Marrying the Matchmaker

A Shanahan Match #4

by Jody Hedlund

As the middle child of the Shanahan family, Zaira does her best to keep the peace. She doesn't share her dream of becoming a published author with her family to spare herself their disapproval. When she's caught in a scandal involving the local matchmaker, Bellamy McKenna, she must put her storytelling ability to good use and feign a match with him to avoid wagging tongues and her parents' anger.

Feeling the growing pressure to marry as a well-known, yet single matchmaker to St. Louis's Irish community, Bellamy reluctantly agrees to a temporary match with Zaira. But even though the matchmakers in his family might be able to find love for others, they have a history of disastrous relationships for themselves. When secrets and danger force Zaira and Bellamy to work together, is it finally the matchmaker's turn to be lucky in love?

Hedlund delivers another captivating romance with sizzling chemistry in this romantic conclusion to her beloved matchmaking series.

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Romance

336 pages, Paperback

Expected publication February 3, 2026

About the author

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle. Find out more at jodyhedlund.com.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

Reviews

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑰 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒚, 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒄𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒄𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚.”

Okay wow. This book was so good. I could not put it down. The chemistry was off the charts and the kisses were even better. These two had sparks every time they were on the page.

Zaira is an undercover author who needs some real-life romantic experience so she can write better. Bellamy is dealing with a lot of pressure on his latest matchmaking job, and if he messes it up, it could hurt the whole family business.

They run into each other and make a small deal. Bellamy gives her a hug or a kiss to inspire her writing, and she helps him figure out his toughest client. It should have been simple. But then they get caught together. The rumors start right away. To keep things from blowing up and to protect both their reputations, they agree to say they are courting each other. And just like that, the fake relationship... and then engagement starts!

They’ve known each other for years, but this is the closest they’ve ever been. Bellamy keeps his guard up because he has always liked her, but he believes love is not meant for him. While Bellamy constantly objects to them getting too close Zaira has always felt drawn to him... making their arrangement fun for her but also confusing and risky.

Their “practice” moments slowly turn into real feelings, which were never part of the plan. A fake courtship sounded easy, but pretending gets harder when everything between them starts to feel real. Bellamy thinks his family is cursed in love, so he tries to push her away. Zaira tries to hold back too, knowing if she reveals she truly has feelings for him he will push her away.... but all she wants is to be near him.

Can the matchmaker accept that his perfect match may be Zaira...Can Zaira's happily ever after finally be found outside the pages of her stories and be with Bellamy?!

The tension in this book was everything. So many “I hate that I love you” moments, and I ate them up. Every time they let their walls drop, I was obsessed. Now I need to go back and read the earlier books.

This was a full six-star read for me.

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Taylor Veruchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was so excited for Bellamy to get his own story!! Who doesn’t love a fake relationship trope? Bellamy and Zaira find themselves in a pickle and are forced in to a fake match. Zaira craves adventures, will Bellamy be able to keep her safe? Will they hold on to their own secrets or will those secrets tear them apart?

Jody’s characters are so endearing! The attraction and tension between Bellamy and Zaira can almost be felt through the pages. I love how Bellamy cares for Zaira and has always had such a connection with her. Their love story does not disappoint! I need more books about them!

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve so enjoyed Jody Hedlund’s A Shanahan Match series, and while I’m sad to see it come to an end, Marrying the Matchmaker is a perfectly romantic, exciting conclusion. I’ve been looking forward to Bellamy’s story since book one, and Zaira was such an interesting character, too. This book is unique and captivating, and I can’t wait for more from Hedlund! 4.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jeanette Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a couple of great matches in the Shanahan Family,  Bellamy knew he was close to becoming the official Matchmaker of the county. His father was ready to hand over the official records.  But his father had one more request.  


Zaira loved to write but had to keep it secret from her parents.  Her friend, Bellamy, knew she wrote for the newspaper under the guise of being a man.  Bellamy hid his artistic talent from his father. They also hid their feelings for each other.


A sweet final story of the Shanahan Match Series. I have really enjoyed the books. Each book was very entertaining.  I loved the characters and I sure love Jody Hedlund's books.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marrying the Matchmaker is a captivating conclusion to the wonderful A Shanahan Match series. The series offers an entertaining snapshot of Irish American community life in 19th century St. Louis unfolding through the lives and loves of the Shanahan and McKenna families. This story centers around the relationship between middle daughter Zaira Shanahan and matchmaker Bellamy McKenna. Their contrasting personalities (imaginative versus logical) clash in delightful ways, and both beautifully crafted characters are conflicted between family expectations and personal dreams. Tender moments mixed with humorous ones, wrapped in romantic tension, keep the well-paced story engaging and fresh. I totally enjoyed this story and the series and highly recommend them.
I read an early copy of this book from the publisher through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ali Heinold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make sure you start with book one and do yourself a favor and read this entire series.
Jody Hedlund has done it again with this series, you fall in love with the Shanahan family from the very beginning.

Once I read that this book would be about Bellamy’s match I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book.

Zaira Shanahan who is the middle Shanahan child and aspiring to become a writer, hides her identity on her stories. All her secret publishing is going to plan, but she’s gotten feedback that she needs more emotion in her story. But she doesn’t know where to start, because she’s never had any real life love experience.

Bellamy Mckenna, a friend and someone she has secretly admired for years, knows all about her secret writing strikes a deal with her. She will help him with a match he is desperate to make for a client, and to prove to his father and the community he is a good matchmaker and in return will help her with research for her story.

After a public kiss they share, both families are pushing to match them together, Bellamy and Zaira both agree to fake the match to make their families happy, and that it will only be a temporary thing. They are both fighting a real connection to each other, and refuse to admit it. Bellamy is scared to have a marriage that would fail, all the while he is falling head over heels for Zaira. On the other hand Zaira is sure of her love for Bellamy but becomes weary of his constant rejection.

The tension and chemistry throughout the book makes it so hard to put down.

They both have secrets and insecurities they want to hide, but will confiding in each other put an end to all their questions? Will they realize they are perfect for each other in every way?

I also loved some other historical topics going on behind the scenes in this book. The hardships of the cholera epidemic and orphaned children on the streets of St. Louis.

This was a great ending to a wonderful series. You can read this book alone, but will more greatly be enjoyed by reading the entire series.

I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from Jody Hedlund. The opinions in my review are entirely my own.

[Gena Bessire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning: If you’re going to start Marrying the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund, make time—because you won’t want to put this book down. :)

Zaira Shanahan is an aspiring writer. She’s submitted a story and received feedback that she was close. So close, but the editor said she needed more realistic emotion. The kind she hasn’t yet experienced in her nineteen years.

That’s where Bellamy McKenna comes in. He’s helped her older sisters and brother find love through his matchmaking, but Zaira isn’t interested in being matched, at least not yet. Even if she finds Bellamy charming and handsome, all she really wants is his help to experience emotions she can write about. A kiss or maybe just a hug, something to help her bring more feeling to her stories. But first, she has to convince him to help her.

Bellamy is still trying to prove himself to his father and the community. He’s had two successful matches, but with his latest job, the father has given him one week to find a suitable match for his daughter. Zaira offers to help, but she wants something in return. The problem is that what she’s asking for isn’t exactly proper. But it might be just a little too tempting to turn down.

I have to be honest, I’ve been waiting for Bellamy’s story since the beginning. To be a truly great matchmaker, Bellamy had to find his own match even though he fears that, like the McKennas who came before him, he’s doomed to fail. And boy, did he ever in Zaira.

Both Bellamy and Zaira have dreams that the world tells them they can’t accomplish, but in each other, they find encouragement, support, and the kind of connection that allows them to grow into their best selves. Their respect for one another builds as the story goes on, and watching them fall in love was such a joy. I highly recommend this book!

While you can read this book as a stand-alone book, it is most rewarding to read it after the first three.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Jody Hedlund. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This satisfying conclusion to Hedlund’s ‘A Shanahan Match’ series whisks readers back to St. Louis, Missouri’s Irish community in the summer of 1849, one of the toughest years for St. Louis, where one of Ireland’s oldest traditions becomes the greatest quest for the daughter of a prominent family and the matchmaker himself!

St. Louis’ Irish matchmaker, Bellamy McKenna, is no stranger to the business of love, but when it comes to sorting out his own perfect match, he’s hesitant! There’s something linked to his prowess in his magical ‘art’ that is keeping his heart guarded and secrets hidden. I loved getting to ‘know and understand’ Bellamy a little more. He’s much more than just an intuitive guy with a panache for matchmaking.

Zaira Shanahan is fully aware of her shortcomings. Like Bellamy, she has secrets she’s kept well hidden, secrets that, if discovered, might ruin her search for love. She’s holding out for a man who could love her for who she really is and firmly believes that he doesn’t exist purely in fiction. The Shanahan middle child, Zaira, is definitely the rebel of the family, and I loved that she knew what she wanted and went for it!

These two imperfect humans are the center of Jody Hedlund’s examination: “Is there really such a thing as a perfect match?”

I loved Zaira’s insight when she questioned if a perfect match had more to do with how well a couple displays humility, perseverance, and forgiveness. Perhaps the thing that will stick with me the longest after reading this book is that there’s freedom in telling the truth.

One of the characters claims that there’s no such thing as being unlucky in love, that love is what we make of it. What do you think?

“You want to know the secret of the best marriages I’ve ever witnessed?” ~ you’ll have to read to find out!

This series, one that I’d highly recommend, has been an absolutely fascinating journey and I’m honored to share the last of these 5-star reads.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still smiling hours after I turned the last page with a contented sigh. Wonderful ending to a favorite series. I have enjoyed every single book in this series and am sad to see it come to an end. The fictional family of Shanahan's and their matchmaker Bellamy have provided many hours of entertainment.

In Hedlund's newest book Marrying the Matchmaker, the middle child of the Shanahan family, Zaira and Bellamy the matchmaker finally have their own story. The romance and chemistry was tangible, practically sizzling off the page,as Zaira and Bellamy found every reason why they would not be a good match. Friends since childhood, a couple of unfortunate if not fateful events place the two in the uncomfortable situation of a 'pretend' match to keep the society tongues from ruining Zaira's reputation.

I love the historical detail that Ms. Hedlund weaves through her stories. The orphaned children during the cholera epidemic in St. Louis unite Zaira and Bellamy, giving them a cause that reaches outside of their uncomfortable situation of a pretend match. The more time they spend together leaves them wondering if there is such a thing as a perfect match, and if so, have they found it.

Loved the pivotal ending. Definitely a favorite romantic scene. While this can be read as a standalone, readers will not regret reading the entire series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you Netgalley and Bethsny House for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)

Quick Notes:
*Book 4 in a Series
*Fake Engagement
*Hidden Identities
*Artists
*Hidden Feelings
*Orphaned Children

My Thoughts:
This was definitely my favorite book in the series! Zaira and Bellamy were both adventurous, scheming, and sassy characters- in a good way. They tried to deny their feelings, but it was obvious they were destined to be together. The passion in their kisses lit up the page.
Zaira pretended to be the good daughter, but she secretly penned stories in the hopes of being a published author and wanted to experience adventure and romance in her own life. I adored her zest for life! Her fearlessness allowed her to follow her dreams and help poor children in need of a home, but her deception made it difficult for Bellamy to trust her.
Bellamy has been a favorite character of mine from the beginning of this series, and I loved seeing him thrown off his game by Zaira. I enjoyed learning more about his past and why he loved painting, and it was heartwarming to see him heal his relationship with his father and overcome his belief in the Matchmaker Curse.
The ending of this was really sweet. I loved the grand gesture from Bellamy, and I was so happy to see his sister Jenny get a happy ending thanks to one of the other storylines in this book. I highly recommend giving this series a try if you haven't already, and I'll be looking forward to more from Jody Hedlund!

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth and final book in Jody Hedlund’s series A Shanahan Match. Set in St Louis immediately after the time of the third book (A Wager with the Matchmaker), the city is still overwhelmed with cholera and the results of a devastating fire that spread from the docks to the city, although things are improving with cleaning up the city and rebuilding. The middle Shanahan, daughter Zaira, finds herself in a fake relationship with Bellamy, training to become the next matchmaker. You don’t have to have read the books in order, but they do set the scene of the place, characters, and issues of the time.

I think this may be my favorite of the series. Zaira gets away with a lot, being the middle child who is often overlooked. She gets in the habit of lying to cover up her desire for adventure and also starting to write a column for a newspaper. She also lies about not being attracted to Bellamy. He lies about things in his life as well, and they both have to learn the value of honesty in all relationships. I really like Hedlund’s insights into what makes a successful marriage relationship.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. #MarryingtheMatchmaker #NetGalley

[Lori Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book y'all! Best by far hands down!!
My favorite in this delightful series. I wish it wasn't the last one. I've loved these characters since the beginning.
This book made me chuckle throughout the whole story with Bellamy and Zaira's banter and their antics.
I simply couldn't put this book down. I finished it early this morning.
This had the perfect ingredients to keep you interested all the way through. I learned much and made friends with Bellamy and Zaira. I found myself rooting for them too. I mean, they really did make me laugh. I knew she wanted to shake him at times and so did I . I wanted him to wake up and smell the roses to see what's in front of him. He kept me on the edge of my seat. I did love getting to know him though.
Hedlund has done a wonderful job as always with this beautiful heartfelt story. I was in love the minute I opened this book. Or before I even opened it. I didn't want it to end and was sad when it did.
5 stars for a wonderful adventure through St. Louis that I thoroughly enjoyed!
My thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
"You'll be my fake fiance, Bellamy . . . . And I'll be yours."

The stage is set. Zaira Shanahan needs some first hand romantic experience in order to write more emotional depth into her newspaper columns and Bellamy McKenna is being pressured to include personal knowledge of a more amorous nature with his current clientele as he continues to build his distinction as a reputable matchmaker. Naturally, what happens next sends a ball rolling down a slippery slope of potential catastrophe, ensuring the consequences will be both entertaining to watch (or in this case, read) and embarrassing to imagine.

Realizing a little too late that their subterfuge has consequences, Bellamy and Zaira furiously try to backtrack their impulsive decision to deceive their families, when unfortunately they find themselves in a terribly compromising situation. "It's not too late to work at being honest."

Romantic tension oozes from every pore of this engaging story, proving that sometimes a picture is truly worth more than a thousand words.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews.

[Patti Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome story about two very talented people who share their art and writing under false names. They each fear what will happen if their family, friends, and outsiders find out what they do. Bellamy is the son of the town Matchmaker. He has been training to take over for his father, but he is also a very talented artist. Zaira is a very talented writer, but is afraid to share her writing because she knows that her father will disapprove, and she is afraid that she will bring shame to her family. They both know each other's secrets and agree to a fake courtship to help each other out and to quell rumors about them that are circulating in the community. Bellamy and Zaira do not do anything the easy way, and this fake courtship turns dangerous and adventurous. Will they both survive, and if they both survive, will they avoid falling in love? You will have to read to find out, and it is well worth it to see what happens to these two amazing people.

I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Bethany House Fiction for the ARC and Finished copy of Marrying the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund. All opinions are my own.

I was so excited to read this fourth book in the series. I’ve enjoyed all the other books in the series, but I have been so anxious to finally get to read Bellamy’s book. It sure didn’t disappoint!

I loved everything about this book. Bellamy and Zaira had such good chemistry. Bellamy was charming and thoughtful. Zaira had such passion for her writing and a boldness when it came to Bellamy. It was obvious how attractive they found each other, and I’m glad that they weren’t afraid to let each other know that attraction existed.

The character growth was well done, and I appreciated how both Bellamy and Zaira encouraged each other in their passions. I especially enjoyed Bellamy standing up for Zaira’s writing.

Overall, I enjoyed this romantic, tension-filled story in historical St. Louis. I would definitely recommend it!

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this fourth book in the A Shanahan Match! What a family! Zaira Shanahan is not above stretching the truth to get her own way. She aspires to be a writer at a time when that was not a proper occupation for a female and she wishes to choose her own husband not marry someone a matchmaker chooses! Bellamy McKenna believes he is fated to have a bad marriage because he blames his father for his mother leaving when he was a boy and he does not remember his grandparents having a happy union. Bellamy's father, a matchmaker, has decided it is time for Bellamy to marry. Living in Missouri, I found the history of the St. Louis cholera epidemic interesting. I recommend Marrying the Matchmaker to others. I received a complimentary e-book from the author, Jody Hedlund. This is my honest opinion.

[Naomi Shores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zaira Shanahan and Bellamy McKenna, what a match. These two have been flitting around each other for awhile but neither wants to admit they have feelings for each other. When Zaira needs help writing a romantic scene in her story she goes to Bellamy. The results are more than she expected or imagined. I loved this story the best, both of them have secrets from their families that they are afraid to tell but they know each other's secrets. There is plenty of romance, humor, some mystery, faith and family dynamics in this story and it takes place during the cholera epidemic in St. Louis so there are the social issues of that.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this last book in this series. I loved that we got to see Bellamy find his perfect match. I loved how we saw his insecurities and how Zaira helped him through them. I also loved how they irritated each other but were attracted to each other. I liked how they were the perfect complement to each other. I loved their story and was glad that we finally got to read it.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Stop flirting with me every time you see me.” Bellamy McKenna, the son of the town matchmaker spoke to Zaira Shanahan to which she replied, “I’m not flirting.”
Nothing better than a captivating matchmaker story by Author Jody Hedlund. Marrying the Matchmaker is Book Four and the final book in the series. Zaira is the middle child in the Shanahan family and knows she must keep her secret about being a published author realizing her family would strongly disapprove. Bellamy agrees to a temporary matchmaking deal with Zaira to avoid gossip and scandal. Although Bellamy and his dad, Oscar, are successful matchmakers for others, they both have been unlucky in love. Will Zaira and Bellamy working together transform their relationship? Do not miss this series!
I received a complimentary copy from Net Galley. Opinions are my own.