Jennifer Deibel is back with another February release!
The Irish Matchmaker is Deibel's fourth release and are her novels are becoming a midwinter tradition around here. I don't know about you but after a few months of Canadian winter I need something cozy, sweet, and delivers an ending that leaves me smiling and this tale fit the bill entirely.
This time Deibel invites readers into the lives of Donal Bunratty, a farmer and single father to nine year old Sara, and Catriona Daly one of the matchmakers of Lisdoovarna.
I loved these characters and the care with which Deibel crafts their story. While this definitely is a romance, Deibel made sure to give each character their own foundation to stand on. Caty's search for self and security and Donal's search for wholeness after the losses in his life provided a rich setting for the romance to bloom amid the Lisdoovarna Matchmaking festival (which does actually exist to this day).
While A Dance in Donegal is still my favourite overall tale from Deibel, Caty and Donal are my favourite romance. Deibel's pacing in this story was delightful. The romance happens naturally allowing for so many sweet scenes (I still can't decide if the painting scene or the dance was my favourite). This more natural pacing also crossed over into the religious elements. Donal's journey through his hurt and grief, his slow return to his faith, and his eventual return to community felt relatable in that it honours his pain while still providing the hopeful conclusion you expect in the genre.
As usual, Deibel provides wonderful worldbuilding through her descriptions of the Irish countryside, the festivities surrounding the festival, and the use of Irish words throughout the story (I recommend a second bookmark for the glossary at the front).
4.5/5 stars
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion, the views expressed are my own.
