The Matchmaker – Catherine Walsh (Full Review with Spoilers)

“Because now that we have guests coming to our matchmaking festival, it means we really need a matchmaker.”
The Matchmaker, Catherine Walsh

Spoilers Beyond This Point

“Katie, you could tell me that your sole interest in life is snail migration, and I’d listen to every word you say so long as your eyes light up like that.”
The Matchmaker, Catherine Walsh

The matchmaking festival scheme of this book doesn’t end up being the main focal point. Instead, it’s the romance between Katie and the hotel site manager, Callum. Katie and Callum first meet when Katie is, of course, wearing rubber ducky pajama bottoms and demanding to speak to the jobsite manager. Over the course of the book, Katie and Callum have a few ups and downs. The biggest issue is that the villain of the story and project manager of the hotel, Jack, is Callum’s brother. This specific fact was hidden on purpose by Callum, which makes the discovery even worse for Katie. However, Callum’s determination is stronger than Katie’s disappointment, and they’re able to quickly work through the issues that come.

I really loved how Katie and Callum’s relationship grew. They’re both written as such sweet characters that it’s hard not to read every interaction with a smile. Callum’s entire purpose in life seems to be wooing Katie, which is a delight to experience. He’s sweet, thoughtful, and dedicated to making Katie happy every day of her life. On the other hand, Katie is so surprised by the sweetness that her slightly spastic personality is shining throughout.

“You told me once that Kelly’s was your favorite place in the world. Well, you’re mine. You’re mine and I’ll go where you go. For as long as you want me to, I’ll be right there with you.”
The Matchmaker, Catherine Walsh

Rooting for the small town of Ennisbawn was easy because Walsh made it easy. Katie is a staunch supporter of her small town, and that fierce loyalty rubbed off on me within the first chapter. By the time I had gotten the full backstory of Katie’s family, it felt like Kelly’s was my favorite place in the world too. As the matchmaking festival became a reality, I was even more excited. But my favorite part of the entire book had almost nothing to do with Katie or Callum, and everything to do with the matchmaking. Katie’s grandmother matched two locals, Adam and Gemma. Gemma is a single mother who’d put off dating because of her son. Adam, one of her oldest friends, has been a part of their life for years. Gemma tries to laugh off the match, but Adam takes the opportunity to confess his love. And I loved every second of it. It had been playing out in the background of the entire book, and having it all come together was delightful.

Overall, this book is so fun, and has a fresh storyline. It’s the perfect read for anyone, at any time.

Read with Fern