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The Matchmakers of Harts Haven #2
A Match Made at Christmas
“Patricia Davids writes with heart, integrity and hope. Her stories both entertain and edify—the perfect combination.” —Kim Vogel Sawyer, award-winning and bestselling author
Christmas comes to a small Amish community—and brings new beginnings with it.
Karl Graber is too busy struggling with his hardware store and two young daughters to indulge local matchmaker Rose Yoder’s schemes. After his wife’s death, the thought of loving and perhaps losing another woman holds no appeal. So while he’s relieved to learn he’s not on Rose’s list of potential husbands for new schoolteacher Sophie Eicher, he’s also surprised. Despite himself, Karl can’t help wondering what Rose thinks he lacks—and why outspoken, attractive Sophie has so little interest in marriage.
After surviving breast cancer, Sophie is hoping to make a fresh start in Harts Haven. Perhaps the handsome widower next door would make a good match for her sister, but Sophie won’t burden any man with her uncertain future. But when Karl offers to help her to create a “living nativity” Christmas program for the schoolchildren, she gratefully agrees.
It’ll take a bold plan and help from Karl’s children to make this chaotic Christmas play a success. And as friendships deepen, hearts open and hopes are rekindled, two unlikely people may discover the healing gift of love.
The Matchmakers of Harts Haven
Book 1: The Inn at Harts Haven
Book 2: A Match Made at Christmas
Christmas comes to a small Amish community—and brings new beginnings with it.
Karl Graber is too busy struggling with his hardware store and two young daughters to indulge local matchmaker Rose Yoder’s schemes. After his wife’s death, the thought of loving and perhaps losing another woman holds no appeal. So while he’s relieved to learn he’s not on Rose’s list of potential husbands for new schoolteacher Sophie Eicher, he’s also surprised. Despite himself, Karl can’t help wondering what Rose thinks he lacks—and why outspoken, attractive Sophie has so little interest in marriage.
After surviving breast cancer, Sophie is hoping to make a fresh start in Harts Haven. Perhaps the handsome widower next door would make a good match for her sister, but Sophie won’t burden any man with her uncertain future. But when Karl offers to help her to create a “living nativity” Christmas program for the schoolchildren, she gratefully agrees.
It’ll take a bold plan and help from Karl’s children to make this chaotic Christmas play a success. And as friendships deepen, hearts open and hopes are rekindled, two unlikely people may discover the healing gift of love.
The Matchmakers of Harts Haven
Book 1: The Inn at Harts Haven
Book 2: A Match Made at Christmas
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2022
33 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Davids
142 books404 followersI was born and raised in Northcentral Kansas. I'm a farmer's daughter, but I now make my home in the city of Wichita. I'm an RN. Neonatal nursing has been the main focus of my career. What can I say? I love babies. I was invited to the highschool graduation of a baby I took care of. Talk about making me feel old!
In June of 2011 I became a widow after my husband of 36 years and 11 months died from multiple brain tumors. It was a very sad time, but thanks to the three f's, my faith, my family and my friends, life is moving forward. I have four brothers, one daughter and two grandchildren who all work at making me feel loved.
I'm the author of more than 30 books and I'm currently writing a series called The Brides of Amish Country for Love Inspired.
In June of 2011 I became a widow after my husband of 36 years and 11 months died from multiple brain tumors. It was a very sad time, but thanks to the three f's, my faith, my family and my friends, life is moving forward. I have four brothers, one daughter and two grandchildren who all work at making me feel loved.
I'm the author of more than 30 books and I'm currently writing a series called The Brides of Amish Country for Love Inspired.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 23, 2022
So, so, sooooooo much fun! I listened to the audible edition narrated by Meghan Kelly and I think she enhanced my enjoyment of this story -- especially in her portrayal of Rose, the eccentric Amish matchmaker. I'm still grinning over Rose's clever ploy to use reverse psychology to get these two together. But I'm getting ahead of myself -- let's see if I can corral my thoughts into some kind of order.
First thing you should know is that this book is the second one in the 'Matchmakers of Harts Haven' series. It centres around a Kansas Amish community inn run by three Amish widows. Rose is my favourite -- quirky, well meaning, but not above all kinds of subterfuge when she thinks her matchmaking 'skills' are needed. She provides comic relief and some sound outspoken advice as well. The first book is a great introduction to these characters and the community, but 'A Match Made at Christmas' can also be read as a standalone.
As in the first book, we have a reluctant hero and heroine who stretch Rose's matchmaking creativity to new levels. :-) Karl and Sophie are relationship shy for good reasons. Understandable, but frustrating too, as they are both so stuck in their pasts it's impossible for them to imagine a shared future. So lots of drama and a wee bit of angst, but also lots of Amish family life and, of course, the school Christmas play which was equal parts funny and moving. A perfect combination for a satisfying holiday read.
https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/20...
First thing you should know is that this book is the second one in the 'Matchmakers of Harts Haven' series. It centres around a Kansas Amish community inn run by three Amish widows. Rose is my favourite -- quirky, well meaning, but not above all kinds of subterfuge when she thinks her matchmaking 'skills' are needed. She provides comic relief and some sound outspoken advice as well. The first book is a great introduction to these characters and the community, but 'A Match Made at Christmas' can also be read as a standalone.
As in the first book, we have a reluctant hero and heroine who stretch Rose's matchmaking creativity to new levels. :-) Karl and Sophie are relationship shy for good reasons. Understandable, but frustrating too, as they are both so stuck in their pasts it's impossible for them to imagine a shared future. So lots of drama and a wee bit of angst, but also lots of Amish family life and, of course, the school Christmas play which was equal parts funny and moving. A perfect combination for a satisfying holiday read.
https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/20...
October 3, 2022
The story of breast cancer survivor Sophie Eicher and widower Karl Graber just reached out and touched my heart in so many ways. Sophie is a school teacher, looking for a new start in a new town, one in which her medical issues are not known by everyone. Karl is a shopkeeper who is quickly attracted to Sophie but he is quick to sense that she is keeping a secret. The townspeople are endearing, if a little meddlesome, especially Rose who is determined to be a matchmaker. I really enjoyed the scenes in the one-room schoolhouse and how organized Sophie was as well as her realistic dedication to instilling a love of learning in each of her pupils. The talents and personalities of each character were well portrayed and very realistic. My favorite character was Karl’s younger daughter Rachel who reminded me of Mary with the lambs since Rachel’s lambs seem to be in and out of mischief. I also liked the character of Joanna, Sophie’s sister who has come along with her for a new start. Joanna is a fun-loving but also compassionate about her sister and wants what is best for her. The romance was there but it took second place to the characters discovering each other’s vulnerabilities and strengths and finding out how their lives could fit together in spite of the past and hardships that they had faced. This is a book that is gut-wrenching at times, humorous at others and an all-around quick and engaging book. With a lot of details about Amish life, the story moved me right into the setting along with the characters and made me feel their anxiety and their desire to move on to a better future. With themes of overcoming life’s battles and helping others when they need it even when they don’t ask, this book is one with lessons to learn and a good story to enjoy.
I am already looking forward to the second book in the series as this first one was so relatable and entertaining.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
I am already looking forward to the second book in the series as this first one was so relatable and entertaining.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
September 25, 2022
"A Match Made at Christmas "by Patricia Davids
HQN
October 4, 2022
10-1335453474
Breast cancer survivor Sophie Eicher needs a new start. When her aunt Rose Yoder, who knows what she’s been through, suggests she relocate to Harts Haven, Kansas, to take the job as the school teacher, she decides to go.
“Everyone in their small Ohio community knew Sophie Eicher was a walking dead woman. Breast cancer had killed her mother and her grandmother. The pitying looks, the way people chose their words so carefully around her, had been stifling. It had been like living in a coffin waiting for the funeral to begin . . .”
Her younger sister Joanna goes with her, not because their widowed father is now remarried, which she uses as an excuse to Sophie, having her think she is in the way of his new family, but because she wants to be with her big sister and take care of her after her medical scare.
Sophie who is supposedly cured of her disease refuses to accept that fact. When her mother and grandmother perished from the same illness, Sophie believes she will not live long. Joanna tries to make her see she can have a full life, and she hopes with this move Sophie will realize she does have a future.
Sophie loves children and mourns the thought she will never have any or a family. With her now taking on the job as an Amish school teacher and knowing teachers are not allowed to be married, it doesn’t matter for she has no intention of ever getting married.
Rose, known to be a match-marker as well as a busybody, is thrilled when the sisters arrive. She has big plans to fix up both Sophie and Joanna with available bachelors.
One of the men Rose is hoping to match up is Karl Graber. Karl’s beloved wife passed away, leaving him with two young daughters. Knowing Rose well, he warns her not to meddle in his affairs, insisting he will never marry again for his deceased wife was the love of his life. But Rose worries about his girls whom she believes are being neglected while he wallows in his grief.
However, Rose informs Karl he is not on her list of eligible husbands for Sophie, which causes him to wonder why. He doesn’t know about Sophie’s illness, so could that be the reason why Rose crosses him off? Does Rose think Sophie is going to die soon?
When Sophie realizes what Rose is up to, she adamantly but nicely warns her to mind her own business. Sophie’s only wish is to have Joanna marry and have a family of her own before she (Sophie) dies—something she firmly believes will happen.
Sophie soon realizes her aunt is up to something when she recommends they rent the small house on Karl’s property. Sophie decides this could be a reason to push Joanna toward Karl, even though he is much older.
Karl and Sophie clash at first, but before long, Karl finds himself drawn to the lovely young woman, especially seeing how well she connects with his daughters, Clara and Rachel. Clara acts aloof toward Sophie in the beginning, but Rachel is a child anyone can love. As they grow closer to Sophie, they ask if she will become their new mother, scaring Sophie tremendously.
Meanwhile, as the holidays approach, the townspeople are worried about the annual Christmas show the children perform every year. Sophie is stressed because there are only a few weeks left to prepare, and the parents are putting pressure on her. This is a big event for everyone in town, so what shall she do? Surprisingly, Karl helps her with props for the performance that his daughter helped put together. While he and Sophie are thrown closer together, Sophie soon begins to fall in love with the widower. How can this happen? She won’t set her sights on him or anyone, knowing she may not have long to live, yet imagine her surprise when he states his interest in her.
"A Match Made in Heaven," book 2 in The Matchmakers of Harts Haven, deals with the uncertainty of life and having faith in God to trust in His ways.
HQN
October 4, 2022
10-1335453474
Breast cancer survivor Sophie Eicher needs a new start. When her aunt Rose Yoder, who knows what she’s been through, suggests she relocate to Harts Haven, Kansas, to take the job as the school teacher, she decides to go.
“Everyone in their small Ohio community knew Sophie Eicher was a walking dead woman. Breast cancer had killed her mother and her grandmother. The pitying looks, the way people chose their words so carefully around her, had been stifling. It had been like living in a coffin waiting for the funeral to begin . . .”
Her younger sister Joanna goes with her, not because their widowed father is now remarried, which she uses as an excuse to Sophie, having her think she is in the way of his new family, but because she wants to be with her big sister and take care of her after her medical scare.
Sophie who is supposedly cured of her disease refuses to accept that fact. When her mother and grandmother perished from the same illness, Sophie believes she will not live long. Joanna tries to make her see she can have a full life, and she hopes with this move Sophie will realize she does have a future.
Sophie loves children and mourns the thought she will never have any or a family. With her now taking on the job as an Amish school teacher and knowing teachers are not allowed to be married, it doesn’t matter for she has no intention of ever getting married.
Rose, known to be a match-marker as well as a busybody, is thrilled when the sisters arrive. She has big plans to fix up both Sophie and Joanna with available bachelors.
One of the men Rose is hoping to match up is Karl Graber. Karl’s beloved wife passed away, leaving him with two young daughters. Knowing Rose well, he warns her not to meddle in his affairs, insisting he will never marry again for his deceased wife was the love of his life. But Rose worries about his girls whom she believes are being neglected while he wallows in his grief.
However, Rose informs Karl he is not on her list of eligible husbands for Sophie, which causes him to wonder why. He doesn’t know about Sophie’s illness, so could that be the reason why Rose crosses him off? Does Rose think Sophie is going to die soon?
When Sophie realizes what Rose is up to, she adamantly but nicely warns her to mind her own business. Sophie’s only wish is to have Joanna marry and have a family of her own before she (Sophie) dies—something she firmly believes will happen.
Sophie soon realizes her aunt is up to something when she recommends they rent the small house on Karl’s property. Sophie decides this could be a reason to push Joanna toward Karl, even though he is much older.
Karl and Sophie clash at first, but before long, Karl finds himself drawn to the lovely young woman, especially seeing how well she connects with his daughters, Clara and Rachel. Clara acts aloof toward Sophie in the beginning, but Rachel is a child anyone can love. As they grow closer to Sophie, they ask if she will become their new mother, scaring Sophie tremendously.
Meanwhile, as the holidays approach, the townspeople are worried about the annual Christmas show the children perform every year. Sophie is stressed because there are only a few weeks left to prepare, and the parents are putting pressure on her. This is a big event for everyone in town, so what shall she do? Surprisingly, Karl helps her with props for the performance that his daughter helped put together. While he and Sophie are thrown closer together, Sophie soon begins to fall in love with the widower. How can this happen? She won’t set her sights on him or anyone, knowing she may not have long to live, yet imagine her surprise when he states his interest in her.
"A Match Made in Heaven," book 2 in The Matchmakers of Harts Haven, deals with the uncertainty of life and having faith in God to trust in His ways.
December 13, 2022
Christmas is approaching in Harts Haven, and Sophie Eicher has been hired as the new school teacher. She and her sister have moved to start a fresh life as their father has remarried a woman with two children. What the residents of Harts Haven don't know, is that Sophie has just had surgery and undergone treatment for breast cancer. Her mother and grandmother died from the disease, so she has no desire to marry and give the gene to any children she might have. Meanwhile Rose Yoder, the local matchmaker has plans to find Sophie a husband. Karl Graber is a widower with two young daughters and is busy with his hardware store, home and raising his girls. He is still grieving and has no intention of being part of Ruth's scheme, but when he is not included in her list of possible husbands, he is surprised. With humor, love, frustrations, secrets, honesty and self-reflection, this story shows that might be a different path to a different ending than the one Karl and Sophie have envisioned.
Having just put together our Christmas Presentation at church, I loved reading about Sophie's worried, the parents meddling and the children's hopes. Seeing how this pulled together a whole community was a wonderful path for this story to take. Of course the romance is the major part of this book and I loved how Sophie and Karl became friends, while both trying to play it cool and not have any entanglements. The old adage of wanting what you can't have really played out with Karl being attracted to Sophie and pursuing that because Ruth told him he was not a good match, crafty lady. Karl's children, Rachel and Clara were instrumental in getting the Live Nativity off the ground as well as bringing their father and teacher together. Clara's personality was like her father's at the beginning, sullen and angry, but as she blossoms in this story, she becomes friendly, accepting of help from others and almost sweet, like her little sister Rachel. All the characters in this book show growth as they come to believe that maybe there is a chance for happiness. A wonderful story of how love, acceptance and faith brought these characters together to form a new family, at Christmas. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Meghan Kelly and she enhanced my enjoyment of this story. She gave the characters their own voices and I could picture them, especially Rose, the smart, eccentric Amish matchmaker and little Rachel. I will definitely listen to more books she narrates.
Having just put together our Christmas Presentation at church, I loved reading about Sophie's worried, the parents meddling and the children's hopes. Seeing how this pulled together a whole community was a wonderful path for this story to take. Of course the romance is the major part of this book and I loved how Sophie and Karl became friends, while both trying to play it cool and not have any entanglements. The old adage of wanting what you can't have really played out with Karl being attracted to Sophie and pursuing that because Ruth told him he was not a good match, crafty lady. Karl's children, Rachel and Clara were instrumental in getting the Live Nativity off the ground as well as bringing their father and teacher together. Clara's personality was like her father's at the beginning, sullen and angry, but as she blossoms in this story, she becomes friendly, accepting of help from others and almost sweet, like her little sister Rachel. All the characters in this book show growth as they come to believe that maybe there is a chance for happiness. A wonderful story of how love, acceptance and faith brought these characters together to form a new family, at Christmas. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Meghan Kelly and she enhanced my enjoyment of this story. She gave the characters their own voices and I could picture them, especially Rose, the smart, eccentric Amish matchmaker and little Rachel. I will definitely listen to more books she narrates.
March 27, 2023
A Match Made at Christmas by Patricia Davids is one of my favorites! She has a way with words. I became so deeply engaged in the characters and their dilemmas. A young woman moves in with her sister. She is to be the new teacher. Yet, she is hiding a secret. One of the single Amish fathers is aware that Granny is up to her match making schemes. She purposely makes him think of the schoolteacher by telling him that he's not good enough to be on the list of eligible bachelors for the Amish teacher. That is when he automatically starts thinking about the whys.
Once, he starts, he cannot stop thinking about the young woman. She holds her own against him and the students. He can tell she will not tell him her burden. He lost his wife due to cancer and she is afraid to get attached if her cancer comes back. She experiences her own mental struggles of living with her breast cancer coming back. The teacher thinks she may die from it at any moment. The only thing she wants in life is to teach and see that her little sister is married.
Patricia Davids writes the most beautiful yet heartbreaking Amish tales ever. I love how easy it is to connect with the characters. Despite being Amish, they all suffer through the same troubles we all do. I love how faith in God is mixed in with duty, honor, trust, and love.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
Once, he starts, he cannot stop thinking about the young woman. She holds her own against him and the students. He can tell she will not tell him her burden. He lost his wife due to cancer and she is afraid to get attached if her cancer comes back. She experiences her own mental struggles of living with her breast cancer coming back. The teacher thinks she may die from it at any moment. The only thing she wants in life is to teach and see that her little sister is married.
Patricia Davids writes the most beautiful yet heartbreaking Amish tales ever. I love how easy it is to connect with the characters. Despite being Amish, they all suffer through the same troubles we all do. I love how faith in God is mixed in with duty, honor, trust, and love.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
November 13, 2022
I have always enjoyed Patricia Davids harlequin-type books. When I saw this larger book - book two of The Matchmakers of Harts Haven series), I was really looking forward to reading it. I just finished it tonight. I'm sorry to say, I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as anything else she has written. If you suffer from any type of health anxiety or depression, you may find this book triggering. It is a dark and morose story, most of the time, although there are tiny slivers of hope at times. The main female character, Sophie Eicher, lives in fear that her cancer will return. The main male character, Karl Graber, is any angry man. Angry that his wife died and left him alone with two young daughters to raise. One of his daughters is angry and sullen. All this darkness...page after page. In the end, everyone lives happily ever after.
March 13, 2023
Another in the Matchmakers of Harts Haven series, in which Sophie EIcher moves with her sister to Harts Haven, seeking a town where its members don't think of her as yet another victim of the cancer that killed her mother and grandmother before her and also cost her a breast. She loves her work as a teacher, but Karl Graber, from whom she rents a little house, is most bothersome--mostly because his presence reminds her what she has always wanted but fears she can never have.
Karl, too, is dealing with his own demons, not least of which is the death of his wife, also from cancer. He knows he has to do better as a father to his two young daughters, but can he do it? Will he? And will Sophie's help be the salvation he is seeking when reaching out and thinking she has a future is almost too frightening to consider?
Karl, too, is dealing with his own demons, not least of which is the death of his wife, also from cancer. He knows he has to do better as a father to his two young daughters, but can he do it? Will he? And will Sophie's help be the salvation he is seeking when reaching out and thinking she has a future is almost too frightening to consider?
November 2, 2022
A Match Made at Christmas is a good combination of emotional, funny, and sweet. The things Karl and Sophie have and still are dealing with are serious and their individual stories definitely tug at the heartstrings. That also makes it even easier to root for them. They're both likable characters, but I think my favorite character in the book is matchmaker Rose. She's a hoot, and Karl and Sophie don't make things easy for her. I've already read several Christmas romances this year, but I think this one may be my favorite so far. Patricia Davids blends the serious with the sweet and funny so that things don't get too heavy, and the whole story is totally charming
December 22, 2024
A young Amish woman survived cancer but believes she is meant to die. She and her sister move to a new area for a new start and she becomes the school teacher. A man who's wife died of cancer catches her eye and sparks fly, but he doesn't want to lose another wife to cancer, and she doesn't want to risk her heart. But she does fall in love with his two daughters. Through trials and tribulations, they slowly come closer together. Throw in a Christmas show and a schoolhouse full of Amish children and farm animals, and you have a recipe for chaos.
October 15, 2022
I'm not a huge fan of Amish romances but something in the blurb made me read this one and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I loved the fleshed out and complex characters, the heart warming and festive atmosphere, the sweet romance.
It's the first I read by this author and won't surely be the last.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I loved the fleshed out and complex characters, the heart warming and festive atmosphere, the sweet romance.
It's the first I read by this author and won't surely be the last.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
January 10, 2026
Loved this book. It is the second in the series, but easily stands alone. (I did order the first one from the library--the Inn at Harts Haven) A Match Made at Christmas is the sweet story of finding love again. Families cheering on each other. Just a great book, well enjoyed.
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October 1, 2022Holiday Romance, Inspirational Romance, Amish & Mennonite
Miniseries
The Matchmakers of Harts Haven (Book #2)
Miniseries
The Matchmakers of Harts Haven (Book #2)
October 17, 2022
what a story
The characters are great the story line beautiful. This was a story with sorrow and faith with some laughter through in.
The characters are great the story line beautiful. This was a story with sorrow and faith with some laughter through in.
November 7, 2022
This one will make you cry before you get to the happy ending.
April 5, 2023
An awesome book
June 18, 2024
Another enjoyable book in this series
January 3, 2025
This is the best Amish story I have ever read!
August 9, 2025
Loved!!!!
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October 6, 2022A Match Made at Christmas by Patricia Davids, book two in The Matchmakers of Hart Haven series, deals with the uncertainty of life having faith, and trust. This is the story of a young woman, who feels she has a death sentence, trying to get away from the pity she feels from those that know her and a grieving widower with two young daughters.
Rose Yoder, a self proclaimed matchmaker, has that gleam in her eye again. Her next match will be for Karl Graber, a widower who is still hurting from the loss of his beloved wife. Rose has chosen the woman for him, but the secret Sophie Eicher, a breast cancer survivor, is keeping may be too much for anyone to overcome. Karl has two young daughters as well as his farm and the hardware store. He needs help, but Karl is not ready to open his heart again. Sophie and her sister, Joanna, are new to Harts Haven. Sophie has been hired as the new schoolteacher. On Sophie’s first day of school there is quite a commotion in her classroom, when unwanted guests, people and animals, arrive. After that chaos is calmed, she learns that the main thing on the mind of parents and the community is what she has plans for the Christmas Program, an important part of this Amish community’s lives. With only weeks until Christmas, Sophie has her work cut out for her. With the help of Karl’s older daughter, Karl and the community, an entertaining Christmas play is planned; including live animals from within the town. The play did an excellent job of capturing the true meaning of Christmas. Love has the power to heal, if you let it and that is exactly the experience Sophie and Karl find. A Match Made at Christmas is a spirited Christmas tale with a meddling matchmaker, galloping goats, a delightful dog, burned bread, a determined donkey, pageant problems, and a cozy Christmas, along with some humor sprinkled throughout. I highly recommend A Match Made at Christmas to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Rose Yoder, a self proclaimed matchmaker, has that gleam in her eye again. Her next match will be for Karl Graber, a widower who is still hurting from the loss of his beloved wife. Rose has chosen the woman for him, but the secret Sophie Eicher, a breast cancer survivor, is keeping may be too much for anyone to overcome. Karl has two young daughters as well as his farm and the hardware store. He needs help, but Karl is not ready to open his heart again. Sophie and her sister, Joanna, are new to Harts Haven. Sophie has been hired as the new schoolteacher. On Sophie’s first day of school there is quite a commotion in her classroom, when unwanted guests, people and animals, arrive. After that chaos is calmed, she learns that the main thing on the mind of parents and the community is what she has plans for the Christmas Program, an important part of this Amish community’s lives. With only weeks until Christmas, Sophie has her work cut out for her. With the help of Karl’s older daughter, Karl and the community, an entertaining Christmas play is planned; including live animals from within the town. The play did an excellent job of capturing the true meaning of Christmas. Love has the power to heal, if you let it and that is exactly the experience Sophie and Karl find. A Match Made at Christmas is a spirited Christmas tale with a meddling matchmaker, galloping goats, a delightful dog, burned bread, a determined donkey, pageant problems, and a cozy Christmas, along with some humor sprinkled throughout. I highly recommend A Match Made at Christmas to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 28, 2022
A Match Made at Christmas is a heartwarming Amish tale. It is the second novel in The Matchmakers of Harts Haven series. It can be read as a standalone. However, I recommend reading the entertaining The Inn at Harts Haven. I thought A Match Made at Christmas was well-written with steady pacing. Rose Yoder has that gleam in her eye again. Sophie Eicher and her sister, Joanna are new to Harts Haven. Sophie has been hired as the new schoolteacher. She wanted to get away from her hometown because she could not stand the looks of pity. Sophie is a breast cancer survivor. She beat the odds, but Sophie does not believe it. She wants to make sure her sister, Joanna is happily settled before she dies. Rose comes up with a clever scheme to match Sophie with widower Karl Graber. Karl has two young daughters as well as his farm and the hardware store. He needs help, but Karl is not ready to open his heart again. This was a cute story. There is some repetition of details. I enjoyed catching up with Abby and Joseph Troyer from The Inn at Harts Haven. I liked the characters in this story. There is a close-knit community. They help each other out as well as spread gossip. The school Christmas pageant was entertaining. I liked the theme and how they went about creating the props they needed. It was wonderful how the play captured the true meaning of Christmas. Love has the power to heal if you let it. That is what we get to experience in A Match Made at Christmas. There is humor sprinkled throughout that will have you chuckling. I am looking forward to the next story in The Matchmakers of Harts Haven series. A Match Made at Christmas is a lively Christmas tale with a meddling matchmaker, galloping goats, a delightful dog, burned bread, a determined donkey, pageant problems, and a cozy Christmas.
September 14, 2022
This read, like the first in the series, grabbed me and didn't let go!
We do reunite with some of the previous characters from the first book, and some play a part here, but this can be read alone.
This is the story of a young woman, who feels she has a death sentence, trying to get away from the the pity she feels from those that know her. Enter endearing Rose, a self proclaimed matchmaker. Her next target is Karl Graber, a widower who is still hurting from the loss of his beloved wife. You can guess who is the woman Rose has chosen, and yes, but the secret of the breast cancer Sophie is keeping may be to much for anyone to overcome.
Sophie is the new teacher, and there is quite a commotion in her classroom, when unwanted guests arrive. We see how she and the community handles the intrusion, but on their
mind is the Christmas Program, an important part of their lives. Will Sophie have enough time to put a program together and will the bishop approve?
An enjoyable read as we journey with attraction, maybe romance, and the antics of animals!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was no required to give a positive review.
We do reunite with some of the previous characters from the first book, and some play a part here, but this can be read alone.
This is the story of a young woman, who feels she has a death sentence, trying to get away from the the pity she feels from those that know her. Enter endearing Rose, a self proclaimed matchmaker. Her next target is Karl Graber, a widower who is still hurting from the loss of his beloved wife. You can guess who is the woman Rose has chosen, and yes, but the secret of the breast cancer Sophie is keeping may be to much for anyone to overcome.
Sophie is the new teacher, and there is quite a commotion in her classroom, when unwanted guests arrive. We see how she and the community handles the intrusion, but on their
mind is the Christmas Program, an important part of their lives. Will Sophie have enough time to put a program together and will the bishop approve?
An enjoyable read as we journey with attraction, maybe romance, and the antics of animals!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was no required to give a positive review.
October 6, 2022
A delightful Amish romance
Where lost faith is given a second chance.
An emotional story about feelings of loss and fear
With matchmakers striving to bring them good cheer!
A heartwarming read with faith at the core
Trusting in God to have plans and more
Learning to let go of what happened to others now
To look forward to the future instead somehow.
With sisters sharing
Always caring
Animals causing chaos
A Nativity loss?
With school reopening with a new teacher who
Isn't quite sure just what she should do.
There are unforgettable dramas and some
Filled with love, dreams and hopes to come.
A story of an Amish community where
The matchmaker ladies all take good care
They know just how to manipulate folks it is clear
To help others find romance that is dear.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review
Of the complementary book for which I say thank you!
Where lost faith is given a second chance.
An emotional story about feelings of loss and fear
With matchmakers striving to bring them good cheer!
A heartwarming read with faith at the core
Trusting in God to have plans and more
Learning to let go of what happened to others now
To look forward to the future instead somehow.
With sisters sharing
Always caring
Animals causing chaos
A Nativity loss?
With school reopening with a new teacher who
Isn't quite sure just what she should do.
There are unforgettable dramas and some
Filled with love, dreams and hopes to come.
A story of an Amish community where
The matchmaker ladies all take good care
They know just how to manipulate folks it is clear
To help others find romance that is dear.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review
Of the complementary book for which I say thank you!
October 11, 2022
Enjoyable quick read about an Amish widower and his young daughters and how they adapt after the death of their mother. Sophie & her sister Joanna move to their community so Sophie can become their new teacher. Lots of pressure on the new teacher to put together a memorable Christmas program in only a few weeks.
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