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The Matchmaker: A Novel Paperback – November 23, 2021

by Elin Hilderbrand (Author)
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In this moving story about losing and finding love again, a woman sets out to find the perfect matches for those closest to her.

Forty-eight-year-old Nantucketer Dabney Kimball Beech has always had a gift for matchmaking. Some call her ability mystical, while others, her husband, celebrated economist John Boxmiller Beech, and her daughter, Agnes, who is clearly engaged to the wrong man, call it meddlesome. But there's no arguing with her results: With 42 happy couples to her credit and all of them still together, Dabney has never been wrong about romance.

Never, that is, except in the case of herself and Clendenin Hughes, the green-eyed boy who took her heart with him long ago when he left the island to pursue his dream of becoming a journalist. Now, after spending twenty-seven years on the other side of the world, Clen is back on Nantucket, and Dabney has never felt so confused, or so alive.

But when tragedy threatens her own second chance, Dabney must face the choices she's made and share painful secrets with her family. Determined to make use of her gift before it's too late, she sets out to find perfect matches for those she loves most.
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  1. Print length
    416 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Back Bay Books
  4. Publication date
    November 23, 2021
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1.13 x 8.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0316316512
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0316316514
  8. See all details
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  1. “Sometimes you regret the things you do, but they’re over and done. Regretting the things you didn’t do is tougher, because they’re still out there… haunting you. The what-ifs.”
    Highlighted by 576 Kindle readers
  2. And the people who lie and keep secrets are always the people you’d least expect.
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  3. Sometimes life seemed very long. And other times, not.
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From the brand

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Hilderbrand has crafted another of her delectable beach reads, complete with a fairy-tale romance. . . . Delicious.”―Booklist

“Charming, poignant…Hilderbrand's narrative is thoroughly readable, with likable heroes and believably despicable antagonists…Hilderbrand's story is an engaging read.”―Publishers Weekly

"The odd thing about The Matchmaker is that I fell for it, not because of the love triangle or Dabney’s matchmaking skills, but because it’s a loving portrait of an island. Hilderbrand has an ear and an eye for the people of Surfside and Siasconset . . . It’s like renting a cottage on Nantucket for the weekend — breezy and sad when you come to the end. The Matchmaker gives you a taste of island life without having to invest in oceanfront property.”―Boston Globe

“My favorite read of the summer so far.”―Detroit Free Press

 “With the idyllic island setting and her eye for details, her books make you want to plan a trip to Nantucket even before you’ve turned the last page. Her stories are always chockfull of relatable characters and situations, sprinkled with a little bit of escapist fantasy for good measure. Like a good summer barbeque, there’s something for everyone here….So get a nice comfy chair in a shady place and dive in!”―The Book Reporter

“If the beach isn’t on your agenda this summer, the novel will transport you to Nantucket’s picturesque seaside in no time. Elin, who lives on the island, delivers an emotional story about a married woman with a knack for matchmaking.”―Hello! Magazine

“The queen regent of the easy-breezy summer read.”―New York Post

About the Author

Elin Hilderbrand has lived on Nantucket for twenty years. She runs every morning, delivers her children to their sporting events, and frequents the front row at the Chicken Box. The Matchmaker is her thirteenth novel.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Back Bay Books (November 23, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 416 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0316316512
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316316514
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.13 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:

About the author

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Elin Hilderbrand

Elin Hilderbrand

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Elin Hilderbrand first discovered the magic of Nantucket in July 1993. Her recipe for a happy island life includes running, writing at the beach, picnics at Eel Point with her three children, and singing "Home, Sweet Home" at the Club Car piano bar. Here's to Us is her seventeenth novel.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
9,993 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book content fabulous, excellent, and unusual. They also praise the writing quality as very well written and entertaining. Readers describe the book as packed with emotion and tears. They find the characters well developed and entertaining, with many twists and turns. Opinions are mixed on the plot, with some finding it full of love and hope, while others say it's predictable and has a lot of information to take in.

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Book contentWriting qualityEmotionCharactersEntertainment valueEmotional impactPlotCharacterization
413 customers mention "Book content"413 positive0 negative

Customers find the book content fabulous, touching, and enjoyable. They also say the story continues to improve and is a fast read. Readers also love the matchmaker subplot and say the author does an excellent job building depth for each character.

"Good novel and more if you hace been in Nantucket" Read more

"...Another good Nantucket read." Read more

"...Very absorbing and completed characters, and an unusual storyline. Hildebrand certainly throws in cancer to many of her stories...." Read more

"...The tale consumed me from the very beginning, and although I wouldn't say it is one of Hilderbrand's best works, it isn't one of her worst, either...." Read more

128 customers mention "Writing quality"120 positive8 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book very well written, easy to read, and engaging. They also appreciate the author's excellent imagery and beautiful literary stage. Overall, readers describe the book as a fast and enjoyable read.

"The main character was so passionately in love which was beautifully expressed by the author...." Read more

"This was a lovely easy read - just what I needed at a difficult time...." Read more

"...I purchase all of her books. They are always great reading no matter when, vacation, lazy weekend, hurried weeks when you have five minutes here and..." Read more

"Easy reading. Good characters. I read everything Elin writes. It takes me away from myself and brings me to Nantucket, an island that I love." Read more

117 customers mention "Emotion"83 positive34 negative

Customers find the book packed with feelings and emotion from beginning to end. They also say it's sweet, sad, happy, and brings tears. Readers also mention it'll keep them interested and is the perfect escape from the minutiae of everyday life.

"...A book packed with so much feeling and emotion from beginning to end.Is this a beach read?..." Read more

"This story absolutely broke my heart. It was beautiful and sad. It had a lot of real life problems that entwined with the Nantucket charm...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the book but also found it to be a bit depressing...." Read more

"...her as his own...There are lies and recriminations but some very tender scenes...." Read more

96 customers mention "Characters"83 positive13 negative

Customers find the characters well developed and appreciate the author's weaving in of well known people, places, and landmarks.

"...This book was my very favorite. It completely told the stories of each character and presented each in an interesting listing of great matches..." Read more

"...Very absorbing and completed characters, and an unusual storyline. Hildebrand certainly throws in cancer to many of her stories...." Read more

"...Dabney Kimball is a very likable character, even though she is seemingly utterly predictable...." Read more

"The character of Dabney is captivating. She gets the sympathy of the reader and her past and fear of travel are understandable...." Read more

33 customers mention "Entertainment value"33 positive0 negative

Customers find the book cleverly written and entertaining. They also say the storyline is not boring and gets them hooked every time.

"This had a very heartwarming story. Many laughs and a lot of happiness. It showed me that if things are meant to be then it will happen!" Read more

"This is my favorite book by the author. Its unique, fun and emotional. I read this book twice a year and it never gets old." Read more

"...I will keep reading her books though as I do find them entertaining and enjoyable!" Read more

"Good book She is such an awesome writer!! Gets me hooked every time. On to the next one of her books." Read more

32 customers mention "Emotional impact"32 positive0 negative

Customers find the book lovely, tender, and unique. They also say it makes them feel and is fluffy. Readers also mention that the books are different, unique, and heartwarming.

"I love Elin Hildebrand's books- they simply make me feel good...." Read more

"This story absolutely broke my heart. It was beautiful and sad. It had a lot of real life problems that entwined with the Nantucket charm...." Read more

"...These asides are cute, and they give a great deal of background about Dabney in high school, in college, while pregnant, and every stage of her life..." Read more

"...It was eye candy as we learned about the characters and their interactions...." Read more

89 customers mention "Plot"59 positive30 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the plot. Some find the story full of love and hope, with a fantastic conclusion. They also say the book has many twists and turns, making it a page-turner. However, other customers find the plot predictable, unrealistic, and impersonal. They say the characters grab you from the start and make unrealistic situations.

"...A beautiful story of love, loss, mistakes, and second chances, I wanted more time and more magic for these unforgettable characters...." Read more

"Loved this book. A page turner." Read more

"...I knocked off 1 star because -for me- the plot was a bit obvious- including the end but I enjoyed the reading and it did make me think of the..." Read more

"...There is also a theme of love and foregiveness. Elin always writes a well thought out story. This was a bit of a tear jerker though." Read more

17 customers mention "Characterization"9 positive8 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the characterization. Some find the writing descriptive, emotional, and cute. They also say the book holds their interest throughout and keeps them on their toes. However, others find the book boring, repetitive, and superficial.

"...These asides are cute, and they give a great deal of background about Dabney in high school, in college, while pregnant, and every stage of her life..." Read more

"...All of this was told in such a scattered and repetitive style that I often rolled my eyes. And if I read the word "forbearance" one more time--UGH!..." Read more

"Beautiful story, sad at times the choices we make. Held my interest throughout, I could hardly put it down...." Read more

"...A bit on the superficial side but that's what's expected in light reading. The book has an unique and unusual set of characters. I liked it very much!" Read more

New favorite author
4 out of 5 stars
New favorite author
My first Elin Hilderbrand novel and I’m hooked! I loved this book and her writing style. The story was a mixture of heartbreak and love. I haven’t cried over a book in a long time but this one did it. Beautiful written and my new favorite author!
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Top reviews from the United States

Shirley Whitney
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2024
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Came in a timely manner
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Maria jose Maldonado
4.0 out of 5 stars Great novel
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2024
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Good novel and more if you hace been in Nantucket
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JaneSL
5.0 out of 5 stars The Best...and I've read them all!
Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2024
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I love Nantucket and Cape Cod, and so when I found Elin Hildebrand, I began reading. I have now read all of her books, as she has just announced that this year's was her last. This book was my very favorite. It completely told the stories of each character and presented each in an interesting listing of great matches made by the main character. I finished this lovely book in two days..on an airplane, in tears. Read all of her books..each so different. But be sure not to miss the Matchmaker!!
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Kathleen D. Terrell
5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2024
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The main character was so passionately in love which was beautifully expressed by the author. Her twists and turns throughout the book always keep things interesting. Another good Nantucket read.
2 people found this helpful
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Kentuckybooklover
5.0 out of 5 stars Queue the waterworks
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2024
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4.5 stars

Excuse me a moment while I dry my eyes and wipe the snot away. A book packed with so much feeling and emotion from beginning to end.

Is this a beach read? Yes, just for the fact it takes place on Nantucket. No, in that it will make you ugly cry.

The book centers around Dabney who is a force to be reckoned with and her only kryptonite is Clen. Clen is the love of her life and the man who broke her heart. When he returns to Nantucket the life she has made is turned upside down and inside out.

Read with an open heart and a ton of tissues.
One person found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Another absorbing Nantucket story from Hilderbrand
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2023
Verified Purchase
This was a lovely easy read - just what I needed at a difficult time. The main character has set up couples all over Nantucket since she was a teen, clearly seeing who is/isn't a perfect match. This doesn't save her from heartbreak in her own relationships, and may not save her only child from marrying someone really wrong for her.
Very absorbing and completed characters, and an unusual storyline. Hildebrand certainly throws in cancer to many of her stories. I have to wonder if her own breast cancer fight inspired that. Still, her usual wonderful food descriptions and beach scenes make this a good read.
2 people found this helpful
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R. Pineiro
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great novel from an amazing author.
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2014
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I would be more apt to give this 4.5 stars than 5 stars. Like all of Elin Hilderbrand's books, it is a story set on Nantucket, with every nuance and description making readers yearn to actually step foot in this magical and very real place! Dabney Kimball is a very likable character, even though she is seemingly utterly predictable. I devoured this book in a single day, spellbound by the magic of Hilderbrand's storytelling, and yearning for Dabney and Clen to end up together for the perfect "happy ever after" ending.
***SPOILER ALERTS***
It seemed extremely obvious from the very beginning that Dabney's "not feeling well" was something more serious than stress or lovesickness. I am not sure if this was intentional on the part of Hilderbrand, or if it was supposed to be a surprise. But I knew far before Dabney gets her heart-wrenching diagnosis that she would, inevitably, end up with some serious illness. I found it a little unbelievable that she would collapse in the street at the Daffodil weekend celebration without being immediately ushered to an emergency facility, instead of simply being taken home, put into bed, given some ice water with thin slices of lemon, and a few aspirin--particularly after she continues to be seriously ill for the next several days.
I also predicted very early on that CJ would do some sort of stalker or cause some sort of serious injury to Agnes. Again, I am not sure if this was intentional on the author's part, or if I was just a particularly astute reader ;) With some of the predictability aside, I loved The Matchmaker. The tale consumed me from the very beginning, and although I wouldn't say it is one of Hilderbrand's best works, it isn't one of her worst, either. I don't think many readers will be disappointed with selecting this book.
3 people found this helpful
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PB
3.0 out of 5 stars Great Author but not so great book
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2017
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I am a huge fan of this Author but not a fan of this particular book. The story centers around Dabney who loves to match people up and who has trouble with her own love life. The love of her life left her and she moved on with life or so she thought. Life has a way of throwing curve balls at us when we least expect it and that's exactly what happens in this book, which is made even more poignant considering the health issues of the Author.

I enjoyed the book but also found it to be a bit depressing. I love reading Hilderbrand because her books take me away from everyday life and drop me right in the middle of a "beach-town story/plot" but this one didn't have that same feel. It felt hard at times, sad and not heart-warming. It may hit too close to home for some people who are like me and read to escape those "curve-balls of life" .

To sum it up, I like the Author, not the book so much, I found it sad but do wish the Author all the best in what life has thrown at her.
4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Anne
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 28, 2017
Verified Purchase
Sad but so, so good. Interesting characters and yes I think you can love more than one person. Good ending
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Bluecat323
5.0 out of 5 stars Best of Elin Hildebrands books
Reviewed in Australia on August 3, 2020
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Great, easy read. Complex characters and relationships in that wonderful island setting.
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Krista Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book
Reviewed in Canada on September 16, 2015
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Spectacular. Wrenching. Lovely. I loved this book. This story and the way it is written will push those emotional buttons you were hardly aware of and those you sometimes shy away from for the pain they can evoke. That said, Elin Hildebrand paints the most stunning picture of lives imperfect and wonderful; of characters you think you may have once known or would like to meet. I loved this book. I loved the message of 'forbearance' in the face of tragedy and the message of hope and forgiveness in the bigger picture…and if all this sounds like gobbeldeegook then read the book and you'll understand. If you have an open mind and an open heart, you will be glad you experienced this wonderful story.
One person found this helpful
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Annonymous
4.0 out of 5 stars Emotional
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 22, 2024
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An emotional read from writer. Immersed in characters. Read many of her books and each time I tell myself one day I'll visit Nantucket.
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sullya
4.0 out of 5 stars great read
Reviewed in Canada on March 13, 2015
Verified Purchase
Being a fan of Elin Hilderbrand I was not disappointed with this book...from the minute I picked it up to the moment I finished I did not want to set it down..
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