Saved by the Matchmaker

Hedlund’s zippy latest in the Shanahan Match series (after Calling on the Matchmaker) finds 20-year-old Enya Shanahan in dire straits in 1840s St. Louis, Mo. Pregnant and abandoned by the ne’er-do-well who married her for her family’s money, she needs to find a new husband immediately to avoid scandal. Thankfully, matchmaker Bellamy McKenna has just the candidate: Sullivan O’Brien, whose father insists he settle down or risk being removed as captain of the Morning Star, a steamboat. The marriage of convenience gets off to a rocky start as Enya’s trust issues flare up. Still, she’s sure God has brought the two together for a reason, and as she slowly lets her guard down, Sullivan clues her into his secret operation ferrying people escaping slavery from New Orleans to the North. Enya’s eager to help, but must stay home as her due date draws nearer, while Sullivan embarks on a series of dangerous voyages. Will their romance have time to develop before trouble finds Sullivan? Anchored by a colorful cast of returning characters, the narrative finds its heart in Enya and Sullivan’s delicately drawn love story, and the winding path they take to happiness makes it all the more satisfying when they get there. This has more than enough to keep Hedlund’s fans invested in the series. (Aug.)