Wedding Matilda by Heather Hiestand

[Birdlady1950]

This is book six of the Redcake series; it can read as a stand alone. The Redcake Tea Shop employs Ewan Hales, which is under Matilda Redcake’s control. Ewan is a hard worker and proud of his employment as he is in line to manage the new enterprise to open shortly. When sub-quality flour is discovered, Ewan and Matilda work together to discover if the tainted flour sold to Redcakes was sabotage or a mistake. He and Matilda slowly realize an attraction is growing. Meanwhile Ewan discovers he is the heir to the Earl of Fitzgerald, which will disrupt his life but also improve it in others. He now could address Matilda.

Matilda is an unwed mother. After one indiscretion, her lover refuses to marry her, and then returns to persuade her marriage was possible. Matilda refused and proceeded to raise her son alone. Matilda's chances are ruined as far as marriage due to her birthing her son out of wedlock. Her two-year son is kidnapped and her life is falling apart. Ewan,along with her family, wants to help her find him.

The plots keep coming in this book. Ms. Hiestand kept my interest from the beginning to end. I found the concept of the an unwed mother that was not ostracized in this time period interesting as other books of this era held the concept that they were almost thrown on the garbage heap. This was refreshing to see her family support Matilda rather than banish her, even though they consider her soiled goods and not “ton” as Lord Judah informed Ewan. It was also refreshing to see a family accepted in industry and not snubbed. Ms. Hiestand interwove all the plots to create a cohesive story.

I could feel Matilda’s anguish over her son, her confusion in regard to her feelings for Ewan, and her wish to be loved. I enjoyed watching Matilda and Ewan grown to love each other.

Just when I thought I knew who had kidnapped Jacob and responsible for the tainted flour, I was proven wrong over and over. Ms. Harte kept this mystery until almost the end, as well as the reasons for all the plotting that were going on around the Redcakes and Ewan. This was an enjoyable read.

Due to sexual content, I recommend this book for young adult to adult.

I received this book from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an honest review.