Narrated by Piper Goodeve, The Matchmakers of Minnow Bay by Kelly Harms offers friendship, romance and the journey of one woman who finds herself when she’s evicted from her apartment. Sometimes change isn’t a bad thing…
by Kelly Harms
Narrator: Piper Goodeve
Length: 10 hours and 2 minutes
Genres: Chick-Lit
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.3x
A young painter, Lily has reached a crossroads in her life. Her career hasn't taken off, her best friend may no longer be the trusted friend she thought, her boyfriend is a disappointment, and now she can't keep up with the rising cost of living in the city. With no one to turn to, Lily is forced to move from her beloved apartment, but while packing she comes across a piece of mail that had slipped to the back of her junk drawer: a letter detailing further action needed to finalize the annulment of a quickie Vegas wedding. Ten years ago!
Lily decides it's time to turn over a new leaf and the first item on her list of things to fix is getting the annulment... but you can't just send a reply ten years later, "Hey by the way we are still married." This is something that must be addressed in person. Lily takes to the road to track down her husband - the charming, fun, and sexy man she connected with all those years ago - Ben Hutchinson.
Ben Hutchinson left a wealthy dot-com lifestyle behind to return home to his family and the small town he loves, Minnow Bay. He's been living off the grid and the last thing he expects is a wife he didn't know he had to show up on his doorstep.
By chance, Lily arrives at the magical Minnow Bay Inn, and there she will discover not just a place to lay her head, but new friends, a thriving art community, and maybe even the love of her life.
This was my first experience with author Kelly Harms and narrator Piper Goodeve. The two were well paired, making The Matchmakers of Minnow Bay an enjoyable listen.
Lily has lived in the same Chicago apartment since she graduated from college. She works as a barista by day and paints by night. She has painted the same view from her window again and again. The man who displays and manages the sale of her art is also her lover. When Lily misses a rent payment, she receives an eviction notice, and it turns her world upside down.
While packing Lily finds annulment papers, she neglected to sign. When her best friend married her ex-boyfriend, Lily married Ben in Vegas on a whim…and apparently has been married to him for the past ten years. She sets out to correct things and ends up in Minnow Bay, a quaint art community that offers its own surprises.
Lily is sweet, naïve, afraid of change, and too damn trusting. She is one of those go with the flow, lets not make waves type. It’s clear Lily is stuck and her friends have moved on. Her boyfriend/manager is an arse, and it infuriated me the way Lily just let him run the show, so I was eager to see Lily put her foot down and find herself.
Side stories about townsfolk and Lily’s BFF in Chicago pulled me in as did the relationship between Ben and Lily. Ben is a sweet guy who, unlike Lily, thinks the worst of people. It was interesting seeing the two interact. His behavior is the catalyst for Lily seeking change.
I would enjoy revisiting Minnow Bay but this story is standalone and wraps up nicely.
Piper Goodeve was delightful as the narrator for this story. She captured each character from their mannerism to emotions. Her tone is pleasant and draws the listener in. I would listen to her again.
The Matchmakers of Minnow Bay by Kelly Harms. Narrated by Piper Goodeve, the story shares friendship, personal growth and a side of romance all surrounding the art community of Minnow Bay. #audiobook #chicklit #womensfiction Share on XAbout Kelly Harms
USA Today, Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestseller Kelly Harms is the author of The Bright Side of Going Dark, The Overdue Life of Amy Byler, The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane and The Matchmakers of Minnow Bay. She worked with bestselling authors, Edgar, RITA, and Agatha award winners, and Indie Next List Picks in her time as an editor at a division of HarperCollins and later as an agent at the Jane Rotrosen Agency. She now lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her beloved family.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Katherine
This looks fun though main characters who are on the naïve side do get annoying at times. I will definitely have to try this on audio!
Wendy Williams
This book looks great. Just the kind of book I. enjoy. I’ve added it to my Goodreads TBR. Thanks.
Debbie Haupt
I will look into this Kim it kind of reminds me of a Susan Mallery or Susan Wiggs novel. Thanks
Felicity Grace Terry
Good to hear of a book well narrated. Whilst not into talking books myself, I know one of the biggest complaints amongst friends who are are books that are badly narrated.
Nadene
I am happy to hear the heroine took charge and gained her footing.
Joyousreads
Everything sounds good up to the pushover character — which is sad because she’s the main one. 🙁 AT the same time, I would like to see her put people in their places as well and find her footing.