The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen Book Review

Publication Date: September 7, 2021
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Length: (336) pages
Format: Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook
Genre: Historical Romance, Historical Mystery/Suspense, Inspirational Fiction

Synopsis

London, 1885

Amelie Hampton is a hopeless romantic, which makes her the perfect columnist to answer lonely heart letters in The Marriage Gazette. When Amelie plays matchmaker with two anonymous lonely hearts, she also decides to secretly observe the couple's blind date. To her surprise, the man who appears for the rendezvous is Harold Radcliffe―a grieving

widower and a member of Amelie's book club.

Police detective Michael Baker has been struggling ever since his best friend and brother-in-law died in the line of fire. Because he knows the dangers of his job, he has vowed never to marry and subject a wife and family to the uncertainty of his profession. But when he meets Miss Hampton, he is captured by her innocence, beauty, and her quick mind.

When a woman's body is pulled from the river, Michael suspects the woman's husband―Harold Radcliffe―of foul play. Amelie refuses to believe that Harold is capable of such violence but agrees to help, imagining it will be like one of her favorite mystery novels. Her social connections and clever observations prove an asset to the case, and Amelie is determined to prove Mr. Radcliffe's innocence. But the more time Amelie and Michael spend together, the more they trust each other, and the more they realize they are a good team, maybe the perfect match.

They also realize that Mr. Radcliffe is hiding more than one secret, and when his attention turns toward Amelie, Michael knows he must put an end to this case before the woman he loves comes to harm.

My Thoughts

Amelie Hampton, our delightful heroine, is convinced by her romantic nature that Harold Radcliffe, a member of her reading group and recently widowed, is the ideal partner: good looking, wealthy, in a prestigious profession and a gentleman. She believes his grief at the loss of his wife is genuine and is therefore surprised when her curiosity reveals him to be the anonymous person she has matched with another from letters sent to 'The Marriage Gazette'.

Detective Michael Baker is determined to prove Harold Radcliffe is responsible for his wife's death and has continued the investigation despite it officially being closed. His surveillance of Radcliffe brings him into contact with Amelie, who agrees to help if only to prove Radcliffe innocent. She soon becomes far too involved with the case and Harold Radcliffe than Michael likes, but he finds that she is an asset, being astute and trustworthy, but also exasperating at times.

Amelie cannot help but compare Harold Radcliffe and Michael. She finds the detective lacking in certain gentlemanly attributes and is discouraged by his sternness. As they spend more time together, her initial opinion of him changes and she warms to his strength, kindness and humour. Although not entirely certain, she believes her feelings are reciprocated until Michael makes a declaration that could end their budding romance.

Don't let the title mislead you into thinking this novel is a run-of-the-mill romance. While it does adhere to certain tropes found in romance novels, the way they are presented here take this one to another level.

Amelie is a delightful heroine. She is not combative or overly reckless as smart and independent women are often portrayed. Although she does make some unwise decisions, she realises her mistakes and does her best to honour the promises made to her family and Michael not to place herself in danger.

With Radcliffe being identified as the murderer from the start, it is easy to assume that this story would be lacking in suspense, but there are plenty of twists and turns before the dramatic conclusion is reached.

The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart is a great read for historical romance/mystery fans, especially those who enjoy authors such as Mimi Matthews and Sarah E. Ladd.

Advance Praise

"Allen pairs a matchmaker and a detective in this charming Victorian romance. Allen expertly combines mystery and romance into a fast-paced tale complete with plenty of surprises and a central relationship founded on mutual admiration and respect. Readers are sure to appreciate the strong, well-shaded heroine and twisty plot." —Publishers Weekly

"Allen's chaste tale of Victorian romantic suspense will also appeal to historical mystery readers, and it would be great for mother-and-daughter reads. This has great appeal for teens who like historical fiction laced with mystery and romance." —Booklist

“I was immediately drawn into the characters’ lives and enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery and the development of the romance.” —Mystery and Suspense Magazine  

Where to Purchase

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

Meet the Author

Nancy Campbell Allen is the author of fifteen published novels and numerous novellas, which span genres from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction.  In 2005, her work won the Utah Best of State award, and she received a Whitney Award for My Fair Gentleman. She has presented at numerous writing conferences and events since her first book was released in 1999. Nancy received a BS in Elementary Education from Weber State University. She loves to read, write, travel, and research and enjoys spending time laughing with family and friends. She is married and the mother of three children.

Connect with Nancy:
TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB

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