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Matchmaker Cafe #1
Match Made in the Highlands
In the Scottish Highlands, and with the last lines of the movie Brigadoon fresh in her mind, Irene Redmond signs up for a tour, hoping to uncover secrets hinted at in her mother’s diary. Instead, Irene is transported back in time to the thirteenth century, along with the rest of the tour group.
Logan Mackinnon, confirmed bachelor, has put his life on hold to help his father care for his mother and honor her dying wish to tour Stirling Castle. Sparks fly when Logan and Irene meet, but their budding romance is tested when they learn the conditions needed for their return to the twenty-first century. Like Brigadoon, the castle is enchanted, and only a marriage between two people who truly love each other will break the spell— and vows must be said before midnight.
Irene expected to unravel family secrets; instead she meets a fellow tour guest whose kisses awaken long-ago dreams of happily-ever-after. But are their feelings strong enough to break the castle's enchantment?
Logan Mackinnon, confirmed bachelor, has put his life on hold to help his father care for his mother and honor her dying wish to tour Stirling Castle. Sparks fly when Logan and Irene meet, but their budding romance is tested when they learn the conditions needed for their return to the twenty-first century. Like Brigadoon, the castle is enchanted, and only a marriage between two people who truly love each other will break the spell— and vows must be said before midnight.
Irene expected to unravel family secrets; instead she meets a fellow tour guest whose kisses awaken long-ago dreams of happily-ever-after. But are their feelings strong enough to break the castle's enchantment?
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2014
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52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 10, 2017
After reading some things in her mother's diary and wanting to find answers Irene Redmond finds herself traveling to the Scottish Highlands to visit Stirling Castle. When arriving at the castle Irene believes she's signed up to do a historical tour but soon finds things aren't quite what she thought they were going to be starting with hearing the word matchmaker over and over again.
The guests are decked out in clothing authentic to the thirteenth century and told to make no mention of the current era after entering the castle. Little does Irene know that the three sisters in charge of the tours are longtime matchmakers that have decided that Logan Mackinnon would be perfect for Irene.
Not only does Irene find herself in the midst of the matchmaking but then finds the castle is enchanted sending the guests to the actual thirteenth century. But unfortunately this trip has come with some trouble makers and things get heated with our guests in danger of not being able to return to their own time.
Match Made in the Highlands is the first book of the Matchmaker Cafe Series. For being a shorter read the story actually surprised me with just how much action the author packed into this story. I found Irene's quest turned into one that was rather entertaining as the story went along and found myself wondering just what may happen next in her adventure.
Being a short read though I would say the story could have used a bit more depth and explanation here and there as with most novella type of books. I didn't find this one too terribly lacking though as the story does keep a reader entertained all throughout even without going further into the characters and plot. With time traveling, romance and a bit of historical action set in the highlands this certainly became an interesting read.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
The guests are decked out in clothing authentic to the thirteenth century and told to make no mention of the current era after entering the castle. Little does Irene know that the three sisters in charge of the tours are longtime matchmakers that have decided that Logan Mackinnon would be perfect for Irene.
Not only does Irene find herself in the midst of the matchmaking but then finds the castle is enchanted sending the guests to the actual thirteenth century. But unfortunately this trip has come with some trouble makers and things get heated with our guests in danger of not being able to return to their own time.
Match Made in the Highlands is the first book of the Matchmaker Cafe Series. For being a shorter read the story actually surprised me with just how much action the author packed into this story. I found Irene's quest turned into one that was rather entertaining as the story went along and found myself wondering just what may happen next in her adventure.
Being a short read though I would say the story could have used a bit more depth and explanation here and there as with most novella type of books. I didn't find this one too terribly lacking though as the story does keep a reader entertained all throughout even without going further into the characters and plot. With time traveling, romance and a bit of historical action set in the highlands this certainly became an interesting read.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
October 29, 2016
Was brilliant couldn't fault it loved everything about it thank you so much for my signed copy. Worth 5 stars.
September 13, 2016
1 helm
Please follow me on my blog :) Review originally posted on Vellum Voyages
I struggled to finish this. The story didn't grab me, the characters were uninteresting and I just wasn't feeling it. The idea for the story was unique: a matchmaker tour that operated at Stirling Castle to help tour participants find their soulmates by the end of the tour. This tour is run by three sisters, who come from a long line of matchmakers.
The events and explanations were a bit haphazard and the characters could have been more developed. There was too much going on for such a short story.There might have been more depth to the characters and the story if the central couple, Irene and Logan were the only couple focused on.
Sorry Ms. Binder, I really do dislike dishing out such low ratings for books but this story just didn't capture me like I had hoped.
*Thank-you Pam Binder, Netgalley & Wild Rose Press for the ARC.
October 27, 2016
My husband who is Scottish read this and said "This is quite a sweet book." The tale follows Irene, a young woman from Canada who goes to Stirling Castle in Scotland, where we have enjoyed a medieval banquet. Maybe that was the inspiration for the fantasy that a matchmaking tour takes the visitors back in time to the thirteenth century. Some trouble makers slip in to the mix and problems arise.
This is a good fun read; I found some of it a little vague which is why I am not giving five stars. That could be just because I have read a lot of historical works; others may not need any greater level of detail. My favourite parts are when a man who does re-enactments picks up a flaming arrow and notes it has been made by hand, not machined, and seeing a senior lady with early Alzheimer's recovering her lucidity in the spell of the castle.
I won this paperback through a Goodreads contest. It's a very nice quality light paperback of 170 pages and is first in the Matchmaker Café series. I would read more and I'm sure the author will grow into her storytelling. A review was not requested and this is an unbiased review.
This is a good fun read; I found some of it a little vague which is why I am not giving five stars. That could be just because I have read a lot of historical works; others may not need any greater level of detail. My favourite parts are when a man who does re-enactments picks up a flaming arrow and notes it has been made by hand, not machined, and seeing a senior lady with early Alzheimer's recovering her lucidity in the spell of the castle.
I won this paperback through a Goodreads contest. It's a very nice quality light paperback of 170 pages and is first in the Matchmaker Café series. I would read more and I'm sure the author will grow into her storytelling. A review was not requested and this is an unbiased review.
September 10, 2016
Irene Redmond has travelled from Seattle to Scotland on a quest. Armed with her mother's diary, she finds herself at Stirling Castle, a place that was so special for her mother, even though it appears that she has never travelled there. Leaving behind a stressful job as a Prosecutor and a cheating ex-fiance, Irene is searching for some connection to her mother, who passed away. And with the support of her twin sister Louise, Irene finds herself inside the castle, getting ready to go on a tour. But all is not as it seems. The re-enactment within the castle walls is unbelievable, and when the group finds themselves in danger, what was a story is beginning to feel very very real. And when Irene finds herself drawn to Logan, a very handsome and kind tourist, who knows what magical mayhem might ensue...
MATCH MADE IN THE HIGHLANDS by Pam Binder is the first book in the Matchmaker Cafe Series. A fantastical, historical romance, this short, light read is the perfect solution for when you are having a bad day. With delightful description, the reader is transported to Stirling Castle in the 13th Century, and with danger in their midst, is it possible to fall in love at first sight? With the mystery surrounding Irene's mother, and the three sisters that organise this unusual tour, there is a lot to grip the readers' attention. MATCH MADE IN THE HIGHLANDS by Pam Binder is a delightful romance and is sure to make to smile.
*I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway*
MATCH MADE IN THE HIGHLANDS by Pam Binder is the first book in the Matchmaker Cafe Series. A fantastical, historical romance, this short, light read is the perfect solution for when you are having a bad day. With delightful description, the reader is transported to Stirling Castle in the 13th Century, and with danger in their midst, is it possible to fall in love at first sight? With the mystery surrounding Irene's mother, and the three sisters that organise this unusual tour, there is a lot to grip the readers' attention. MATCH MADE IN THE HIGHLANDS by Pam Binder is a delightful romance and is sure to make to smile.
*I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway*
April 10, 2020
Cute fast listen. I received a complimentary copy of the audio book. It's a shorter story than I normally read. The audio was just over four hours and book under 150 pages. Sweet, clean romance with no relationship drama, a little action and a mystery rolled in. Nice escape to listen while working. Wasn't long enough for significant world building or character development. The match makers have a background story which will continue in the series. The narrator did a good job as well.
January 6, 2025
In book one in the Matchmaker Café series, Irene Redmond takes a tour of Sterling Castle in Scotland on Christmas Eve. She’s determined to answer questions about her mother’s past and to make sense of her mom’s diary, which details things about the castle that her mother shouldn’t have known.
Logan MacKinnon joins the tour with his elderly parents. The spark between him and Irene is instant, but how can they find forever when they’ll go their separate ways after the tour?
What a great book! Irene is a smart, capable woman, and Logan is a normal, everyday guy who’s solid and dependable.
There were a lot of secondary characters (tour group members, the matchmaker sisters running the tour, employees for the company), and sometimes all the names blurred together. I listened to an audiobook version, so maybe I would’ve been able to follow the story better if I had read an ebook copy.
The narrator, Glen Pavlovich, did a good job. His voice was clear and crisp, but sometimes his voices for the characters sounded alike.
There are some unanswered questions, such as: Whom does Fiona love in the 13th century, and why doesn’t she stay there? How will Irene and Logan make their relationship work back in the present day?
This time travel story is pretty different from the norm. For one, Irene and Logan think everything and everyone working in the castle are clever re-enactments, not realizing they’re living in the past until ¾ of the way in. That was surprising and refreshing. Anyway, I have the next two books in the series in audio, and I’ll be listening to them soon.
4 Stars
Logan MacKinnon joins the tour with his elderly parents. The spark between him and Irene is instant, but how can they find forever when they’ll go their separate ways after the tour?
What a great book! Irene is a smart, capable woman, and Logan is a normal, everyday guy who’s solid and dependable.
There were a lot of secondary characters (tour group members, the matchmaker sisters running the tour, employees for the company), and sometimes all the names blurred together. I listened to an audiobook version, so maybe I would’ve been able to follow the story better if I had read an ebook copy.
The narrator, Glen Pavlovich, did a good job. His voice was clear and crisp, but sometimes his voices for the characters sounded alike.
There are some unanswered questions, such as: Whom does Fiona love in the 13th century, and why doesn’t she stay there? How will Irene and Logan make their relationship work back in the present day?
This time travel story is pretty different from the norm. For one, Irene and Logan think everything and everyone working in the castle are clever re-enactments, not realizing they’re living in the past until ¾ of the way in. That was surprising and refreshing. Anyway, I have the next two books in the series in audio, and I’ll be listening to them soon.
4 Stars
March 6, 2020
Cute time travel romance.
August 19, 2020
Another great read
I read book 1 today & plan to read book 2 tomorrow. Found this to be a fun & fast paced story.
I read book 1 today & plan to read book 2 tomorrow. Found this to be a fun & fast paced story.
March 22, 2022
1.5 Star
May 30, 2023
This book was so much fun! The magic, the mystery, the drama. I tore right through it.
December 21, 2014
Miracles blanket Christmas, like a gentle snowfall. I’ve discovered this special book; it crystallizes what’s behind miracles. This book displays the author’s belief that time is an illusion, and love is the reality that makes miracles happen. This is a romantic story, and with an open heart it can make you a believer too.
Irene travels to Scotland on Christmas Eve on a quest. She deeply misses her mother, who has recently passed away. But her mother’s death also reveals family secrets that Irene’s curiosity cannot leave at rest. Her mother’s diary, left for her twin daughters, mysteriously hints at a hidden past, a hidden love, revolving around a specific Scottish castle. Now it’s Christmas Eve at Stirling Castle; Irene is on the threshold of a holiday tour that will change her life. Irene is hoping to find some answers. What she finds are surprises, including meeting a special man who sweeps her off her feet. But time is an illusion, and Irene and her man will need to find a way back to their own time by midnight or be lost forever.
“When you love someone deeply enough anything is possible. Even miracles.” These are the last lines from the 1954 movie Brigadoon, a favorite of Irene’s mother. Can life imitate the magic of such a story, here in the middle of modern day Scotland?
I really enjoyed the feeling of being magically transported to another time, and to a place that became so real to me. The interesting characters are infused with a humor that belies much about their backgrounds and character. The author describes characters a reader readily relates to, and begs the reader to question, what if I was lucky enough to find myself on a time traveling tour full of intrigue . . .
Pam knows history well and weaves the most interesting tidbits into the tapestry of her story. She is the author of five other books. Just like this book, her unique stories include a mix of rich romance, fantasy, and time travel.
I recommend you slip a little Christmas in the Highlands into a loved one’s stocking this year. This magic is most cherished at this time of year, and happily it’s an enchanting story to be re-read in all seasons.
Thereby hangs a tale . . . .
Irene travels to Scotland on Christmas Eve on a quest. She deeply misses her mother, who has recently passed away. But her mother’s death also reveals family secrets that Irene’s curiosity cannot leave at rest. Her mother’s diary, left for her twin daughters, mysteriously hints at a hidden past, a hidden love, revolving around a specific Scottish castle. Now it’s Christmas Eve at Stirling Castle; Irene is on the threshold of a holiday tour that will change her life. Irene is hoping to find some answers. What she finds are surprises, including meeting a special man who sweeps her off her feet. But time is an illusion, and Irene and her man will need to find a way back to their own time by midnight or be lost forever.
“When you love someone deeply enough anything is possible. Even miracles.” These are the last lines from the 1954 movie Brigadoon, a favorite of Irene’s mother. Can life imitate the magic of such a story, here in the middle of modern day Scotland?
I really enjoyed the feeling of being magically transported to another time, and to a place that became so real to me. The interesting characters are infused with a humor that belies much about their backgrounds and character. The author describes characters a reader readily relates to, and begs the reader to question, what if I was lucky enough to find myself on a time traveling tour full of intrigue . . .
Pam knows history well and weaves the most interesting tidbits into the tapestry of her story. She is the author of five other books. Just like this book, her unique stories include a mix of rich romance, fantasy, and time travel.
I recommend you slip a little Christmas in the Highlands into a loved one’s stocking this year. This magic is most cherished at this time of year, and happily it’s an enchanting story to be re-read in all seasons.
Thereby hangs a tale . . . .
September 20, 2016
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange fro an honest opinion.
This is the first story I have read from this author and I really enjoyed it. I love "Highlanders" and also time travel. This story had a bit of a twist though which was interesting.
Irene is a lawyer from the USA and has gone to Scotland to try and decipher clues that were left in a diary left by her recently deceased mother. Upon their mother's death, Irene and her twin discovered another whole part of their mother's life that they had no idea about. They need closure and questions answered.
Irene, following the clues, goes on a Matchmaker's Tour. This tour is run by three sisters and they take their work seriously. Also on the tour is Logan and his parents. Sparks fly between Logan and Irene.
Some uninvited characters have sneaked in also and they are unbalancing the balance that must be had. Then, a planned wedding falls through and all find out that there is more involved to the "really authentic" look of the castle and grounds. They find that a wedding must take place in order for them to all return.
Will they ever return home?
I like Logan and Irene as a couple. She had recently broken up with a man after he cheated on her. She wasn't particularly broken up, unhappy maybe. She realizes he really wasn't the one. Logan really appreciates Irene's wit and intelligence. Her beauty doesn't hurt either!
They both have challenges to meet, especially Irene. She must figure out the missing parts of her mother's life, one that she never told her daughters about. Logan must deal with his parents.
While I liked the story I felt like it needed a bit more. I felt like some of what Irene was searching for was side-swiped by some of the other issues such as the uninvited guests. I don't even think they needed to be involved in the story after they were turned away from the tour.
The story of Logan's parents just broke my heart and added so much to the rest of the story. I don't do spoilers though!
I do think I would buy this book though as the premise has such promise for a series.
This is the first story I have read from this author and I really enjoyed it. I love "Highlanders" and also time travel. This story had a bit of a twist though which was interesting.
Irene is a lawyer from the USA and has gone to Scotland to try and decipher clues that were left in a diary left by her recently deceased mother. Upon their mother's death, Irene and her twin discovered another whole part of their mother's life that they had no idea about. They need closure and questions answered.
Irene, following the clues, goes on a Matchmaker's Tour. This tour is run by three sisters and they take their work seriously. Also on the tour is Logan and his parents. Sparks fly between Logan and Irene.
Some uninvited characters have sneaked in also and they are unbalancing the balance that must be had. Then, a planned wedding falls through and all find out that there is more involved to the "really authentic" look of the castle and grounds. They find that a wedding must take place in order for them to all return.
Will they ever return home?
I like Logan and Irene as a couple. She had recently broken up with a man after he cheated on her. She wasn't particularly broken up, unhappy maybe. She realizes he really wasn't the one. Logan really appreciates Irene's wit and intelligence. Her beauty doesn't hurt either!
They both have challenges to meet, especially Irene. She must figure out the missing parts of her mother's life, one that she never told her daughters about. Logan must deal with his parents.
While I liked the story I felt like it needed a bit more. I felt like some of what Irene was searching for was side-swiped by some of the other issues such as the uninvited guests. I don't even think they needed to be involved in the story after they were turned away from the tour.
The story of Logan's parents just broke my heart and added so much to the rest of the story. I don't do spoilers though!
I do think I would buy this book though as the premise has such promise for a series.
September 2, 2016
I received this book from net gallery for an honest review.
Irene is intrigued by the hints in her late mother's diary. Her mum spent a lot of time at Stirling Castle, Scotland but she never spoke about it. Irene goes to Scotland and joins a tour to visit the castle.
What was her mum hiding and why? Can Irene solve the mystery surrounding the castle?
The book had an interesting narrative but at times it felt rushed. The subtle hints made it obvious that the tour group had travelled back in time. The chemistry between Logan and Irene was ok but I was expecting something a lot more intense when they kissed. There were times I felt bored; nothing really stood out and grabbed my attention.
Irene is intrigued by the hints in her late mother's diary. Her mum spent a lot of time at Stirling Castle, Scotland but she never spoke about it. Irene goes to Scotland and joins a tour to visit the castle.
What was her mum hiding and why? Can Irene solve the mystery surrounding the castle?
The book had an interesting narrative but at times it felt rushed. The subtle hints made it obvious that the tour group had travelled back in time. The chemistry between Logan and Irene was ok but I was expecting something a lot more intense when they kissed. There were times I felt bored; nothing really stood out and grabbed my attention.
October 16, 2016
Fantasy , reality, romance, twists and drama ... Its a buy buy book.
I had to downgrade this read for at times it was a little too out there and I felt that some parts were rushed as well as the characters needing a little more development..... However,
I was engrossed in the story as it was indeed a little different then the normal time travel romance. During the read, I was transported from the modern world into the other era. It was an interesting plot line written to capture your imagination and keep you wondering what is going to happen next. I really enjoyed all the little pieces of mystery and drama as well as the final passion.
I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom
I had to downgrade this read for at times it was a little too out there and I felt that some parts were rushed as well as the characters needing a little more development..... However,
I was engrossed in the story as it was indeed a little different then the normal time travel romance. During the read, I was transported from the modern world into the other era. It was an interesting plot line written to capture your imagination and keep you wondering what is going to happen next. I really enjoyed all the little pieces of mystery and drama as well as the final passion.
I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom
September 19, 2016
I received the book via Goodreads first-reads, thank you!
This is a short fantasy story that takes place in Stirling castle, Scotland. The main character, Irene goes there for a historical tour on Christmas to find out some leads to her mother's secrets. Soon she is about to find its more than regular museum visit, with changing costumes and very, indeed, historical atmosphere. The tour turns out to be focused to find a match for its visitors and although Irene did not know what she jump into when booked the tour, shes about to find the answers and not only those.
Its a fast moving story with great deal of exciting moments and suspense.
This is a short fantasy story that takes place in Stirling castle, Scotland. The main character, Irene goes there for a historical tour on Christmas to find out some leads to her mother's secrets. Soon she is about to find its more than regular museum visit, with changing costumes and very, indeed, historical atmosphere. The tour turns out to be focused to find a match for its visitors and although Irene did not know what she jump into when booked the tour, shes about to find the answers and not only those.
Its a fast moving story with great deal of exciting moments and suspense.
December 30, 2015
This was a fun holiday themed book. Irene, the main character is drawn to Stirling Castle after her mother's death by a journal she leaves with many unanswered questions. How could she know about a place she had never visited in such detail?
Irene signs up for a castle tour to at tempt to learn the connection to her mother and she learns this and so much more. This is a fun, quick read to be enjoyed for the holidays our anytime you need a little magic.
Irene signs up for a castle tour to at tempt to learn the connection to her mother and she learns this and so much more. This is a fun, quick read to be enjoyed for the holidays our anytime you need a little magic.
Want to read
October 14, 2016I really enjoyed this book. I hadn't any idea of what it was about so I was pleasantly suprised. As it went on and I got an idea of what it was to be about and I thought it might be a bit far fetched. It wasn't though it was really interesting and I kept coming back to it wanting to see what would happen. I've passes it on to my mum as I enjoyed it so hope she does too.
September 28, 2023
My primary criticism is that the Matchmaker Cafe, a portal to romantic relationships and 1300's Scotland does not really exist. (With most interaction between modern characters) The Cafe/portal seems so real in the novel. I am ready to book that tour. I think this order should definitely be read in order.
September 5, 2016
A Christmas Eve tour of Scotland's Stirling Castle brings the participants back to the 13th century. I enjoy both time travel novels and the film they referenced (Brigadoon), but the events in this book seemed rushed and the characters were less developed than I like.
October 24, 2017
The last 1/4 of the book felt choppy. As if the writer did not know how to put the crescendo into words. Stunted.
September 15, 2018
A wonderful read
I loved the premise of time travel mixed with matchmakers. I was excited to learn the stories of the characters.
I loved the premise of time travel mixed with matchmakers. I was excited to learn the stories of the characters.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews