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The Matchmaker's Mare
When Megan Johnson inherits an old cottage in the Welsh countryside, she seizes the opportunity to cut ties with her past after a broken romance. Her nearest neighbor, a horse trainer, is also something of an enigma.
Single dad, Glyn Phillips does his best to balance his love of horses and hard work, with his devotion to his son. When he meets his new neighbor, he knows he should resist any attraction. A feisty pony mare mysteriously appears on his land and adds to his problems but a larger problem lies ahead.
Two matchmaking spirits find their carefully laid plans may not go as smoothly as they hope.
Single dad, Glyn Phillips does his best to balance his love of horses and hard work, with his devotion to his son. When he meets his new neighbor, he knows he should resist any attraction. A feisty pony mare mysteriously appears on his land and adds to his problems but a larger problem lies ahead.
Two matchmaking spirits find their carefully laid plans may not go as smoothly as they hope.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2025
2 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Hywela Lyn
9 books163 followersFor as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed reading and writing Westerns, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adventure stories - always with a strong romantic element.
My first novel, 'Starquest', a futuristic romance was published by The Wild Rose Press, followed by a sequel, 'Children of the Mist'. A third story in what has become 'The Destiny trilogy' 'Beloved Enemy',was published in 2016 and I'm delighted that it was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists Association 2017 RoMNA Award and was runner up for the RONE 2017 awards and winner of the 'Best Banter' contest in the SF/Fantasy categories. My novella about the Greek Muse, Terpsichore, set in 5th Century Wales and originally published by TWRP, is also available, on Amazon, from Smashwords or my website. Look out for my new book, THE MATCHMAKER'S MARE a sweet paranormal equestrian romance published by the Wild Rose Press on 5th May 2025.
(More details on my website)
A horse and dog lover, I live with a little terrier called Choccy, adopted by my late husband and I, and who rules the house. (Oh, and in case you're wondering, 'Hywela' is Welsh and is my first name. Since I've always been called by my second name, Lyn, I thought I'd combine the two and use Hywela Lyn as my pen name)`
Member of The Romantic Novelists Association and Chiltern Writers
My first novel, 'Starquest', a futuristic romance was published by The Wild Rose Press, followed by a sequel, 'Children of the Mist'. A third story in what has become 'The Destiny trilogy' 'Beloved Enemy',was published in 2016 and I'm delighted that it was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists Association 2017 RoMNA Award and was runner up for the RONE 2017 awards and winner of the 'Best Banter' contest in the SF/Fantasy categories. My novella about the Greek Muse, Terpsichore, set in 5th Century Wales and originally published by TWRP, is also available, on Amazon, from Smashwords or my website. Look out for my new book, THE MATCHMAKER'S MARE a sweet paranormal equestrian romance published by the Wild Rose Press on 5th May 2025.
(More details on my website)
A horse and dog lover, I live with a little terrier called Choccy, adopted by my late husband and I, and who rules the house. (Oh, and in case you're wondering, 'Hywela' is Welsh and is my first name. Since I've always been called by my second name, Lyn, I thought I'd combine the two and use Hywela Lyn as my pen name)`
Member of The Romantic Novelists Association and Chiltern Writers
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 15, 2025
The Matchmaker's Mare by Hywela Lyn was special, enjoyable and funny. I was engaged from start to end.
Megan left the city life for the Welsh countryside. Here she meets Glyn and his son, they immediatly establish a good relationship, but when their feelings grow, also their fears for their failed past relationships are felt, and they need a little supernatural push.
I immensely liked how the author crafted this storyline: old spirits and modern characters cohabit excellently the pages of this book.
If clean, slow burn romance stories with a sprinkle of magic are your cup of tea, this is the perfect book for you.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
May 15, 2025
The Matchmaker's Mare is a relatively short, easy to read in one sitting book.
The characters are engaging and well developed. The settings of Wales were perfect and easily visualised.
While it wasn't the ghost story I was expecting - I needed more of the haunted house - it was nevertheless an enjoyable, captivating romance.
3.5 🌟
The characters are engaging and well developed. The settings of Wales were perfect and easily visualised.
While it wasn't the ghost story I was expecting - I needed more of the haunted house - it was nevertheless an enjoyable, captivating romance.
3.5 🌟
May 4, 2025
The opening of the story is set in the past, and we meet Rhiannon and Sienco as they flee from Rhiannon’s family, who are determined to see her betrothed to another. As they make their escape, the prequel ends with the jilted suitor catching up with them, and then we fast-forward into the present day.
After learning that she has inherited a cottage in Wales, veterinary nurse Megan Johnson makes the bold move to leave her past behind her and move to the Welsh countryside. Luckily, she secures a new position with a local vet, and the transition proves to be simple. She agrees to take a diversion on her way home from work and make a delivery to local horse trainer, Glyn Phillips.
Glyn’s son has discovered a pony on his land and agrees to provide shelter and try to train it. The feisty mare is not compliant with training until Glyn’s son steps in; remarkably, she is gentle when he is around.
Rhiannon soon finds herself drawn to Glyn, and the feeling seems mutual, but they have both been burned in the past, so caution is called for. In the background, there are strange happenings in Rhiannon’s cottage, such as rearranged belongings and a hint of lavender in the air. Those touches were perfectly handled, and I was more than ready to learn more about the root cause of the phenomenon.
This simple, innocent tale drew on the relationship from the past as well as the burgeoning attraction between the trainer and the veterinary nurse. Plenty of lingering looks and unspoken feelings as Rhiannon resolves to wait until Glyn is finally divorced and actually available to her.
I did enjoy this book, and it made a refreshing change to my usual selections. The pace is gentle, and the romance builds slowly but steadily as they become more aware of their feelings. Of course there are a few flies in the ointment before we reach the lovely ending.
I absolutely loved the lightness of the storytelling and the faint voices from the past. Cleverly presented and thoroughly engaging.
A new author to me and a quick read but I am pleased that I took the risk and agreed to read this one.
After learning that she has inherited a cottage in Wales, veterinary nurse Megan Johnson makes the bold move to leave her past behind her and move to the Welsh countryside. Luckily, she secures a new position with a local vet, and the transition proves to be simple. She agrees to take a diversion on her way home from work and make a delivery to local horse trainer, Glyn Phillips.
Glyn’s son has discovered a pony on his land and agrees to provide shelter and try to train it. The feisty mare is not compliant with training until Glyn’s son steps in; remarkably, she is gentle when he is around.
Rhiannon soon finds herself drawn to Glyn, and the feeling seems mutual, but they have both been burned in the past, so caution is called for. In the background, there are strange happenings in Rhiannon’s cottage, such as rearranged belongings and a hint of lavender in the air. Those touches were perfectly handled, and I was more than ready to learn more about the root cause of the phenomenon.
This simple, innocent tale drew on the relationship from the past as well as the burgeoning attraction between the trainer and the veterinary nurse. Plenty of lingering looks and unspoken feelings as Rhiannon resolves to wait until Glyn is finally divorced and actually available to her.
I did enjoy this book, and it made a refreshing change to my usual selections. The pace is gentle, and the romance builds slowly but steadily as they become more aware of their feelings. Of course there are a few flies in the ointment before we reach the lovely ending.
I absolutely loved the lightness of the storytelling and the faint voices from the past. Cleverly presented and thoroughly engaging.
A new author to me and a quick read but I am pleased that I took the risk and agreed to read this one.
May 14, 2025
This was a lovely story.
Megan inherits a quaint cottage in the Welsh countryside. Her nearest neighbor is a single Dad who also raises horses.
This was an easy to read book. It has a paranormal side along with some romance. It’s the perfect book for a romantic horse lover.
Megan inherits a quaint cottage in the Welsh countryside. Her nearest neighbor is a single Dad who also raises horses.
This was an easy to read book. It has a paranormal side along with some romance. It’s the perfect book for a romantic horse lover.
June 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Heartfelt Journey of Love, Healing, and Quiet Magic
The Matchmaker’s Mare is a beautifully woven paranormal romance that pulled me in from the very first page. Hywela Lyn has crafted a tender and atmospheric story set in the hauntingly beautiful Welsh countryside a perfect backdrop for a tale of healing, unexpected love, and just a hint of the mystical.
Megan is a relatable and strong heroine, and her decision to start over after heartbreak felt deeply real. Glyn, the single dad and enigmatic horse trainer, is the kind of romantic lead that quietly steals your heart. Their chemistry is gentle and believable, unfolding in a way that’s both comforting and emotionally satisfying.
The subtle paranormal element adds a layer of intrigue without overpowering the romance, and the horses especially the mare almost feel like characters of their own.
This story reminded me of the emotional depth of The Horse Whisperer and the romantic charm of Nora Roberts’ Irish trilogies. If you enjoy second-chance love stories with a mystical twist and a strong sense of place, this book is a must read.
Absolutely loved it and I’ll be recommending it to every romance reader I know!
A Heartfelt Journey of Love, Healing, and Quiet Magic
The Matchmaker’s Mare is a beautifully woven paranormal romance that pulled me in from the very first page. Hywela Lyn has crafted a tender and atmospheric story set in the hauntingly beautiful Welsh countryside a perfect backdrop for a tale of healing, unexpected love, and just a hint of the mystical.
Megan is a relatable and strong heroine, and her decision to start over after heartbreak felt deeply real. Glyn, the single dad and enigmatic horse trainer, is the kind of romantic lead that quietly steals your heart. Their chemistry is gentle and believable, unfolding in a way that’s both comforting and emotionally satisfying.
The subtle paranormal element adds a layer of intrigue without overpowering the romance, and the horses especially the mare almost feel like characters of their own.
This story reminded me of the emotional depth of The Horse Whisperer and the romantic charm of Nora Roberts’ Irish trilogies. If you enjoy second-chance love stories with a mystical twist and a strong sense of place, this book is a must read.
Absolutely loved it and I’ll be recommending it to every romance reader I know!
May 9, 2025
What a lovely book!
This book immediately drew me in because of the horse in the front! Horses are in my blood, so it was inevitable that I would be sucked into this story.
The story follows Megan as she inherits a house from a family member and also Glyn, who is a single Dad and is dedicated to his son.
I absolutely loved Megan. She was a great character. Kind and caring, I was almost immediately rooting for her and Glyn's romance to begin as it was clear that these 2 were going to be good for each other.
Not Glyn was a fantastic character and I loved how he was also a horse trainer and it shone through the writing that Hywelda knows A LOT about horses which was great as it helped meld the story together and create realism.
The introduction of the ghosts was a lovely twist, and I enjoyed seeing this story thread swirl around the main romance and add yet another layer.
This is the first time I have read any books by this author, but I loved Hywelda's writing style, and I will be reading more by her in the future!
If you love horses, romance, and a dash of the supernatural all set in the gorgeous backdrop of Wales, then this is one for you!
This book immediately drew me in because of the horse in the front! Horses are in my blood, so it was inevitable that I would be sucked into this story.
The story follows Megan as she inherits a house from a family member and also Glyn, who is a single Dad and is dedicated to his son.
I absolutely loved Megan. She was a great character. Kind and caring, I was almost immediately rooting for her and Glyn's romance to begin as it was clear that these 2 were going to be good for each other.
Not Glyn was a fantastic character and I loved how he was also a horse trainer and it shone through the writing that Hywelda knows A LOT about horses which was great as it helped meld the story together and create realism.
The introduction of the ghosts was a lovely twist, and I enjoyed seeing this story thread swirl around the main romance and add yet another layer.
This is the first time I have read any books by this author, but I loved Hywelda's writing style, and I will be reading more by her in the future!
If you love horses, romance, and a dash of the supernatural all set in the gorgeous backdrop of Wales, then this is one for you!
August 19, 2025
From the first moment she set foot inside her new home in the Welsh countryside, Megan feels at home. It’s the fresh start she’s been craving. When she meets her neighbor, Glyn, her heart jolts with attraction. There’s something about him. She can’t put her finger on it but with every moment together, the harder she falls. What she doesn’t realize is that there are two matchmaking spirits hard at work behind the scenes. Can Megan overcome her fears when it comes to love or will Glyn break her heart?
The Matchmaker’s Mare is a paranormal romance set in the Welsh countryside. From the first page until the last, I was captivated. The descriptive narration is immersive and draws the reader into the story. The setting of Wales is expertly described, so much so, I feel like I traveled to Wales while reading. The world-building is flawless, especially the paranormal parts. The slow-burn romance had me whipping through the pages. The characters are easy to connect with and leap from the pages.
The Matchmaker’s Mare is truly unforgettable, and I can’t recommend it enough.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
The Matchmaker’s Mare is a paranormal romance set in the Welsh countryside. From the first page until the last, I was captivated. The descriptive narration is immersive and draws the reader into the story. The setting of Wales is expertly described, so much so, I feel like I traveled to Wales while reading. The world-building is flawless, especially the paranormal parts. The slow-burn romance had me whipping through the pages. The characters are easy to connect with and leap from the pages.
The Matchmaker’s Mare is truly unforgettable, and I can’t recommend it enough.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
March 27, 2025
This is a beautifully written love story with a creative touch of the paranormal. Megan leaves the city behind to live in a little house that is left to her by a relative in the serene countryside of Wales. What she doesn’t know is that it is haunted by ghost lovers, and one is a matchmaker. Glyn is a neighboring rancher raising his son by himself. His past is a mystery, and rumors abound in town about his estranged wife. With a bit of help from the ghostly matchmaker, Megan grows closer to Glyn and his young son. The matchmaker’s mare was magically gifted to Glyn’s boy. The youngster is the only person who can ride her. As Megan and Glyn get closer, Glyn’s estranged wife shows up, throwing a wrench into their budding relationship. A terrifying incident involving Glyn’s son and the matchmaker’s mare occurs. Now, Megan and Glyn must search their hearts. All the characters and situations are perfectly drawn. Hywela Lyn builds tension with craft and composure. The setting is vivid and breathtaking. This is a sweet read and a satisfying one.
May 10, 2025
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
This is a charming contemporary romance set in West Wales. When Megan inherits a beautiful cottage, she hopes to get away and put her painful past behind her. She meets Glyn, who tells her about a pony he's found, with no apparent owner. Glyn also tells Megan about a legend surrounding the cottage. Soon, Megan realises that she may have gained something more than just a new home.
I found this a romantic and heartwarming story, with a little sprinkle of magic and mystery. I appreciated the Welsh countryside setting; I enjoyed how the author worked with it, bringing it to life on the pages. I also enjoyed the more mysterious element of the story, and how that worked with the romance. It was easy to read in one sitting too.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This is a charming contemporary romance set in West Wales. When Megan inherits a beautiful cottage, she hopes to get away and put her painful past behind her. She meets Glyn, who tells her about a pony he's found, with no apparent owner. Glyn also tells Megan about a legend surrounding the cottage. Soon, Megan realises that she may have gained something more than just a new home.
I found this a romantic and heartwarming story, with a little sprinkle of magic and mystery. I appreciated the Welsh countryside setting; I enjoyed how the author worked with it, bringing it to life on the pages. I also enjoyed the more mysterious element of the story, and how that worked with the romance. It was easy to read in one sitting too.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
April 19, 2025
The Matchmaker’s Mare by Hywela Lyn is a contemporary fantasy that I read in just one sitting.
It is set in West Wales, a wild and rugged landscape, a place of myths and legends. A matchmaker and her husband forever roam the landscape, still making matches in death as in life.
We see the weather mirroring the turmoil when a character has a dilemma and a disappointment.
There is the importance of family. Family is about love and care, not about money and possessions.
The characters were well drawn. Most were warm and welcoming; one was cold and calculating.
Animals make a house into a home. Horses were central to the novel.
The Matchmaker’s Mare was a perfect read for a spring afternoon.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
It is set in West Wales, a wild and rugged landscape, a place of myths and legends. A matchmaker and her husband forever roam the landscape, still making matches in death as in life.
We see the weather mirroring the turmoil when a character has a dilemma and a disappointment.
There is the importance of family. Family is about love and care, not about money and possessions.
The characters were well drawn. Most were warm and welcoming; one was cold and calculating.
Animals make a house into a home. Horses were central to the novel.
The Matchmaker’s Mare was a perfect read for a spring afternoon.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
May 8, 2025
As expected, this is a sweet romantic love story with a mystical twist. It begins in the past, with a young woman escaping on her mare from her home to be with her lover. Then the story moves to 2023, and another young woman inherits a Welsh cottage from a distant relative. She loves animals and meets her neighbour, a horse trainer, through her work at a local vet's. A young mare appears at the trainer's yard and connects with his young son. The mystical touches in this story are well written, and the significance of the mare is known by the reader, but not to the present-day characters. I like the setting, the mystical ethos and the romance, which makes this an enjoyable story, with an emotional romance at its heart, with echoes from a tragic past.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
May 5, 2025
The Matchmaker's Mare is a cleverly crafted sweet little story with a bit of suspense, ghostly spirits and romance all intertwined to make a entertaining tale. Meghan has inherited a old cottage and her neighbour Glyn has found himself with a feisty pony who will allow no-one but Glyn's young son to ride him. When Glyn's ex wife turns up trouble seems to follow but the spirits are watching. I love the style of writing which mixed in a little bit of the paranormal to be believable. I found it to be a quick and exciting read that I didn't want to end and when it did I wanted more even though it is summarised perfectly I was truly enjoying the uniqueness of the writing. I would recommend the book to most everyone!
May 11, 2025
The Matchmaker’s Mare is a lovely contemporary romance set in Wales, my first read by the author and I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the writing.
I loved the element of the paranormal in this, it was a pleasant surprise and made such a difference to the story, really enjoyed reading our ghost lovers entwined with the main romance.
I loved the characters, so well fleshed out and thoroughly relatable. Hywela’s storytelling is good, she builds tension really well, the descriptions of the scenery are vivid and clear in your mind. Overall , this was a sweet story and a delightful to read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the element of the paranormal in this, it was a pleasant surprise and made such a difference to the story, really enjoyed reading our ghost lovers entwined with the main romance.
I loved the characters, so well fleshed out and thoroughly relatable. Hywela’s storytelling is good, she builds tension really well, the descriptions of the scenery are vivid and clear in your mind. Overall , this was a sweet story and a delightful to read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 11, 2026
I went in expecting a cozy horse story and got a charming romance with a fun thread of mystery running through it. Megan’s fresh start in a Welsh cottage feels real, and the “demon” pony plus the strange little happenings kept me turning pages. The slow-burn connection with Glyn is sweet without feeling rushed.
March 11, 2026
This book has such a warm countryside vibe, but it also knows how to pull you in with questions you actually want answered. The pony Seren is a scene-stealer, and the haunted-cottage atmosphere adds just the right edge to the romance. I finished it feeling satisfied and a little tempted to move to West Wales myself.
May 10, 2025
A lovely gentle romance set in the Welsh hills. The ghostly goings on were lightly threaded in throughout and I enjoyed the ghosts playful point of view. It was a welcome escape and reminded me of those timeless classic films aired on a Saturday afternoon.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews