The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand

The Matchmaker

Every summer I look forward to a new book by Elin Hilderbrand. THE MATCHMAKER is the title of this year’s Nantucket novel.

I’ve been reading Elin Hilderbrand from the first novel, THE BEACH CLUB, more than a dozen years ago. I fell in love with her writing style and easy island lore. I have not missed one of her books. I will admit some I have enjoyed more than others. And I have to tell you that this is one of her best yet!

Hilderbrand knows Nantucket.  She has me believing I’ve been there. She’s so good at sense of place that you will think you are actually right there.  I find myself looking forward to Daffodil Weekend every summer because of her. The beaches hum. The shops call out to you. And the characters leap and pop off the pages like thunder and lightning.

This summer brings us forty-eight-year-old Dabney Kimball Beech.  Dabney is the picture of the perfect well-to-do woman.  She can do no wrong. Everyone on Nantucket  knows and loves her. Well, almost everyone.

Elin Hilderbrand

Dabney is considered a matchmaker. She’s successfully hooked up dozens of couples, but is now seriously disturbed about her own daughter’s impending marriage to the “wrong” guy.  Then there’s her relationship with her very successful professor husband.  Can it sustain the summer?

I really thought this would be just another summer-read. Hilderbrand always tells a good story, but she has outdone herself with THE MATCHMAKER. I laughed and cried.  And enjoyed Nantucket the only way I can this year, through the telling of THE MATCHMAKER.