Matched in Merriweather

By: Cox, Michelle

What do you get when you mix historical drama, a heavy dose of romance, sharp wit, and a dash of Jane Austen? The Merriweather series

Amateur matchmaker and social queen at an all-women's college in 1937 Chicago, Melody Merriweather's world shifts when she receives a distressing letter informing her that her father is gravely ill. Forced to abandon her frivolous school life, she rushes back to her small Wisconsin hometown, where she is surprised to learn she is expected to help at the family's general shop, affectionately called "The Merc," until her father recovers.

Once there, Melody discovers the Merc is not as prosperous as she had been led to believe, and she quickly tries to devise a way to settle the mounting debts. With the help of her motley assortment of employees-especially the handsome but overly critical, Cal Fraiser-she attempts various schemes, including the selling of luxury hats and gloves, to save the family shop before settling on the brewing of cider.

In the meantime, she just can't help but play matchmaker with her sweet employee, Harriet. Determined to thwart the young woman's attraction to a local farmer, Melody instead introduces her to the town's upstart young banker and encourages her to pursue him. Things do not go as planned, however-either with Harriet or the Merc-leaving Melody to question not only whether she might have to make Merriweather her permanent home, but if there is perhaps something more than cider brewing between herself and Cal . . .

"The novel shines with small-town charm infused with humor and romance."-Booklife reviews

"Exceptionally well-written and easy-to-read book. Highly recommend "-Amazon reviewer

"This was the perfect escape read for me; loved every delightful and laugh-out-loud moment. Simply charming "-Amazon reviewer

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0DCFXH9ZN
• ISBN13: 9798988009726
• Release Date: September 2024
• Publisher: Woolton Press
• Length: 338 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

This witty, entertaining novel is just as delightful as its cover

Thanks to author Michelle Cox and BookFunnel for a digital advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own. What a fun, witty story – similar to the classic 1930s screwball comedies. Author Michelle Cox combines the movie genre with a retelling of Jane Austen’s novel "Emma" and the result is a warmhearted story of family and romance in a small Midwestern town. Compulsive matchmaker Melody Merriweather is summoned home from college by her father, who needs her to run their family store (the Mercantile) while he recovers from a heart attack. She soon learns the store is not doing well, plus her father must pay off a large loan to thug-like villains by the end of the year. (And it’s already autumn). That doesn’t stop her from matchmaking, while dealing with quirky characters as she schemes to generate more income to save the store. While the plot and Melody’s moneymaking ploys initially seemed silly, the clever writing and charming small-town community won me over. I soon couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. And I gasped out loud when I got to the last page – I was totally surprised and entertained. I was initially attracted to the book because of its beautiful cover art and can now say that the novel is just as delightful as the cover.