The Matchmaker by Catherine Walsh

There are a couple of factors that I use to differentiate between a general ‘chick-lit’/woman’s fiction and a romance book, at least to classify it on my blog. If the story within the pages is all about the balance between two people, preferably with both viewpoints, then it counts as a romance. If the romance is a side product of the growth of the lead protagonist (as it usually is) and the machinations and plans during the narrative are for a higher purpose, it is not solely a romantic book. This story falls under the latter criteria. Although the central plot revolves around matchmaking and couples finding happily ever afters, it is more about Katie Collins finding out what she truly wants in life. Katie has been living in the same small town forever. She works at the local pub, the same one where her parents met and where she once did her homework. Suffice it to say she is extremely attached to it. When the local developers who have big plans for the neighbouring area (and are in the process of realising them) decide they want to buy the pub as well, Katie has a new agenda. I liked how the practicalities of hosting a matchmaking event are handled. On the first day, when people are to meet the ones who technically match up to them, things do not go according to plan. The entire scheme is to bring new interest into their town and give them the freedom to retain the ‘feel’ of their community. I also liked the final realistic relationship between erstwhile enemies when forced into regular proximity. I have read two other books by the author and like the narrative style. The characters and their conversations are always entertaining, and I ended up reading this in very few sittings. I would recommend this book and the author for fans of this genre. I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.