The Matchmaker By Elin Hilderbrand

The story centers on Dabney Kimball Beech, a 48-year-old Nantucket native who works as the director of the island’s Chamber of Commerce and has an almost uncanny “gift” for matchmaking — she’s successfully paired up 42 couples over the years. Despite her reputation for seeing who belongs together, Dabney’s own love life is complicated: she long ago gave up her first love, Clendenin “Clen” Hughes, when he left the island to pursue his dream of being a journalist. Now, 27 years later, Clen unexpectedly returns to Nantucket, stirring up old feelings and forcing Dabney to confront the choices she’s made. ❤️ Themes & Plot Matchmaking vs. Real Love: Dabney has always been right about everyone else’s relationships — except her own. Second Chances: Clen’s return pushes her to reevaluate her long marriage and where her heart truly lies. Family & Secrets: As she helps others find love, Dabney also wrestles with painful personal truths and the impact those choices have on her family. The novel mixes heartfelt romance with a vivid island setting and explores the emotional complexities of love, regret, and reconnecting with the past — making it both a beach read and a moving character-driven story