Review ~ A Match Made in Texas: A Novella Collection

In Dry Gulch, Texas, 1893, a young woman with a tender heart that longs to help those in need takes it upon herself to meddle in the affairs of three acquaintances who are in dire straits. Wanting to stay anonymous, she relies on unusual methods to hire men and women of good character who she thinks can solve the problems facing her "targets." How was she to know that her meddling would turn into a cupid's arrow? And what will she do when her friends turn the tables on her with a matchmaking scheme of their own? Four novellas in one volume. Bethany House Publishers, Jan 2014

My Review

A Match Made in Texas: A Novella Collection brings together four of historical fiction’s finest story tellers. There’s some matchmaking going on in Dry Gulch, Texas and life will never be the same for eight of the most fun characters I have read about in a novella collection in a long time.

A Cowboy Unmatched by Karen Witemeyer brings the youngest Archer brother, Neill, into the path of  Clara, a lady who desperately needs a husband. Well, Neill’s not looking to get married and little does he know that someone in Dry Gulch has sent him right into the path of his future  bride. Their love blooms amid trying circumstances that pulled at my heartstrings. This is a sweet story laced with Karen’s trademark faith and humor.

An Unforeseen Match by Regina Jennings is a poignant tale of two people who are scarred in different ways and each feels unlovable. I literally couldn't put this story aside. I was compelled to continue on and find out what was going to happen between Grace and Clayton. At times I chuckled at Clayton’s sense of humor and then I would turn right around and feel deep sorrow for Grace. Of the four stories, this one impressed me the most with how ordinary the characters’ situations were, and yet completely relatable, even today.

No Match for Love by Carol Cox was a fun and fast-paced read. Lucy Benson is about to go on the adventure of a lifetime. Andrew Simms is looking to hire a companion for his aunt, whom he thinks is getting a might delusional. Let me tell you, Aunt Martha is not crazy and Lucy is just who she and Andrew need in their lives. All of these characters were so full of life, they jumped right off the page and into my heart.

Meeting Her Match by Mary Connealy reveals who our matchmaker is and it was a complete surprise to me. This story brings together Hannah and Marcus, former classmates who haven’t had too much to say to each other in a long time despite living in the same town. A little different than the other heroes in this novella collection, Marcus is rather shy around Hannah. That endearing trait brings about some great laughs of the good kind. Mary is a master at making me imagine that inner dialogue a character has with themselves and Michael is a hoot! But then, so is Hannah. This was a great wrap-up to my visit in Dry Gulch, Texas and I look forward to future collaborations between these authors. At least I hope they do!

I think fans of Christian historical fiction will enjoy these four stories. Not knowing who the matchmaker is brings a fun element into play and adds a nice touch of mystery. I received a copy of the book from author Karen Witemeyer and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my review. No other compensation was received.

Purchase link for the individual e-books:

Bethany House Publishers