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The Matchmaker's Ball #1
Two-Step with Tess
Two broken hearts who need each other to heal.
Tess Palmer moved to Creede, Colorado to make a fresh start. When a man from her past shows up at the train station, Tess hides her identity, hoping he’ll leave quickly instead of dredging up the past.
Claude Herschel loves the beauty and freedom of the West he’s toured for the past month. After a night of gambling and drinking, he’s robbed and beaten—left for dead. Tess finds and takes care of him. He’s drawn to her pure heart and lovely face and wants to know everything about the intriguing woman—even the secret she’s keeping from him.
What secrets will Tess and Claude lay bare before they can trust each other and commit to love?
Two-Step with Tess is the first book in The Matchmaker’s Ball series, a spin-off from Cowboys and Angels Series and is a clean and wholesome romance.
Tess Palmer moved to Creede, Colorado to make a fresh start. When a man from her past shows up at the train station, Tess hides her identity, hoping he’ll leave quickly instead of dredging up the past.
Claude Herschel loves the beauty and freedom of the West he’s toured for the past month. After a night of gambling and drinking, he’s robbed and beaten—left for dead. Tess finds and takes care of him. He’s drawn to her pure heart and lovely face and wants to know everything about the intriguing woman—even the secret she’s keeping from him.
What secrets will Tess and Claude lay bare before they can trust each other and commit to love?
Two-Step with Tess is the first book in The Matchmaker’s Ball series, a spin-off from Cowboys and Angels Series and is a clean and wholesome romance.
178 pages, ebook
First published October 26, 2019
195 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Jo Noelle
47 books334 followersThis mother/daughter writing team writes “Sweet, Swoony Ever-Afters.”
Sweet Historical Western under the name Gemma Stuart
Sweet Victorian & Regency Time Travel under the pen name Jo Noelle, who a USA TODAY bestselling author
Sweet Contemporary under the name Evee Tuttle.
They write stories about the places they’ve lived, the places they’ve visited around the world, and the places still on their bucket lists.
Follow us on Amazon, Goodreads, and Bookbub to get notices for all our new releases!
Join our Facebook Groups and chat with us and other readers who love sweet and clean romance.
• Cowboys and Angels and The Matchmaker’s Ball
• Loving Sweet Historical Romance
• Sweet Kisses Readers’ Group
• Sweet and Sassy Books Facebook Page
Sweet Historical Western under the name Gemma Stuart
Sweet Victorian & Regency Time Travel under the pen name Jo Noelle, who a USA TODAY bestselling author
Sweet Contemporary under the name Evee Tuttle.
They write stories about the places they’ve lived, the places they’ve visited around the world, and the places still on their bucket lists.
Follow us on Amazon, Goodreads, and Bookbub to get notices for all our new releases!
Join our Facebook Groups and chat with us and other readers who love sweet and clean romance.
• Cowboys and Angels and The Matchmaker’s Ball
• Loving Sweet Historical Romance
• Sweet Kisses Readers’ Group
• Sweet and Sassy Books Facebook Page
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 10, 2020
A new series taking place in Creede, Colorado, including some of our favorite characters from the Cowboys and Angels series.
January 31, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
While the Cowboys & Angels series has officially come to an end we can still visit Creede, Colorado through the spin-off The Matchmaker’s Ball series, and we begin with Tess and Claude, two unlikely people who are thrown together in unusual circumstances – even though they’ve known of each other long before they set foot in Creede, Colorado.
The basics you’ll need to pick up Two-Step with Tess can be found in the cover description. What you won’t find there is the emotional attachment you’ll form with this couple early on. Watching Claude change and grow from the man he was when he stepped off that train to the man he’ll become was a touching, emotional journey. And I’ll admit, at the mention of one particular character’s name I cringed and waited for the chaos to begin. Some people just never change. Tess is a strong young woman, far stronger than even she realizes with a determination to make her own path to the future on her own terms. I enjoyed watching this couple fall in love – and finally getting satisfaction for Tess and her sisters over how they left Pittsburgh to journey to a new life in Creede.
I will also admit that I do miss the touch of angels, for that is a very ingrained aspect of Creede for me at this time after spending so many enjoyable hours in this fictional town. But the kindness of strangers (and new acquaintances) is very strong in this opening story of the spin-off series, and I’ll be following along on this journey as old friends often make appearances. I had fun, and that’s the whole point. So, if you have enjoyed the Cowboys and Angels series be sure to check out The Matchmaker’s Ball series, I suspect you’ll have a fantastic time.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
While the Cowboys & Angels series has officially come to an end we can still visit Creede, Colorado through the spin-off The Matchmaker’s Ball series, and we begin with Tess and Claude, two unlikely people who are thrown together in unusual circumstances – even though they’ve known of each other long before they set foot in Creede, Colorado.
The basics you’ll need to pick up Two-Step with Tess can be found in the cover description. What you won’t find there is the emotional attachment you’ll form with this couple early on. Watching Claude change and grow from the man he was when he stepped off that train to the man he’ll become was a touching, emotional journey. And I’ll admit, at the mention of one particular character’s name I cringed and waited for the chaos to begin. Some people just never change. Tess is a strong young woman, far stronger than even she realizes with a determination to make her own path to the future on her own terms. I enjoyed watching this couple fall in love – and finally getting satisfaction for Tess and her sisters over how they left Pittsburgh to journey to a new life in Creede.
I will also admit that I do miss the touch of angels, for that is a very ingrained aspect of Creede for me at this time after spending so many enjoyable hours in this fictional town. But the kindness of strangers (and new acquaintances) is very strong in this opening story of the spin-off series, and I’ll be following along on this journey as old friends often make appearances. I had fun, and that’s the whole point. So, if you have enjoyed the Cowboys and Angels series be sure to check out The Matchmaker’s Ball series, I suspect you’ll have a fantastic time.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
November 3, 2019
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Tess Palmer moved to Creede, Colorado to make a fresh start. When a man from her past shows up at the train station, Tess hides her identity, hoping he’ll leave quickly instead of dredging up the past.
Claude Herschel loves the beauty and freedom of the West he’s toured for the past month. After a night of gambling and drinking, he’s robbed and beaten—left for dead. Tess finds and takes care of him. He’s drawn to her pure heart and lovely face and wants to know everything about the intriguing woman—even the secret she’s keeping from him.
What secrets will Tess and Claude lay bare before they can trust each other and commit to love?
MY TAKE
I've thoroughly enjoyed the Cowboys and Angels series. I was a little dismayed to find that it was ending because I've come to love the characters in the town of Creede, Colorado. so I was excited to find out about the Matchmakers Ball series set in the same location and populated with the same characters. I'm won't have to say goodbye yet.
Tess is a charming young woman who's hiding from an unhappy past, and she's surprised when Claude shows up in Creede during the trip. He believes he might have seen her before, but he can't think of when. Then when he's attacked and beaten, she becomes his guardian angel. Tess is the one who finds him and is charged with watching over him, along with the son of the doctor, while Claude recuperates. It's during this time of convalescence when their love blooms, but they both have challenges to face before they can earn their happily ever after.
Tess Palmer moved to Creede, Colorado to make a fresh start. When a man from her past shows up at the train station, Tess hides her identity, hoping he’ll leave quickly instead of dredging up the past.
Claude Herschel loves the beauty and freedom of the West he’s toured for the past month. After a night of gambling and drinking, he’s robbed and beaten—left for dead. Tess finds and takes care of him. He’s drawn to her pure heart and lovely face and wants to know everything about the intriguing woman—even the secret she’s keeping from him.
What secrets will Tess and Claude lay bare before they can trust each other and commit to love?
MY TAKE
I've thoroughly enjoyed the Cowboys and Angels series. I was a little dismayed to find that it was ending because I've come to love the characters in the town of Creede, Colorado. so I was excited to find out about the Matchmakers Ball series set in the same location and populated with the same characters. I'm won't have to say goodbye yet.
Tess is a charming young woman who's hiding from an unhappy past, and she's surprised when Claude shows up in Creede during the trip. He believes he might have seen her before, but he can't think of when. Then when he's attacked and beaten, she becomes his guardian angel. Tess is the one who finds him and is charged with watching over him, along with the son of the doctor, while Claude recuperates. It's during this time of convalescence when their love blooms, but they both have challenges to face before they can earn their happily ever after.
November 4, 2019
A first home run for this new series.
The first book in this new series is an awesome start to what I imagine will be another hit series. This plays off the Cowboy and Angels series set in Creede, CO. You will see new faces and old friends in each story. This first one has three women who had come from Pittsburg from a scandal at their fathers bank. The all met a new man stopping in Creed on his western state excursion. One of the women sees him coming off the train and tries to hide from him. He too is from Pittsburg and they danced at her coming out ball.
When he arrives in town, he decides to gamble in a couple saloons. He is attacked and loses all his money and is in bad shape when she finds him and he is now at the mercy of the beautiful, kind, woman he doesn't remember. Mercy, grace, a true Lords servant, a bit of fun, walks, and plenty of good food and a bit of falling in love, gets him well rather quickly. But he can't get any of his money from the bank back home. Mayham, romance a sloshing in the hot springs and a monthly town ball leads to answers to problems caused by loved ones back home. Redemption also comes followed by more grace. I highly recommend this first story in this series. I truly loved it.
The first book in this new series is an awesome start to what I imagine will be another hit series. This plays off the Cowboy and Angels series set in Creede, CO. You will see new faces and old friends in each story. This first one has three women who had come from Pittsburg from a scandal at their fathers bank. The all met a new man stopping in Creed on his western state excursion. One of the women sees him coming off the train and tries to hide from him. He too is from Pittsburg and they danced at her coming out ball.
When he arrives in town, he decides to gamble in a couple saloons. He is attacked and loses all his money and is in bad shape when she finds him and he is now at the mercy of the beautiful, kind, woman he doesn't remember. Mercy, grace, a true Lords servant, a bit of fun, walks, and plenty of good food and a bit of falling in love, gets him well rather quickly. But he can't get any of his money from the bank back home. Mayham, romance a sloshing in the hot springs and a monthly town ball leads to answers to problems caused by loved ones back home. Redemption also comes followed by more grace. I highly recommend this first story in this series. I truly loved it.
December 9, 2019
I really enjoyed this novel. It may be one in a series, but it held well on its own. I am adding this series to my must read list. Tess is working at the train station when she recognizes someone from her past getting off off the train. She ducks out of sight fast. Claude is in town for a short stop on his way back to the East. Tess thinks that she has done well avoiding Claude; but as she is cleaning the porch of the train station, sees a boot sticking out. She starts to pull it and realizes it is attached to someone. Surprise! This is a sweet story that kept me reading to the end.
January 1, 2020
Very Enjoyable Story
This book is among the first few Western historical romances I’ve read. Tess and Claude cross paths in Creede, Colorado. Almost immediately Tess becomes Claude’s caretaker as he recovers from being beaten up and robbed. The romance is very sweet, both fell quickly but they are both protecting their hearts. A secret and unscrupulous business practices must be sorted through before a HEA. Be prepared for a very sweet happy ending with a wonderful reminder of the blessings forgiveness brings.
This book is among the first few Western historical romances I’ve read. Tess and Claude cross paths in Creede, Colorado. Almost immediately Tess becomes Claude’s caretaker as he recovers from being beaten up and robbed. The romance is very sweet, both fell quickly but they are both protecting their hearts. A secret and unscrupulous business practices must be sorted through before a HEA. Be prepared for a very sweet happy ending with a wonderful reminder of the blessings forgiveness brings.
October 26, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book!
Two-Step with Tess, is delightful
& moving romance. Claude, is
traveling through out the West,
when he makes a stop in Creede.
When Tess notices Claude at the
train station, she surprised. She'll
just have to avoid him. That is till
she finds a boot under the train platform.
Claude ❤ Tess, steal your heart
from the very first pages to the last.
Great start to this new series!
A MUST READ!!
Two-Step with Tess, is delightful
& moving romance. Claude, is
traveling through out the West,
when he makes a stop in Creede.
When Tess notices Claude at the
train station, she surprised. She'll
just have to avoid him. That is till
she finds a boot under the train platform.
Claude ❤ Tess, steal your heart
from the very first pages to the last.
Great start to this new series!
A MUST READ!!
Read
December 30, 2019Two Step with Tess
Claude’s a rich man who has taken three months to travel across the states, he stops in Creede. He goes to check out the town and on the way back from a night of gambling and drinking he is beaten and robbed.
Tess was sweeping the porch of the train station and noticed a book, she pulls and finds its attached to a man who has been beaten and left for dead.
Great book I enjoyed reading this story
Claude’s a rich man who has taken three months to travel across the states, he stops in Creede. He goes to check out the town and on the way back from a night of gambling and drinking he is beaten and robbed.
Tess was sweeping the porch of the train station and noticed a book, she pulls and finds its attached to a man who has been beaten and left for dead.
Great book I enjoyed reading this story
April 8, 2024
Beautiful story
I really enjoyed this story. The theme of forgiveness is powerfully woven throughout the story and shows the effect it can have on both the giver and receiver. There is a very subtle Christian theme that points both to God's provision and guidance in our lives when we trust Him.
Claude and Tess faced obstacles and family drama and even corruption, but in the end, love prevailed. The ending was beautiful.
I highly recommend this story.
I really enjoyed this story. The theme of forgiveness is powerfully woven throughout the story and shows the effect it can have on both the giver and receiver. There is a very subtle Christian theme that points both to God's provision and guidance in our lives when we trust Him.
Claude and Tess faced obstacles and family drama and even corruption, but in the end, love prevailed. The ending was beautiful.
I highly recommend this story.
October 28, 2019
This first in the series: The Matchmaker's Ball truly brought home the effect kindness plays in life. The citizens of Creede, Colorado in the mid to late 1800s depended on their faith and Christian kindness to build a community they could be proud of. I have enjoyed reading the Cowboys and Angels series and now can not wait for the next Matchmaker's Ball book.
October 29, 2019
Excellent
Tess lives her life expressing love and forgiveness. Claude learns to live and love to the fullest. It's long enough for the development of characters, yet short enough to read quickly. There's a surprise in this story that brings a sense of rightness, justice, grace. I loves this story. I'm even more excited for the rest of this series.
Tess lives her life expressing love and forgiveness. Claude learns to live and love to the fullest. It's long enough for the development of characters, yet short enough to read quickly. There's a surprise in this story that brings a sense of rightness, justice, grace. I loves this story. I'm even more excited for the rest of this series.
November 2, 2019
Two-Week with Tess
Tess and her sister left Philadelphia in what they thought of as disgrace. While working two jobs in Creede to make ends meet, Tess see a man from Philadelphia she thought never to see again. When she becomes a good Samaritan to him, she prayed he doesn't remember her although she has lived him from afar for many years.
Tess and her sister left Philadelphia in what they thought of as disgrace. While working two jobs in Creede to make ends meet, Tess see a man from Philadelphia she thought never to see again. When she becomes a good Samaritan to him, she prayed he doesn't remember her although she has lived him from afar for many years.
November 7, 2019
Forgiveness Flows
This is a beautiful story of kindlness, forgiveness, and love. It is freshing as we sometimes see little of these attributes nowadays. I love how Claude's trip turned out so di#erent from how he thought it would. God used bad things that happen in our lives for good and this is definitely a story of that.
This is a beautiful story of kindlness, forgiveness, and love. It is freshing as we sometimes see little of these attributes nowadays. I love how Claude's trip turned out so di#erent from how he thought it would. God used bad things that happen in our lives for good and this is definitely a story of that.
August 8, 2020
Loved this first book of the series. I just finished Cowboys and Angels series, and it felt a little bit like this story preceded the true end of that series, but it was great to pick up with Creede again. this story had the wonderful themes of charity, gratitude, and forgiveness. Was glad to find out more about what happened to Isla's girls.
August 18, 2020
A Most Enjoyable Read
Jo Noelle is a storyteller that can have me laughing and crying . I enjoyed reading about the familiar town of Creede from the Cowboys and Angels series. You will fall in love with Tess and Claude as their tale unfolds. I don't think a book has ever caused me to have goosebumps before!
Jo Noelle is a storyteller that can have me laughing and crying . I enjoyed reading about the familiar town of Creede from the Cowboys and Angels series. You will fall in love with Tess and Claude as their tale unfolds. I don't think a book has ever caused me to have goosebumps before!
October 26, 2019
Awesome book!
I really enjoyed this new beginning to a new series. The romance was sweet and I quite enjoyed how they overcame the evil of the father and his many friends. The best part I that it is in Greece with all our old friends.
I really enjoyed this new beginning to a new series. The romance was sweet and I quite enjoyed how they overcame the evil of the father and his many friends. The best part I that it is in Greece with all our old friends.
October 28, 2019
Romance for Tess
Tess dreamed of a romance with Claude when she lived back east. Now he's in Creed Colorado for a short time. Secrets and deception may keep them apart. This is a sweet romance by Jo Noelle and you won't be able put it down once you start.
Tess dreamed of a romance with Claude when she lived back east. Now he's in Creed Colorado for a short time. Secrets and deception may keep them apart. This is a sweet romance by Jo Noelle and you won't be able put it down once you start.
October 28, 2019
Philly 2 Step
What a wonderful Faith inspired storyline.
Faith and courage go hand in hand as Tess, Elise and their cousins start a new life.
Claude had his wake up call when he got to Colorado.
What a wonderful Faith inspired storyline.
Faith and courage go hand in hand as Tess, Elise and their cousins start a new life.
Claude had his wake up call when he got to Colorado.
November 1, 2019
Great story
Claude- traveling around the US and having an adventure .
Tess- works odd jobs to save for her own land.
I enjoyed reading this engaging story that is fantastically written with lovable characters and witty dialogue . Their story has a wonderful HEA!
Claude- traveling around the US and having an adventure .
Tess- works odd jobs to save for her own land.
I enjoyed reading this engaging story that is fantastically written with lovable characters and witty dialogue . Their story has a wonderful HEA!
November 3, 2019
Wonderful
This was one of the best storylines ever. Familiar characters, filled with hope and sadness. A great adventure. Filled with God's grace. Just superb reading. Loved it. Keep them coming.
This was one of the best storylines ever. Familiar characters, filled with hope and sadness. A great adventure. Filled with God's grace. Just superb reading. Loved it. Keep them coming.
Read
November 4, 2019When I see a new book by Jo Noelle I have certain expectations and this book met those. I found well developed characters, an intriguing story line and a few surprises. Claude is a better person from having come in contact with Tess. I totally enjoyed this book.
November 12, 2019
Finding purpose and love.
Claude finds an inner strength he little expected through adversity which awakens a new purpose in his life. Tess has faith and the storyline sweetly outlined their romance.
Claude finds an inner strength he little expected through adversity which awakens a new purpose in his life. Tess has faith and the storyline sweetly outlined their romance.
November 18, 2019
Two lives were turned upside down
Through Claude father Tess and her family fled from Pittsburgh to the west but Claude arrival turns Tess head will he remembered he met her before read the book to find out
Through Claude father Tess and her family fled from Pittsburgh to the west but Claude arrival turns Tess head will he remembered he met her before read the book to find out
December 3, 2019
Two-Step Tess is a great introduction to the next series, "The Matchmaker's Ball. I love these books and getting to check on the people we have come to know and love from the town and the previous series. I can't wait for the next book and the chance to check in on Tess and Claude.
December 28, 2019
Ebook
He’s on a trip to check out the west. He arrives in a small town in Colorado. He gambles and gets beat up losing all his money. She finds him and nurses him back to health, hiding a secret about knowing him from before.
He’s on a trip to check out the west. He arrives in a small town in Colorado. He gambles and gets beat up losing all his money. She finds him and nurses him back to health, hiding a secret about knowing him from before.
January 1, 2020
Tess's Blessing
When his bank failed, Tess' father took his own life leaving Tess, her sister and cousin to try to survive the best they could. Little did Tes s know that the Bible story of the good Samaritan would change everything.
When his bank failed, Tess' father took his own life leaving Tess, her sister and cousin to try to survive the best they could. Little did Tes s know that the Bible story of the good Samaritan would change everything.
January 1, 2020
What a wonderful story! I loved all the characters especially Tess. Tess lived out her relationship with God and it showed. This a clean sweet romance that will leave you in love with this book. Forgiveness, love toward others and selflessness had me enjoying this story until the very end.
April 29, 2020
I loved loved the Series Cowboys and Angel's. This is the beginning of a spin off Series Matchmakers Ball. We are still in Creede so if you read Angel's you know the town and all the stores and proprietors. They dont give background on any of them as they are assuming you have read them. This book is the story of Tess. It can be read as a standalone as it is #1 in the Series. Enjoyed it.
July 6, 2021
Sweet little romance where people who once had it all learn to work hard, care for others, give love, right wrongs and forgive. I liked both the main characters and their perseverance.
Some Christian themes
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: some
Some Christian themes
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: some
March 25, 2023
I love this book so much, it made me happy reading it.
Tess was a amazing heroine. Happy, Kind, Caring, helping others, hard working… I could go on and on.
Claude was swoon worthy and changed so much with Tess’s love.
I loved their romance, the faith in the book and the towns people.
Tess was a amazing heroine. Happy, Kind, Caring, helping others, hard working… I could go on and on.
Claude was swoon worthy and changed so much with Tess’s love.
I loved their romance, the faith in the book and the towns people.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews