Calling on the Matchmaker

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.

These book club discussion questions are provided courtesy of Bethany House.

Book club questions for Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

Calling on the Matchmaker takes place in St. Louis in the 1800s—a time of danger, disease, and disaster. How do you think this setting contributes to the tone of the story? Which historical facts surprised or intrigued you the most?

Each of the books in the series A SHANAHAN MATCH follows the story of a Shanahan sibling and the challenges their local Irish matchmaker faces in finding them advantageous matches. What skills do you think are required to be a successful matchmaker?

Matchmaking still takes place across the globe. What do you think about the tradition of matchmaking? What would be the advantages and disadvantages to being set up with a partner by a matchmaker?

Finola has a heart for helping Irish immigrants, many of whom are escaping starvation and poverty in Ireland due to the potato famine. In what ways is the experience of present-day immigrants to the United States similar or different from the experience of Irish immigrants in the 1800s?

Finola tries to talk to her parents about her desire to enter the convent, but they don’t listen to her. Finola struggles to communicate well about what she wants. Throughout the course of the story, Finola must learn to gain a voice. What helps Finola learn to advocate for herself?

Have there been circumstances in which you have had difficulty advocating for yourself? What has helped you to recognize your personal worth and speak up on your own behalf?

Finola thought that by joining the convent, she could atone for her sister's death. What does this say about her view of guilt and her role in being forgiven? Do you agree or disagreewith Finola’s view?

Calling on the Matchmaker Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the Calling on the Matchmaker discussion questions