The Merry Matchmaker

Fifty-year-old widow Frankie Lane runs Holiday Happiness, a charming Christmas gift shop in her small town, but she cannot resist meddling in everyone else's love lives. Inspired by Jane Austen's Emma, this festive Christmas romance follows Frankie as she launches matchmaking schemes for her divorced sister, shy employee, and even her best friend Mitch, the local hardware store owner who has supported her since her husband's tragic death. Her well-intentioned efforts repeatedly backfire in humorous and heartwarming ways. As Frankie busies herself fixing everyone else's romantic futures, she remains convinced she needs no love of her own. Yet when a new man develops feelings for her and Mitch begins spending time with someone Frankie set him up with, she discovers unexpected jealousy. This sweet, clean romance features mature characters ready for second chances, cozy holiday settings complete with Mrs. Claus contests and gingerbread houses, and witty banter that will appeal to fans of wholesome women's fiction and Hallmark-style storytelling.