Showing posts with label Power of the Matchmaker series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Power of the Matchmaker series. Show all posts

Thursday, January 26, 2017

The Reformer (Power of the Matchmaker) by Jaima Fixsen

Mary Buchanan has bigger worries than the radical journalist moving in next door who’s spoiling her father’s digestion: unrequited love for a footman, a fractious aunt, patiently awaiting her destiny…

Already she’s nearly eighteen. No sign of destiny yet, but Mary’s certain he’ll be handsome.

Then she meets the reformer, this Mr. Samuel Brown. Destiny is closer at hand than Mary has supposed—if she can just get Mr. Brown to realize it.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I'm so sad that we've reached the end of the Power of the Matchmaker series.  What a fun adventure it has been.  I have loved reading these books, all from different authors, that span the ages from contemporary to regency.  Each book stands alone and you can read them in any order.  They all share one common character- the matchmaker Pearl, who we meet in the novella that set this whole series in motion.  I would recommend reading that book first before you begin this series, if you haven't already.  It's free on Amazon. (Power of the Matchmaker)

Jaima Fixen is a new author to me.  I haven't read any of her books before now but I do have Fair Child on my kindle, just waiting to be read.  Someday.  :)  Hopefully soon.

I enjoyed this book and especially the time and setting of England during the Reformation period.  It was interesting to me and I felt like the characters and the setting really complimented each other well.  This book moves at a more sedate pace than some.

Mary is definitely naive.  She has been securely sheltered by her father and has not been given the opportunities to learn and develop her keen mind.  Her wings have been clipped all her life and she has never had the chance to fly.  I didn't fall in love with Mary but there were moments that I loved her pluck and determination.  I loved that she wanted to learn and become her own woman and found ways to be heard.

Another thing I loved about this book was the role that Pearl played.  She was a very large part of the story and she seemed more developed in this book than in many of the others.  It was nice to have her as a more solid presence.

Overall, a great ending to a fantastic series.  I was really hoping we were going to see something similar this new year, but alas, nothing.  This is a series I would highly recommend.  Clean romance- a variety of settings and genres.  It's the perfect way find new authors to love!

Content:  Clean- some talk of sexual matters (Mary is so naive and doesn't understand- she asks questions and reads a book about sexual relations between men and women)

- I received this book for free.  I was under no obligation to give a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

King of the Friend Zone (Power of the Matchmaker) by Sheralyn Pratt


Esme Taylor has an amazing fiancé, a lifelong best friend, and a problem.

The problem stems from the fact that her best friend is named Hunter and, well. . .he’s kind of (totally) hot. It’s hate at first sight when her fiancĂ©, Jon, and Hunter meet. Jon’s convinced that Hunter is in love with Esme, and that Hunter must be out of the picture if their upcoming marriage is to succeed.

Esme thinks Jon is paranoid.

The truth is, Jon’s not that far off. Hunter is in love with his best friend and always has been. What Jon has wrong, however, is that Hunter never had any plans of ruining Esme’s happily ever after. Hunter wants what’s best for Esme, even if that’s not him.

When Jon pushes hard to end Esme and Hunter’s friendship, opposition comes from the most unlikely of places. It’s an eccentric lady with a cookie cart who suggests a different solution to Esme’s problem: Hunter and Esme should give each other a chance.

They’ve both thought of the possibility over the years—of course they have. But with a ring already on Esme’s finger and a heap of hurt feelings and broken trust in the mix, there hasn’t been a worse time to explore the depths of their feelings for each other.

Both Esme and Hunter think it’s time to move on and leave childhood crushes in the past. The question is: Can one woman and the taste of one cookie change their minds?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Can a male/female best friendship stay that way through life?  Chances really aren't that good.  One side will probably end up having stronger feelings at some point.  It's just the way things go.  Or, inevitably, one side moves on with a serious romantic relationship and that partner will be jealous of best friend.  It surely makes for a fantastic, classic love story with plenty of drama!

I love this Power of the Matchmaker series.  Each novel is independent yet connected by one character who makes an appearance in all the books.  Pearl is the matchmaker and I particularly loved her in this book.  She was perfect!  The whole kiss cookie was such a fun and creative idea.  LOVED it!

Esme and Hunter have been best friends their whole lives.  They have a history that runs deep and nobody knows them better than the other.  Both Hunter and Esme have had feelings stronger than friendship but neither one is willing to cross over that line to risk ruining the friendship that means so much to them.  It's maddening as a reader!  ha.  

I loved both Esme and Hunter.  Together and apart.  The struggle was real and I was nigh unto pulling my hair out for most of the book!  It was fantastic.  The pacing was good and I was caught up in the struggle for love.  

I also loved that some characters from a previous book by Sheralyn Pratt were included in this book.  Hello, old friends!

Overall, just a fun, diverting read!  It made me crazy, and happy, and swoony.  

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Between Heaven and Earth (Power of the Matchmaker) by Michele Paige Holmes


Cassandra Webb’s every waking minute is devoted to being a great mother and wife. She takes five-year-old Noah to the library each week, volunteers in his kindergarten class, and even coaches his soccer team. She makes sure her husband’s uniforms are always laundered—even though he hasn’t worn them the last six years—always has his game day snacks on hand, and meets him for date night every Friday—which consists of one sided conversations at his bedside and watching his favorite take out remain untouched.

Pearl, a mysterious visitor at the care center, suggests that it is only Cassie’s love still tying Devon to Earth when he has been ready to move onto Heaven for quite some time. If Cassie will but open her eyes and heart, she will discover the path she should travel, one that will bring relief to Devon and much joy to her own life. But Cassie vowed never to give up on him. She never has and she can’t now, even after meeting hapless, single soccer-dad Matt.


Who thought up the idea of this Power of the Matchmaker series?!  Seriously? Brilliant idea.  I love this series.  Each month is a new book by a different author.  All with one minor character included- the matchmaker.  You can read these books in any order- they are meant to stand alone.  I would recommend that you read the prequel novella, Power of the Matchmaker, first though.  It will help you know the history behind the matchmaker, Pearl.

This book.  This one has a different kind of love story.  It's really not like any of the others so far.  I loved the growing friendship between Matt and Cassie.  They help and support each other.  It fills a void for both of them, especially since they both have young boys who need a lot of care and attention.  I loved the sense of family.

There is so much emotion in this book.  I felt Cassie's struggle and heartache and Matt's desperation and floundering.  As a reader, I wanted the best things to happen for them.  I was drawn into this book from the very beginning and it was hard to put it down.  I really liked it!  It is a fantastic addition to this series.

Content:  Clean

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


Thursday, July 14, 2016

O'er The River Liffey (Power of the Matchmaker) by Heidi Ashworth

From the Power of the Matchmaker series:

Irish heiress Caroline Fulton knows this house party, ostensibly celebrating the victory of Waterloo, is really an audition: will she make a suitable wife? Her host, an English lord, has already won over her father, who’s determined to buy a title with Caroline’s dowry. She is far from taken with the baron, however, especially once she meets Niall Doherty, the impoverished, perceptive tutor to her host’s younger brothers. He shares her love of Irish fairy tales and seems to guard a troubled past…but neither quality will earn Caroline’s father’s approval.


Here is another book in the Power of the Matchmaker series.  I love this series because each book is so different as they are written by different authors but they carry a common thread that ties them all together.  Each book is meant to stand on it's own which is awesome because you can read these books in any order, at any time.  My only suggestion would be to read the prequel novella to understand the common thread of Miss Pearl, the matchmaker.

This book has a more sedate pace to it.  It is gentle and very proper in it's romance.  Caroline and Niall are both kind and intelligent characters.  It was easy to sit back and enjoy them.  Niall is a storyteller and his Irish fairy tales are woven throughout the book.

I enjoyed this book but it was pretty slow moving.  It wasn't something that captured my attention in a way that I felt compelled to press forward.  I missed the presence of Miss Pearl.  She appeared at the beginning of the book but wasn't really a part of the rest.  I missed her.

If you enjoy regency books, you should pick this one up.  It is well written and presents the time period perfectly.

Oh, and I love the cover.  :)

Content:  Clean
 
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Friday, July 8, 2016

Chasing Fireflies (Power of the Matchmaker) by Taylor Dean

My sisters think I’m crazy.

But, I’ve never forgotten the mysterious woman from my childhood who told me Paul is the name of my one true love.

She told me to search far and wide for him.

I haven’t stopped looking ever since.

When I stumble across an article about a successful American entrepreneur named Paul who lives and works in China, I’m intrigued. When the opportunity to teach English in China presents itself on the same day, I know it’s not a coincidence.

It’s destiny.

My sisters say I’m chasing a dream.

Just like the fireflies we tried to catch on the warm summer evenings of our youth, the dream seems beyond my grasp. Will my quest for the elusive Paul always be just short of fulfillment?

My sisters tell me it’s a fool’s errand.

Until I remind them of the day we saw the Red Bird.

The memory silences them.

The Red Bird Incident remains inarguable—and proves my search for Paul is not a silly fantasy.

I will find Paul . . . I will.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Okay, first I have a confession.  I had my doubts about this book.  From the blurb I wondered if I would really love this book.  I follow Taylor Dean and I read her blog (because I am a HUGE Taylor Dean fan- I just LOVE her books) and she has been talking about this book for a long time.  I've been anxious to read it, but just a bit skeptical.

I NEVER should have doubted the talent that is Taylor Dean.  Never.  Ever.  I am a silly girl to have been skeptical going in.  I'm going to spend five seconds hanging my head in shame.  5 . . .4 . . .3 . . .2 . . .1

There.  Now.  Now I will tell you how much I adored this book.  :)

Adoration and love.  This book just weaved itself around me.  The characters were alive and vibrant in my mind.  Everything just came to life like a movie for me.  I love when that happens.  This book should be a movie!

The whole blurb gives you more questions than answers, and for pretty much the whole book you still don't really have a clue as to what it all means.  It's fantastic because as a reader I was guessing and wondering and forming my own ideas but I was wrong.  Ha!  Totally didn't have a clue.  But after the whole book with these characters- the moment of dawning and understanding just filled me.  The connection to the book was complete and I just loved it.  L-O-V-E.  Love.

If you have never read a Taylor Dean book, you really should.  My first book by her was I Have People.  It was fantastic and started the beginning of my obsession.  I have read all of Taylor's books and like I said before- I am a fan.

This book is part of the Power of the Matchmaker series.  Each book in this series can stand alone and is not dependent on the others.  However, you may want to read the prequel novella to understand how all these books connect with one common character who is the matchmaker.

Content:  Clean

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Four Chambers (Power of the Matchmaker) by Julie Wright



Every time Andra Stone crosses paths with Everett Covington, trouble follows. First she loses her scholarship. Then she loses the apartment she’d wanted more than anything. But tragedy hits hardest when she loses her grandmother—the best friend Andra has ever known. She determines that Everett is a talisman of ill fortune. When Everett comes to work in her hospital and is applying for the same position she’d been working toward since residency, Andra believes him to be her personal poltergeist.

The human heart has four chambers—four chances to get it right. Andra has only one chance left.



There were so many little things I loved about this book.  First, I love the cover.  Second, I love that each page inside the printed book has squiggles and then a heart around the page number.  I loved the proverbs at the beginning of each new section of which there were four after the four chambers of the heart.  For me, it was these little things that made me smile and fall in love with the whole of this book.

This book is part of the Power of the Matchmaker series, but can stand alone easily.  Each book in this series is written by a different author with one minor character, Pearl, included in all the books.  Pearl's story is the prelude to this series and I would recommend reading it prior to any books in this series.  I have loved all the books in this series so far.  I have two more sitting on my kindle waiting for me which is something to look forward to!

This book was such a journey.  The span of time from beginning to end is years- over a decade.  Andra and Everett are an on again, off again kind of couple.  They are drawn to each other and fall in love but usually Andra puts an end to it for one reason or another.  Actually, she usually just runs away.  Sometimes Andra was just frustrating and I wanted to shake her but then those endearing moments popped up and I knew I couldn't stay annoyed for too long.  

I was drawn into this book immediately and putting it down was difficult.  Because of the on again, off again nature of this book, I was almost desperate to get to the end to see if and how they finally came together.  There was a definite pull to the story and the characters and I really loved it!

Content:  Clean!

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  I also bought a physical copy of this book which is actually the one I read.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Love is Come (Power of the Matchmaker) by Heather B. Moore

“I have to remind myself to breathe—almost to remind my heart to beat.” —Wuthering Heights

From the Power of the Matchmaker series:

Nelle Thompson lives a life of privilege during the turn of the century New York City. When her parents are killed in a terrible accident, she’s forced to live with her aunt’s family in a small town in Connecticut, and treated as a poor relation with no financial independence. Broken hearted and riddled with insomnia, Nelle’s health begins a downward spiral. When a locked part of her heart blossoms around her cousin’s fiancĂ© Mathew Janson, Nelle doesn’t know if she can endure one more heartbreak. Miss Pearl, owner of the local apothecary shop, becomes a mother figure to Nelle, but a fateful summer day has Nelle questioning everything she's ever believed and wondering if she’ll ever love again.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I simply love this Power of the Matchmaker series.  Every month I get a new novel, by a different author, with one minor character as a common thread.  It's so fun.  Each novel can stand on it's own and is not dependent on the others.  The only thing you may want to read is the prequel novel, Power of the Matchmaker because it gives you the background on Pearl who is the common thread to all these novels.

I loved this book, Love is Come.  It was so gentle and it brought all kinds of feelings to my heart.  I just finished a book before this that was more aggressive and violent and so in contrast, this book felt so good.  I settled in right away and enjoyed the whole journey to love with Nelle.

Nelle is so sweet and kind.  I was drawn to her and I always wanted good things for her.  Even when her own heart is hurting, Nelle is kind.  That is a trait I find so admirable in people and something I wish to have more of myself.

This is a feel good book.  I could see it being a Hallmark movie!  I really enjoyed my time spent in the world of Nelle.

Content:  Clean 

Monday, March 7, 2016

If We Were a Movie (Power of the Matchmaker) by Kelly Oram + Book Giveaway

if we were a movie 
If We Were a Movie by Kelly Oram (Power of the Matchmaker #3)
Music meets Movies in this sweet college romance from the bestselling author of Cinder & Ella. NYU freshman Nate Anderson is a triplet who is desperate to escape his wild and crazy brothers. After they screw things up for him one too many times, Nate flees his housing situation and takes the first available room for rent as far from his brothers as he can get. Enter his new roommate Jordan--a quirky LA girl who believes that everything in life has already been done in the movies. In this heartfelt tale of love, friendship and family, Nate learns how to deal with his new adult life using Hollywood films as a guide.
amazonbarnes and noble
kobo  
What readers just like you are saying about If We Were a Movie:
"WOW! This book is great! The concept is so inventive, and the writing is brilliant."
"I thought Cinder & Ella jerked with my emotions too much but this one might have it beat."
"I finished reading If We Were a Movie yesterday. I loved it! I fell hard for Nate. Jordan was amazing! And Pearl's timing was perfect! "
"Amazing concept with movies as chapters, and fantastic storyline." "I loved this story and was humming along to the songs from the book whilst reading. I can see this book becoming the movie it was written to be." "If We Were a Movie made me want to binge watch movies, listen to old playlists and re-read it all at once."

add to goodreads

I love this Power of the Matchmaker series.  It's got some fluidity with Pearl as the common character, bringing couples together, but each book is really it's own entity.  Different authors have different writing styles and every book feels new and fresh.  You can read these books in any order and it doesn't matter because they are not at all dependent on each other.  My only recommendation would be that you read the prequel novella first.  It is there that you meet Pearl and get to know her story.  It makes every other encounter with her more meaningful.

Kelly Oram has a very distinct voice in the writing world.  She is known for the young and edgy kind of writing.  Her book definitely stands out as having a bit of a different feel than others in this collection so far.  The one thing that kinda bugged me the most was that Pearl didn't feel like Pearl to me.  Her motives were in line with the character I got to know previously, but the very few and brief encounters with her in the book just didn't feel true to what I felt from Pearl in the prequel novella and how she felt in previous books.

Aside from that, I really loved the concept of this book.  All the movie and song references were so fun.  I loved that every chapter was a movie title and it directly related to what was happening for the characters.  

The characters are larger than life, full of energy and potential. Not just Nate and Jordan, but every secondary character as well. It was so easy to fall into this book and become invested in the characters.  I often had to slow myself down because I was speed reading.  That's what happens when I get so into a book- I start reading faster and faster because I just have to know what's going to happen next!  I had to slow myself down, take a deep breath and enjoy the ride.

Content:  Underage drinking and party situations, implied unmarried sexual relations  (nothing described in detail), kissing, some innuendo, mild swearing

TEASER: “So this is what a Pearl-approved guy looks like.” She shook her head once and cracked a smile. “She’s got good taste, I’ll give her that. You’re an odd mix of sexy and adorable. Don’t see that often.”
I was a little taken aback by the compliment, if that’s even what it was. She may have just been stating what she considered to be fact. She laughed at my surprise and held out her hand to me. “Nice to meet you. I’m Jordan Kramer.”
I’d been afraid of that. “You’re a girl.”
Jordan laughed. “That’s what it says on my birth certificate, but I’m really glad you were able to figure it out without needing to read it.”
Nope. I definitely didn’t need that.

 
Kelly Oram

Kelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen--a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which her family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and likes to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, four children, and her cat, Mr. Darcy.
 
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        movie-teaser-3       Closeup of rough blue background  

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Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Not Always Happenstance (Power of the Matchmaker) by Rachael Anderson + $50 Giveaway


  Not Always Happenstance

Lani has lived in Hana, Hawaii for five years. She’s learned to surf, fish, dive, and manage her grandmother’s bed and breakfast. She’s also learned to take one day at a time the way it should be taken—relaxed and unrushed, savoring every moment. But, like a large wave on the brink of breaking, her life is about to crash out of control. A proposal of marriage, a conniving grandmother, a cryptic Asian woman, and a handsome guest, and suddenly everything calm begins to churn, everything clear becomes confused, and all that was normal segues into peculiar. As Lani struggles against the current to hold her ground, she realizes that she can either continue to fight and eventually lose, or take a take a leap of faith, hold her breath, and ride the wave wherever it takes her. ***This book is part of the Power of the Matchmaker series that features one recurring character—the match maker—but it is a STAND-ALONE novel.***

  amazon get it add to goodreads

There are so many things I'm feeling the love for right now.  This book, this series and this author.  I will gladly (and greedily) take anything written by Rachael Anderson and eat it right up.  She is one of my very favorites in the author world and I love reading her books.

This series is so awesome.  I knew it would be.  Each book is by a different author and can stand alone.  No book is dependent on the other although I would suggest reading the prequel novella because it introduces the matchmaker who makes an appearance in all the books.  She is the common thread in all the books in this series, but each book is it's own story and I love that.

In this book I took a trip to Hawaii.  Maui to be exact.  I've been to Hawaii twice, but I haven't been to Maui yet.  Someday, I hope.  

Lani is a fantastic character.  I fell in love with her.  She is adaptable, witty and so sweet to her grandmother.  Her loyalty and kindness is refreshing.  It was Lani's moments of doubt and then courage that really connected me to her.

The Hawaiian culture was interwoven so seamlessly into this book.  I could feel, hear, smell and taste as I read.  This book created some lovely pictures in my head.

I loved this book.  It's one of my favorites.

  Rachael
A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.


  Blog Tour $50 Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 2/29/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Not Always (1)

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Broken Things to Mend (Power of the Matchmaker series) by Karey White



broken things to mend

Celia is in desperate need of a change--a change of scenery, a change of pace, and a complete redo of all relationships. Not knowing what else to do, she opens a map, closes her eyes, and lets fate decide her future. Then she packs her meager belongings and buys a one-way ticket to a little town on the fringes of Oregon's Deschutes National Forest called Sisters. She's wanted a family for years. Will she find one in Sisters? What Celia doesn't plan to find is a strange Chinese woman whose meddling ways keep throwing her in the path of a handsome, but reserved, forest ranger. But no matter how kind or dependable Silas seems to be, there are some things in Celia's past that neither of them can escape, and this time, the damage might be too much to mend.

  amazon get it add to goodreads 

This is the beginning of a series I am really, really looking forward to.  And what a great beginning it is!  This is the first book in the Power of the Matchmaker series.  Every book in this series is by a different author and each book can stand alone but each has a common character and a common theme.  The prequel novella to this series is called Power of the Matchmaker and that is the only book I would suggest before starting this series.  It introduces you to a Chinese matchmaker who will play a role in every book to come.

Karey White is a talented writer and I have enjoyed reading her books.  She starts thing off just right with this book, Broken Things to Mend.

My heart took to both Celia and Silas right away.  They were broken but strong and I loved them both.  My heart was invested in them individually and together.  Their stories were personable and felt real to me.  All the best of elements to have in a book.  As a reader, I'm always looking for real connections to characters and stories.

I read through this book quickly and in the end let out a big sigh of satisfaction and relief.  It made my heart happy.  I cannot wait to see what is coming next in this series!  One of my all time favorites (Rachael Anderson!!) is up next month.  Woot!  This is going to be a fun year for reviewing!

Content:  some talk of rape and abuse, drug addiction, but not in great detail.

   Karey White
Author Karey White Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist. She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.


      Blog Tour Giveaway - $50 Amazon Gift Card or $50 in Paypal Cash Ends 2/2/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Broken Things (1)

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Power of the Matchmaker by Heather B. Moore

A prequel novella to the POWER OF THE MATCHMAKER Series
Mystical . . . Beautiful . . . Romantic . . .
12 novels by 12 bestselling authors
Released once a month in 2016
Read the matchmaker’s story to find out where it all starts . . .

Mae Li has been in love with Chen Zhu for years, and he with her. But when the matchmaker arrives at the Zhu family home, she recommends another village girl for Chen.

Heartbroken, Mae Li watches as Chen does his duty by marrying another. Mae flees her village with the clothes on her back and her only possession—a pearl embedded comb, given to her as a goodbye gift from Chen Zhu.

Upon Mae’s arrival in Shanghai, she quickly learns that she’ll starve within days unless she sells her prized comb or joins a courtesan house. She goes to the Huangpu River and promises the River God that she’ll always be selfless if he will save her from becoming a prostitute . . . Her wish is granted when Ms. Tan, the matchmaker of Shanghai, finds Mae. But Mae must completely change her future and her name if she is to become the next matchmaker.

 * GoodreadsAmazon *

I am so excited about this upcoming series!  Oh, the anticipation.  One novel a month by so many of my very favorite authors?  Yes, please!  This one is going to be good, friends.

This novella is the prequel to this new series.  At about 60 pages, it gives us the background and making of Mae Li, the matchmaker.  Her story is one of sorrow, loss and heartbreak.  But, it is also a story of hope and love.  Mae is so sweet and innocent.  She has a heart full of love.  Her promise to be selfless in exchange for her life and her virtue is one she honors.  How can you not love Mae Li?

This prequel left me wanting more.  A lot more.  I'm really looking forward to reading the first official book in this series.  Ahh, I wish I could read them all now!  :)

Here is the lineup of authors:  Karey White, Rachael AndersonSheralyn Pratt, Jaima Fixsen, Kelly Oram, Heather B. Moore, Julie Wright, Heidi Ashworth, Taylor Dean, Michele Paige Holmes , Janette Rallison, and Regina Sirois.

Content:  Clean.  No swearing.  Some mentions of brothels and prostitution but nothing of consequence.