Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

An Undaunted Matchmaker

Rate this book
Not everything that glitters is gold in California gold rush country. Eve Molloy passionately imports six young ladies from the San Francisco Hibernia Orphanage to Eureka, California, to meet the loves of their lives. But Eve refuses to prospect that gold mine herself. Eve is determined to return to the orphanage and bring six more young ladies waiting their turn to match with a husband.

Problem is, Eve travelled to the gold rush boomtown expecting to link up with her uncle who financed her trip. But robbers murder Eve’s uncle, which leaves her penniless and stranded in the woman-hungry town.

Rafe Riley, a wealthy mortician, fights to overcome the galaxy of males desiring to marry Eve. But the independent Irish matchmaker has no desire to lose her freedom and hates the mortuary business. She prefers working a gold mining claim.

Does the Ultimate Matchmaker have a different plan for Eve?

Audible Audio

Published March 6, 2024

4 people are currently reading
15 people want to read

About the author

Anne Greene

124 books438 followers
Anne Greene is an award winning author.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
29 (65%)
4 stars
14 (31%)
3 stars
1 (2%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Connie Saunders.
1,877 reviews161 followers
February 19, 2022
An Undaunted Matchmaker is a lovely novella that is set in 1850, as Eve Molloy finds herself alone in Eureka, California, robbed of her possessions, and needing to get back to San Francisco. Eve is stunning in appearance, but her inner beauty is even more alluring, because she has made it her mission to find suitable husbands for the young girls who are no longer permitted to live at the Hibernia Orphanage. Eve herself was an orphan there, and she fully understands the danger that unmarried eighteen-year-old girls face. Rafe Riley is the mortician in Eureka, and he is immediately smitten with Eve, but sadly, she's isn't as impressed with him. Oh, yes, he is good looking and seems to be very kind, but he touches dead bodies! Will Mr. Riley be able to convince this Matchmaker from San Francisco that he is the perfect match for her?

I was immersed in this story immediately, and I found myself smiling at Eve's determination to resist Rafe's charms. It's apparent that they truly are meant to be together, and it's obvious that he is everything she wants in a husband. Anne Greene has a knack for creating intriguing characters, placing them in exciting adventures, and including interesting historical details of the time and place. Panning for gold in this Gold Rush country is a big part of this story, and Greene perfectly describes the people and the lust and greed that can sometimes overtake men. She also shares how God and faith can help all of us overcome our desires.

An Undaunted Matchmaker is a captivating story with adventure, love, and a powerful faith message. I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.

I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation of a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

My full review can be seen at https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot....
Profile Image for Jeanie.
1,332 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2022
The Undaunted Matchmaker is such an enjoyable story! The era and setting are among those I like to read about, during the 1850’s gold rush in California. The main characters, Eve and Rafe, come to life through their behaviors and realistic conversations, and their faith in the Lord.

Eve came to Eureka from San Francisco, bringing six young women who aged out of the orphanage they grew up in. There was very little in life for young single women without families other than marriage or questionable employment. Eve had an uncle in Eureka with a gold claim. He investigated potential bridegrooms to make sure they were Christians, able to care for a wife, and upstanding community members.

Eve had been at the wedding of the sixth young woman and was ready to return to San Francisco until thieves broke into her rented room, robbed her, and ran off. Rafe, who owned the only mortuary, had arrived at the boarding house when she ran downstairs after them, but it was too late for to catch the thieves. Rafe had even worse news for Eve. Her uncle’s remains had been delivered to the mortuary; he had been robbed and murdered. Rafe had been there as one of the bachelors when the brides met with and chose their prospective husbands. Rafe was totally smitten – with Eve. All she wanted was to return to San Francisco. Marriage was great for other ladies, but Eve wanted to be independent and make sure that other young ladies choosing marriage met quality men.

The author’s excellent research has offered an excellent portrayal of the time period and setting. I’m not sure I could have done what Eve did with the only thing her uncle had for her to inherit. Gold mining was hard work, often with little or no return. I was fascinated watching Eve adapt to the working and living conditions and still come back to town for church every week. I was also interested in Rafe’s hobby, something still very new in the 1850’s. Rafe’s interest in Eve was evident to everyone he knew, including his childhood friend, Danny, who was running to be the next mayor. He almost always wanted what Rafe had. Danny went out to meet Eve at the claim. She refused to be courted by Danny, also, saying that she had the perfect potential bride for him, an orphan who will be one of the next girls she will bring.

Eve and Rafe are very likable, and it was easy for me to get invested in them. There is much more depth to the characters than being attracted to each other. Rafe and Eve both demonstrate spiritual lessons to the reader that are important for folks of any age. We meet a courageous young woman of faith who wants to earn her way and better herself, even as her work as a matchmaker helps other young women with limited opportunities improve. I admire Rafe for the way he listens to what Eve without telling her what to do. The resolution of this story was perfect and satisfying. This well-written novella can easily be enjoyed on a peaceful afternoon or evening. I highly recommend it to older teens and women who like Christian historical fiction set in the mining towns of the 1850’s, technology of the time, strong women, and Christian values.

From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Marilyn.
1,294 reviews
March 4, 2022
This historical romance novella is a quick read that is filled with action from the start. Eve’s passion and determination to remain single so she could assist aged out orphan young ladies was her only goal. Rafe was determined to win her love and take her as his wife, despite her telling him no. The events, history, a gentle faith message made this a delightful story with a beautiful ending that all hearts can be healed and changed through love. Greene knows how to capture her readers with strong characters, history, romance and faith.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author without any obligation to write a review. I have shared my own opinion.
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,148 reviews85 followers
July 7, 2022
An Undaunted Matchmaker by Anne Green is a captivating tale. I found myself immersed in this charming story with adventure, romance, and faith. I thought An Undaunted Matchmaker was well-written with steady pacing. I liked Eve Molloy who is determined to provide matches for women from the San Francisco Hibernia Orphanage. Rafe Riley is a great character. Rafe wishes to help Eve when she finds herself without funds, but she is a stubborn woman. Eve finds herself panning for gold in Eureka, California. Panning for gold is arduous work with little reward. Few made it rich searching for gold in rivers. The author captured the time and place. I like that she provides interesting historical tidbits. I enjoyed the author’s vivid descriptions. She brought the scenery alive for me. Lust and greed can make people do terrible things. The desires can be overcome with faith in God. I enjoyed the satisfying ending. I found reading An Undaunted Matchmaker to be a delightful way to spend the afternoon.
Profile Image for Zoraida Luciano.
107 reviews29 followers
March 15, 2022
Eve Molloy is a matchmaker in the small wild town . Due to her unles untimely demise she aims to work his gold claim to return to the orphanage she grew up in to bring more ladies to wed. The towns very rich and handsome mortician has other plans for her. He wants to wed Ms Molloy
Eve and Rafe are very strong characters who are both strong willed, have deep faith in God and are both honest and intriguing considering tge time of this book. It is this a that will lead them to bond and get to know each other. Their faith will lead them in the right directions for each.
A great and easy light read. Filled with love, trustworthy characters and true faith. A book for everyone who loves the Wild West and the amazing people you meet along the way. Thank you Anne Green for writing and sharing this ARC.
Is is entirely my own voluntary review along with my own opinion of the story.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,163 reviews53 followers
March 28, 2022
This novella was a sweet love story about Rafe Riley’s persistence in winning Eve Molloy’s heart. His protectiveness, resoluteness, and providing food for her while she is trying to pan for gold showed how much he loved Eve. She just had to realize that herself!

Eve’s determination to help young women make a better life for themselves makes you want her to succeed. Matchmaking was more than just money, it was Eve’s ministry and what she felt passionately called to do. I enjoyed reading this novel with a Christian message. If you like clean western romances, you will enjoy reading this story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. The opinion is my own.
Profile Image for Sherry Brown.
970 reviews111 followers
March 13, 2022
As always Anne Greene has captivated me with An Undaunted Matchmaker novella. There is excitement, romance, and the characters are wonderful !!! Love it!!!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. The opinion is my own.
Profile Image for Crystal.
530 reviews25 followers
March 4, 2022
This book by Anne Greene was wonderful. It was interesting, intriguing, mysterious, romantic in it's own way, a page turner, easy to read, action packed and so much more.
I love the fact that Eve helped young girls from an orphanage find husbands and how the author built the story on the matchmaking fact. Loved the plot twists and turns.
After reading this book, I felt their should be a sequel to the book of sorts. I won't tell you the ending for the fact I don't want to spoil it for you but felt the book ended in a way their may be a sequel to this book. OH I hope their is a sequel to this book.
**I was given a copy of the print book and asked to give my honest review. The review above is my honest opinion.**
Profile Image for Anne Rightler.
2,000 reviews35 followers
March 3, 2022
An Undaunted Matchmaker is a sweet romance novella by Anne Greene. The characters are captivating. Eve is strong, capable, and compassionate. Having brought six young lady orphans as brides for men in the mid-1800s mining town of Eureka, California, she ends up being stranded with no way back to San Francisco. Rafe, a wealthy businessman in Eureka, finds himself enchanted by this beautiful matchmaker. Watching their relationship unfold and their faith hold firm kept my interest as there were a number of struggles and circumstances that developed. I enjoy this author's work and readers who like historical romance fiction will not want to miss this delightful novella.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book and was not expected to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Julie Barrett.
9,276 reviews210 followers
February 13, 2022
An Undaunted Matchmaker by Anne Greene
This book starts out with dedication page then the story.
Story follows Eve Malloy an Irish woman who teaches at the orphanage in San Francisco. She had brought six women who were no longer eligible to stay at the orphanage as they were over 18 so she sought out husbands for them in Eureka.
She loved matching them with men that worshipped God.
The story also follows Rafe RIley as he comes across Eve and has some bad news for her about her uncle.
He is also the mortician and tends to many who have fallen on tough times mining for gold in Eureka, CA.
He even opens his own place and sees over the ceremonies.
She does not want to marry him even after meeting his mother who lives with him in the huge mansion. After she had been robbed of her earnings and no longer has money to make it back to get another group of women that seek husbands.
She has a hard road ahead of her but is glad to know she's inherited her uncles things, one being a shanty and claim. She pans for gold...
Many others help her but she relies on God and his guidance to make it through the toughest of days.
Love hearing about how she took on a man that could pan for her, just food and a bit of land to place his tent is all he wants. He's also been paid to watch out for her...
She hates Rafe's job and lets him know it. He hates it also and does something about it. He thinks Eve might pick up with the new mayor and know he has to make his move soon or lose her.
Love the direction this book takes, so many detailed descriptions of the time frame. So precise and clear.
Love learning about the history of our country in other areas that I'm unfamiliar with.
Excerpt from Dollar Brides is included at the end. About the author, her listings of books, and how to contact her are also included at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Profile Image for Sharon.
700 reviews
March 1, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. The opinion is my own. A delightful inspirational story. Loved the setting and the determination of the main character. I definitely recommend reading!
Profile Image for Susan.
651 reviews30 followers
February 24, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters of Eve and Rafe. Eve was helping girls from the orphanage find a husband. She was determined to that nothing could stand in her way and was not looking for a husband for herself. Rafe was just as determined that Eve would be his wife. I loved reading how they worked through their differences. I would recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. The opinion is my own.
1,176 reviews16 followers
February 23, 2022
What a wonderful short story! She brings orphanage brides to good handpicked men, gets robbed and has to find a way to earn enough money to go back and bring another 6 young ladies out to match to good men. Delightful story how one man decides she is the match for him and the story of how he tries to win her.
12.8k reviews191 followers
February 21, 2022
A beautiful story of Eve who tries to find suitable husbands for the women who can no longer stay at the Orphanage. Makes you believe in the goodness of people still.
Profile Image for Gina.
2,446 reviews33 followers
February 18, 2022
Orphan train

I loved our hero and his faith. He knows he want to marry the heroine but she does not want to give up her job. She wants to bring another group of orphans to be mail order brides. He does everything he can to show he cares for her. He depends on his faith to get her to love him. Who couldn't love such a hero?
Profile Image for Kay Garrett.
633 reviews96 followers
March 21, 2022
AN UNDAUNTED MATCHMAKER by Anne Greene is an exciting novella centered round Eve Molloy and her matchmaking business during the gold rush of California.

Having been brought up in an orphanage herself, she knew the hardships of being tossed out in the world ill prepared as an adult. She found a way to make her way in the world while helping others like herself by opening a matchmaking service. This trip had her taking six young ladies from the San Francisco Hibernia Orphanage to lonely males trying their hands at striking it rich in Eureka, California who are seeking companionship. The girls got to meet the prospective grooms that Eve had screened as possible matches. This trip she had successful matched all of the six girls. With money from her fees in her possession, she’s preparing to return home to start the process all over again. Until…..she’s robbed of everything she has. However will she return home? What can she do to earn money to be able to do so? After the murder of her uncle who lives in the boom town and helped finance the trip, she has no one to turn to.

Unbeknownst to Eve, Rafe Riley, a wealthy mortician in town, was one of the males looking for a bride. He, however, had his sights set on Eve. Strong willed Eve has no intentions of being tied down losing the freedom she’s waited so long to have. Instead, she decides to work her uncle’s gold mine.

Will Eve strike it rich earning the funds to go back to San Francisco? Attracted to Rafe as she is, could she ever get over his occupation? Will she ever see Rafe truly for the kind hearted, loving man he is? Will she be able to return to the orphanage to give the girls waiting on her a chance at a better life?

AN UNDAUNTED MATCHMAKER is a wonderfully written novella that keeps your interest from page one. Anne Greene gives us a glimpse of how life was back during the gold rush both from the miners to the unfortunate orphans of the time. It’s a story with a faith thread that will have your hoping that both Eve and Rafe find their happily ever after - - with each other. A quick read that is definitely worth FIVE STARS!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to do so and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Paty.
423 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2022
This was a sweet and enjoyable read!
Eve Molloy has been robbed of all of her earnings! She's a professional matchmaker and traveled from San Francisco to Eureka to position 6 girls with 6 good christian men in need of a wife in Eureka. Her uncle helps her choose 12 decent man so her girls can choose. Eureka is a mining town with scarce women, so her idea works pretty well. Rafe Riley is a wealthy mortician who is one of those 12 men in need of a wife. But he falls hard for Eve and asks her to marry him after she is left without a penny by the thieves. He also has some bad news for her. But Eve is not interested in marriage, much less with a man of such a profession whom she just met. Plus, she has more girls from the Hibernia Orphanage that she wants to bring to Eureka to meet the other men. Will Rafe convince her to give him a chance at love?
This was a sweet novella, with a sassy heroine and adventure in a mining town. I liked the descriptions of the place and era. The Golden Rush has always interested me, and the difficulties of mining as well as the thrill of finding gold. Eve was a strong and determined woman, and I liked her spunk, but especially that she was a woman of God, and that she wanted to marry someone she loved, and not out of need of protection. There is a faith inspired thread in the book and I liked that. The romance was sweet. I was only sad that the book ended too fast! It was very short!
Still, it was fast paced and enjoyable. I recommend it to historical romance lovers!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but wasn't required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
1,093 reviews10 followers
April 12, 2022
An Undaunted Matchmaker was an entertaining historical Gold Rush era novella that featured a young woman who found husbands for girls who had aged out of the orphanage where she taught. Robbed and stranded in Eureka after the wedding of the last girl she had brought from San Francisco, Eve was determined to find a job to fund another trip back home. Rafe, who owned the town mortuary, was determined to convince Eve to marry him but she was determined that her true calling was to help the other girls find husbands.

I enjoyed the story, especially the details of historic Eureka where a niece now lives. The plot moved at a steady pace and characters were well developed. At times I felt that Eve was just a bit fickle but was able to overlook that that because of her generous heart. Rafe was a great hero and I was hoping throughout the story that he and Eve would end up together.

An Undaunted Matchmaker is a quick read and perfect for those days when you want something light and entertaining.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Gail Hollingsworth.
1,026 reviews55 followers
March 22, 2022
This was another great novella by Anne Greene. Set in 1850 California during the Gold Rush, it starts off with a “bang”! Eve Molloy is robbed of all her money at gun point in her room at the boarding house in small town Eureka. She is left penniless with no way to return to her job in San Francisco. She is a matchmaker for young eighteen year old women that have outgrown the orphanage where they were raised.
I admired her spunk and courage and also her independence, which was unusual for this time period. She rejects every offer of help from Rafe Riley, the town’s mortician. Other men seek her company as well but she rejects all attention shown to her. She looks for a job but is turned away from many. What will she do? What a great character for me to pull for and care about! I would love a sequel to this story.
I received a complimentary copy of this novella but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise, all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Amanda Gardner.
58 reviews16 followers
March 19, 2022
This book is set back 1850 Coal mining for Gold. It’s starts off with the story of Eve Mollory . An Irish lady that works to help the older orphans find a good Christian man in an town called Eureka California. Once there she got the young ladies matched up . Getting ready to leave Eve gets robbed with all her money gone she had no way of getting back to the orphanage.
Rage Riley an Mortician in the town see Eve and falls for her right there . Eve has no desire to be matched with any one all she wants is enough money to get back to the orphanage to help the other girls before it’s to late . What will Eve do get back to them ?
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a cute little story to read .
1,660 reviews14 followers
March 21, 2022
The time is 1850. The place is Eureka, CA during the gold rush. Eve has just delivered 6 girls over 18 to eager husbands. The girls were aging out of the orphanage where Eve works. When Eve is held up at gunpoint, she must find a way to earn enough money to return to the orphanage. Her plan is to return with several other potential brides.

The mortician has taken a liking to Eve. He is very wealthy, but he hates his work. He loves photography and preaching.

Eve doesn't want to be married to a wealthy mortician, but he is determined to do what it takes to win her heart and her hand.

I think this book is most suited for a young Christian reader.

I was provided with a free copy of the book. This is my honest review.
655 reviews6 followers
March 30, 2022
An Undaunted Matchmaker by Anne Greene is set in the gold rush era of the 1850’s. It is an easy to read, entertaining short story about a woman who takes six women from an orphanage to meet the men they will marry. When Eva brings the women to town, she meets the charming Rafe Riley who falls for her on the spot. They match wits as he relentlessly pursues her hand in marriage and she declines because she’s determined to continue her matchmaking calling. I loved reading this short, well written entertaining book. I would love to see this turn into a matchmaking series. I read it in one sitting. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. The opinion is my own and I rated it a five.
361 reviews6 followers
April 7, 2022
A historical romance, set in 1850. Eve Molloy, a woman who is greatly concerned for the welfare of aged out orphan girls in San Francisco. She travels to Eureka, California with 6 young ladies to marry them off. She is robbed and deserted with no way to return to San Francisco.

Rafe Riley immediately falls for Eve and pursues to court her. Even though she has no desire to marry. What is Rafe willing to do to win Eve's hand in marriage?

Anne Greene writes clean romance novellas that capture your heart and thoughts. Her books are steeped in faith and sound Christian messages. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Anita.
721 reviews28 followers
March 23, 2026
Eve Molloy works for and orphanage. She has taken on the task of bringing some of the young ladies who have aged out of the orphanage to the town of Eureka, California, to help them find a husband. After successfully matching the young ladies, she if robbed of the money that she needs to return to her job at the orphanage. Her uncle, who had helped her find proper men for the ladies is also murdered. With no one to turn to, she if forced to find a job to earn the money she needs. She meets Rafe Riley, who wants Eve to become his wife, but she wants to keep matching the ladies because they have no one else to help them.
I really enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Mary Stalnaker.
294 reviews14 followers
March 27, 2022
I really enjoyed Eve's story. She is a matchmaker taking women from an orphanage to meet the loves of their lives. Unfortunately, things don't work out quite like she expected. Her uncle, who financed the trip, has been murdered and Eve has no funds. In steps Rafe Riley, a mortician. This is a short story that goes really quickly. But it's quite enjoyable. The author really has a gift for developing her characters and having the readers really connect with them. I highly recommend this book. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. The opinion is my own.
544 reviews7 followers
March 20, 2022
A Historical novella that takes place in Eureka, Calif., 1850, during a time where robbery and murder was commonplace during the Gold Rush. Anne Greene once again shows the strength of a young Christian woman determined to help young ladies find a husband of good, Christian standard, but not for herself. A delightful read of how all things work towards the glory of God.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. The opinion is my own.
Profile Image for Christina.
38 reviews4 followers
June 21, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. The opinion is my own.
Take a little trip back to 1850 in Eureka, CA during the Gold Rush. Spend some time getting to know Eve and Rafe. This is the perfect book to read for a few hours while sitting on the porch enjoying the breeze of a summer morning/evening.
Thank you, Anne Greene, for writing clean historical fiction for us to enjoy.
736 reviews
March 21, 2022
This is a different twist to mail order brides. Set in 1850 in Eureka California, Eve Molloy grew up in an orphanage and now that she has come of age, has endeavored to find husbands for other girls from the orphanage as they come of age. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. The opinion is my own.
7 reviews
Read
April 4, 2022
This Novella is wonderful! The Gold Rush of the 1850's is the setting and story really comes alive with Eve bring six orphans to the west to find good Christian marriages. Eve meets Rafe the local mortician and with all the obstacles confronting them, their faith in God keeps them going. I received a complimentary copy this book but this review is my own.
Profile Image for Kim Paulus.
301 reviews8 followers
December 11, 2022
Fun short read about a woman that is passionate about helping girls orphaned and have reached the age of being released on their own. Eve travels to see her uncle in California along with six girls to place with their future husbands. When she arrives she finds that her uncle was murdered. What is she to do now? She has no money left. How will she get back to the orphanage? A book with a HEA.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews