness, where she's now expected to manage her family's store and the employees. She meets Harriet, who she instantly feels the need to find a match for. Moody Mrs. Haufbrau, and the handsome Cal Frazier. The story takes a turn when Melody finds out that the store is under water , and her father borrowed money from loan sharks! In hopes to keep it going she tries to come up with ideas to change things and make it successful. This was such an amazing story and quick read for me!!
Set during the 1930s, we meet Melody Merriweather leaves college to return home due to her father's illness, where she's now expected to manage her family's store and the employees. She meets Harriet, who she instantly feels the need to find a match for. Moody Mrs. Haufbrau, and the handsome Cal Frazier. The story takes a turn when Melody finds out that the store is under water , and her father borrowed money from loan sharks! In hopes to keep it going she tries to come up with ideas to change things and make it successful. This was such an amazing story and quick read for me!!
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