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Matchmakers #1
The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart
Set in Victorian London from the Queen of Mystery Romance
Amelie Hampton is a hopeless romantic, which makes her the perfect columnist to answer lonely heart letters in The Marriage Gazette. When Amelie plays matchmaker with two anonymous lonely hearts, she also decides to secretly observe the couple’s blind date. To her surprise, the man who appears for the rendezvous is Harold Radcliffe—a grieving widower and a member of Amelie’s book club.
Police detective Michael Baker has been struggling ever since his best friend and brother-in-law died in the line of fire. Because he knows the dangers of his job, he has vowed never to marry and subject a wife and family to the uncertainty of his profession. But when he meets Miss Hampton, he is captured by her innocence, beauty, and her quick mind.
When a woman’s body is pulled from the river, Michael suspects the woman’s husband—Harold Radcliffe—of foul play. Amelie refuses to believe that Harold is capable of such violence but agrees to help, imagining it will be like one of her favorite mystery novels. Her social connections and clever observations prove an asset to the case, and Amelie is determined to prove Mr. Radcliffe’s innocence. But the more time Amelie and Michael spend together, the more they trust each other, and the more they realize they are a good team, maybe the perfect match.
They also realize that Mr. Radcliffe is hiding more than one secret, and when his attention turns toward Amelie, Michael knows he must put an end to this case before the woman he loves comes to harm.
Amelie Hampton is a hopeless romantic, which makes her the perfect columnist to answer lonely heart letters in The Marriage Gazette. When Amelie plays matchmaker with two anonymous lonely hearts, she also decides to secretly observe the couple’s blind date. To her surprise, the man who appears for the rendezvous is Harold Radcliffe—a grieving widower and a member of Amelie’s book club.
Police detective Michael Baker has been struggling ever since his best friend and brother-in-law died in the line of fire. Because he knows the dangers of his job, he has vowed never to marry and subject a wife and family to the uncertainty of his profession. But when he meets Miss Hampton, he is captured by her innocence, beauty, and her quick mind.
When a woman’s body is pulled from the river, Michael suspects the woman’s husband—Harold Radcliffe—of foul play. Amelie refuses to believe that Harold is capable of such violence but agrees to help, imagining it will be like one of her favorite mystery novels. Her social connections and clever observations prove an asset to the case, and Amelie is determined to prove Mr. Radcliffe’s innocence. But the more time Amelie and Michael spend together, the more they trust each other, and the more they realize they are a good team, maybe the perfect match.
They also realize that Mr. Radcliffe is hiding more than one secret, and when his attention turns toward Amelie, Michael knows he must put an end to this case before the woman he loves comes to harm.
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2021
105 people are currently reading
5390 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 721 reviews
July 8, 2021
The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart
by Nancy Campbell Allen brings plenty of mystery, intrigue, and atmosphere to a tale that is part historical mystery, part police investigation, and part romance. It’s the first book in the Proper Romance Victorian series. Set in and around London in 1885, the main characters are Amelie Hampton, Harold Radcliffe, and Detective Michael Baker. When a dead body of a young woman is found in the Thames River, these three meet and the sparks fly in more than one way.
Amelie is an independent but somewhat lonely woman working for her aunt at The Marriage Gazette. She answers lonely heart letters, writes the occasional essay, and does some matchmaking through the personal ads. Her character comes through strongly as naïve, hard-working, intelligent, impatient, and outspoken, but she has successfully matched more couples than the rest of the staff combined. She does show some growth during the course of the book, but also makes some ill-advised choices along the way. Harold is charming and good looking, but he’s somewhat harder to get to know. Michael is hard-working and calm. A cast of secondary characters provides support, conflict, and interest.
The author did a great job of transporting me to a different time and place. Quotes from different publications that were at the beginning of each chapter provided additional insight into the times and how women were perceived and treated. While this is not a time I would want to live in, it was fun to visit and spend time with Amelie and her friends, family, and acquaintances. While the plot was clever, suspenseful, and perfectly paced, it was the characters and situations that developed that kept me reading. However, I did wish that a red herring or two were thrown in the mix so that the villain wasn’t known so early in the book. Danger, suspense, and some twists crop up before you get to the heartwarming and satisfying ending.
I was immediately drawn into the characters’ lives and enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery and the development of the romance. Themes include death, relationships, poverty, treatment of orphans, corruption, assaults, romance, family, institutionalization of those with certain disabilities, and much more.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which was suspenseful, engaging, and atmospheric. In both of the books I have read by this author, I had a connection with the writing style that I found relatable, vivid, and irresistible. I can’t wait to find out which of the secondary characters will show up in future books in the series. I recommend this to those that like historical mysteries with some romance.
Shadow Mountain Publishing and Nancy Campbell Allen provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently expected to be September 7, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Amelie is an independent but somewhat lonely woman working for her aunt at The Marriage Gazette. She answers lonely heart letters, writes the occasional essay, and does some matchmaking through the personal ads. Her character comes through strongly as naïve, hard-working, intelligent, impatient, and outspoken, but she has successfully matched more couples than the rest of the staff combined. She does show some growth during the course of the book, but also makes some ill-advised choices along the way. Harold is charming and good looking, but he’s somewhat harder to get to know. Michael is hard-working and calm. A cast of secondary characters provides support, conflict, and interest.
The author did a great job of transporting me to a different time and place. Quotes from different publications that were at the beginning of each chapter provided additional insight into the times and how women were perceived and treated. While this is not a time I would want to live in, it was fun to visit and spend time with Amelie and her friends, family, and acquaintances. While the plot was clever, suspenseful, and perfectly paced, it was the characters and situations that developed that kept me reading. However, I did wish that a red herring or two were thrown in the mix so that the villain wasn’t known so early in the book. Danger, suspense, and some twists crop up before you get to the heartwarming and satisfying ending.
I was immediately drawn into the characters’ lives and enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery and the development of the romance. Themes include death, relationships, poverty, treatment of orphans, corruption, assaults, romance, family, institutionalization of those with certain disabilities, and much more.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which was suspenseful, engaging, and atmospheric. In both of the books I have read by this author, I had a connection with the writing style that I found relatable, vivid, and irresistible. I can’t wait to find out which of the secondary characters will show up in future books in the series. I recommend this to those that like historical mysteries with some romance.
Shadow Mountain Publishing and Nancy Campbell Allen provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently expected to be September 7, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
October 15, 2022
This is part Victorian romance, part Wilki Collins, part Woman of Independent Means, and a bit Lonely Heart. Amelie Hampton is a sucker for romance, but independent as all get out. I really loved her meet cute with the handsome Detective Baker. Their comedic conversations add a light tone to what would have otherwise been a dark plot. There may be wife-murderer on the loose and his charming exterior has fooled many. With a swoon-worthy ending, this is just what I needed. I hope that Amelie's cousins, Charlotte and Eva, will each be getting their own book in the future.
Book 2 featuring Eva is out now: To Capture His Heart. Check it out! <3
Book 2 featuring Eva is out now: To Capture His Heart. Check it out! <3
September 5, 2021
I am amazed that this is the first book I have read by this author. It appears that she has written heaps and is very popular. Having just finished The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart I can understand why.
The book is set in Victorian London where Amelie Hampton is employed as a 'matchmaker' for the Marriage Gazette. This would be unusual for a young lady at that time but the paper is owned by Amelie's Aunt who is very much an independent woman. Amelie is a romantic with a good sense of humour and a lot of common sense. Sometimes these attributes war against each other but fortunately sense normally wins.
So the book is partly romance with a delightful situation developing between Amelie and a rather gruff policeman, Detective Michael Baker. There are also several murders and near misses even though the culprit is fairly obvious throughout. I enjoyed the humour between the two main characters and I was very happy with the conclusion. I look forward to the next book and in the meantime will also look up some other books by this same author.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The book is set in Victorian London where Amelie Hampton is employed as a 'matchmaker' for the Marriage Gazette. This would be unusual for a young lady at that time but the paper is owned by Amelie's Aunt who is very much an independent woman. Amelie is a romantic with a good sense of humour and a lot of common sense. Sometimes these attributes war against each other but fortunately sense normally wins.
So the book is partly romance with a delightful situation developing between Amelie and a rather gruff policeman, Detective Michael Baker. There are also several murders and near misses even though the culprit is fairly obvious throughout. I enjoyed the humour between the two main characters and I was very happy with the conclusion. I look forward to the next book and in the meantime will also look up some other books by this same author.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 16, 2021
4.5 stars for this charming historical suspense with a dash of romance!
There is literally nothing bad to say about this book. If you like historical mysteries mixed with a little romance, give this one a try. The two main characters are wonderful, the female friendships are perfect, and the romance is super sweet. Can’t wait to read more by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain publishing for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There is literally nothing bad to say about this book. If you like historical mysteries mixed with a little romance, give this one a try. The two main characters are wonderful, the female friendships are perfect, and the romance is super sweet. Can’t wait to read more by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain publishing for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2023
3.5 stars, personally.
Honestly, I only read this one because I was more interested in the second book, but I did not just want to jump in to the middle of the series like I’ve been doing because then I get lost (rightfully so) with who is who and what’s happened before. So, I made myself read this one. It took about a hundred pages for me to get into it, but it was overall not bad. I liked the main guy more than I like the main girl. I’m pretty sure they had a decent age gap between them and that’s not really my thing because typically the girl then feels like she’s straight out of high school or something. Which Amelie was at times. She was a little too believing that the murder suspect was innocent because of her infatuation with him, which got to be a little ridiculous but thankfully quickly realized that “the gentleman” (as they referred to him) wasn’t right and hiding something. She did seem a bit fickle though because of that.
I was a little confused on how everyone was connected and the time period (early 1900s, yes?), which made me question different parts at different times. (But this could have been because I was reading after very tiring days.)
Based on what I remember of the only Agatha Christie books I’ve ever read (And Then There Were None), I would put how the murder was described (the victim’s body) in that same kind of way. But I only got through half of that Agatha Christie book and it’s been a few years, so take that with a grain of salt. If you’re familiar with the typical Christian fiction suspense genre and how they describe things, it was more detail than the majority of those.
I really wish I would’ve been smarter and read this within a day or two instead of having to drag it out for five days because of it being a busy week. I think I would’ve enjoyed it a bit more, but I think my rating of 3.5 stars is a very accurate rating.
I did really like the little bit of Down Syndrome representation and how fiercely protective some of the characters were to those with Down Syndrome.
I would definitely read the next book in the series (as that’s the one I really wanted to read), but I’m glad I read this one first. I plan to read the third book as well because that will be about Amelie‘s other cousin. I think I would get a copy of this book for my own shelves, putting it with my clean fiction books. It was different than my typical historical romance book, because of the murder mystery elements, but interesting overall.
Can I just say that her fighting off an attacker was complete character development for her. I so approve! Atta girl! I’m so tired of seeing books (particularly historical fiction books) where the main girl just claws at her attacker and it does nothing—she went for the knees, she went for the throat, and while she should have also gone for the thumbs, that’s how you do it. 👏
Also, another thing I really liked: the confession of love did not happen poorly timed or after a big traumatic event. Thank you, author! I am very thankful for that because I rarely see that happen when there are suspense/mystery elements in a book.
There were a fortune-teller/medium character, but it’s quickly revealed to be a farce and the main characters don’t believe in that sort of thing. And there’s also a Reverend that lies and is supporting someone who has done wrong because of their personal connection. (Which reminded me of the ‘Clue: Mysteries’ game I would play with the girls I babysat and they couldn’t understand how a Reverend could lie and steal like Reverend Green did in that game.) So there’s those two notes I’d like to give to readers that may be concerned about the content, but I will list the main content below.
Main Content-
A Scripture is quoted by a suspect (quoting that it’s not good for man to be alone); A Pastor is quoted at the beginning of a chapter about Christian duty demanding us to embrace the orphan and waif as if he was Christ Himself; There’s a lying Reverend (who runs a harsh or and a fake fortune-teller; A reverend says that a baby being abandoned at the hospital was for the best as it’s “better to flourish under God’s watchful eye than as a bastard child living in squalor”; A discussion about Darwin and human evolution (about emotions and that people evolve); Mentions of prayers & praying (but never said towards Whom); Mentions of fortune-tellers & a medium (all farces, though some side characters believe it); A handful of mentions of eternities & someone who has been murdered been in “a better place”; A few mentions of a religious family posing an autopsy; A couple mentions of hell (being lonely is a different “kind of hell” and a woman unleashing the “hounds of hell” at an injustice); A mention of the dead “not requiring a Christian burial”; A mention of Michael’s sister believing in ghosts, but he does not; A mention of the afterlife in a poem; A mention of All Hallows’ Eve; A mention of the stars aligning when two people fall in love.
Being attacked, being strangled, fighting/self-defense, almost drowning, pain, injuries, & passing out (up to semi-detailed); A man threats Amelie with striking her (to her her to obey him).
Seeing murdered bodies & how they happened (up to semi-detailed); All about many mentions of murders, the victims’ bodies, how the murders happened, crimes/criminals, blackmail, & the murderer (including a murderous husband, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of deaths, the deaths of those in the line of duty, & their grieving families (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of an abduction; Mentions of gamblers & debts; A few mentions of possible suicides (none actually happened).
No language stronger than “ninny”, “stupid”, and “give a fig”; The word “bastard” is used once in it’s proper meaning; Mentions of curses (but are not written out); God’s name is not taken in vain at all (instead phrases like “for heaven’s sake” and “for the love of [an Egyptian pharaoh]”.
Amelie feels guilt lying to her family, but thinks that it’s for the greater good and all will be revealed soon.
Probably about a total of 25-35 kisses (including hand kisses and a handful of actual kisses lasting a few sentences each); Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss & touch/embrace (up to semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Nearness, Warmth, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Noticing (up to semi-detailed); Imagining nearness, touches and a lovey-dovey life with a man (up to semi-detailed); Michael pulls Amelie into his lap; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of pregnant women being murdered (including one being unmarried and one being married); A mention of a possible affairs; A mention of a prostitute; A mention of men leering at Amelie.
Honestly, I only read this one because I was more interested in the second book, but I did not just want to jump in to the middle of the series like I’ve been doing because then I get lost (rightfully so) with who is who and what’s happened before. So, I made myself read this one. It took about a hundred pages for me to get into it, but it was overall not bad. I liked the main guy more than I like the main girl. I’m pretty sure they had a decent age gap between them and that’s not really my thing because typically the girl then feels like she’s straight out of high school or something. Which Amelie was at times. She was a little too believing that the murder suspect was innocent because of her infatuation with him, which got to be a little ridiculous but thankfully quickly realized that “the gentleman” (as they referred to him) wasn’t right and hiding something. She did seem a bit fickle though because of that.
I was a little confused on how everyone was connected and the time period (early 1900s, yes?), which made me question different parts at different times. (But this could have been because I was reading after very tiring days.)
Based on what I remember of the only Agatha Christie books I’ve ever read (And Then There Were None), I would put how the murder was described (the victim’s body) in that same kind of way. But I only got through half of that Agatha Christie book and it’s been a few years, so take that with a grain of salt. If you’re familiar with the typical Christian fiction suspense genre and how they describe things, it was more detail than the majority of those.
I really wish I would’ve been smarter and read this within a day or two instead of having to drag it out for five days because of it being a busy week. I think I would’ve enjoyed it a bit more, but I think my rating of 3.5 stars is a very accurate rating.
I did really like the little bit of Down Syndrome representation and how fiercely protective some of the characters were to those with Down Syndrome.
I would definitely read the next book in the series (as that’s the one I really wanted to read), but I’m glad I read this one first. I plan to read the third book as well because that will be about Amelie‘s other cousin. I think I would get a copy of this book for my own shelves, putting it with my clean fiction books. It was different than my typical historical romance book, because of the murder mystery elements, but interesting overall.
Can I just say that her fighting off an attacker was complete character development for her. I so approve! Atta girl! I’m so tired of seeing books (particularly historical fiction books) where the main girl just claws at her attacker and it does nothing—she went for the knees, she went for the throat, and while she should have also gone for the thumbs, that’s how you do it. 👏
Also, another thing I really liked: the confession of love did not happen poorly timed or after a big traumatic event. Thank you, author! I am very thankful for that because I rarely see that happen when there are suspense/mystery elements in a book.
There were a fortune-teller/medium character, but it’s quickly revealed to be a farce and the main characters don’t believe in that sort of thing. And there’s also a Reverend that lies and is supporting someone who has done wrong because of their personal connection. (Which reminded me of the ‘Clue: Mysteries’ game I would play with the girls I babysat and they couldn’t understand how a Reverend could lie and steal like Reverend Green did in that game.) So there’s those two notes I’d like to give to readers that may be concerned about the content, but I will list the main content below.
Main Content-
A Scripture is quoted by a suspect (quoting that it’s not good for man to be alone); A Pastor is quoted at the beginning of a chapter about Christian duty demanding us to embrace the orphan and waif as if he was Christ Himself; There’s a lying Reverend (who runs a harsh or and a fake fortune-teller; A reverend says that a baby being abandoned at the hospital was for the best as it’s “better to flourish under God’s watchful eye than as a bastard child living in squalor”; A discussion about Darwin and human evolution (about emotions and that people evolve); Mentions of prayers & praying (but never said towards Whom); Mentions of fortune-tellers & a medium (all farces, though some side characters believe it); A handful of mentions of eternities & someone who has been murdered been in “a better place”; A few mentions of a religious family posing an autopsy; A couple mentions of hell (being lonely is a different “kind of hell” and a woman unleashing the “hounds of hell” at an injustice); A mention of the dead “not requiring a Christian burial”; A mention of Michael’s sister believing in ghosts, but he does not; A mention of the afterlife in a poem; A mention of All Hallows’ Eve; A mention of the stars aligning when two people fall in love.
Being attacked, being strangled, fighting/self-defense, almost drowning, pain, injuries, & passing out (up to semi-detailed); A man threats Amelie with striking her (to her her to obey him).
Seeing murdered bodies & how they happened (up to semi-detailed); All about many mentions of murders, the victims’ bodies, how the murders happened, crimes/criminals, blackmail, & the murderer (including a murderous husband, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of deaths, the deaths of those in the line of duty, & their grieving families (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of an abduction; Mentions of gamblers & debts; A few mentions of possible suicides (none actually happened).
No language stronger than “ninny”, “stupid”, and “give a fig”; The word “bastard” is used once in it’s proper meaning; Mentions of curses (but are not written out); God’s name is not taken in vain at all (instead phrases like “for heaven’s sake” and “for the love of [an Egyptian pharaoh]”.
Amelie feels guilt lying to her family, but thinks that it’s for the greater good and all will be revealed soon.
Probably about a total of 25-35 kisses (including hand kisses and a handful of actual kisses lasting a few sentences each); Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss & touch/embrace (up to semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Nearness, Warmth, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Noticing (up to semi-detailed); Imagining nearness, touches and a lovey-dovey life with a man (up to semi-detailed); Michael pulls Amelie into his lap; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of pregnant women being murdered (including one being unmarried and one being married); A mention of a possible affairs; A mention of a prostitute; A mention of men leering at Amelie.
March 11, 2021
I probably shouldn't use the word delightful when describing a murder mystery, but this book was delightful.
This story takes place in the late 1800s, and it was such a fascinating time in history and Ms. Allen did a great job of creating the setting and what life would have been like back then, especially for women who were gaining more rights and freedoms. Amelie such a likable and endearing heroine. She is a Woman of Independent Means, working at her aunts newspaper and living in her own apartment. She is innocent in a lot of ways, but savvy and witty. Our hero, the serious and handsome Detective Michael Baker is also very likable and it as fun to see this hardened detective melt around Amelie. They were really cute together!
I dont read a whole lot of mysteries, but I thought this one was well done. I loved the setting and how everything played out. Kept me engaged and turning the pages. I like the supporting cast a lot and hope Ms. Allen will make this a series and write about Amelie's cousins.
Content PG13 for mild violence
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: Plot surrounds a murder investigation(s), a kidnapping & attack, nothing overly graphic or gory.
This story takes place in the late 1800s, and it was such a fascinating time in history and Ms. Allen did a great job of creating the setting and what life would have been like back then, especially for women who were gaining more rights and freedoms. Amelie such a likable and endearing heroine. She is a Woman of Independent Means, working at her aunts newspaper and living in her own apartment. She is innocent in a lot of ways, but savvy and witty. Our hero, the serious and handsome Detective Michael Baker is also very likable and it as fun to see this hardened detective melt around Amelie. They were really cute together!
I dont read a whole lot of mysteries, but I thought this one was well done. I loved the setting and how everything played out. Kept me engaged and turning the pages. I like the supporting cast a lot and hope Ms. Allen will make this a series and write about Amelie's cousins.
Content PG13 for mild violence
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: Plot surrounds a murder investigation(s), a kidnapping & attack, nothing overly graphic or gory.
September 25, 2021
This is a book that I'm going to issue a warning with. It's a warning that I've issued before with several other books, but it stands very true for this well as well... Don't read this book unless you have carved out time in your schedule to read it from cover to cover. You will not want to set it down. I'm not kidding here people! 100% serious. I couldn't put it down. Ok, well I did once or twice, but only for a couple minutes each time. Haha! It is really that good!
Nancy Campbell Allen is an author that I can't wait for her to announce new book releases! I've been eyeing this one since I first learned that it was going to be released and was so excited when I was finally able to clear my schedule and read it. See there, I knew I was going to need a day and I planned accordingly!
I loved this Victorian era novel. And can I just say, that cover, GORGEOUS!!!! It's just so creative. The newspaper ads and the coloring. All of it is just so eye catching for me. The cover designer did a fabulous job!
The characters were delightful as well. Especially Amelie, our intrepid report (well kind of), and our charmingly delightful (well kind of) Police detective Michael Baker. Hee hee! You'll have to read it to understand my little asides there. But in all seriousness, these two were truly fabulous characters. Well developed, and fabulous dialogue between them. I loved it all.
We have our devious characters as well. The ones we're not quite sure about. Are they good or not? And the sweet and lighthearted characters who add humor and comic relief. The timing of it all throughout the book was well written and delivered. I found myself holding my breath a couple times during some of the suspenseful moments. And then releasing that breath in relief and happiness that everything was working out as I had hoped.
Amelie is trying to find her place. She's a lovely character and just needs some wins in her corner. She has such a great support group that tag along with her escapades. Especially when she becomes "deputized." Hahahaha!!! Oh how I adore this book and these characters. I know I keep saying that, but it's true. Especially when I start to think about certain scenes or conversations. You're in for a real treat! This reminded me of a fun show I watched, Miss Scarlett and the Duke. Have you watched it yet? You should if you're a mystery/suspense/crime fighting fan. And DEFINITELY read this book!
Content: Clean. This is a mystery and suspense, so there are moments of mild peril as well as death and murder. But it is all done tastefully and not overly graphic. Some kisses but nothing further.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Nancy Campbell Allen is an author that I can't wait for her to announce new book releases! I've been eyeing this one since I first learned that it was going to be released and was so excited when I was finally able to clear my schedule and read it. See there, I knew I was going to need a day and I planned accordingly!
I loved this Victorian era novel. And can I just say, that cover, GORGEOUS!!!! It's just so creative. The newspaper ads and the coloring. All of it is just so eye catching for me. The cover designer did a fabulous job!
The characters were delightful as well. Especially Amelie, our intrepid report (well kind of), and our charmingly delightful (well kind of) Police detective Michael Baker. Hee hee! You'll have to read it to understand my little asides there. But in all seriousness, these two were truly fabulous characters. Well developed, and fabulous dialogue between them. I loved it all.
We have our devious characters as well. The ones we're not quite sure about. Are they good or not? And the sweet and lighthearted characters who add humor and comic relief. The timing of it all throughout the book was well written and delivered. I found myself holding my breath a couple times during some of the suspenseful moments. And then releasing that breath in relief and happiness that everything was working out as I had hoped.
Amelie is trying to find her place. She's a lovely character and just needs some wins in her corner. She has such a great support group that tag along with her escapades. Especially when she becomes "deputized." Hahahaha!!! Oh how I adore this book and these characters. I know I keep saying that, but it's true. Especially when I start to think about certain scenes or conversations. You're in for a real treat! This reminded me of a fun show I watched, Miss Scarlett and the Duke. Have you watched it yet? You should if you're a mystery/suspense/crime fighting fan. And DEFINITELY read this book!
Content: Clean. This is a mystery and suspense, so there are moments of mild peril as well as death and murder. But it is all done tastefully and not overly graphic. Some kisses but nothing further.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
September 21, 2021
The book started off with some witty banter between the main characters and a mysterious widower....did he kill his wife or is he innocent. The police detective Baker and Amelie are the main love interest with Harold Radcliffe as the suspected murderer. The story is a nice blend of romance and crime solving with an intrepid modern working woman in the Victorian era who reads murder mysteries and decides to help solve the crime. I do not know if this will be a series but I do hope so.
April 15, 2024
3,5 stars
This was cute and I liked it but it wasn’t amazing.
Amelie is a “woman of independent means” working in a matchmaking magazine. Michael is a detective investigating a widower who he suspects of murdering his wife.
It was nice to read about working people rather than dukes and earls, this is always appreciated. I liked both Amelie and Michael and I liked their dynamic initially, but then it went from light flirting straight to love declarations and it didn’t really work. The mystery was more of a cat and mouse game than a riddle to solve, but it was angsty, especially towards the end.
Let’s see what the sequel brings!
This was cute and I liked it but it wasn’t amazing.
Amelie is a “woman of independent means” working in a matchmaking magazine. Michael is a detective investigating a widower who he suspects of murdering his wife.
It was nice to read about working people rather than dukes and earls, this is always appreciated. I liked both Amelie and Michael and I liked their dynamic initially, but then it went from light flirting straight to love declarations and it didn’t really work. The mystery was more of a cat and mouse game than a riddle to solve, but it was angsty, especially towards the end.
Let’s see what the sequel brings!
September 1, 2021
I read this for a historical romance vlog! https://youtu.be/Ja14Oap9rlU
Grumpy/Sunshine historical romantic suspense that will probably make you laugh! I thought this was a thoroughly charming story with more modern sensibilities and interesting women who have no problem speaking up for themselves. And if you're looking for something that isn't too steamy but still gives you great chemistry, this definitely delivers! (and there are a couple of solid kissing scenes toward the end of the book).
Amelie is a bit naive and romantic, which makes her perfect for answering letters to the marriage gazette run by her aunt. She loves to play matchmaker and sets one correspondent up on a blind date with a widower looking for love. But the man who shows up is Harold, a charming, handsome member of her bookclub who just recently lost his wife.
And as it turns out, Detective Michael Baker is investigating her death and suspects the husband of foul play. Amelie can't believe it, but agrees to help Mr. Baker with his investigation. Initially she's drawn into Harolds web, but grouchy Michael Baker just might make his way into her heart...
This was really great! It had fun characters, suspicious deaths, investigation, and a really sweet romance. Highly recommend and I hope we get more in this series because I want stories about Amelie's cousins as well! I received an advance copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Grumpy/Sunshine historical romantic suspense that will probably make you laugh! I thought this was a thoroughly charming story with more modern sensibilities and interesting women who have no problem speaking up for themselves. And if you're looking for something that isn't too steamy but still gives you great chemistry, this definitely delivers! (and there are a couple of solid kissing scenes toward the end of the book).
Amelie is a bit naive and romantic, which makes her perfect for answering letters to the marriage gazette run by her aunt. She loves to play matchmaker and sets one correspondent up on a blind date with a widower looking for love. But the man who shows up is Harold, a charming, handsome member of her bookclub who just recently lost his wife.
And as it turns out, Detective Michael Baker is investigating her death and suspects the husband of foul play. Amelie can't believe it, but agrees to help Mr. Baker with his investigation. Initially she's drawn into Harolds web, but grouchy Michael Baker just might make his way into her heart...
This was really great! It had fun characters, suspicious deaths, investigation, and a really sweet romance. Highly recommend and I hope we get more in this series because I want stories about Amelie's cousins as well! I received an advance copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
September 4, 2021
Victorian mystery / romance—the Scotland Yard Detective and a Woman of Independent Means!
I so enjoyed this! Amelie Hampton is a columnist for the Marriage Gazette, a respectable Lonely Hearts publication that introduces perspective couples. Amelie is keen to see how two people she’s put together might hit it off. So, against all the Gazette rules, she decides to observe their meeting. Imagine her surprise when the man turns out to be not the Mr. Dashing he’d presented himself as, but Mr. Radcliffe, the handsome widower who attended her book club, whose presence turns her knees to jelly and her thoughts to mush. When asked about this, Mr. Radcliffe gives Amelie a host of smooth and plausible answers to cover his subterfuge, at least to Amelie’s ears—but not for at least one of her cousins.
Detective Michael Baker notices the young woman standing outside the restaurant in the rain, for at least thirty minutes, spying on the couple. He’s here because he believes the solicitor, Harold Radcliffe may have killed his wife. He’s gathering proof. Intrigued, Michael follows Amelie to question her which turns into something not quite that simple.
After a rocky beginning Michael manages to persuade Amelie to take him to the next book club event to meet Radcliffe socially, as her guest. The book club features a host of interesting characters, including two rather risqué elderly sisters.
Somehow Michael finds himself deputising Amelie and her cousins. This is all rather hilarious as Detective Baker’s world is turned on it’s head—and much to her dismay so is Amelia’s. Amelie is absolutely committed to being a working woman, a Woman of Independent Means.
I love the depth of characterisation that Allen brings to her leads. Both Detective Baker and Amelie Hampton are well rounded, and as the plot progresses we learn so much more about them. They are alive and engaging. Similar growth happens with the secondary characters.
We watch Detective Baker’s relationship with his new partner, Detective Nathaniel Winston develop, the small moments of them becoming a team. Michael’s former partner had not only been his long time friend, but also his brother-in-law. He’d been killed in pursuit of criminal. Michael is still grieving. And now a new partner. This is a huge step! How to move forward and trust someone you don’t know. Allen really capture Michael’s hesitancy. Nathaniel slowly wins Michael’s appreciation—and he wins me!
Murder and nefarious doings lead to a highly charged last few chapters. Taut plot formation pushes the action along.
A rather unexpected Victorian romance mystery that well and truly delivered.
A Shadow Mountain ARC via NetGalley
I so enjoyed this! Amelie Hampton is a columnist for the Marriage Gazette, a respectable Lonely Hearts publication that introduces perspective couples. Amelie is keen to see how two people she’s put together might hit it off. So, against all the Gazette rules, she decides to observe their meeting. Imagine her surprise when the man turns out to be not the Mr. Dashing he’d presented himself as, but Mr. Radcliffe, the handsome widower who attended her book club, whose presence turns her knees to jelly and her thoughts to mush. When asked about this, Mr. Radcliffe gives Amelie a host of smooth and plausible answers to cover his subterfuge, at least to Amelie’s ears—but not for at least one of her cousins.
Detective Michael Baker notices the young woman standing outside the restaurant in the rain, for at least thirty minutes, spying on the couple. He’s here because he believes the solicitor, Harold Radcliffe may have killed his wife. He’s gathering proof. Intrigued, Michael follows Amelie to question her which turns into something not quite that simple.
After a rocky beginning Michael manages to persuade Amelie to take him to the next book club event to meet Radcliffe socially, as her guest. The book club features a host of interesting characters, including two rather risqué elderly sisters.
Somehow Michael finds himself deputising Amelie and her cousins. This is all rather hilarious as Detective Baker’s world is turned on it’s head—and much to her dismay so is Amelia’s. Amelie is absolutely committed to being a working woman, a Woman of Independent Means.
I love the depth of characterisation that Allen brings to her leads. Both Detective Baker and Amelie Hampton are well rounded, and as the plot progresses we learn so much more about them. They are alive and engaging. Similar growth happens with the secondary characters.
We watch Detective Baker’s relationship with his new partner, Detective Nathaniel Winston develop, the small moments of them becoming a team. Michael’s former partner had not only been his long time friend, but also his brother-in-law. He’d been killed in pursuit of criminal. Michael is still grieving. And now a new partner. This is a huge step! How to move forward and trust someone you don’t know. Allen really capture Michael’s hesitancy. Nathaniel slowly wins Michael’s appreciation—and he wins me!
Murder and nefarious doings lead to a highly charged last few chapters. Taut plot formation pushes the action along.
A rather unexpected Victorian romance mystery that well and truly delivered.
A Shadow Mountain ARC via NetGalley
September 4, 2021
It's a Victorian murder mystery! After a few years of steampunk/paranormal regency style mashup books from this author, we are delving into a new genre and I'm liking it! A lot!
From the first pages I was interested which is always nice as a reader but what is even better? When that interest grows with every page and you become more and more invested as the story progresses. Things really ramped up in the last half of the book and by the end I was reading so quickly, desperate to find out how it would all work out. I really love when that happens.
Amelie (I love that name) and Michael grew on me as I got to know them better. I'm glad that Amelie didn't stay in her delusional world too long but quickly caught on so Michael could become the star of her show (and mine too!). I would say that this book is slightly more plot driven but the characters were good and I really enjoyed it from start to finish.
I'm really hoping that this is the beginning of a new series involving the cousins who all are a part of this book.
Content: some violence (murders) described in some detail. Peril, kissing.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
From the first pages I was interested which is always nice as a reader but what is even better? When that interest grows with every page and you become more and more invested as the story progresses. Things really ramped up in the last half of the book and by the end I was reading so quickly, desperate to find out how it would all work out. I really love when that happens.
Amelie (I love that name) and Michael grew on me as I got to know them better. I'm glad that Amelie didn't stay in her delusional world too long but quickly caught on so Michael could become the star of her show (and mine too!). I would say that this book is slightly more plot driven but the characters were good and I really enjoyed it from start to finish.
I'm really hoping that this is the beginning of a new series involving the cousins who all are a part of this book.
Content: some violence (murders) described in some detail. Peril, kissing.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 12, 2021
It's hardly a secret that I'm a big fan of the Proper Romance line, so it's with great sadness that I have to report that I didn't care for this one. That's in no way because of the writing - Nancy Campbell Allen is comfortable with her time period and subject matter, and the romance and mystery plots do work nicely together. The issue is more that I didn't buy the couple, mostly because I could not stand the heroine. Amelie is meant to be a naive young Victorian woman trying to make her way in a world that isn't sure she should be allowed independence. She's so excited to seize on any and every opportunity that she comes off as tragically TSTL - if this young lady has a sense of self-preservation, I didn't see it. Her willingness to see attractive people as good is somehow more excusable, but her inability to make a sound decision ruined the book for me.
I will have to pick up a different one of Allen's books, because I enjoyed her writing style. Just not these characters.
I will have to pick up a different one of Allen's books, because I enjoyed her writing style. Just not these characters.
February 20, 2025
Michael Baker 🥹🩷 >>>>>>
October 3, 2022
Barbara’s Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Matchmakers #1
Publication Date: 9/7/21
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 336
Wowzers! This is my first read by this author, but it will definitely NOT be my last. The writing is excellent, the plot is tightly woven and cohesive, the characters are exceptional, and there is excitement galore. There are several characters in this book that I would love to see in future books, and I can hardly wait for them.
Detective Michael Baker is part of Scotland Yard’s newly organized Criminal Investigation Division. Michael is a no-nonsense man who has vowed he will never marry. Not Ever. He’s seen what grief does to those left behind when a law officer dies in the line of duty and he would never inflict that pain on anyone he loved. His father died in the line of duty as did his best friend and brother-in-law. No, he’ll never leave those he loves to cope with the grief and life after he is gone.
Michael is called to the banks of the Thames because a dead body has been found. A beautiful young woman whose life ended much too soon. Michael finally learns she is the wife of solicitor Mr. Harold Radcliff and undertakes the sad task of having the newly bereaved husband identify the body. Something just doesn’t seem right about Radcliff’s reactions. He does all of the correct things – but they just don’t ring true for Michael. Then, when Radcliff refuses to allow an autopsy – Michael is really interested in having one done. When Radcliff thwarts Michael’s wishes and whisks the body away to her family plot, Michael knows he’ll have to find other means to figure out what happened to Marie Radcliff.
Amelie (that is AHmelie) Hampton and her two cousins, Charlotte and Evangeline are all working toward becoming ‘women of independent means’ by living in their aunt’s ‘boarding’ house and working at her newspaper, the Marriage Gazette. Amelie is neither smooth nor polished, but she is a hopeless romantic who firmly believes in finding her knight in shining armor. She performs a bit of matchmaking through her work at the Marriage Gazette – probably much more than her aunt Sally knows. She’s coordinated a potential match and is anxious to see how it is going. She’s met the lady but has no idea who the man actually is, so she hides outside the tea shop where her two matches are to meet – just so she can assure all is going well. But … Oh! No! … the man who shows up is Mr. Harold Radcliff, a man for whom Amelie has a bit of a tendre.
While following Radcliff, Michael sees a young woman spying on Radcliff and another young woman. Hmm – Could this be an accomplice of Radcliff? Michael determines to follow her and confront her. After scaring her nearly to death and getting her story, Michael enlists her aid. Oh! She’ll aid him alright. She’ll prove to Scotland Yard Radcliff is totally innocent.
I loved watching Michael and Amelie – first working at cross-purposes, and then united. Their own feelings for each other developed slowly and the realization came even slower. But, goodness, when that realization did happen.
I definitely recommend this book and I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. It is exciting and the resolution of the mystery will have your heart in your throat. I would really love to see future books with Charlotte, Evangeline, Aunt Sally, Detective Winston, director Ellis – and even Michael’s widowed sister, Clarissa.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Matchmakers #1
Publication Date: 9/7/21
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 336
Wowzers! This is my first read by this author, but it will definitely NOT be my last. The writing is excellent, the plot is tightly woven and cohesive, the characters are exceptional, and there is excitement galore. There are several characters in this book that I would love to see in future books, and I can hardly wait for them.
Detective Michael Baker is part of Scotland Yard’s newly organized Criminal Investigation Division. Michael is a no-nonsense man who has vowed he will never marry. Not Ever. He’s seen what grief does to those left behind when a law officer dies in the line of duty and he would never inflict that pain on anyone he loved. His father died in the line of duty as did his best friend and brother-in-law. No, he’ll never leave those he loves to cope with the grief and life after he is gone.
Michael is called to the banks of the Thames because a dead body has been found. A beautiful young woman whose life ended much too soon. Michael finally learns she is the wife of solicitor Mr. Harold Radcliff and undertakes the sad task of having the newly bereaved husband identify the body. Something just doesn’t seem right about Radcliff’s reactions. He does all of the correct things – but they just don’t ring true for Michael. Then, when Radcliff refuses to allow an autopsy – Michael is really interested in having one done. When Radcliff thwarts Michael’s wishes and whisks the body away to her family plot, Michael knows he’ll have to find other means to figure out what happened to Marie Radcliff.
Amelie (that is AHmelie) Hampton and her two cousins, Charlotte and Evangeline are all working toward becoming ‘women of independent means’ by living in their aunt’s ‘boarding’ house and working at her newspaper, the Marriage Gazette. Amelie is neither smooth nor polished, but she is a hopeless romantic who firmly believes in finding her knight in shining armor. She performs a bit of matchmaking through her work at the Marriage Gazette – probably much more than her aunt Sally knows. She’s coordinated a potential match and is anxious to see how it is going. She’s met the lady but has no idea who the man actually is, so she hides outside the tea shop where her two matches are to meet – just so she can assure all is going well. But … Oh! No! … the man who shows up is Mr. Harold Radcliff, a man for whom Amelie has a bit of a tendre.
While following Radcliff, Michael sees a young woman spying on Radcliff and another young woman. Hmm – Could this be an accomplice of Radcliff? Michael determines to follow her and confront her. After scaring her nearly to death and getting her story, Michael enlists her aid. Oh! She’ll aid him alright. She’ll prove to Scotland Yard Radcliff is totally innocent.
I loved watching Michael and Amelie – first working at cross-purposes, and then united. Their own feelings for each other developed slowly and the realization came even slower. But, goodness, when that realization did happen.
I definitely recommend this book and I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. It is exciting and the resolution of the mystery will have your heart in your throat. I would really love to see future books with Charlotte, Evangeline, Aunt Sally, Detective Winston, director Ellis – and even Michael’s widowed sister, Clarissa.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 22, 2024
historical setting + adorable romance + murder mystery = a book that feels perfectly tailored for ME and I'm obsessed with it. 💜 I had the biggest, goofiest grin on my face for most of this reading experience, it was just delightful. Amelie kicks butt while also being relatable, and Michael is an absolute softie with a grumpy facade (my favorite). They're adorable together, I loved them so much. The mystery itself isn't so much about figuring out whodunnit as HOWdunnit, which is very fun.
this was such a pleasant surprise and an excellent way to kick off my 2024 reading! 5 stars from me!
(also a sidenote that is very random but this book is very food-positive? like they eat a lot and it's good and healthy and idk why but I just really appreciated it)
this was such a pleasant surprise and an excellent way to kick off my 2024 reading! 5 stars from me!
(also a sidenote that is very random but this book is very food-positive? like they eat a lot and it's good and healthy and idk why but I just really appreciated it)
February 26, 2022
I thought this one was very well done. The book is steeped in the Victorian setting,taking place in London 1885. Amelie is a lonely hearts matchmaker who so caught up in her work decides to watch a couple through a restaurant window to observe this couple. Little does she know it's a recent widow who's just lost his wife and that she herself is being watched and observed by detective Michael Baker. He will question her as to what she knows about this case. We know who the murderer is right from the start, while most books are not like this proving the guilt in this case proves hard to do.
While investigating the crime together a relationship of mutual respect and maybe a little more develops between Amelie and the detective.
This book kept me intrigued the whole way through. I am looking forward to reading more books in this Proper Romance series.
Pub Date 07 Sep 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
While investigating the crime together a relationship of mutual respect and maybe a little more develops between Amelie and the detective.
This book kept me intrigued the whole way through. I am looking forward to reading more books in this Proper Romance series.
Pub Date 07 Sep 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
April 18, 2023
3 stars. This would have been much more enjoyable if the heroine hadn’t acted like a complete fool the entire time. I absolutely hate when authors write female characters who just throw themselves into danger without a second thought… and this heroine did her best to get herself killed.
Writing was otherwise fine, and I did enjoy some aspects of the story. The romance is pretty flimsy - heroine goes from being interested in one man to declaring love for another within a few days. She was just a mess all around.
Safe; no spice
Writing was otherwise fine, and I did enjoy some aspects of the story. The romance is pretty flimsy - heroine goes from being interested in one man to declaring love for another within a few days. She was just a mess all around.
Safe; no spice
August 26, 2025
I will say this, I did not expect to like this as much as a did, but looking back it should come as no surprise. A combination of cosy mystery with some romance + Scotland Yard, of course I liked it and the more I think back on it the fonder I am.
No it wasn't perfect, but it was enjoyable and it engaging with likeable characters. This is more uncommon than it should be. So I am feeling generous towards this novel.
No it wasn't perfect, but it was enjoyable and it engaging with likeable characters. This is more uncommon than it should be. So I am feeling generous towards this novel.
October 18, 2021
Victorian; murder mystery; romance; Nancy Campbell Allen! Yes please!! I loved her Victorian steampunk series and based on this book I'm going to love this new series too. I've loved mysteries since I was a preteen and discovered Nancy Drew.
Amelie works for her Aunt Sally who runs The Marriage Gazette, giving advice on romance. Although single, she's successfully matched several couples. She sets up a young lady with a gentleman and spies on them from a distance to see how they're getting along. This leads to a fun run-in with Detective Michael Baker, who's also watching the couple but for completely different reasons. Detective Baker suspects the gentleman of killing his wife! It turns out the gentleman, a Mr. Harold Radcliffe, is a member of the book club Amelie attends, and a fairly recent widower. Amelie doesn't believe Mr. Radcliffe killed his wife and sets out to prove it to Detective Baker.
I loved this book. I love the Victorian era as women could have jobs other than housekeepers, maids and seamstresses; they could even have their own businesses. Amelie is spunky and doesn't always think things through before acting. I loved how close she is with her cousins she lives with in the boardinghouse. I liked Detective Baker and how he cared about his sister and her family since the death of her husband, his former partner who was killed in the line of duty. I liked the side characters who were just sketchy enough to make me wonder what they were up to, and if they were guilty.
This story had me pulled in from the beginning and kept my interest the entire time. I thoroughly enjoyed Amelie and Michael's story and can't wait to read more about Amelie's cousins, Charlotte and Evangeline. I love when I have books in a series to look forward to. I also listened to the audiobook on Deseret Bookshelf and thought the narrator was wonderful.
I received a complimentary digital copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Amelie works for her Aunt Sally who runs The Marriage Gazette, giving advice on romance. Although single, she's successfully matched several couples. She sets up a young lady with a gentleman and spies on them from a distance to see how they're getting along. This leads to a fun run-in with Detective Michael Baker, who's also watching the couple but for completely different reasons. Detective Baker suspects the gentleman of killing his wife! It turns out the gentleman, a Mr. Harold Radcliffe, is a member of the book club Amelie attends, and a fairly recent widower. Amelie doesn't believe Mr. Radcliffe killed his wife and sets out to prove it to Detective Baker.
I loved this book. I love the Victorian era as women could have jobs other than housekeepers, maids and seamstresses; they could even have their own businesses. Amelie is spunky and doesn't always think things through before acting. I loved how close she is with her cousins she lives with in the boardinghouse. I liked Detective Baker and how he cared about his sister and her family since the death of her husband, his former partner who was killed in the line of duty. I liked the side characters who were just sketchy enough to make me wonder what they were up to, and if they were guilty.
This story had me pulled in from the beginning and kept my interest the entire time. I thoroughly enjoyed Amelie and Michael's story and can't wait to read more about Amelie's cousins, Charlotte and Evangeline. I love when I have books in a series to look forward to. I also listened to the audiobook on Deseret Bookshelf and thought the narrator was wonderful.
I received a complimentary digital copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
October 14, 2021
So.
Much.
Fun.
Seriously hilarious (and, yes that's an oxymoron but it fits!) From the laugh-out-loud meet-cute to the amateur sleuthing to the dangerous undertones -- The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart delivers the perfect reading getaway! And I haven't even mentioned the romance yet!
Witty dialogue, an intelligent heroine (who happens to have two equally intelligent cousins who I hope are featured in their own stories sometime soon), a detective who can't afford to be besotted but he is (I love how rattled he gets at times!) and a truly odious, conniving villain made this a rabid listening frenzy for me, enhanced all the more by Justine Eyre's captivating narration.
Victorian romance + cozy mystery = one sublime read!
Much.
Fun.
Seriously hilarious (and, yes that's an oxymoron but it fits!) From the laugh-out-loud meet-cute to the amateur sleuthing to the dangerous undertones -- The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart delivers the perfect reading getaway! And I haven't even mentioned the romance yet!
Witty dialogue, an intelligent heroine (who happens to have two equally intelligent cousins who I hope are featured in their own stories sometime soon), a detective who can't afford to be besotted but he is (I love how rattled he gets at times!) and a truly odious, conniving villain made this a rabid listening frenzy for me, enhanced all the more by Justine Eyre's captivating narration.
Victorian romance + cozy mystery = one sublime read!
September 12, 2021
This Victorian Era read is everything I loved - it had romance, mystery and adventure. I was gripped from the very first page. I love the grit and the characters in this story. The historical mystery was a fun read for me as well as the police procedural and the romance was a bonus.
The writing really transported me to the Victorian time period, with rich detail that gave this mystery a wonderful atmospheric read.
I enjoyed Amelie as a character and all the other secondary characters as well. I enjoyed how we slowly uncovered the mystery and the well plotted story line.
I found this book to be engaging and entertaining tor read. Fun historical mystery with a splash of romance.
The writing really transported me to the Victorian time period, with rich detail that gave this mystery a wonderful atmospheric read.
I enjoyed Amelie as a character and all the other secondary characters as well. I enjoyed how we slowly uncovered the mystery and the well plotted story line.
I found this book to be engaging and entertaining tor read. Fun historical mystery with a splash of romance.
September 11, 2021
This was a delightful read of Victorian Era proportions. A little mystery and a little romance all packed into one that made this one quite diverting.
I've been watching Miss Scarlet and the Duke with my husband so I guess i've been in the mood for some mystery and female detective sleuthing. I also tend to love grittier historicals so when the book starts with a body of a young woman being pulled out of the Thames... it definitely had my attention.
Amelie is a columnist for a Matchmaking Gazette and a hopeless romantic, when she's pulled into a case over a man she's been pining for, she seeks to prove the mans innocence. She's a little naive and hasn't been hardened by the world yet so it was nice to see her growth as she realizes the dangers and realities of what actually exists by helping in the case.
Michael is a great character, hardened by his job that killed his best friend and vows to never marry to save others the heartache of his loss. When he meets Amelie his rough edges and her enthusiasm and innocence clash but in the best of ways. And as they grow closer to finding the killer, they also grow closer in matters of the heart.
Like I said...mystery, romance and adventure all in one read, and I truly hope Amelies cousins also get their own stories as well. I feel like I saw some foreshadowing in there.
I've been watching Miss Scarlet and the Duke with my husband so I guess i've been in the mood for some mystery and female detective sleuthing. I also tend to love grittier historicals so when the book starts with a body of a young woman being pulled out of the Thames... it definitely had my attention.
Amelie is a columnist for a Matchmaking Gazette and a hopeless romantic, when she's pulled into a case over a man she's been pining for, she seeks to prove the mans innocence. She's a little naive and hasn't been hardened by the world yet so it was nice to see her growth as she realizes the dangers and realities of what actually exists by helping in the case.
Michael is a great character, hardened by his job that killed his best friend and vows to never marry to save others the heartache of his loss. When he meets Amelie his rough edges and her enthusiasm and innocence clash but in the best of ways. And as they grow closer to finding the killer, they also grow closer in matters of the heart.
Like I said...mystery, romance and adventure all in one read, and I truly hope Amelies cousins also get their own stories as well. I feel like I saw some foreshadowing in there.
September 7, 2021
3.5 stars. This story is part murder mystery and part romance. It starts off with a body being pulled from the Thames, and eventually there is more than one murder to solve. The main character Amelie Hampton works for her Aunt Sally’s Marriage Gazette, answering correspondence from young ladies looking for love. She meets Detective Michael Baker when he is trailing a murder suspect whom she happened to set up on a date with one of her correspondents. Although each has different motives, they begin working together. I enjoyed their banter and Amelie’s quick wit. She is a smart girl, if a bit naive, but I never got the impression that she was actually pining for love as the title implies. She was all about working and being independent, things not so common for upper class women in Victorian England. The plot moved along at a quick pace. The supporting characters were great and I wonder if this will be a series featuring each of the cousins introduced here. It’s a sweet, clean romance with a little more violence than I’m used to seeing in a proper romance. If you enjoy historical mysteries then definitely check this one out.
I received a free ebook from the publisher via NetGalley. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.
I received a free ebook from the publisher via NetGalley. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.
September 21, 2021
If I had to pick a favorite historical time period to read about, it might be the Victorian period. I love the way it’s okay for a woman to be almost anything she’d like in this time period.
And Amelie proves that in this book by Nancy Campbell Allen. I love the way she not only works as a columnist at her aunt’s newspaper, but she also helps set people up as well. This gets her in a bit of trouble when she meets Detective Michael Baker as she’s spying on her latest matchmaking attempt. What she doesn’t know is that the man she’s set up, Mr Radcliffe, is suspected of killing his wife.
I liked Michael as well. He goes out of his way to protect Amelie when she gets herself into all sorts of scrapes and trouble. And the way he cares for his family, that was one of my very favorite things about him.
There is plenty of mystery and mayhem in this book. I loved how the reader gets to help Amelie and Michael figure out what is going on. The plot kept me engaged from start to finish.
This is one of those books I didn’t want to put down! And I hope the author writes more like this one.
I was sent a copy of The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
And Amelie proves that in this book by Nancy Campbell Allen. I love the way she not only works as a columnist at her aunt’s newspaper, but she also helps set people up as well. This gets her in a bit of trouble when she meets Detective Michael Baker as she’s spying on her latest matchmaking attempt. What she doesn’t know is that the man she’s set up, Mr Radcliffe, is suspected of killing his wife.
I liked Michael as well. He goes out of his way to protect Amelie when she gets herself into all sorts of scrapes and trouble. And the way he cares for his family, that was one of my very favorite things about him.
There is plenty of mystery and mayhem in this book. I loved how the reader gets to help Amelie and Michael figure out what is going on. The plot kept me engaged from start to finish.
This is one of those books I didn’t want to put down! And I hope the author writes more like this one.
I was sent a copy of The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
August 13, 2021
This is a fantastic Victorian romantic suspense story! I don’t usually enjoy suspense, but there’s something about the way this author writes it. She makes it so believable. This had a slow build up, but then it grabs you and doesn’t let go.
Amelie answers correspondence for her aunt’s magazine The Marriage Gazette. She particularly enjoys matching couples and watching them get their happily ever after. When she is surreptitiously watching a couple she matched anonymously in their first interaction, she is surprised to find that, not only is she acquainted with the fellow, but she is not the only one watching. Detective Michael Baker was suspicious of this fellow when he handled the questionable death of his wife and is now doubly so as he sees him moving on to find another one so quickly. He gets more than he bargained for as he enlists Amelie’s help. But, as they learn to trust each other, they find that they are stronger together.
I loved everything about this novel. The Victorian setting is perfection. The characters are vibrant. The writing pulls you in. It’s a very satisfying romantic suspense read.
Amelie answers correspondence for her aunt’s magazine The Marriage Gazette. She particularly enjoys matching couples and watching them get their happily ever after. When she is surreptitiously watching a couple she matched anonymously in their first interaction, she is surprised to find that, not only is she acquainted with the fellow, but she is not the only one watching. Detective Michael Baker was suspicious of this fellow when he handled the questionable death of his wife and is now doubly so as he sees him moving on to find another one so quickly. He gets more than he bargained for as he enlists Amelie’s help. But, as they learn to trust each other, they find that they are stronger together.
I loved everything about this novel. The Victorian setting is perfection. The characters are vibrant. The writing pulls you in. It’s a very satisfying romantic suspense read.
September 20, 2021
The Victorian era is so fascinating to me and when combined with a murder-mystery, why, what could be better?
The characters fit together so well and were a quirky mix of fun. I loved how each chapters began with a piece of advice. Amelie works for her aunt's newspaper and her role is intriguing, especially for her time. When she lands herself in the middle of Michael's murder investigation, the fun really begins and I couldn't get enough of their interactions and the trouble that ensued.
Allen is a talented writer in bringing together many threads of a somewhat simple, yet simultaneously complicated plot, and weaving together an entertaining story. The slow start quickly gave way to a delightful tale with a good pacing. I was wondering at the outcome all along. The characters were wonderful and I hope they each get a story of their own.
This book was very enjoyable and I'm hoping it's the start of a new series!
Content: mild violence/death; mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
The characters fit together so well and were a quirky mix of fun. I loved how each chapters began with a piece of advice. Amelie works for her aunt's newspaper and her role is intriguing, especially for her time. When she lands herself in the middle of Michael's murder investigation, the fun really begins and I couldn't get enough of their interactions and the trouble that ensued.
Allen is a talented writer in bringing together many threads of a somewhat simple, yet simultaneously complicated plot, and weaving together an entertaining story. The slow start quickly gave way to a delightful tale with a good pacing. I was wondering at the outcome all along. The characters were wonderful and I hope they each get a story of their own.
This book was very enjoyable and I'm hoping it's the start of a new series!
Content: mild violence/death; mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
March 11, 2021
A very good read!
This is a Victorian murder mystery romance and the setting is immersive and well done.
Amelie works for her aunt as writer/matchmaker and is very keen on her independence. She's caught by detective Michael Baker watching a couple that she matched, and he asks for her help in a murder case.
Michael is pretty convinced of Harold's guilt, but proving it is not as easy. As the case evolves, so does the friendship between him and Amelie.
This is a story full of action and danger, especially as the ending nears and the stakes get higher and more personal. It's also very romantic and I loved Michael and Amelie's relationship.
Looks like it'll be a series and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
This is a Victorian murder mystery romance and the setting is immersive and well done.
Amelie works for her aunt as writer/matchmaker and is very keen on her independence. She's caught by detective Michael Baker watching a couple that she matched, and he asks for her help in a murder case.
Michael is pretty convinced of Harold's guilt, but proving it is not as easy. As the case evolves, so does the friendship between him and Amelie.
This is a story full of action and danger, especially as the ending nears and the stakes get higher and more personal. It's also very romantic and I loved Michael and Amelie's relationship.
Looks like it'll be a series and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
November 6, 2025
To say this book grabbed my attention is an understatement - I was reading it on public transportation, and I almost missed my stop! 🤣 I mean, a Proper Romance and a murder mystery in one book - what’s not to love?! Romance and mystery/suspense are two of my top genres, so it’s no wonder I loved this book! I loved how Michael and Amelie found love when they weren’t looking for it. And how they met made me laugh! I also loved the camaraderie among Amelie and her aunt and cousins, and I hope we get to see them in another book. Maybe this will be a trilogy? 🤞🏻
December 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and its setting, the suspense and romance, and well developed characters. Entertaining and well written.
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