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27 January 2015

The Matchmaker By Sarah Price



The Matchmaker by Sarah Price
Realms, Feb. 3, 2015

Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars~*****
Simply Delightful Amish Fiction!

In her own distinctive voice, Sarah Price has created a wealth of memorable, delightful characters in The Matchmaker. Readers will love this unique blend of the Amish and Jane Austen's classic tale, Emma -- the story of an opinionated young lady who must learn the hard way that best laid plans may sometimes go awry. 
 
Emma Weaver's heart is in the right place in spite of her meddlesome ways. Just because she has no desire to be burdened down with a husband and children does not mean she cannot help others find their way to wedded bliss. With her smile as her armor and her laughter as her shield, she is content to help the widows in her Amish community and her aged father as well. After all, Emma feels that there is a 'lid for every pot' so to speak (except herself), and it is her place to sort all that out. However, will all of Emma's well-meaning schemes backfire on her?...and does she ever learn that matchmaking is best left in the hands of God!?
 
To be quite honest with you, before I truly "met" Emma, I wanted to shake her. Filled with pride and a judgmental attitude, I felt that the good she did came from a pious self-righteous opinion of herself. But oh, how she finally endeared herself to me as she evolved throughout the story. Sarah Price portrays the Amish as human...who make mistakes and must own up to them, unlike many other Amish novels that portray them as being "perfect." I laughed out loud at some of Emma's antics and sayings, along with the secondary characters' as well. And I shed a few tears at the satisfying conclusion. With unpredictable twists and turns that Sarah Price is so well known for, and a charming main character that is not your typical Amish heroine -- this harmonious mix of contemporary and classic is truly a "match made" in heaven!
 
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, B&N, and your local bookstore.


Giveaway: Sarah Price is generously offering a paperback copy of The Matchmaker to one blessed commenter! International entrants--ebook only!


101 comments:

  1. Would love to win....thank you so much for the opportunity!

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    1. You're quite welcome, LORRAINE! Good morning and may God bless your day.

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  2. Love to read Amish books !1 Sounds like it would be a good read .Blessings ,DanaGirl

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    1. Blessings, DANA! This book was different and fun -- I believe you'll really enjoy it!

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  3. DIANA this sounds like a wonderful book! Guess I need to add it to my ever growing, overflowing TBR pile!! :-)

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    1. It was so much fun to read, TERESA! Love the Jane Austenish feel to it -- very different!

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  4. Sounds like another excellent book by Sarah Price! I so want to read this!
    Thank you for the wonderful review Diana.

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    1. Thx, CHERYL! It's a wonderful book and I hope you get a copy ASAP!

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  5. Love these giveaways, thank you so much!!!
    angelicamac77@msn.com

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    1. You are so welcome, ANGIE! The luck of the Irish to you! ;)

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  6. Ciao, thanks for allow us to win a copy of the book. so kind from you.
    I'm from italy. in 2001 I visited my relatives in Pennsilvania and went to an Amish village, near them.
    I would love to know something more about Amish, their traditions.
    I love nature, do handmade, reading and walking. I don't like and I haven't car and tv.
    ciao, martaA

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    1. Welcome to OWG, MARTA! Thank you for sharing a little about yourself! Do you now live in the US?

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  7. Thanks for your beautiful review of "The Matchmaker", Diana!!

    I love that the novel ties in with Jane Austen, and also that it contains "twists and turns" and realistic characters - two of my fave elements in novels. I don't have any of Sarah's novels, "The Matchmaker" sounds delightful and the perfect one to start with!!

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    1. Thank you, BONNIE! Actually if you liked Jane Austen's Mr. Darcy, you'll love Sarah Price's 1st book in this series reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice, FIRST IMPRESSIONS!

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  8. Wonderful review! I am reading :First Impressions" right now and loving it, would love to win "The MatchMaker"!

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    1. TY, KATHLEEN! I loved First Impressions so much!

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  9. Look forward to reading this book! I love opinionated young lady characters..

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    1. And that she definitely is, MOMOF8! Thx for coming by OWG! :)

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  10. I'm going to hazard a guess that I'll be the only man to respond. You are so right about Mrs. Price's books (The Plain series), at least the ones I have read. The characters are not perfect and the Amish are not painted as perfect. What she does is show them (her characters and the Amish) trying to live their faith day in and day out. Whatever the faith community, (well, within some reason) that is what I value in a religion.

    I'm ready to read the Matchmaker should it come my way.

    PS Diana: But I liked Marta's comments; she gets my vote if the giveaway is done by a democratic vote.

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    1. Hi, JON! We love getting a male's point of view here on OWG, and you're certainly not the first and hopefully not the last to come by! We welcome you and I'm so glad you're a fan of Sarah's!

      Winner is drawn randomly using random number generator to keep everything fair. So everyone has the same chance to win. TY for sharing!

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  11. No doubt, want to read Sarah's book. A favorite author :)

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    1. LORETTA, thank you for coming by! Tossing your name in my cyberhat! ;)

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  12. I can't wait to meet Emma! Isn't it awesome how lovingly God corrects us, even when we thought we were doing what He wanted us to be doing?!?!? Thanks for sharing Sarah & Diana!
    Robin in NC rw620 at aol dot com

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    1. Yes, it is awesome, ROBIN! Poor, dear Emma! ;) You're so welcome!

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  13. I think I have read every one of Sarah's books and loved each and every one. She takes us inside the Amish way of life and actually puts you in the home with them. I can't wait for this book.

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    1. I have quite a few, TONDA, and it's going to take me awhile to catch up on all of them! Hope you get a chance to read this one soon!

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  14. Big fan of Sarah's. Love her books

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    1. THEBJWAGS, thanks for coming by! Good luck to you.

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  15. Would enjoy winning and reading this Amish fiction. Sm Wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Welcome to OWG, SHARON! Keep your fingers crossed! ;)

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  16. I thoroughly enjoyed every Sarah Price book that I have read so far . She is one of my favorite Amish romance authors.

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    1. Dear ANONYMOUS! Please come back and leave at least your 1st name so you won't be sooo.....anonymous! :( That is if you would like to enter the giveaway. I agree---Sarah is one of my favorites as well!

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  17. Sounds like a winner! I love the cover!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. The cover is awesome, MELANIE, I agree! And you may see a surprise on the back cover should you get a copy, involving moi! lol

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  18. I do enjoy Amish books.. nice cover :)

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    1. Me too, DEANNA! I love all those springy looking colors -- especially now! ;)

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  19. I would be honored to win this and read/review it!!! It sounds like a really wonderful book! Rhonda
    nashhall@aol.com

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    1. RHONDA, how are you? It really is and I hope you get the chance to read it soon. Thanks!

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  20. If this book is like the others then it will be a great read I love the Amish writers and would love to read it so I can write a review for the authors of any new books

    dkw1999@gmail.com Debbie

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    1. DEBBIE, it was a wonderful read! Thank you for sharing your reviews of awesome authors. I know they appreciate it! :)

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  21. I love the story line in The Matchmaker. Can't wait to read the book.
    Dawn
    dcofohio@yahoo.com

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    1. It was a fun read, but also covered serious issues such as nosing into others affairs and the consequences of doing that. I believe you will really enjoy it, DAWN!

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  22. Sounds like a great book, would love to win a copy.
    Blessings, Tina

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    1. Sending blessings back your way, TINA! Hoping for a win for you!

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  23. Thank you for your review. I'm going to enjoy this.

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    1. You're so welcome, MARY! I just KNOW you will! :)

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  24. Thank you for the oppertunity to win. Sounds like a good one. Which is Sarahs' way.

    Thanks,
    Lisa Korell

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  25. I love giveaways as much as I love her books
    blessings,
    Lora
    lora_dietrich@yahoo.com

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    1. Giveaways are too much fun, LORA! Even if I don't win I'm always happy for whoever does! Blessings!

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  26. Hoping to be your winner!
    Karen Clinton

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  27. Oh I've been so looking forward to this review from our now famous Diana Flowers!! ;) It was wonderful, as usual, and now I have another Amish book I desire to read!! And this coming from a one who always shied away from Amish novels! :)

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    1. Hmmm...famous? It seems I saw another young lady's endorsements on Amazon a number of times whose initials are N. N. ;) And that same N. N. wrote a review just the other day and MADE me go over to NG and get the book! Shameys. lol Love you, Sis!

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    2. Coolies!! Guess we're even then, lol! Love you madly back!!

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  28. I've been wanting to get this book, thank you for the chance to win it!

    wfnren at aol dot com

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    1. You're welcome, WENDY! Tossing your name in the random number hat! ;)

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  29. I just finished reading First Impressions, loved it. Would love to win the Matchmaker.
    Love Sarah's books.

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    1. I LOVED First Impressions, JUANITA! I kept seeing Keira Knightely and Mr. Darcy thruout the whole book. lol

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  30. I Loved the first book and have been waiting for the 2nd one. I Love all of Sarah Price's books. I got hooked on the Amish books and that is all I read anymore. Thank you for the chance to win this book!!

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    1. They are addicting, TINA! The first book was excellent and made it on my list of 2014 favorites!

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  31. Love your books, thanks for this chance to read it

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  32. The review made me grin I can just imagine what can happen. She doesn't want to get married but she thinks she knows who others should. What could go wrong. I want to read this book.

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    1. What could happen indeed, JAN? lol Thx so much for sharing. Your comment made ME grin.

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  33. I guess in all walks of life there is someone with the Gift of getting folks together as a Matchmaker. Can't wait to read the Whole Book... Great Job..! ! Love reading about the Amish...

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    1. I'm glad that job isn't mine, JEAN! lol Thank you so much!

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  34. :0 :0 :0 This book looks AMAZING! :0 :0 :0 Emma is definitely my favorite Austen tale and one of my favorite stories ever. So beautiful. And, this retelling looks divine! Definitely adding it to my "to-read" list right away!!!

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    1. JENNIFER, great to see you here at OWG! I love this one and a little birdy told me that Sarah may do a retelling of Sense and Sensibility! One of my favorite movies ever!!

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  35. I really like Jane Austen's Emma, this sounds like a neat version! Thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. I really enjoyed it, LORAINE, and believe you will, too!

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  36. Great review, Diana. Sounds like Emma is quite the character. ;)

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    1. She is indeed, CINDI! I hope you get to meet her soon!

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  37. Thank you for the review Diana Flowers. I have been waiting for this Sarah Price book to come out. She writes true to life stories that I always enjoy reading. I would really love to read this.

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    1. You're welcome, DEANNE! Yes, she does and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. I also want to remind everyone that although each one is a stand alone read, you'll want to read the whole series!

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  38. Hello to all of my sweet OWG ladies. Hope you are all getting well. Great job Diana. This book sounds like one I would love to read. I don't yet have one of Sarah's books. I would love to start with this one. Take care and GOD bless all of you. NOW, please continue to pray for my brother, Marion J Lloyd in NY. He has been in the VA hospital hospital in Syracuse, NY for two plus weeks now. Has a feeding tube and getting radiation on his jaw. and is in such extreme pain that he is ready for GOD to take him home to Heaven. He doesn't want any more phone calls or hurts bad to talk. So sad. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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    1. I'm so sorry about your brother, MAXIE. I know this is hard on you. :( Bless you.

      You will enjoy this book by Sarah! It has a Jane Austenish feel, but it's Amish. I don't know how Sarah does that! Thx so much, MAXIE!

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  39. sounds like another good book!
    sue.whitmarsh@yahoo.com

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  40. I saw this book in a Christian catalog and marked it as one that I want to read. You can imagine how thrilled I am to see it being given away! elise_jehan@yahoo.com

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    1. Oh LISA, How wonderful! It is such a pretty cover and really catches the eye in those catalogs. Hoping for a win for you!

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  41. i would love to win this giveaway. im so excited!! i have been trying to post since yesterday but it would not work so im praying it works now.
    stephanie w.
    s.bendel24@yahoo.com

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    1. STEPHANIE, persistency is a trait we admire here at OWG! I'm so glad you finally got through! Let's keep our fingers crossed that your persistency pays off! Bless you!

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  42. Love ur books!!! Thanks for the opportunity to win! God Bless You and Your Family! Have a wonderful time. Blessed Day!!!

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    1. Welcome FRANCES! Blessings back atcha! Good luck in the drawing!

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  43. I would love to read and review this book for you. I review books for many authors and would love to do one for you. Sue Leech, 1273 Strahan Rd, New Columbia, PA 17856

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    1. Hi, SUE! Maybe you will do Sarah the honor of reviewing her book should your name be drawn! TY!

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  44. I would love to win a copy of this book. Have been seeing & hearing about it for a while now & can't wait to read it. Love all of Sarah Prices book.

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    1. Aren't they wonderful, TERESA?! The cover on this one is sooo pretty, too. I hope you get a copy soon...perhaps here!

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  45. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I have read Sarah Price's book First Impressions which is book 1 of this classics series, based on Pride and Prejudice. It was so funny to read, I nearly fell out of my chair when reading the book. If this one is like that first book, I can't wait to read it! Amish books based on Jane Austin. Just priceless. (By the way, this is my third try posting a comment. I don't know what happened to the first two. If you find them, just delete them).

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    1. BEVERLY, thank you for sharing! I loved First Impressions, and if you thought that one was funny wait til you read about Emma! You're in for a real treat! I don't know what causes that to happen occasionally, but if the comments haven't shown up here yet, I doubt they will. I'm sorry you had difficulties, but am glad you were persistent!

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  46. Would love to win this book. Will gladly do reviews if I win. I've truly enjoyed the books that I've read by Sarah.

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    1. PAT, thank you for dropping by! I so hope you get a copy of this one ASAP! Sarah is the BoMb! lol

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  47. Can't wait to read this. One good thing about this winter weather, is the time I can stay in and read and catch up on wonderful books!

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    1. That's about the only good thing about it, TINA! haha I love to cozy up by the fire with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate!

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  48. Sounds like a nice change of pace from the typical Amish fiction!

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    1. You're so right, PATTY! Definitely nothing typical about this one! Thx so much for coming by!

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  49. Our readers in the church library love books about the Amish. Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. You're so welcome, JANET! And with Sarah's books you don't have to have any qualms about them being in your church library. Always wholesome and exciting!

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  50. The giveaway is closed! We have a winner drawn by Random.Org! Congrats to Rhonda for winning a copy of The Matchmaker! Thank you all for your lovely comments!

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