The Matchmaker [Mass Market Paperback]

I liked this book a lot. It's well written with some nice dialog and good descriptive text. Like another reviewer, I'm giving it 5 stars to off-set the negative reviews that this book doesn't deserve (though my true rating would be 4). First off, Olivia was neither a "cry baby" nor a "prude" as other reviewers stated. She cried maybe once and she was no more a prude than any well-mannered lady of the gentry of her time. She was cautious about men and didn't want to make the mistakes her mother made - multiple times! Maybe to some she was overly cautious, but hey, she had to live with the guy, not me!

Second, I hate the characterization of Neville as a "drunk" (though I suppose technically it's true). He used alcohol to deaden his pain and empty his mind of the memories from his war experiences. He is never drunk during the day or around anyone else (except for the one incident at the inn). And he doesn't insult Olivia, he teases her - and he could tease me anytime. He sensed that underneath her stuffy, proper surface was a kindred spirit that he wanted to get to know. I liked Neville and rooted for him to win Olivia over. He was handsome, charming, funny and mischievous. And when he finally figures out that he is in love with Olivia, he realizes he will have to change if he wants to win her. She brought out the best in him. Now Olivia was a bit uptight and she fought her attraction to Neville to the bitter end which may be why some found the book a bit too slow. I will concede at times some exasperation with her and wondered once or twice why Neville bothered, but I also knew that they needed each other. And hey, if I had a dime for every heroine in a romance novel that exasperated me, I'd be a millionaire! Believe me, I've read books with far more annoying characters than any in this book.

So, if you're interested, give this book a chance. Borrow it or buy it second hand if you're really on the fence. Lots of us enjoyed it, so you may too.

For one thing, Ms. Becnel has created a set of wonderful characters whom I can't help but grow to care for and fall in love with.

Olivia Byrde manages to be a most lovable paradox of a heroine I've ever come across. See, she is beautiful yet utterly unconscious of her charm; she is innocent but is quick to respond to the hero with passion; she is feisty and stubborn without being annoyingly pigheaded; she turns into clay whenever she comes into physical contact, however slight, with the hero, but save for that, she has as much wit and sharpness about her as can be.

Lord Neville Hawke is the more common sort of brooding, dangerous, and devilishly handsome hero one will expect from a romance novel. Although initially he appears more like a drunkard who sets his mind on nothing but the seduction of Olivia, he gradually proves himself much more than just meets the eye. Along with Olivia, readers come to know he's hard-working and cares more about the well-being of other people than his own. His un-gentlemanly behavior towards Olivia during their first encounter is satisfactorily explained and I grow to sympathize with him. (Trust me, he is really a tortured lost soul.) What makes him so fascinating, however, is that despite his outward composure and confidence in his ability to woo Olivia, deep down he's actually a sorry (but adorable)case of insecurity and self-resentment: he may be able to kiss Olivia into oblivion but he feels himself totally unworthy of her love. Now, how cute is that?!

What makes Ms. Becnel "Austenian" is that she concentrates primarily on the courtship of the two protagonists, never distracting readers by tossing in a large group of secondary characters or by too many plot twists and turns. This is not to say the secondary characters, most notably Olivia's mother and sister, do not have their own appeal. Together with Olivia and Neville, they make a dazzling, unforgettable ensemble!

For another, Ms. Becnel, like Jane Austen, writes in such a peaceful, serene manner that although the story may not have a lot of "action," as one reviewer complains, it still is a page-turner, one you need to be patient with and willing to slowly immerse yourself in.

And there is Ms. Becnel's writing. I confess I cannot abide a horribly written story with irritating narratives, no matter how interesting the plot or characters are. This is not the case with THE MATCHMAKER, which is told with lucidity, elegance and subtlety. (notice how Ms. Becnel plays with the names of the hero and heroine?)

All in all, THE MATCHMAKER is a definite keeper for me and for those of you who like Jane Austen and a good Regency. As it is my first read from Mr. Becnel, I was furthermore thrilled to have discovered such an awesome writer. THE MATCHMAKER is not for those who like their romance action/adventure-packed and fast-paced (and thank goodness, there is not the dreaded big misunderstanding in the story), but I say, KEEP'EM COMING, Ms. Becnel! You've done a great job!!

Thanks for helping me remember what falling in love was like.

Great fan of Ms. Becnel and will continue cheering her on.... can't wait for the next one.