Welcome back to the Finfarran Peninsula!
Just like the first two books of Felicity Hayes-McCoy’s Finfarran Peninsula series, The Mistletoe Matchmaker (#3) abounds with lovely descriptions of village life in Ireland.
Our friends from previous books have all returned, and the continuing story is relayed to us by whatever friend is nearest to the unfolding drama. One character, Pat Fitz, played a background role in previous books but now shines in the third book. And, of course, our beloved Fury O’Shea sweeps in once more to save the day—in spectacular style.
An interesting theme in The Mistletoe Matchmaker is the understanding of art as an expression, or even a language, of its creator.
Consider Cassie Fitzgerald’s thoughts here:
Now, looking at Fury’s carvings, she realised it had never occurred to her that visual artists expressed images in what amounted to a language, and that the artist could choose to make it foreign or native, or to weave one into the other, to create a conscious effect.
When she said so, Fury nodded at her. ‘Ay, well, if you’ve that you’ve noticed more than most people. And I’ll tell you something else, girl. Most people stand still the whole of their lives and see things from one point of view.’
I find this quote to be particularly poignant because of how it relates to Hayes-McCoy’s own storytelling style. As Hayes-McCoy writes from multiple viewpoints, she models the very quality her character Fury wants people to aspire to.
And, without giving any spoilers, I’d love to mention a touching scene that occurs at the end of Chapter 34. As Pat Fitz remembers a moment from her childhood, readers are brought into a mysterious, beautiful moment of connection between an Irish herding dog and a small child. Expect to hold your breath—and shed a few tears—while reading this passage.
Is The Mistletoe Matchmaker a Christmas-y book?
The story begins in October and leads up to Christmas week, but it is not so heavily about the holidays that you couldn’t enjoy it in any season, and the books in this series are all written as standalone novels. Consider giving yourself the gift of reading them in order, though. You could start by reading my review of The Library at the Edge of the World (#1) here.
Three books into this series, Finfarran Peninsula feels like home more than ever. And isn’t it fun to go home for Christmas?
Here with you,
Laura
