Love is Come

Power of the Matchmaker

by Heather B. Moore

"An engaging, wholesome love story..." --Kirkus Reviews Nelle Thompson lives a life of privilege during the turn-of-the-century New York City. When her parents are killed in a terrible accident, she’s forced to live with her aunt’s family in a small town in Connecticut, and treated as a poor relation with no financial independence. Devastated and riddled with insomnia, Nelle’s health begins a downward spiral. When a locked part of her heart blossoms around her cousin’s fiancé Mathew Janson, Nelle doesn’t know if she can endure one more heartbreak. Miss Pearl, owner of the local apothecary shop, becomes a mother figure to Nelle, but a fateful summer day has Nelle questioning everything she's ever believed and wondering if she’ll ever love again. Follow Miss Pearl in more Power of the Matchmaker Chasing Fireflies by Taylor Dean How I Met Your Brother by Janette Rallison King of the Friend Zone by Sheralyn Pratt The Reformer by Jaima Fixsen Not Always Happenstance by Rachael Anderson To Move the World by Regina Sirois O'er the River Liffey by Heidi Ashworth If We Were a Movie by Kelly Oram Four Chambers by Julie Wright Broken Things to Mend by Karey White Between Heaven and Earth by Michele Paige Holmes

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Clean Romance, Fiction, Young Adult

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 2, 2016

About the author

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than ninety publications. Heather writes primarily historical and #herstory fiction about the humanity and heroism of the everyday person. Publishing in a breadth of genres, Heather dives into the hearts and souls of her characters, meshing her love of research with her love of storytelling.

Her ancient era historicals and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes historical women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore, and . . . speculative fiction under Jane Redd. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. Despite failing her high school AP English exam, Heather persevered and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in something other than English.

Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact/
Website: HBMoore.com
Twitter: @heatherbmoore
Instagram: @authorhbmoore
Facebook: Fans of Heather B. Moore
And yes, the Blog still lives: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com

Literary honors: 2020 Goodreads Choice Award Semi-Finalist, Foreword 2020 INDIES Finalist, ALA Best New Books - September 2020, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner.

Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous addition to the Power of the Matchmaker series. This one is set in the early 1900s and features a unique story-line and characters worth rooting for. Great book!

Content: clean
Source: Ebook review copy

[Rachael Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book drew me in right away. I loved the early 1900s setting and how Heather's writing made me feel everything Nelle went through. The way the two main characters meet is charming, and Pearl, as Nelle's intriguing and mysterious new friend, was a wonderful addition to the story. An engaging tale of overcoming hardship written by a talented author.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply love this Power of the Matchmaker series. Every month I get a new novel, by a different author, with one minor character as a common thread. It's so fun. Each novel can stand on it's own and is not dependent on the others. The only thing you may want to read is the prequel novel, Power of the Matchmaker because it gives you the background on Pearl who is the common thread to all these novels.

I loved this book, Love is Come. It was so gentle and it brought all kinds of feelings to my heart. I just finished a book before this that was more aggressive and violent and so in contrast, this book felt so good. I settled in right away and enjoyed the whole journey to love with Nelle.

Nelle is so sweet and kind. I was drawn to her and I always wanted good things for her. Even when her own heart is hurting, Nelle is kind. That is a trait I find so admirable in people and something I wish to have more of myself.

This is a feel good book. I could see it being a Hallmark movie! I really enjoyed my time spent in the world of Nelle.

Content: Clean

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is great! Each story is written by a different author, with only a minor shared character. Each can stand alone.

Nelle is a great character with real feelings. She lives in New York City during the Victorian period and has an easy life. An accident leaves her orphaned and she goes to a rural town to live with her aunt until she's of age to receive her inheritance. While there, she makes a connection with her cousin's fiance, Mathew, but that relationship is off limits.

Nelle is a very gentle, peaceful soul. She has an easy way of adapting to her situations and making the best of things, easing the burdens of those around her. Even when she's in the depths of despair and treated badly, she's still very kind. I love the way she forms bonds and relationships with the most unlikely people. Mathew is a man of his word and although the sparks fly between him and Nelle, he just can't go back on his word to her cousin, Alice. I love characters of good integrity with strong values.

I love the feelings that I felt while reading this book. The times are simpler, in some ways, than they are today. There were situations when my heart nearly broke for Nelle and times of great joy. The events and feel good moments left me on a reader's high. I always wonder where and how Pearl, the matchmaker, will show up next.

Content: mild romance (talk of cheating with vague immoral implications); very mild violence (vague talk of death). Clean!

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid addition to the Power of the Matchmakers series! I loved seeing another side of Pearl and how she and Nelle bond over their broken hearts. Most of the time Pearl is wise and caring, with a twinkle in her eye, but in Love is Come we see a glimpse of the sorrow beneath the surface. The contrasting settings of the city and country are both interesting to see Nelle struggle in. They each present trials that are almost overwhelming to her. Mathew is a bright spot in her days, even though she feels she must hold back from him. the way he helped her deal with her grief was sweet and showed the compassionate nature he had. While the plot was interesting I didn't quite feel an emotional connection to the characters, but I still enjoyed the story and would recommend it, especially to those reading all the books in the series. (Each book is a completely different story with Pearl as the matchmaker the only connection).

(Thank you to Ebooks for Review for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth installment in the Matchmaker series and I loved this one, too! It takes place in New York City in 1908. Nelle Thompson lives a life of luxury. When her parents die in an accident, she goes to live with her aunt who doesn't treat her well. She meets Mathew Janson and they hit it off. However, he is practically engaged to her cousin, Alice. Even though Nelle and Mathew have strong feelings for each other, they do the proper thing and don't act on them. Nelle even encourages him to propose to her cousin, as planned. However, Miss Pearl, the matchmaker, is in town and she has other ideas for them.

This is such a gentle love story. I loved Nelle and Mathew together! Their friendship grew into more but there were obstacles to overcome. Nelle's aunt didn't treat her well and I was glad that Nelle was almost old enough to be out on her own. Her cousin Alice didn't treat her too badly but she had some major flaws and there came a point when she put Nelle in a tough spot. I liked how the relationships were resolved and the ending is fantastic!

Music plays a huge role in Nelle's healing and she is able to bless others with it as well. I liked how Miss Pearl opened up to Nelle so we got a little more of her story. I love the role she plays in these stories! She's not pushy, but does her job in a gentle, nudging, advising way. I loved this book and had a hard time putting it down. There are some sad events but the author did a great job in keeping it light and hopeful. It's a clean romance so I can recommend it to everyone! I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series!

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. My opinion is 100% my own.

Mel's Shelves

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel that my review for this might not do it justice but know that I loved this book. It was beautiful and full of many emotions. Heather Moore is one of my favorite authors and this book was very well done. I ended up going on an unexpected trip the day before Thanksgiving to travel for a cousin's funeral. I was full of many emotions and memories but was glad knowing I would have a great book to listen to on my drive. My children all loaded up in the van, and my husband unable to come due to work, we started our long drive listening to this book. We were all immediately drawn into the story. Nell's life and concerns were about love and finding someone to love and to love her. Unexpectedly her parents are killed and she finds her world turned upside down.

The emotions and struggles of Nell were so well written and as the reader/listener I was able to connect very well with her. She was a selfless and loving character who lost her world yet was trying to continue forward through her sorrow. The family she interacts with and the people she meets, help shape her healing and who she will become when she is finally able to heal and find peace and love again in her life.

There were several characters that made me so frustrated. Why would they treat Nell the way that they did? Yet she brushed it off and continued doing what she needed to heal.

Other characters I loved, especially how they rallied around Nell, even in very calm, quiet ways. One of those was Miss Pearl, the Matchmaker, the main character of this series. Pearl is portrayed differently and has different amounts of page time in each book due to each author's choice. In Love is Come, Miss Pearl played a very big role in Nell's time of healing. I loved Pearl and her sweet, gentle way with Nell and the ability she had to encourage yet listen to Nell's needs.

Matthew was very steady in his choices in life. I loved the connection that he and Nell had. He also was a strength and light to Nell in her healing. Yet there were many reasons keeping the two of them apart.

We listened to half the book on our drive to family and finished the second half on our drive home yesterday. My daughters were excited to be back in the van driving home only for the reason that we could finish listening to the story again. They didn't want it to be over and couldn't wait to tell my husband all about it later.

The narrator did a great job. She had a very soothing voice and was comforting to listen to between my own personal emotions and the emotions and story being read about.

Another book well done by this author that I can't recommend enough to anyone.

This was a clean read. The only thing in it was the mention of a character sleeping with another character, but nothing in detail.

I received an audio copy from the author, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Happy Reading (or listening)!!!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is Come is part of the Power of the Matchmakers series. My first thing I want to say about this look is I loved every single word of it. I could not put it down. A beautiful piece of historical fiction. Nelle is one of those characters that a reader could relate to. She had to overcome quite a bit of some heartbreaking events in her life. I was rooting for her throughout and I will leave at that and not give anything away.
A wonderfully written historical and one of my top ten reads of the year.
100 stars.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story drew me in and kept me reading quickly until the end. This is a wonderful addition to the Power of the Matchmaker series. The series is made up of stand-alone books that have one central character in common. Pearl is a Chinese matchmaker who has her own heartbreak that drives her to help others find love.

This was the first full length story to have a historical fiction setting. I loved the change from the other books. It added a new dimension to Pearl's history and longevity as a matchmaker. As in all of the books the power of love has a magical quality due to Pearl's influence.

Nelle is an amazing young woman who has suffered the tragic loss of her parents. She is left basically to her own devices until she turns 21. She decides to live in the country with her aunt and cousin, but finds that it is not the haven she hoped for. Pearl is the lady that she can turn to for direction and comfort.

Nelle's love story was well told. She finds herself attracted to Mathew, who is her cousin's fiancee. She faces rejection on many levels that leave her doubting herself. To me this is a story of healing and in the process being someone who can love and be loved.

This installment of the series has solidified my love for the books and left me wanting more.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this addition to the Power of the Matchmaker series. It's a clean sweet romance and a quick satisfying read.

When Nelle's life is torn apart by the death of her parents, she finds herself dependent on an aunt who treats her shamefully. Her only comfort is her new friend, Miss Pearl, from town and her cousin's almost fiancé, Matthew Janson, who is drawn to this brokenhearted newcomer.

I love the fact that although Nelle is devastated by her parents death, and despite the way she is treated at her aunt's, she finds a way to be kind to others. Her music is a big comfort to her and also to those around her. I also liked Matthew's character. He's kind to Nelle from the start and is a hardworking industrious man and a good son to his widowed mother.

*Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to post a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

[Karey White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Power of the Matchmaker book. Loved Pearl's apothecary shop. I wanted to spend an afternoon there. Love a good happily ever after and Heather Moore delivered!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tender read with very heartbreaking moments.

This is part of the Matchmaker Series. It can be read as a standalone. There is one character who returns in each book who is Pearl. She is the matchmaker. She is seen in many time periods. This book we get to see Pearl talk a little more and reveal some of herself to her current couple she is matchmaking.

Nelle has lost her parents and is now living with her Aunt. Her aunt is strict and appears bothered by Nelle and her living with her aunt and her cousin Alice. Alice is a shameless flirt. She is also expected to marry Matthew, their neighbor. It is sort of an arranged marriage. But Matthew still hasn’t yet proposed. Don’t worry; it wouldn’t be much of a story if he didn’t do as expected. Meanwhile, Nelle seems to have taken root into Matthew’s heart with her kind and thoughtful observations of Matthew’s life and mother. Matthew is also starting to embed into Nelle’s heart. He is also kind, thoughtful and caring. But with some stolen touches and acts of kindness they are finding it difficult to stay away from each other yet they know they must if Matthew and Alice are to be married.

When Matthew’s mother becomes sicker it is Nelle who is there for his mother and him and not really Alice. Nelle plays her pianoforte for Matthew’s mother and it is difficult for her to play as it reminds Nelle of her father and his gentle love for her. Matthew’s mother is very fond of Nelle.

Pearl has an apothecary store and Nelle is warmly embraced by Pearl. Pearl gives Nelle some kind words of advice and some teas and herb when she visits. But Pearl is not totally without magic of her own. And when things change Pearl is nowhere to be found.

This is the story of two people who are in love with each other in a time where expectations are still part of how you live and who you marry. It is breaking both of Nelle and Matthew’s hearts in the meantime. Nelle will not do anything to interrupt that expectation of Matthew and her cousin’s wedding.

But things aren’t always how they seem and love will always find a way. That’s what I got out of it anyway! I wished it wasn’t over and I could see more of them. I sighed at the end.

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Romance, clean.
Nell is a young woman who is just learning about love, and trying to fit in society. Her parents meet an untimely death, and Nell goes to live with an Aunt who is very unkind and uncaring.
As she tries to fit into this new life, she finds herself wondering what life will hold for her.
Her cousin, who seems to be a friend to her, is engaged. As Nell interacts with Matthew, her cousin's fiancé, she seems to find hope in the discouraging and sad place she is living. Pearl, the Matchmaker (although Nell doesn't realize that's who she is) gives Nell hope, and helps her, although she can't find her shop and it seems abandoned and unused, when she tries to find it with Matthew later. Pearl gives her the hope she needs to be more confident, and start the journey she needs to make the decisions that will bring her to love and a better future.
Nell's character, as she undergoes a transformation in the sad place she has been sent to live, reflects her inner goodness and kindness. Her HEA is subtle in coming, and the contrast between her, and her cousin in how they deal and interact with others, along with her aunt, was sad for Nell to experience, but clearly defined their outcomes. Rooting, and hopeful for Nell was obvious, contrasting her with the cousin who showed immaturity and selfishness, although perhaps she was just a girl making mistakes, but definitely no moral compass, made for an interesting read. The HEA wasn't clear, although you could see it start to come. Nell's kindness to Matthew's mother in her illness, and her inner turmoils as she struggles to stay true to her loyalties to her cousin were worth the read. Thanks again for another good installment to this series.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Nelle's parents both die in a carriage accident, she is sent off to Conneticut to live with her aunt. She's treated as the unwanted relation with her aunt even tallying the food that Nelle eats so that Nelle can pay her for it when she comes of age and receives her inheritance. It was really easy to dislike Nelle's aunt! Nelle's cousin wasn't unkind, but she was flighty and selfish.

When Nelle and Mathew were reunited they rekindled a friendship from childhood, and both felt the stirrings of romance, but Mathew had already been courting Nelle's cousin. My only complaint about this story is that Nelle encourages Mathew to keep courting her cousin and to propose to her. I know her aunt expected it, but her cousin didn't love him, and he was already in love with Nelle. Getting engaged to someone you don't love does not make things better! Because Pearl, the matchmaker, is involved, and because we love happy endings all will work out by the end. Phew! Thank you Pearl!

Besides his lack of backbone about going after Nelle in the first place (or in the middle really), I did love Mathew. He was honest, down-to-earth, and sweet. Nelle was unfailingly kind, even when she would have had an excuse to be rude. I loved her relationship with Pearl, and the results from that relationship.

This was a great addition to the Power of the Matchmaker series which I am really loving! I highly recommend it!

Content: clean (no language or violence, some kissing, and the implication of premarital sex-not the main characters)

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first Power of the Matchmaker book I read when the series came out several years ago. This time I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it just as much as I'd forgotten parts of the story.

This story takes place at the turn of the 20th century. It's the story of Nelle, who has been recently orphaned when both of her parents are killed in an accident. She decides to go and live with her mother's sister for the few months until her 21st birthday when she gets her inheritanece. It's there she meets Matthew, who is practically engaged to her cousin Alice. She had met Matthew years before when visiting her cousin.

There's an immediate attraction between the Nell and Matthew, although there are a couple of twists and turns in their relationship. Pearl, the Matchmaker, appears several times to help Nelle, who is having a hard time dealing with the sudden death of her parents, living with her strict aunt while she waits for her inheritance, while trying to avoid Matthew, because of her growing attraction to him.

I loved this book the first time I read it and had a hard time putting it down. The same for the audiobook, as I didn't remember how Nell and Matthew work things out because of her cousin Alice's engagement to him. I really liked that we saw Pearl several times in this book.

[Taylor Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. I don't often read Victorian novels. Many years ago, I went through a phase wherein I read every single book Victoria Holt has ever written and I LOVED every single one. This book reminded me that I do indeed LOVE Victorian novels. They're so prim and proper. It's interesting to read about a world where it's scandalous to be alone with a man and if you are with a man, you need a chaperone. The people from that day and age would be shocked by the world today.
I greatly enjoyed this book and realized I really need to read more books from this genre, although I do not doubt that the reason I loved it was due to the expertise of the author in penning a story. This was a refreshing read and the story held me captive from beginning to end. I especially loved the way the story wrapped up with everyone receiving their happy ending. There were times when I couldn't see how it would all end well without bitter feelings, but it did, and beautifully and realistically at that. Very well done.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying this series of books, Pearl is amazing and timeless, never aging, and everywhere. Nelle Thompson is about to have her meeting with our beloved Pearl, when life’s circumstances send our Nelle to live with her Aunt in Connecticut.
Nelle had lived a privileged life in New York City, the pampered only child, and a talented pianist. Then a tragic buggy accident took the lives of her parents, and this led her to Connecticut.
Sibling jealousy is about to affect Nelle’s life, when her aunt treats her like a boarder, giving her a servant’s bedroom, and charging her for everything she uses.
You will feel very sorry to Nelle, and even her meeting with Pearl leads her down a dark path. Will she ever find love, the man she is attracted to is engaged to her cousin. What a different story, and a lot that is about to happen you will never believe, or would you? We all hope the best for Nelle, and hope for a light at the end of the tunnel. A really good read!
I received this book through I Am A Reader Not A Writer, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a slower moving sadder novel then I thought it would be. The beginning was probably the best part and then it got sad and a little weird for me. It did end well and everything wrapped up nicely but it took a long time getting there. I am a fan of Moore and I like her books, this one just had elements I didn't like. I haven't read any of the other Matchmaker books but I thought the matchmaker caused more problems then she did fix and help. I imagined the book without her in it and I think they would have done better without her help. Not because she was a trouble maker but her presence brought the main character to almost think she was loosing her mind at one point. The thought both the leading man and the leading lady were pathetic and spineless and that hurt the book for me also. Ya just not one I liked much. This series does interest me and I will be getting others to read from the matchmaker series and reading more by Heather.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging story with interesting characters and a good plot. The pacing is excellent. The narrator is fantastic. Happy reading/listening!

[Dawn Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review.

Heather Moore has delivered a solid addition to the Matchmaker series of books. It covers a lot of ground and issues, yet everything is wrapped up in the end about as well as I've ever read before. Even the secondary characters are taken care of.

Nelle Thompson is a single woman approaching the age of 21. She's content living with her parents and the love they provide. Marriage would be nice, but she doesn't feel compelled to force the issue. However, life does not always proceed as planned. One night she awakens to the realization that something is terribly wrong. Her worst nightmare is confirmed when she is visited by the Constable. Reeling from the trauma she has endured and mired in grief, she leaves the city and travels to stay with her aunt until her birthday when she will be eligible to receive her trust money.

Matthew Janson just wants to make his mother happy and live up to the dreams of his father. Growing up, he's always believed that he would marry their neighbor's daughter, Alice. He figures that even if they don't love each other, they will at least be friends. However, when he encounters Alice's cousin, Nelle, he feels a totally new emotion. Yet, he's essentially committed to Alice. What is he supposed to do now?

Pearl makes another appearance in this book. And, the story delves a bit into her background which is nice if you have not read the prequel book to the series.

This book deals with a lot of heavy, somber topics, yet I never felt weighted down by them, which is unusual. The pace is steady and the timeframe believable.

Themes covered - death / grief / depression, propriety / morality, faithfulness, and prejudices / hypocrisy
Sub themes - lies / hiding the truth / keeping secrets; associating with the wrong people, and sanity / psychology

Nelle goes through a lot of emotional upheaval, but I respect her strength of character to not compromise herself. She always tries to do what is right for others, sometimes at her own expense. Fortunately, everything is made right in the end.

Romance - PG - some kisses. There's also a reference to one of the character's moral failure.
Language - clean

My rating - 5 stars

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is set in New York in the early 20th century. Nelle, the heroine, is the only child of well to do parents. Approaching her 21st birthday she has yet to have a suitor, somewhat due to her shyness & awkwardness around men & because she's never found one that piqued her interest. When a carriage accident kills both her parents, Nelle goes to live with her aunt in the country only to find herself treated as a poor relation. Her aunt puts her in a servant's room & tells Nelle that she expects to be repaid for every single expense once Nelle comes into her inheritance once she turns 21.

Struggling to get over her grief, out on a walk one day Nelle meets her aunt's neighbour Matthew, who has an understanding with Alice, Nelle's cousin. A quick rapport build up between both of them which leaves Nelle even more torn as she feels her feelings are a betrayal to her aunt and cousin.

I like both Nelle & Matthew & the way their relationship developed was very sweet. Nelle makes an admirable heroine with her wholesomeness, her loyalty to her (rather nasty!) aunt & cousin. I especially like how she grew close to Matthew's mother & was so willing to distract her from her illness by entertaining her with her piano playing. I love an accomplished musician for a heroine!

A sweet, clean romance with a few poignant moments that made me cry. I wasn't aware that the story is part of a series until I saw a comment from another reviewer after I'd finished the book. The story has a touch of the mystic in it in the guise of a Chinese lady whom Nelle befriends and helps her get over her grief.

I would rate the book 3.5 stars. I thought Nelle's aunt & cousin a bit too overdone in their unpleasantness only for everything to come right at the end. Otherwise it was an enjoyable, easy read.

Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed the Matchmaker series that this book is a part of. Each book is so different - set in different time periods, different locations, and written by different authors. The unifying piece is Miss Pearl - the Matchmaker. While Pearl's influence on each relationship is different, her character doesn't change with each author's interpretation. And she's a character I have grown to love.

Love is Come tells the story of Nelle, a young New York socialite in the early 1900s. She's coming up to her 21st birthday, her best friend Dottie is practically engaged, and her parents are hopeful that Nelle will find a young man and marry soon as well. But, tragedy strikes and Nelle's world turns upside down with her parents' sudden deaths. She leaves to go stay with her Aunt Corrine and cousin Alice out in the country until her birthday when her trust will be turned over to her.

On her first full day in the country, Nelle sets off to walk into town. Along the way she encounters Matthew who is Alice's beau. Being a gentleman, he accompanies Nelle into town but then the two go their separate ways. This is when Alice meets Pearl and a bit of hope begins to break the clouds of melancholy that surround Nelle as she tries to put Pearl's advice into practice.

This story really pulled at my heartstrings. Nelle has a string of trials that weigh her down, yet she makes a valiant effort to still be a light to those around her. While her journey is difficult I think it makes it even more beautiful when at last love is come.

FYI ~ clean read
honest disclosure ~ I received a review copy from the author

[Shash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pearl is back and helping another couple come together. This is the fourth book in the Power of the Matchmaker series. It is the first historical romance, which had me excited. I love contemporary romance, but historical romance is definitely my favorite.

Nelle Thompson’s world was shattered when her parents were both killed in an accident. Left without funds for a few months until her trust becomes available on her 21st birthday, Nelle goes to live with her stern aunt in a small country town. There, she finds an unexpected friend in Pearl, the owner of the local apothecary shop. She also finds kindness from Mathew Janson, her cousin’s almost fiancé. She does the honorable thing and doesn’t act on her blossoming feelings for him, thus bringing even more heartache to her life. Nelle doesn’t know if she will ever be happy again.

I loved both Nelle and Mathew. They were both such good people. They were so kind and giving. In contrast, Alice was so selfish! The thought of Mathew marrying her just made me cringe. I was glad Nelle finally got her happy ending! She went through so much anguish to get there.

The book is so well written! I was drawn in from the very beginning and enjoyed every word. I felt that I really knew the characters. The ending of the book was more than satisfying. Instead of ending with the couple finally getting together, it continued on, letting the reader see what happened after the proposal and truly wrapping up the other aspects of the story. What a treat!

I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[My Bookbag by Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am lucky to have received an advance copy of this book, and was asked only for an honest review in return. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I am absolutely captivated by this historical romance from the Power of the Matchmaker Series. Author Heather B. Moore does an impressive job creating a world that is complete with the attitudes and social norms of the time.

Moore also does a fantastic job making me feel Nelle’s story, which is heartrendingly sad, more so because of the treatment she receives from the family on whom she needs to lean. Her only consolations are the time spent with either Mathew or Pearl. She also finds solace in her music. This is totally relatable for almost every reader, even if they are not musicians. Music is universal in its ability to provide a release for what ails the heart.

Pearl’s efforts to unite Nelle with her match are hard fought, giving the story that much more interest. Her existence is of great import to Nelle, and I find that Pearl is written to provide humor and heart to the book. Moore makes me believe that the deep friendship between the two is as important to Pearl as it is to Nelle.

Finally, Moore gives Nelle a huge capacity for love and compassion, which is like a balm to the pettiness and disdain that Nelle must face throughout the story. I believe that she will become one of my favorite heroines from my plethora of books. 5 stars

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following the death of her parents, Nelle Thompson goes to stay with her aunt and her cousin. Not truly welcomed in her aunt's home and deeply grieving the death of her parents, Nelle finds some solace from two sources: Miss Pearl, the owner of the local apothecary, and Mathew Janson--the handsome neighbor who is nearly engaged to her cousin Alice. Fighting her feelings for Mathew--and his feelings for her--Nelle doesn't know if she can trust her heart or her mind.

Although is is part of the Power of the Matchmaker series, it's a complete standalone; I haven't read any of the other books in the series but could completely follow the plot here. Heather B. Moore has written a sweet love story. It was interesting to see how the matchmaking didn't go smoothly: while Pearl helped with Nelle's peace of mind in dealing with her parents' deaths, her presence (or lack thereof) actually caused a rift between Nelle and Mathew, but that twist actually added an element to the book that many matchmaking books lack. Things wrapped up neatly--maybe a little too neatly for some characters, but hey, everyone loves a happily ever after, right? Solid writing, great characters, and a highly enjoyable story.


I received a copy of the ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Jade Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this Power of the Matchmaker book, Pearl comes to Waterbury, CT at the turn of the century to help Nelle through the process of grieving for her parents who were killed unexpectedly in a carriage accident in NYC. Moving in with her aunt in the country is a big change from the high society life Nelle is used to in the city. Her Aunt Corrine and cousin Alice are not helpful, but their neighbor and Alice's fiance, Mathew, is. Just when things take a turn for the better in Nelle's relationship with Mathew, she experiences a shock that causes her to doubt her own sanity and prevents her from being willing to saddle anyone with her care for the long term.

Heather did a nice job of showing the reader Nelle's life with her parents before the accident thus creating the contrast to her life in the country. Through good character development, the reader can't help but join Nelle in valuing her friendship with Dottie and then with Pearl, falling in love with Mathew and his mother, and feeling a mix of resentment and family loyalty toward Alice and Corrine.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

CLEAN! Love is come is a part in a series called the Power of the Matchmaker. These book do not have to be read in order however I do recommend reading Power of the Matchmaker to better understand the roll of the Matchmaker Mae Li a little better. It isn’t necessary to read it but I think it would be helpful and adds insight into each story.
Love is Come is about Nelle Thompason who suddenly looses her parents and way of life and accepts the invitation to live with her aunt far removed for all she has know. The arrangement is decidedly different than Nelle expects. She finds a friend in Mathew - the only problem is he is engaged to Nelle’s cousin. While in town one day Nelle meets a woman, Mae Li, who becomes a friend and confidant. This is a beautifully written story with more depth than the usual sweet romance.

I enjoyed Love is Come and am looking forward to the other books in this series that will be released each month. Each book from a different author.

I received a free copy for my honest review.

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed all the books I've read so far in the Power of the Matchmaker series. They've been enjoyable and I loved Pearl, our matchmaker, making an appearance in each one. This novel started out no differently. I was enjoying it and then, I don't know what happened?! Nelle and Mathew had instant chemistry. And then there was Pearl making sure the match happened. So, I didn't understand why Nelle convinced herself she was crazy, and spiraled into a depression because Pearl was no longer around. Sometimes books have things that don't make sense or seem unrealistic, but you can get passed it. I tried and couldn't with this. It bothered me. I will say that the writing was beautiful and the characters were well-developed and likeable. Others have given it 5 stars, so maybe it just wasn't a great match with me? I would still recommend this Victorian romance to others.

*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Martina Sanclemente Heale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift from the author in exchange for an honest opinion.

I'm new to the Matchmaker series. My approach to picking books tend to be quite simple, I just read them based on recommendations without knowing much about the plot. I avoid viewing comments and summaries before reading myself the book. The element of surprise is always welcome.
The story is easy and quite predictable. There are some questions that were answered such as 'who on earth is this Pearl!?' Some others that are not, such as how did the shop go back to looking empty. What happened to Nelle's original suitor? Why did she end up living with her uncle but that wasn't an option at the beginning of the book.
Some characters are overdeveloped and left me wondering why such as Mitch Barlow and Aunt Corinne.
It's an easy read where main characters are easy to like. The type of book you'll gift your nan.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I am a fan of Heather Moore. She is a talented author and writes clean, romantic novels. This was an enjoyable read, but not my favorite by her.

We are introduced to our main character as a privileged daughter to devoted and loving parents. Then her parents die and she is sent to live with family that doesn't love her or treat her very well. She meets her cousin's "intended," and really likes him. Their friendship grows and helps our main character heal.

This story was sad at parts, as the main character is grieving so much. And Pearl, the recurring matchmaker in all these books, makes several appearances. She helps our MC as well. But her "magic" seemed misplaced in some parts of the book. Ultimately, this book is about love and healing, but you have to get through the sadness to get to the happily-ever-after.

If you like clean, historical, secular romance, give this one a try. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.