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Nantucket Love Story #1.5
A Match Made at Christmas
Hayes McGuire never believed the stories about a famous Nantucket matchmaker until she ropes him into taking over her duties in while she's off the island for Christmas.
So he enlists the help of the one person he can trust with this crazy scheme—his best friend, Prudence. Armed with a series of rules, a book of success stories and the promise of Christmas magic, the pair of old friends sets out to make a Christmas match.
Little do they know that magic doesn’t discriminate, and the pair soon finds their years of friendship deepening into something more. Will Pru and Hayes ignore the electricity in the air between them or will there be more than one match made at Christmas?
A Match Made at Christmas is a stand-alone holiday novella.
So he enlists the help of the one person he can trust with this crazy scheme—his best friend, Prudence. Armed with a series of rules, a book of success stories and the promise of Christmas magic, the pair of old friends sets out to make a Christmas match.
Little do they know that magic doesn’t discriminate, and the pair soon finds their years of friendship deepening into something more. Will Pru and Hayes ignore the electricity in the air between them or will there be more than one match made at Christmas?
A Match Made at Christmas is a stand-alone holiday novella.
147 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2020
489 people are currently reading
2087 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Walsh
37 books5,383 followersCourtney Walsh is a novelist, theatre director, and playwright. She writes low spice romance and women's fiction while juggling the performing arts studio and youth theatre she owns and runs with her husband. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists. She is also a Carol award winner and Christy award finalist.
A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children and a sometimes naughty Bernedoodle named Luna.
Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.
A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children and a sometimes naughty Bernedoodle named Luna.
Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews
January 13, 2023
A MATCH MADE AT CHRISTMAS is a beautiful book of family, friendship, and letting go. It is such a fun story, yes a bit predictable, but exactly what I was craving at the time. I’ve read quite a few of Courtney Walsh’s books but this one will be going in my favorites pile. My emotions were all over the place while reading. Ms. Walsh has such a talent for bringing the characters to life and making you feel as they are your friends. You will totally experience all the feelings and struggles they are going through.
I really appreciate how Courtney Walsh showcases the true friendship of Prudence and Hayes through the actions of the secondary characters, mainly his family. The elements of faith that are through out the story are integral to the plot, but doesn’t overwhelm A MATCH MADE AT CHRISTMAS. Overall, this is a wonderfully written story that I will be thinking about for quite some time. Prudence is fighting so many feelings when it comes to Hayes and is really afraid to take it to the next level. She doesn’t want to lose his friendship if things don’t work out.
When the Nantucket matchmaker has to leave for a bit, she requests Hayes fill in for her. What? A man matchmaker? I have never heard of such a thing! Anyway, A MATCH MADE AT CHRISTMAS has a very funny story line and what made it even better was that Hayes is a non believer in matchmaking! Courtney Walsh digs deep into the lives of her characters and delivers an emotionally amazing read. She really knows how to write about family drama, heartbreak, faith and forgiveness. I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author. I have only read a few of her older books and knowing I have many of them to read brings me so much joy and happiness to know they are waiting for me! She has the most beautiful covers! Check them out!!
I really appreciate how Courtney Walsh showcases the true friendship of Prudence and Hayes through the actions of the secondary characters, mainly his family. The elements of faith that are through out the story are integral to the plot, but doesn’t overwhelm A MATCH MADE AT CHRISTMAS. Overall, this is a wonderfully written story that I will be thinking about for quite some time. Prudence is fighting so many feelings when it comes to Hayes and is really afraid to take it to the next level. She doesn’t want to lose his friendship if things don’t work out.
When the Nantucket matchmaker has to leave for a bit, she requests Hayes fill in for her. What? A man matchmaker? I have never heard of such a thing! Anyway, A MATCH MADE AT CHRISTMAS has a very funny story line and what made it even better was that Hayes is a non believer in matchmaking! Courtney Walsh digs deep into the lives of her characters and delivers an emotionally amazing read. She really knows how to write about family drama, heartbreak, faith and forgiveness. I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author. I have only read a few of her older books and knowing I have many of them to read brings me so much joy and happiness to know they are waiting for me! She has the most beautiful covers! Check them out!!
December 9, 2025
3.5 Stars
This was good. I love a good friends to lovers story. And it's even better when set at Christmas time in a small town. I just wish we had more, it was longer, and we had more time to be invested. But overall, I liked it.
This was good. I love a good friends to lovers story. And it's even better when set at Christmas time in a small town. I just wish we had more, it was longer, and we had more time to be invested. But overall, I liked it.
December 24, 2021
'I'll wait for that tingly, magical feeling. I'm sure it's like radar or something.'
So this books needs more than five stars! For real. I love it when I connect so fully with book characters. My imagination is great when reading, anyway, but when an author manages to craft characters that I feel I 'know', I'm all in!
Hayes McGuire never knew there was a legendary matchmaker in Nantucket until she asks him to fill in for her until she gets back from a trip. He's shocked and quite frankly, a little confounded at this proposition. He enlists the help of his very best friend, Prudence Sutton, to help him. Little do these two know that they themselves might be in the matchmaker's crosshairs. (smile)
This book was SO much FUN~! I absolutely devoured it and found it to be quite possibly the most romantic book I ever read. And I read a lot. Incredibly delightful, it is a book destined to be read many times. In fact, I'm still basking in the beauty of it, reluctant to pick up another book right now. I preordered the digital copy and just now ordered the paperback because this is a book that I MUST have on my shelves! It just made my heart smile. I highly recommend this one, folks.
Update. Just reread again December 2021. This will be a yearly read. So good.
So this books needs more than five stars! For real. I love it when I connect so fully with book characters. My imagination is great when reading, anyway, but when an author manages to craft characters that I feel I 'know', I'm all in!
Hayes McGuire never knew there was a legendary matchmaker in Nantucket until she asks him to fill in for her until she gets back from a trip. He's shocked and quite frankly, a little confounded at this proposition. He enlists the help of his very best friend, Prudence Sutton, to help him. Little do these two know that they themselves might be in the matchmaker's crosshairs. (smile)
This book was SO much FUN~! I absolutely devoured it and found it to be quite possibly the most romantic book I ever read. And I read a lot. Incredibly delightful, it is a book destined to be read many times. In fact, I'm still basking in the beauty of it, reluctant to pick up another book right now. I preordered the digital copy and just now ordered the paperback because this is a book that I MUST have on my shelves! It just made my heart smile. I highly recommend this one, folks.
Update. Just reread again December 2021. This will be a yearly read. So good.
December 15, 2020
Perfect Christmas book! I read this one in a night and it was such a sweet story. I’m a huge fan of believable “Hallmark” romance stories and this one worked for me! Yay for Holiday Novellas!
December 27, 2022
A Match Made at Christmas was a sweet, friends-to-lovers Christmas romance full of matchmaking and the magic of the season in scenic Nantucket. I really enjoyed the characters, the secondary second-chance romance, and all the Christmas activities. I did wish for a bit more from Prudence when it came to their romantic relationship and perhaps a little more openness/clarity between the MCs in one particular conversation. However, it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of this story. All in all, this book was a cute Christmas read. 3.5 stars.
November 16, 2025
It’s a like, not a love. But I’m glad I read it! A sweet story.
December 22, 2025
Review to follow
November 26, 2020
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and this one was done so well, especially in a novella! Great character development- I quickly felt like I knew Hayes and Pru, as well as their history and struggles, but without an info dump. The author skillfully showed their relationship dynamic as they reconnect for the holidays, and the setting brought another level of coziness. The subplot of playing matchmakers to a pair of Nantucket locals adds an element of fun and also provides the impetus for them to reassess their relationship. There is a perfect amount of romantic tension and chemistry as they realize the only thing more important than their friendship is not regretting a missed opportunity. A wonderful holiday novella!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
November 7, 2020
Originally posted on Inkwell Inspirations
“She was head over heels, completely in love with her best friend. And that was the real plight of Prudence Sutton.”
With the perfect blend of romance and delightful holiday cheer, New York Times bestselling author Courtney Walsh’s latest novella, A Match Made at Christmas, will easily become a favorite of readers. This charming Christmas tale of two longtime best friends is complete with fun, flirty banter and many swoon-worthy moments.
A Match Made at Christmas is highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance and for readers who enjoy novels by authors such as Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, Tari Faris, and Susan May Warren.
I purchased an electronic copy of this book and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine.
“She was head over heels, completely in love with her best friend. And that was the real plight of Prudence Sutton.”
With the perfect blend of romance and delightful holiday cheer, New York Times bestselling author Courtney Walsh’s latest novella, A Match Made at Christmas, will easily become a favorite of readers. This charming Christmas tale of two longtime best friends is complete with fun, flirty banter and many swoon-worthy moments.
A Match Made at Christmas is highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance and for readers who enjoy novels by authors such as Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, Tari Faris, and Susan May Warren.
I purchased an electronic copy of this book and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine.
October 27, 2021
Lovely Christmas novella. Banter, friends to more, a scheming aunt and the backdrop of Christmas festivities.
July 23, 2025
A seriously brilliant twist on the friends to more trope with so much Christmas pizzazz I can't even...
"They were like two shattered pieces of glass, and she had to wonder if their pieces would ever fit together." (p 8)
A blissfully happy marshmallows-melting-in-my-hot-chocolate romantical read that transformed me into giggling goo. :-) (And apparently left me a tad addlepated to boot!)
Loved the matchmaking magic that turns out to have quite a kick! And the valiant way Hayes tries to honour his promise to carry out his mission. And, since he's a romance flunkee, he enlists the aid of his bestest of best friends, Pru. Who is also his secret love, though he refuses to acknowledge that pesky feeling. And Pru, well, she's all about preserving their friendship at any cost -- including not giving in to the romantic notions about Hayes that have plagued her for years.
Thrown together on a holiday quest to bring light and love to an unsuspecting pair, these amateur matchmakers aren't prepared for the residual fallout that has the potential to make or break their friendship forever.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/07/23/a...
"They were like two shattered pieces of glass, and she had to wonder if their pieces would ever fit together." (p 8)
A blissfully happy marshmallows-melting-in-my-hot-chocolate romantical read that transformed me into giggling goo. :-) (And apparently left me a tad addlepated to boot!)
Loved the matchmaking magic that turns out to have quite a kick! And the valiant way Hayes tries to honour his promise to carry out his mission. And, since he's a romance flunkee, he enlists the aid of his bestest of best friends, Pru. Who is also his secret love, though he refuses to acknowledge that pesky feeling. And Pru, well, she's all about preserving their friendship at any cost -- including not giving in to the romantic notions about Hayes that have plagued her for years.
Thrown together on a holiday quest to bring light and love to an unsuspecting pair, these amateur matchmakers aren't prepared for the residual fallout that has the potential to make or break their friendship forever.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/07/23/a...
November 1, 2020
Christmas + Nantucket + romance = sold
I loved this short story, that spins off from the authors Nantucket series, with McGuire sibling, Hayes.
He seems the type that girls love but very hard to win, and for Prudence she saw right through it all, yet somehow was able to create a friendship that has blossomed through the years into something she cannot risk. Regardless of the longing she feels in her heart, she treasures their best friend relationship more.
A second chance for an older couple, who situation almost mirrors their own, and Hayes and Pru finally step back and take a look at what true love or the loss of it could mean to their own relationship.
Beautifully written and a delight to read.
I loved this short story, that spins off from the authors Nantucket series, with McGuire sibling, Hayes.
He seems the type that girls love but very hard to win, and for Prudence she saw right through it all, yet somehow was able to create a friendship that has blossomed through the years into something she cannot risk. Regardless of the longing she feels in her heart, she treasures their best friend relationship more.
A second chance for an older couple, who situation almost mirrors their own, and Hayes and Pru finally step back and take a look at what true love or the loss of it could mean to their own relationship.
Beautifully written and a delight to read.
December 18, 2020
Thank you, Courtney Walsh, for sending me a copy of your holiday novella, A Match Made at Christmas!
I started reading this book last night at 930 and, at 60 pages, I had to force myself to put it down and go to bed. I woke up at 6 AM and immediately picked the book up and began reading. I wanted to be transported back into this Nantucket Love Story to see how Hayes and Pru’s relationship unfolded - it was, honestly, the perfect way to begin my Friday.
I loved reading Walsh’s Feels Like Home and If For Any Reason earlier this year but A Match Made at Christmas has just become a favorite of mine.
It is the quintessential holiday romance but without a lot of unnecessary drama. I found myself laughing at the banter between Hayes and Pru - their relationship felt so pure to me; there’s no other way to describe it. A lot of times, I will read a holiday book and think that the characters didn’t seem real but, with this story, every character felt real to me.
Also, A Match Made at Christmas is only 160 pages but Walsh didn’t leave me feeling as if I needed more. She managed to pack all of the important feelings into this novella that left me giddy. And, I will admit, I got a little teary-eyed at one point.
The only thing that I have to say about this book is that I hope there will be another one following Hayes and Pru because I want to see their relationship continue and visit them, again, on Nantucket.
A Match Made at Christmas is available today! It’s available to download to your Kindle so you could get to it this holiday season. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
I started reading this book last night at 930 and, at 60 pages, I had to force myself to put it down and go to bed. I woke up at 6 AM and immediately picked the book up and began reading. I wanted to be transported back into this Nantucket Love Story to see how Hayes and Pru’s relationship unfolded - it was, honestly, the perfect way to begin my Friday.
I loved reading Walsh’s Feels Like Home and If For Any Reason earlier this year but A Match Made at Christmas has just become a favorite of mine.
It is the quintessential holiday romance but without a lot of unnecessary drama. I found myself laughing at the banter between Hayes and Pru - their relationship felt so pure to me; there’s no other way to describe it. A lot of times, I will read a holiday book and think that the characters didn’t seem real but, with this story, every character felt real to me.
Also, A Match Made at Christmas is only 160 pages but Walsh didn’t leave me feeling as if I needed more. She managed to pack all of the important feelings into this novella that left me giddy. And, I will admit, I got a little teary-eyed at one point.
The only thing that I have to say about this book is that I hope there will be another one following Hayes and Pru because I want to see their relationship continue and visit them, again, on Nantucket.
A Match Made at Christmas is available today! It’s available to download to your Kindle so you could get to it this holiday season. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Read
November 25, 2020This Christmas romance with a touch of magic was an enchanting read. Prudence "Pru" Sutton and Hayes McGuire have been friends since they were teens and met while surfing off Nantucket Island. Prudence now runs a surf shop and Hayes has returned with his family for Christmas. Hayes gets roped in to playing matchmaker by his Aunt, and he pulls in Pru to help him. Will his matchmaking bring happiness or calamity to romance on the island?
I enjoyed the magical touches of the Christmas tree, the photographs, and that love was in the air. A good novella for a read during the Christmas holidays.
I enjoyed the magical touches of the Christmas tree, the photographs, and that love was in the air. A good novella for a read during the Christmas holidays.
December 1, 2020
This was a sweet "friends to more" Christmas novella set in a quaint island town. I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and the characters, but I had moments of wanting to throttle the best friends and say "have a conversation already!". I'm not a huge fan of the entire plot tension being able to be resolved with a conversation. However, as this was a novella, it wasn't so drawn out as to be completely obnoxious and I was glad to see how the whole story-line resolved. The little twist in the epilogue made me smile as well. If you enjoy contemporary romance in the "friends to more" trope, set at Christmastime, this is one you'd enjoy!
December 1, 2023
{3.5 stars}
It’s cute. It has all the holiday vibes. No one was cringey.
It’s cute. It has all the holiday vibes. No one was cringey.
January 1, 2022
This was the perfect book to end the year with! It did my Christmas, best friend to more, matchmaking loving heart so happy!
Courtney has now become a Christmas time favorite and I can’t wait to reread her Christmas works.
I wish Pru & Hayes had communicated a little better and a little faster, but it had to work for the story.
It was a cute little Christmas read and I really enjoyed it! I have a feeling I’ll be popping in to the Nantucket series soon.
4/5 stars
Courtney has now become a Christmas time favorite and I can’t wait to reread her Christmas works.
I wish Pru & Hayes had communicated a little better and a little faster, but it had to work for the story.
It was a cute little Christmas read and I really enjoyed it! I have a feeling I’ll be popping in to the Nantucket series soon.
4/5 stars
December 24, 2020
A Match Made at Christmas is a special Christmas Novella I enjoyed for its fun to read characters, immersive and oh so romantic read, that gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling like a hot cocoa on a winters’ day!
I simply enjoyed this holiday romance and in under 160 pages, you will go through a whirlwind of emotions from laughing to tearful to everything in between.
I just loved being transported to Nantucket even for just a few hours!
This nurse needed it!
I simply enjoyed this holiday romance and in under 160 pages, you will go through a whirlwind of emotions from laughing to tearful to everything in between.
I just loved being transported to Nantucket even for just a few hours!
This nurse needed it!
December 24, 2021
Pretty cheesy, but had it's cute moments and some likable characters.
December 29, 2020
Courtney Walsh has become one of my go to authors of contemporary romance, so when she released a Christmas novella connected to her newest series, grabbing it was a no brainer. This is such a sweet read. Christmasy with being cheesy. The matchmaking aspect is portrayed more realistically than I anticipated at first. Walsh excels at laying the groundwork of the friendship between Hayes and Prudence so that the current storyline feels genuine and had me rooting for them the whole time. This is a lovely read-in-one-sitting novella to sweeten up your Christmas reading.
December 21, 2023
I first fell in love with that cover (😍😍) and then the sweet, if slightly anxious, respectful characters inside. And friends to lovers is just the best. *sighs happily*
The two things that took away from my enjoyment was how emphasized being rich was and the moment when they exited the stairwell. That just felt out of character and like he was taking away from her moment, but maybe that's just me.
CW: drinking, kissing.
The two things that took away from my enjoyment was how emphasized being rich was and the moment when they exited the stairwell. That just felt out of character and like he was taking away from her moment, but maybe that's just me.
CW: drinking, kissing.
December 26, 2020
What a wonderful Christmas novella! It is part of the Nantucket Love Story series, yet I haven't read the first book in this series and had no problem picking up this novella and loving it! Now I know that I need to go back and read book one, If for Any Reason.
Pru and Hayes were such great characters! Their chemistry was strong and perfect. They were both scared of messing up their strong friendship by admitting that they loved each other, even though it was beautifully clear that they were made for each other. I loved the way their happily-ever-after in love began in this sweet story.
I read this book on Kindle Unlimited.
Pru and Hayes were such great characters! Their chemistry was strong and perfect. They were both scared of messing up their strong friendship by admitting that they loved each other, even though it was beautifully clear that they were made for each other. I loved the way their happily-ever-after in love began in this sweet story.
I read this book on Kindle Unlimited.
December 9, 2020
Happy sighs abound
I love, love, LOVE friends to more stories. I love Christmas stories. And I love Courtney Walsh stories. So, clearly, this one was a no brainer must-read that usurped several others on the TBR for immediate reading. Totally loved every single second, and for anyone who doubts the ability of a novella to be every bit as satisfying as a longer read, I offer this as exhibit A to prove them wrong. A perfect, dreamy, swoony, angsty (in the best way), charming and lovely Christmas book to banish the 2020 blues.
I love, love, LOVE friends to more stories. I love Christmas stories. And I love Courtney Walsh stories. So, clearly, this one was a no brainer must-read that usurped several others on the TBR for immediate reading. Totally loved every single second, and for anyone who doubts the ability of a novella to be every bit as satisfying as a longer read, I offer this as exhibit A to prove them wrong. A perfect, dreamy, swoony, angsty (in the best way), charming and lovely Christmas book to banish the 2020 blues.
November 30, 2024
This was a cute novella by Courtney Walsh. Short and sweet. I’m sure I’ll read her other Nantucket stories this summer. I’m glad she’s become my go to author for fun, clean, romance - which is not my usual genre to read but I’ve been enjoying it lately.
December 20, 2022
Finished this in 2 days. Absolutely delightful! I loved it!
December 13, 2020
What a fun, sweet Christmas story! Just what you need in a novella. Christmas spirit, celebrating, joy, and romance! I loved it!
November 26, 2020
Courtney Walsh has given us the perfect holiday read, delivering a tale that entertains, tugs at your heartstrings, and completely enraptures you for a few hours. In my opinion, this book rivals a Hallmark Christmas romance any day!
Featuring a hero we've already met in Walsh's previous book, If For Any Reason, readers enter the holiday season at Nantucket and are quickly swept into the magic of a coniving matchmaker. With not one but two romances at odds, readers are in for an absolutely delightful time.
Walsh is one of my never miss authors, and this novella was completely true to her form. A beautiful tale that I will read again!
I received this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Featuring a hero we've already met in Walsh's previous book, If For Any Reason, readers enter the holiday season at Nantucket and are quickly swept into the magic of a coniving matchmaker. With not one but two romances at odds, readers are in for an absolutely delightful time.
Walsh is one of my never miss authors, and this novella was completely true to her form. A beautiful tale that I will read again!
I received this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
December 20, 2020
This is one of the best novellas I have read. Absolutely perfect for Christmas.
I just ADORED Pru and Hayes. Their relationship was so sweet and cute. I love when friends become something more.
The setting of Nantucket was fantastic. One of these days I will make my way there to visit.
This novella just brought me pure joy. I read it with Kindle Unlimited, but I loved it so much I’m going to order a paperback copy from Amazon. It’s that amazing.
I just ADORED Pru and Hayes. Their relationship was so sweet and cute. I love when friends become something more.
The setting of Nantucket was fantastic. One of these days I will make my way there to visit.
This novella just brought me pure joy. I read it with Kindle Unlimited, but I loved it so much I’m going to order a paperback copy from Amazon. It’s that amazing.
November 28, 2020
Well....
Walsh has great talent and vivid characters.
But....
This story was just weird. The romance was kinda sweet at times, but also laced with some things that I felt were inappropriate. The matchmaker "magic" was really what made this story weird, like a cheap Hallmark movie instead of the high standards that I usually find in Walsh.
Walsh has great talent and vivid characters.
But....
This story was just weird. The romance was kinda sweet at times, but also laced with some things that I felt were inappropriate. The matchmaker "magic" was really what made this story weird, like a cheap Hallmark movie instead of the high standards that I usually find in Walsh.
November 21, 2020
Best friends to more is one of my favorite romance themes and Courtney Walsh has written a sweet version of it. Pru and Hayes have a longtime friendship that sets the stage for an adorable, swoon-worthy, and endearing romance that leaves you with a smile. It was more than simply a lighthearted romance in a beautiful Nantucket town, though. This story was strung together with a grounding depth that made these characters even more lovable. If you’re looking for a clean, funny holiday read that reminds you of second chances, then A Match Made at Christmas will be a great addition to your to-be-read list.
*While I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts expressed here are my own.
*While I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts expressed here are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews