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Jody Hedlund makes a return appearance on Christian Historical Fiction Talk this week, and we chat about her new book, Calling on the Matchmaker. We talk about what makes a "swoony" romance, how she balances between the funnier aspects of her stories and characters and the heavier topics she deals with, and growing up without a TV. Patrons will also hear what her favorite dessert is that her girls make for her. It sounds delicious!

Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund

"Jody Hedlund's novels are a joy to read."--ELIZABETH CAMDEN, RITA and Christy Award-winning author

"A historical romance reader's delight. Treat yourself! Jody Hedlund does not disappoint."--ROBIN LEE HATCHER, Christy Award-winning author 

Haunted by the death of her sister, Finola Shanahan has resolved that she's not worthy of a family of her own and commits to spending her days caring for immigrants in the slums. When Finola sabotages yet another unwanted relationship her parents arranged for her, her father calls upon the local Irish matchmaker, who pairs her with successful wagonmaker Riley Rafferty. Finola quickly realizes her usual tricks won't work on him, however, as she cannot outsmart or outwit the dashing, determined, and daring man.

A candidate in the St. Louis mayoral election, Riley is confident a union with the wealthy Shanahan family will help solidify his chances of winning--and even more assured he and Finola can make a difference together. When a cholera outbreak begins to take St. Louis by storm, they must navigate a burgeoning attraction and growing danger testing all they know about love and sacrifice.

Get your copy of Calling on the Matchmaker.

More about Jody Hedlund:
I’ve been married for over twenty-five years to my college sweetheart. My husband has been one of my biggest cheerleaders over the years, doing his best to understand and support my writing even in the days when publication was only the whisper of a dream. 

As we’ve raised our busy family of five children, he’s happily helped me carve out writing time. He’s very helpful around the house and pitches in wherever possible. (I have to admit that he does ALL of the grocery shopping!). We really work together as a team to support each other in our pursuits and work. 

We’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to homeschool our children and are thankful for the close relationships we’ve developed in our family as a result. Now as we traverse the season of having teens and adult children, we’re excited to see God at work leading our children into new adventures. 

My mom was the most influential person in my writing career. When I was young, she helped facilitate my love of writing by reading aloud to me, giving me good books to read, and providing the kind of environment that fostered my creativity (in fact we didn’t have a TV for a number of years). She always believed in me, encouraged me to pursue my dreams, and rode alongside me cheering me on.

Visit Jody Hedlund’s website.

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