The Merry Matchmaker
by Sheila Roberts
Publisher: MIRA
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Reviewed by PJ




Frankie Lane knows what’s best for just about everyone but herself. Her divorced sister, Stef, who is too young to give up on love; her shy employee, Elinor; and her daughter, Natalie, who works in Frankie’s shop, Holiday Happiness, and really needs to start her own business selling the delectable chocolates she makes at home; even her best friend, Viola, who is trying to renovate her old Victorian. Frankie knows she could help all of them, if they’d just let her—and if all of her help didn’t end in utter disaster.
Then there’s Mitch Howard, the owner of the local hardware store. They’ve been friends ever since Frankie opened her store, nine years earlier. He got her through the nightmare when she lost her husband in a freak accident, and he’s her favorite shoulder to cry on. He’s been divorced for years, and it’s such a waste of man! Mitch is the fittest, finest man Frankie knows. He’s easygoing, wise and kindhearted. Mitch needs someone. And she’s determined to help him find that someone—whether he likes it or not.
PJ's Thoughts:
Sheila Roberts is back with another humorous, heart-tugging novel that is sure to put readers in the Christmas spirit. One of the facets of Roberts’ books that I most enjoy is the sense of community she creates, something that’s important in The Merry Matchmaker, with main character Frankie front and center.
Frankie is that friend, family member, business owner that has her hands in just about everything going on in her small town. She’s the person who is certain she knows what’s best for everyone else and sets about making it happen…whether “everyone else” wants it or not. Where she’s completely clueless is when it comes to what she needs.
Roberts walks a fine line with this character. Her antics generate humor but also awkward situations, frustration, and occasionally hurt feelings. What saves her is the fact that everything she does comes from a place of genuine - if misguided - kindness. She may be fifty but she still has some growing to do, a journey that Roberts skillfully, and realistically, guides.
The supporting cast of the book are all richly depicted, contributing humor, holiday fun, and, in some cases, life lessons along the way. Combining laughter, emotion, and those all-important lessons is something Sheila Roberts does exceedingly well. The touch of romance - between mature characters - adds another layer of enjoyment as does the community’s many Christmas events. This one is sure to put you in a holiday frame of mind.
Great review thanks! I'm looking forward to reading this one.
ReplyDeleteI love her Christmas books. This is one I will definitely be getting.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading this book! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteMy computer took a trip - a sort of mini rest for about a week. I am realizing that is a terrible thing.
ReplyDeleteSorry I missed the review and the comments. So, this is a late thank you for the review. Sounds like a keeper to me.