A Match for a Reluctant Bride

The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe #2

by Tess Thompson

An ugly duckling and a charming scoundrel have nothing in common. But fate has a different plan.

Faith
Devastated after both my fiancée and best friend betrayed me, I traveled to a distant isle in the Pacific Northwest, clinging to a job as an artist's assistant to escape my broken heart. Little did I know that I would find something else entirely when I met Briggs Tutheridge. His kindness and sensitivity were not at all what I expected. Still, his reputation was well-known and notorious, with bevies of admirers who wanted nothing more than a brief affair. That wasn't me. I was a wallflower destined to live in the shadows, and no amount of wishing could change that.

Briggs
I agreed to my mother’s suggestion to hire an artist’s assistant without much thought.

All that changed when Faith Fidget arrived in my studio. Timid and introverted, she was not the type of woman who usually turned my head. Yet, in her presence I felt something undeniable stirring inside me. Soon enough, I found myself daydreaming about spending a lifetime with her instead of fleeting moments with women who were nothing more than meaningless trysts. But she deserved someone much better than a scoundrel with a reputation. No matter my feelings, I knew it would never work between us.

Meanwhile, an unsolved murder, an interfering mother, and two secret matchmakers bring tension to bestselling author Tess Thompson’s clean and wholesome romance series that will leave you believing that opposites can attract.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 13, 2023

About the author

Tess Thompson Romance...hometowns and heartstrings.

Tess Thompson is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary and historical Romantic Women’s Fiction with over 60 published titles. When asked to describe her books, she could never figure out what to say that would perfectly sum them up until she landed on, Hometowns and Heartstrings.

She’s married to her prince, Best Husband Ever, and is the mother of their blended family of four kids and five cats. Best Husband Ever is seventeen months younger, which qualifies Tess as a Cougar, a title she wears proudly. Her Bonus Sons are young adults with pretty hair and big brains like their dad. Daughters, better known as Princess One and Two, are teenagers who make their mama proud because they’re kind. They’re also smart, but a mother shouldn’t brag.

Tess loves lazy afternoons watching football, hanging out on the back patio with Best Husband Ever, reading in bed, binge-watching television series, red wine, strong coffee and walks on crisp autumn days. She laughs a little too loudly, never knows what to make for dinner, looks ridiculous kickboxing in an attempt to combat her muffin top, and always complains about the
rain even though she chose to live in Seattle.

She’s proud to have grown up in a small town like the ones in her novels. After graduating from the University of Southern California Drama School, she had hopes of becoming an actress but was called instead to writing fiction. She’s grateful to spend most days in her office matchmaking her characters while her favorite cat Mittens (shhh…don’t tell the others) sleeps on the desk.

She adores hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to say hello or sign up for her newsletter:
http://tesswrites.com/. You’ll receive an ebook copy of her novella, The Santa Trial, for your
efforts.

Much to her father’s horror, you can find her everywhere on social media.
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2esOcrn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessTh...
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2vClTfX
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tesswrites
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Instagram: https://instagram.com/tessielouwrites

Please note: Tess is not affiliated with the writing duo of Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson.

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been my favorite of the series so far.
Absolutely a perfect story. This one has been about more than just Faith and briggs. This story has a bit of mystery. More about murder and who done it a bit of a twist. But also love. I love how the whole family is involved in each story..

Sometimes there's more family than any one realized. Which Makes the story more exciting. At least it does for me. More thrilling to find out extra exciting Dark things from the past that no one knew about. Sometimes family members come out of the woodwork. That no one realized.. Or did they.

This ella point series is wonderful. It's the kind of story that you dream about for your family.to find love but also have a bit of mystery.. A good book with some mystery Is is always a perfect book in my Personal preference.

Mystery romance murder all wrapped up into one.
Tess writes books. each book gets better and better as she goes I love each story she has ever written that I have ever Read .

Thank you tess thompson for such wonderful books 📚

[Claudia Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plan to find matches for the Tutheridge siblings continues with Briggs’ story. Faith, who believes herself to be a jilted ugly-duckling, is hired as an assistant for Briggs, who believes himself to be worthless as his father always told him. Briggs has returned to Ella Pointe to be with his family and find inspiration for his art. Ella Pointe is such a beautiful setting with such ugly secrets. The mystery of who killed Roland Tutheridge remains unsolved and new consequences of his deeds and suspects keep cropping up. Will Faith want to stay on Whale Island and will Briggs find his inspiration?
I am loving this historical romance/mystery series. Tess Thompson has written a story that will keep us turning pages through every twist and turn. The fullness of her characters and their reactions to the beauty around them thrills me.
I highly recommend this book and, indeed, the series. You will find yourself eagerly awaiting the next book.

I read this book as an ARC and wish to thank Tess Thompson and the publishers for the opportunity. The ideas in this review are strictly my own.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful tale in the Matchmaker series. I have to admit I giggle still at the name of Faith Fidget. It's Thompson's sense of humor and attention to detail that draw me in every time ( the eyebrows had me rolling) . Set in the closeknit town of Ella Pointe, this one is full of fun, love, and the Tutheridge family we are getting to know more with each book. And the mystery gets wrapped up here too. For lovers of historical romance, happy endings and just enough drama to keep things spicy, this is highly recommended.

[ROBIN RUIZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Ella Pointe and the Tutheridge family
This time it is Briggs story… When his mom hires an “ assistant “ for him… It seems Mom is hiring these “Assistants” for each of her children
They all seem to be living a different life since the murder of their father, which no one is sorry about

I love this series, this family, this island
Romance, adventure, great characters, and a mystery to solve, what a great way to spend the day!

[Pam Pantell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Story which Pulls on Every Rmotion

Every book in the series is better than the one before, if that’s possible! This one cannot be recommended enough for a full range of emotions, intensity, and great love. You grow to love the characters as if they were your own family members and you supper with him, and rejoice with them.

[Stephanie Hause · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tutheridge family is still reeling from the effects of losing their father/husband, but Mrs. Tutheridge is still continuing with her plan for each of her children.

With the help of a matchmaker across the country, Faith Fidget comes to town to help Briggs with this painting business…and hopefully help him settle his wild ways. Briggs and Faith automatically feel an instant connection, but neither is convinced marriage is for them, especially after Faith’s recent heartbreak & Briggs brainwashing from his father.

Mr. Tutheridge’s murderer is still on the loose, and the case goes wild!!

This story unfolded beautifully!! The pace of character development and suspense was perfect!! One of my favorites from Tess Thompson!! Thank you to the author for the ARC; the review is my honest opinion.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Briggs and Faith was one I couldn't stop reading! Tess Thompson's ability to pull the reader in and keep you engaged throughout amazes me. Excellent storytelling, character development and the perfect balance of mystery and romance! Can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Stormi Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Match For A Reluctant Bride (The Mystery Matchmaker Of Ella Pointe # 2)

By: Tess Thompson

5 Stars

Briggs is the next Tutheridge sibling on the matchmaking list. An artist and also a bit of a ladies' man, he has a reputation. He was not the type to settle down for sure. Then, his mother suggested an assistant, and from then on, his life would never be the same.

Faith Fidget, heartbroken after her fiancé leaves her for her best friend, finds herself looking for a change. A remote island as an artist assistant is just what she needs to heal.

I loved this story. Briggs was a great character. Having similiar problems as Benedict had when it came to their father, it was easy to overlook his faults and love him. Faith was my favorite so far. While this story, this series has a great set of characters I really related to Faith. The wallflower feeling, the lack of self-esteem, is something I've battled with, so It was easy to love Faith.

These romances make me giggle. The behind the scenes momma meddling, the knowledge that some "know" that little secret, it all makes for an entertaining read. While this book was so light, it was also sad at times. While a romance is blooming between Briggs and Faith, the killer of Roland Tutheridge is still at large, and no one will be safe from accusation. Murder, check. Mystery, check. Romance, check. This book was a great continuation of an already great series. I am interested to see this story continue to unfold.

~Stormi Ellis~

[Laila Nelke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad being back in to the town of Ella Pointe visiting Tutheridge family again which was as wonderful as it was first time. A match for a reluctant bride is another amazing work of very talented matchmaker! Or is it fate’s doing meaning made in heaven?
This is the story of Faith Fidget and Briggs Tutheridge’s journey. Both of them are broken even though they are as different as they go what with Faith being heartbroken after her fiancé left with her bestie and believing that she is just an ugly duckling and Briggs believing himself as useless as his father made it sure to believe that.
Well I felt for them and can relate to all of these things.
Miss Thompson did a fantastic job with writing this book as it kept me engaged nonstop with all the turns and twists let alone beautiful descriptions of scenery and people in it wanting you were able to actually be there.
Loved that the murder mystery got solved and some other secrets uncovered but you have to read the book and enjoy it yourself!

[Lisa Wetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Match for a Reluctant Bride by Tess Thompson is the second book in her The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe Series. This is the heartwarming story of Faith and Briggs. This is a wonderful story and addition to this fantastic series. Filled with family drama, mystery and romance, Ms. Thompson will keep you engaged from start to finish. She is an excellent storyteller and descriptive writer that she puts you right in the story!! I am a huge fan of Tess Thompson and I highly recommend this book and series.

Many thanks to Tess Thompson and 4kids5cats Edition for this terrific book to read and review! The opinions expressed are my own.
#amatchforareluctantbride. #tessthompson #arc #4kids5catsedition. #themysterymatchmakerofellapointe

[Amy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the tale of the match of Briggs and Faith. Briggs is an artist who was pushed out and scarred by his father. He has suffered greatly and is trying to find his way now that his father was murdered. Briggs moved back home and his mother has hired an assistant to help him. Faith too has suffered a blow to her self esteem. Her fiance has left her for her best friend. Faith has been loved unconditionally by her father, but has to learn to love herself. I loved this sweet innocent tale of how Briggs and Faith come together. We also learn more about what happened to Briggs's father. Will Ella Pointe be able to move forward now. I can't wait for the next book!

Thank you to the author and the publisher for a chance to read this book. My opinions are my own.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith Fidget is heartbroken when her fiancé runs off with her best friend just before her wedding. Wanting to get away and fearing that she will never be loved, she accepts a most unorthodox proposal that she should travel to Ella Pointe to become a painter’s assistant (and perhaps a love match?) to Briggs Tutheridge. Will these two unlikely persons believe that the other could fall in love with them? Another sweet entry and a must read into this endearing family with all of its unusual happenings. Thank you to the author for an early copy.

[Katie Waddell hovey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Faith had her heart broken by her best friend and her fiance. Brooks was a ladies man in the main land. When Mr Tutheridge was murdered, he came back to the island to be with his family.
Who killed Mr Tutheridge? Everyone is a suspect, but no one is in hurry to find out who did it. Was it one of his poker friends? One of the kids? One of the servants in the house? Or was it a resident of the island?
Brooks and Fauth's story is so fun. A good mix of mystery and romance.

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Tess has written another wonderful book in The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe! It’s my favorite so far. I loved Faith and Briggs! Faith was insecure due to her ex fiancé’ but Briggs only sees her strength and beauty. They were so perfect for each other. This story has everything you could want romance, family, mystery and drama. Thank you Tess for giving us such wonderful stories! I can’t wait to read A Match for a Willful Bride!

[A G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matchmaker strikes again

Such a great story with the answer to the mystery of the Father's death and an artist growing and becoming a man and a young lady finding her way as well.

Romance level: kisses.

[Angie Cothran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who done it!

Good read. Liked how the story developed and sprang into action at the end. I started to guess who the murderer was and dreaded the reveal but the author resolved it well.
The bashful girl had the perfect wedding and they lived happily ever after.

[Maci Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

My my my! Tess always knows how to throw a curve ball!! I loved this story from the beginning! I always knew Briggs was a gentle soul, he just needed a little help and boy did his mom and Mrs. Mantle pick the right woman for the job! I can’t wait to read more of this series!

[Cathy Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another magical match made by Mrs. Mantle. Tess Thompson has created the perfect happily ever after series with a little mystery. A MATCH FOR. RELUCTANT BRIDE was just as perfect as the first book. I highly recommend this series for anyone that loves a good romance with a mystery thrown in with it.

[Mary C · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT!!

This series, so far, as been great. I never want the story to end. It looks as if there is only one more book left, but I would be so happy to have an endless group.of books to chose from.
Happy Reading!
ENJOY!!
MARY C

[Keena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is becoming my favorite. Tess has a way of drawing you into to each book she writes. I love the storyline and I am loving the fascinating characters.


**"I'd like to thank the publisher for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own***

[Daniela Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recensione per il blog "A libro aperto"

4,5*
Il terzo volume della saga “Il sensale di Ella Pointe” mantiene appieno le premesse dei precedenti. Briggs è forse il fratello che mi aveva più affascinato, tra i Tutheridge. Non vedevo l’ora di leggere la sua storia e devo dire di non esserne rimasta affatto delusa. La Thompson fa centro ancora una volta, tessendo una trama dolcissima e avvincente, descrivendoci un uomo bello e all’apparenza forte ma anche fragile e insicuro, nonostante la sua avvenenza e ricchezza. Per una volta, e ho molto gradito la scelta, il suo contraltare non è la solita eroina capricciosa, impudente e ribelle ma una donna dolce, timida e introversa. Due anime opposte ma in realtà affini, per certi versi; laddove la bellezza di Briggs è sfacciata ed evidente, quella di Faith è più nascosta e tutta da scoprire.
Faith arriva a Ella Pointe per essere l’assistente dell’artista, dopo che una delusione d’amore l’ha devastata. È una ragazza semplice, di umili origini, che sognava solo un grande amore. Il padre, uomo onesto e perbene, la convince a cambiare aria e a concedersi un lavoro di sei mesi lontano da casa, per curare le ferite dell’anima. È qui che la nostra eroina avrà modo di conoscere Briggs e andare oltre l’apparenza di uomo mondano e superficiale.
La loro conoscenza è delicata e romantica, come nello stile della Thompson, la passione appena accennata. Uno slow burn che non mancherà di coinvolgere e appassionare. Numerosi i colpi di scena, alcuni legati all’omicidio del capostipite dei Tutheridge, mistero che verrà svelato. Una piacevole sorpresa perché pensavo che la story line gialla si dipanasse all’ultimo capitolo ma si intuisce che la Thompson ha ancora parecchi assi nella sua manica con cui coinvolgerci nelle prossime puntate. Ritroviamo la coppia del romanzo precedente, Benedict e Amelia e mi ha fatto molto piacere leggere l’evoluzione della loro storia così come ritrovare tutta la famiglia Tutheridge. Inutile dire che sono curiosissima per le storie di Ella e Hudson, quest’ultimo meno presente in questo capitolo e sempre più misterioso. Lo stile è perfetto e scorrevole, la tensione e la curiosità di scoprire cosa accade sono portate ai giusti livelli. Una volta iniziato non si riesce a non scorrere velocemente le pagine per arrivare all’agognato finale.
Le descrizioni dei luoghi sono perfette, sembra di essere catapultati in un film. Restano ottime anche le descrizioni dei caratteri dei personaggi e l’introspezione psicologica. La parte gialla è avvincente e sorprendente. L’autrice è brava a creare romanzi delicati ma con temi anche difficili: i disturbi di apprendimento, nel libro precedente, gli abusi anche familiari, la violenza, i pregiudizi, in questo. Lo fa con la solita delicatezza ma anche profondità, lanciando sempre messaggi importanti e positivi. Consigliato a chi ha amato i precedenti e la saga di Emerson Pass anche se le due serie, pur essendo entrambe familiari, si discostano per trama, personaggi e ambientazioni. Dovrebbero leggerlo anche tutti coloro che amano le storie ambientate nell’America del Novecento, le trame delicate e romantiche, dove si intrecciano storie secondarie alle principali. Questi libri della Thompson cominciano a essere come le ciliegie, danno dipendenza e uno tira l’altro. Aspetto il racconto su Ella e rinnovo i miei complimenti all’autrice e alla traduttrice.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

recensione a cura del blog “Libri Magnetici" by Meghan

La famiglia Tutheridge si sta ancora riprendendo dagli effetti della perdita del padre marito, che per tanti li anni li ha tormentati e fatti oggetto di violenze verbali e fisiche: tutti loro si stanno riappropriando del quotidiano, del poter scegliere e decidere di se stessi, per quanto possibile nella società dei primi anni ’30 del Novecento.
Briggs, il fratello vittima di abusi con Benedict, è quello che aveva scelto non tanto di andarsene quanto di essere un artista, e nella prima parte del libro scopriamo anche quanto gli sia costata quella scelta.
Lui e Benedict sono molto legati, e questo legame li ha salvati dagli abusi e violenze: ora Briggs si dedica pienamente alla pittura, non cercando nulla di più che portare sulla tela quelle sensazioni e sentimenti che un paesaggio, una forma, un viso possono trasmettergli.

«”L’arte ci porta in luoghi che altrimenti non potremmo mai visitare. Dà conforto a chi soffre. Ci permette di capire meglio noi stessi e chi ci circonda. Non posso fare a meno di pensare che chi ha doti artistiche sia obbligato a lasciare il mondo più bello.”»

Sappiamo dai volumi precedenti che la signora Tutheridge sta ancora continuando con il suo piano per ciascuno dei suoi figli, e così arriva sull’isola Faith Fidget, per aiutare Briggs nella sua attività di pittore.
Ha il cuore spezzato Faith, dopo che il suo fidanzato si è sposato con la sua migliore amica, e, come Briggs, nell’arte ha sempre trovato un rifugio, un conforto: convinta di essere la “bruttina” della situazione sempre e comunque resta un po' spiazzata da quella famiglia, così legata, e dall’amicizia che Ella e Amelia le dimostrano fin da subito.
Poco alla volta, e in questo i tempi del libro sono assolutamente ben cadenzati, capisce che Briggs nasconde un animo sensibile e attento, e che, come lei, per anni si è convinto di essere un mediocre.

«”Sembra che tu riesca a tirare fuori il meglio di me. Non posso dirlo alla maggior parte delle persone. La tua bontà mi contagia.” “Stavo pensando la stessa cosa di te.”.»

Una storia tutta sulle insicurezze che ci vengono instillate dagli altri, arrivando a minare il nostro carattere, le nostre certezze, ma anche di seconde possibilità inaspettate.

«Ogni singolo giorno di una lunga vita, speravo, in modo da poter godere della compagnia di quest’uomo che mi smuoveva l’anima, mi faceva ridere e mi faceva sentire la donna più bella del mondo.»

In questo volume scopriamo anche chi ha ucciso il patriarca Tutheridge, così come altri intrighi, e che danno alla storia quel tocco di velocità adatto a non rendere la lettura troppo lenta.
Da segnalare le cover, che rispecchiano le storie per il paesaggio e per quel tocco di delicatezza nei colori che caratterizza le diverse sensibilità dei protagonisti, accompagnati come sempre da un’ottima traduzione.

Cinque petali.

[Barb McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt as if you just didn’t fit in yet envied the people who seem at ease and happy in their surroundings? This is exactly how Faith feels as she arrives to the Tutheridge estate at Ella Pointe. Faith Fidget lived a very simple life and had never had been exposed to all the fancy things life offered to many. She only felt cultured when she visited the local art museum to admire the many paintings and dream of life in faraway places that were depicted by each artist. After being recently jilted by her fiancé, Faith’s father encouraged her to accept a job as Brigg’s art assistant on Whale Island as art was her passion. Papa knew her so well and she reluctantly accepted the position while she still had many doubts that she would ever get over the humiliation of being cheated on. Will this be the way to take her mind off of the painful past memories and begin anew? Unbeknownst to her, there was an unsolved mystery in the Tutheridge family that she only discovered once she arrived. Should she return home to the safety of her home as she missed her father so very much or forge forward to help the family that she worked for so that the mystery may finally be solved? This book is a must read! I highly encourage you to read this book after you have read the previous two books in this series as it will allow you to fully be immersed in all of the characters’ lives Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I anxiously await the next book in this series!

[Wanda Compton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An assistant for the painter

Mrs Tutheridge again engages Mrs Mantle to find an assistant for her son Benedict who is a painter. Because of mistreatment by his father Briggs is struggling. His father has sent him away and he was forced to make his way as best he could. He is an accomplished painter but is struggling personally. I'm not sure how Mrs Mantle manages to find just the right woman for the Tutheridge men but so far she is two for two. Faith is distraught because the man she has been engaged to left her to marry her best friend. Her father encouraged her to take a chance on this job thinking it would be good for her to get away.

Along with the story of Briggs and Faith there is still a mystery about who murdered his father. There are many possibilities as everyone hated him and it appears they all had reason to. There is speculation throughout to story and finally all is revealed in a stuning way that caught me completely unaware. There is much drama and mystery. I love the dynamic of the family and the way they accept Amelia and Faith into their home. I hope someone in the next book will finally tame Bebe. I think she could be lovable if her issues are finally addressed.

I am enjoying this series and recommend. I have a little difficulty keeping everyone straight sometimes and since it is told in more than one POV that can be distracting however I prefer this. No hot love scenes but none needed. I love the sweet romance appropriate for the timeline.

[Ela · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mi sorrise raggiante, e fu come se il sole mi fosse arrivato dritto al cuore."
- Tess Thompson
•
•
Dopo aver trovato la persona giusta per Benedict, la signora Mantle pensa di aver trovato la compagna di lavoro e di vita perfetta per Briggs Tutheridge: una giovane e minuta ragazza di Boston amante dell'arte, Faith Fidget.
Nonostante l'incertezza iniziale, Faith decide di partire per questa avventura tra le acque del Puget Sound per cercare di curare le sue ferite.
Faith e Briggs si trovano in sintonia per quanto riguarda l'arte, non penserebbero mai di essere la persona adatta per l'altro con tutti i propri difetti ma, passando sempre più tempo insieme, inizieranno a vedere tutto con occhi nuovi, sè stessi e la persona che hanno accanto.
Per quanto riguarda l'indagine sull'omicidio del signor Tutheridge, ci saranno significative scoperte.
Ho trovato questo capitolo della saga veramente bello!😍 Mi è piaciuto molto poter conoscere meglio Briggs e ho adorato fin da subito Faith, con il suo cuore da rimettere in sesto e tutte le sue insicurezze.🥰 Ammetto di essermi rivista in Faith e nelle sue insicurezze, i dubbi sul suo corpo ed il suo aspetto sono una cosa che molte persone possono capire e condividere.
Mi è piaciuto un sacco proseguire con l'indagine e ammetto di aver pianto dopo la scoperta più significativa.🙈
Non vedo l'ora di poter leggere il seguito e scoprire che altro attende noi e i Tutheridge!😍 Vi consiglio assolutamente di leggere questo libro e questa saga!🥰

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tess Thompson novels have become my "guilty pleasure" and her new series The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Point doesn't disappoint. Historical romantic mysteries are my jam so was delighted to get an ARC copy. In this installment, A Match for a Reluctant Bride, Faith is jilted by her fiancée so that he can marry her best friend. His actions are proof to her that she is an ugly duckling whom no one could love. Enticed by a recruiter who finds her crying in an art museum, Faith flees Boston to become an artist's assistant in remote Puget Sound. Meanwhile Briggs, an artist on Whale Island outside Seattle, is fighting his own demons from growing up as a physically and emotionally battered son of a very rich narcissistic father. He doesn't believe he's worthy of love, so squanders his time and energy as a playboy.

In the first installment of the series, the unsolved murder of Roland Tutheridge (Briggs' father) hangs over the island with virtually everyone on the island a suspect. Suddenly free of his tyrrany, Mrs. Tutheridge secretly hired two matchmakers to find "assistants" for her four emotionally damaged children. But all the assistants are carefully selected to become love matches. A fun, sweet series I'm looking forward to each installment as Ms. Thompson packs great twists and turns into each one.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in Tess Thompson’s The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe is here! This book is about Briggs, the “womanizer” of the Tutheridge family.

Mrs. Tutheridge is at it again, looking for an *ahem* assistant for her next oldest son. The newest heroine, Faith Fidget, was found. I absolutely love her surname, and the character herself. Heartbreak sends her to Puget Sound, and she finds herself very out of place and uncomfortable. Can she trust the ladies’ man Briggs? Or his sister and sister-in-law, who seem really nice and warm, but could very well be faking it? Only time will tell… but all faithful readers of Tess Thompson know the answer.

This book had a lot more violence than previous books, and I was definitely here for it. I enjoy thrillers and suspense, and I enjoyed those elements within this book. I was also happy to see the mystery from the previous book finally solved!

This book of another masterpiece by Tess Thompson. I can’t wait to read the next one!

[Michelle Stuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story! Tess's storytelling captivated me from the first page. In a A Match for a Bookish Bride, we see Ben find his true love in Amelia. In A Match for a Reluctant Bride, Briggs Tutheridge, with his reputation for being a bit of a playboy that will never settle down, falls in love with Faith. Faith is the polar opposite of the type of woman that Briggs usually spends his time with. A self-proclaimed wallflower, Faith had been engaged but her fiancé ran off with her best friend. She decides to leave it all behind and take a job across the country as an artist's assistant. She finds more than just a job in the Tutheridge home. Meanwhile, the mysterious murder of Roland Tutheridge still plagues Ella Pointe. Answers will come to light in the end (side note: I had the whodunnit figured out since book 1). I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Briggs and Faith are a sweet pair and I cannot wait to see what the future will hold for them in future installments of the series.

[Mary Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am all in with this new historical series from a favorite author, Tess Thompson. Set in beautiful Ella Pointe on Whale Island, these are the stories of the Tutheridge family in the early 1900’s. After their husband/fathers murder (with the mystery of who killed him a thread running through each story), his wife and children now have a chance to live without the horrible shadow he cast. Son Briggs is an artist who comes home to the island after his father’s death, ready to paint & enjoy his well deserved reputation with the ladies. Shy wallflower Faith Fidgit (what a name) is the artist’s assistant his mother & her secret matchmaking connection from Boston has brought out for him. Will love bloom between these two in this great opposites attract story? I think we know it will. I loved reading Briggs & Faith’s story….and continuing with snippets of the other siblings & murder suspects. Well done, Tess!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I know I feel that way with almost every new release from Ms Thompson, but this one was just special for me.
I don't know if it was because the heroine was so down-trodden that she really believed she didn't deserve love or if that the hero was so misunderstood. I felt as one read the layers of each fly off like onion skins, leaving at the center a perfect sphere with lots of tears. So much of the backstory was resolved in this book that it has left me pondering what rabbits can be tugged out of the proverbial hats in the next installments. Learning more about the other siblings in this book has left me even more curious as to how their stories will turn out as the Matchmaker has their work cut out for them. I'm looking forward to learning a bit more of each of the poker players too in the next books. And hoping some love comes their way too - it has been hinted at for at least one of them, with one of them already lined up.
An author that doesn't disappoint.