Emma Mitchell may enjoy sprinkling romance into the lives of others, but her own plans involve a single first-class ticket to culinary school in Europe. When her best friend, Jon Noble, suddenly moves back to Ransom, Emma’s fairly certain her life can’t get any better…until her matchmaking schemes nosedive, her culinary future falls flat, and a life-long friendship begins to teeter on the brink … the brink of something unexpected.
With a little inspiration from Jane Austen’s classic and a touch of Blue Ridge charm, will Jon and Emma discover that what they need the most may be the last thing they’re trying to find?
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I love Pepper’s books. They are always lighthearted and heart warming. This one is no exception. I was given an ebook, but I loved this story. I have read the whole series.
Emma is thrilled to have 4 successful matches under her belt and has set her sights on another person to match up. Other’s have an idea to pair her up. All the while, she’s trying to stay even tempered with her recently returned cousin, Kaela. Then Jonathan Noble walks in to the diner, and she’s beyond excited to see her friend in the flesh, instead of over a computer screen. Along with meeting Jonathan and Kaela, we are introduced to Liam, Daddy Cam, Molly and Fleet, as well as seeing Rainey, Alex, Trigg, Mama M and Aunt Daphne. This story carries and element of suspense, good humor, and a town, as well as people, that entrench themselves in your mind. The quick wit and camaraderie between Emma and Jon, as well as other people in the community, along with that element of suspense, keep the pages turning. An amazing addition to this series!
A complimentary copy was provided by the author. A positive review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
An amazing story that will touch your heart!
Pepper Basham’s books are like comfort food for the soul.
I had just finished a story that was tough to read as it contained difficult subject matter and I was, frankly, a little disturbed despite the happy ending. I knew what I was supposed to read next; in fact, I had five books that I was “supposed” to read before A Match for Emma. Nevertheless, I knew I needed a book that would make my heart happy and so I cheated and snuck this one in instead. And it was exactly what I needed!
My mascara is now slightly smeared and my throat is a little sore from holding back deep, gulpy kinds of tears. Yes, I should have expected this. Having read as many of Pepper Basham’s books as I have, I knew it would be heart-warming. I knew it would deal with deep heart issues in a sensitive way. And I knew it would be sweetly romantic and even swoony. It caught me by surprise anyway.
Emma’s intentions were good and she did care about others. Really. Yet in the midst of her best intentions, pride got in the way. As a result, she treated someone in a manner that was filled with hurt, resentment, and unforgiveness. When she was given a glimpse of her heart, she broke. She saw her sin the way God sees it and was sorrowful for it.
I have always loved Jane Austen’s Emma and honestly never dreamed I would read anyone’s retelling of any of her stories and like it more than the original. A Match for Emma has exceeded my expectations and I do indeed love it more. This could be because of Emma’s heart change and how clearly it points to Jesus. Truly, I cried through this entire portion of the story. If you have ever dealt with pride and mistreating others, this will both convict and encourage you!
If you have read many of my reviews, you may have noticed that I don’t talk about kisses the way some reviewers do. Honestly, that isn’t something I’m comfortable with generally. Unless they are inappropriate, in which case I will alert my readers. I do have to say that Jon and Emma’s first kiss was greatly anticipated and was one of the sweetest kisses I’ve ever read about and, it almost brought me to tears. And this was even before I got emotional about Emma’s heart issues! I don’t remember ever having this reaction to a kiss before. I won’t explain why it was so moving because I want to let it be a complete surprise for you when you read it yourself!
Aside from the amazing heart lessons, incredible characters, and overall fantastic writing, I really appreciated that the author didn’t find it necessary to try to make this a retelling that simply changed the time and place but kept all the other details. There were enough similarities but not so many that it was predictable. And some familiar parts of the story were reworked in such a way it created a mystery that was solved and resulted in a surprising revelation. And how can you not appreciate the plays on the names? Mr. Knightly – Jon Noble, for example!
If you enjoy Christian romance that is more than just a sweet story, be sure you read A Match for Emma. And make sure to keep lots of tissues handy!
Read my review of A Match for Emma by Pepper D. Basham at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
A Match for Emma is the third book in the Mitchell’s Crossroads series, but it reads well as a stand-alone. This is a sweet friends to romance story, which is one of my favorite tropes. It has touches of Pepper Basham’s trademark warmth and humor with an Appalachian feel.
Emma and Jonah are both very easy to like and root for. I loved their friendship and how they just seemed to fit together. I really liked how Jonah’s grief about his mom was written, it felt realistic, yet didn’t make the story feel depressing. I also really liked Emma and her relationships with others and how she always tried to help.
The highlights of the story for me were how the game of scrabble was used (so fun!), the way the romance naturally developed, Jonah’s awesome friend Liam (who really needs his own story!), and the epilogue – It is epic!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
I can’t say enough good things about this book! I absolutely love the Mitchell’s Crossroads series and have been anxiously awaiting Emma and Jon’s novel. I expected their friendship to love story to be especially precious, as feelings of comraderie began to turn in a romantic direction. Well, the story highly surpassed my expectations and has left me with the most wonderful of happily-ever-after feelings of joy since I finished reading it.
Jon and Emma were so obviously right for each other and it was so much fun to see them realize it, too. I loved reading about all of their special traditions that they had as friends, such as playing Scrabble together and movie night, among other things.
A Match for Emma had plenty of light-hearted moments, yet didn’t shy away from delving into deeper issues, such as grief and self-worth. I loved the way the author seamlessly wove God’s truth throughout the entire book. And if you haven’t read the other books in the series, I still believe that you could pick up A Match for Emma and enjoy it on its own merit. I loved this story from start to finish.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
A Match for Emma by Pepper Basham is a modern re-telling of Emma by Jane Austen. Basham’s version had a little more struggle between the two characters of the love romance. The romance is top notch just like fans of contemporary romance expect. The friends who become a relationship is a cliche, but it is sweet to see friends discover something more about someone they know well. The plot has been done before, but Basham does deliver exactly what she promised to readers. It is definitely a sweet story with enough conflict to keep readers flipping pages. Perfect for fans of contemporary romance.
I received a complimentary copy of A Match for Emma by Pepper Basham through JustRead Tours, but the opinions stated are all my own.
A Match for Emma
Mitchell’s Crossroads #3
By Pepper Basham
Emma Mitchell has always considered Jon Noble to be her best friend and when he left town 3 years ago nothing was the same. But now Jon and his father are returning to Ransom and Emma is thrilled to once again have in-person time with two of her favorite people.
Jon’s less than thrilled to be back in Ransom – the expectations placed on him were what made him leave. But sometimes returning to what you left behind brings with it a realization of just how much running away hurts. And then there is Emma who has grown-up but is still the person who knows him best. If only she’d leave off her new matchmaking endeavors.
The only question everyone in Ransom is asking is when Emma and Jon will see what is all too obvious to them – they are perfect for each other. But Emma is tied to Ransom and can’t see making her home anywhere else, while Jon is more than ready to head back to New York and the practice he left behind.
Loosely based on Jane Austen’s Emma, A Match for Emma is a fun and enjoyable read that offers a good dosing of Southern charm, cooking, and sweet tea to bring a smile to the eyes of many a reader who likes snappy dialog, entertaining characters, and sweet endings.
This is the third book in the Mitchell’s Crossroads series but you don’t need to read the other two books in order to enjoy this book. It could easily be a standalone book as the story is complete with nothing to make the reader scratch their head and go “What???” If you want a clean gentle read here you go.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion – all thoughts expressed are my own.
I throughly enjoyed this story so much! It was great to visit the Mitchell family once again in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I’ve read several of the author’s books but these are my favorites. Being from the Deep South myself, I get a chuckle from some of the wonderful sayings and phrases used by the author to portray the mountain people in such a fun and loving way.
Emma, the youngest Mitchell, is saving as much money as she can to afford a trip to Europe to culinary school. All is going well until money starts disappearing from the restaurant where she works for her aunt. Then her apartment is broken into and her partial payment for her trip is stolen. All her dreams of school and opening her own restaurant have flown out the window.
Jon, the boy next door and best friend to Emma, has been away for three years trying to get his counseling clinic off the ground. He returns home to help his dad recover from health issues that have waylaid him for a spell. His friendship with Emma seems to have picked up right where they left off three years ago. She does lots of cooking for him and his dad, which kept my mouth watering and my stomach growling. I even tried to look up recipes for some of her concoctions (peanut butter fudge cookies for one!).
This story talked of dreams and hopes for the future. But it also brought out seeking your own way at times instead of listening to God. Pride, selfishness and not thinking before you speak, taking you where you don’t need to go. I loved the faith element woven into the books pages as well. It had me in tears at times right along with the characters. Emma and Jon were so real to me that I knew we’d be friends if we were to meet. A great story, time for me well spent, and a tug at the old heart strings.
I received a complimentary ebook by the author but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise. All opinions are my own.
I have loved every book that Pepper Basham has written, and A Match for Emma is Pepper Basham at her finest! Ms. Basham’s tag line is Britallachian romance peppered with grace and humor and each book lives up to that!
I have never been good at Scrabble but I now have an overwhelming urge to play Scrabble and visit Ransom.
This is a sweet friends to romance story. Jon and Emma are adorable, their banter is one for the ages, and their blindness to what is truly happening between them is so fun to watch.
I absolutely loved Liam. Serious Swooning going on now! Give me a minute while I catch my breath. . . . .
Okay . . . I’m back . . . He is a fabulous secondary character that I hope gets his own story, at least I really think he should.
I have loved each of the books in the Mitchell Crossroads series, but A Match for Emma is my favorite. There are so many fun elements that were woven into the story. Family picnics, the beauty of the Appalachian mountains, Narnia the talking cat, Jane Austen quotes, thoughtful advice from Mama Mitchell. All the things that make a family saga novel endearing and memorable.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“Did someone order a sidekick?”
Best friends; that’s what they had been and that’s what they were; but was that what they would remain? Emma Mitchell and Jonathan Noble had been inseparable for years; her two older brothers were Jon’s friends, and their adjoining properties made mutual escapades easier than easy. After loss hits both families hard, Jon retreats to New York with his widower father to begin a counseling career and Emma remains behind in Ransom, Virginia; working furiously toward her dream of attending culinary school, while faithfully exercising her favorite past time; looking out for lonely hearts. Will the matchmaker finally meet her match when the Noble-man returns to town?
“I mean, he’s a man of course, but he looks like one now, and I didn’t think about him being a man when we were arm wrestling over the last piece of pizza. . . . . ” Evidently, things have changed a bit since the last time Emma saw Jon Noble. Of course phone calls, texts, Skype visits and digital Scrabble games held a decent dose of allure, but seeing him in Ransom again invokes a rather unexpected visceral reaction. According to Jon, he’s only staying until he gets his father re-settled in his childhood home, so Emma determines not to let her heart get involved in a recipe of love.
This witty, clever, engaging story between the best of friends merges the author’s abiding fondness for simmering romance, and her deep knowledge of a God who showers grace upon grace; for who among us hasn’t committed a multitude of mistakes? It takes Mama Mitchell to remind us that “God’s been in the mending business for an awful long time”.
And . . . . . . . did someone mention “kissing friends”?
I’ve held off on writing this review for a couple of days in an attempt to tone down the gushing but fair warning, there will still be plenty of that happening!
It’s no secret that I am an avid fan of the friends-to-more trope. There’s just something about two people knowing each other so well and that blossoming into a love that becomes a natural progression. Add in some of that Pepper Basham humor and, of course, chemistry and then spice it up with some references to Jane Austen’s Emma, and this book is an automatic favorite for me.
I adored Jon and his guy-next-door personality and looks (probably because my celebrity crush leans toward the Matt Damon/Rob Lowe good guy appearances over the muscles and superheroes). He’s grounded when Emma lives with her head in the clouds. Emma’s natural joy bubbles out of her an onto those she loves from her smiles, her jokes, and her food.
Yet, personally, my favorite part of this book wasn’t the actual romance between Jon and Emma (but it is at the top of my list of favorite things about the book). No, what I appreciated most about A Match for Emma is that Basham gave these characters flaws and allows the other to acknowledge and correct what they find lacking or misguided in the other. These two have learned to encourage each other, laugh together, and do life in general with the other by their side.
And let’s just talk about how perfect the epilogue in this book is. Go ahead, I’ll wait for you to pick up your copy and read it so you can agree with me.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Some of my favorite words are “Pepper Basham has a new book out!” If she is taking me back to Mitchell’s crossroads, I’m in! A Match for Emma is the third book in the Mitchell’s Crossroads series and is a charming retelling of Jane Austen’s classic Emma. I will confess that I have never actually read Austen’s Emma, but that did not keep me from enjoying this delightful novel one iota!
In A Match for Emma we have the story of Jon and Emma, wonderful friends, longtime friends, best friends. I love these two characters. First there is sweet Emma, who is so concerned for helping others, who loves BIG, but not always acts in the wisest ways. Then there is Jon who ran after his dream, not realizing how he might have hurt Emma by leaving her behind. He is a counselor! Shouldn’t he know?! One of my favorite quotes in the book: “Counselor or not, you’re still a man, and there are many things about women that remain mysteries for a lifetime.” I love the way Jon loves Emma enough to call her on her messes and is gentle with her heart.
Pepper Basham writes THE best dialog and banter between characters, THE most romantic situations, and THE swooniest kisses (although you will have to wait a bit for that one). She fulfilled my every expectation with this newest novel! The story is not too painfully slow, nor is it rushed (friends one day to in love the next). There are many wonderful scenes where I could just sense Jon and Emma exploring their new feelings for one another.
If you have read the other novels in this series, you will already know that you will want to read this one. If you haven’t, you can read this one as a stand alone, but then again, why would you want to? You’ll want to immerse yourself in Mitchell’s Crossroads and read all three!
I received a copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own!
Do you love friendship turned romance stories? I absolutely do! I was super excited to dive into another Mitchell’s Crossroads book, and even more excited that it features two best friends who might, perhaps, fall in love. Pepper Basham’s books are filled with heart, humor, and feature really genuine characters that are easy to identify with as their story unfolds. This one was no different! Emma and Jon were both completely adorable! Their romance wasn’t fast and furious, it was slow and steady and I loved how it came together. The reader is given glimpses of Emma and Jon’s chemistry that the characters don’t even recognize. It was like knowing a secret that they hadn’t found out yet! The Mitchell family has a great dynamic and there are several scenes in the book where the family is gathered and we get to see the closeness that they share. The family bond is another reason that I love these books.
Time for my favorite scene! There is a scene that features a church closet and a kiss. That is all. No one writes a romantic kiss like Pepper Basham! It was epic and memorable and I loved it!
I loved the way theme’s from Jane Austen’s Emma were woven into this story. It wasn’t necessarily a retelling, but there were definite themes and they was easy to recognize and it added a fun aspect to this romance.
As always Pepper delivered a delightful romance that totally satisfied! Don’t even think about skipping the Epilogue! It is complete perfection!
Admittedly, I’m a little hesitant to read friends-to-more novels because it’s so easy to get them wrong. Will they wait too long to realize their feelings, making the ending feel like a rushed commercial of happiness? Will they realize too early and drag it on so long that readers are willing to throw the book out of moving vehicles?
See? Such a fine line to navigate.
But Pepper Basham handles it beautifully. The pacing of Emma and Jon’s story is perfect. You’ll find yourself rooting for these two loveable knuckleheads as they discover their feelings for one another. This book is packed with spiritual lessons, heartfelt moments, humorous shenanigans, and one swoon-worthy closet situation. *cue the heart eyes* Don’t miss it!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel via the author/publisher. All expressed opinions belong to me.
‘Something about helping one person find a ‘home’ in the heart of another person brought a sense of rightness.’
A Match for Emma is my favorite Basham novel so far. Anyone who has read this authors works knows the level of talent within the pages. Incredible can’t even come close to describing it. All the characters jump off the page in this continuing saga, drawing the reader in with snappy dialogue, sharp wit, and love. Lots of love.
Being a contemporary take on Jane Austen’s classic Emma, our Emma, bless her heart, is sure she knows better than anyone else who needs to be matched up with each other for a blissful life together. There are twists and turns and ups and downs that bring about lots of laughter but what stood out most to me is when Emma has a revelation about herself that deeply impacts her faith. It was an eloquently depicted moment of truth. My heart felt like a wet cloth being wrung out with the amount of tears I shed during that scene.
I’ll briefly mention that if Mr. Knightley is a favorite Austen hero, you’re going to triple adore Jon Noble. Seriously. Triple Adore.
There are no characters in this story that I didn’t like. I wish they were actually real people I could hang out with. One person in particular stepped onto the scene and just blew me away with his depth and witty personality. He is, and I quote, ‘Smooth as melted chocolate. Have mercy!’ (location 2457)
I highly recommend this third sojourn to Mitchell’s Crossroads. I was provided a digital copy of the book by the author. No review was required. No compensation received.
I want to play scrabble – everyday. And I want to visit Ransom, and I want to pretend I’m not from NY so that I can impress someone with my fancy NY accent. That aside – and you’ll understand these things when you read the book – this just might be my favorite friends to romance story! It is so sweet, charming, and just knock-your-socks-off good.
Here’s the thing – Basham is the queen of romance and kissing scenes. She just is. She builds up the exact amount of tension for both the characters and the reader, until BAM! There’s a kiss that totally sweeps you off your feet and has you reaching for your hubby. Or continue reading 😉 But seriously, I adore Basham’s writing style and ability to draw you in – hook, line and sinker. One scrabble letter at a time.
What surprised me about this was how much I liked the non-hero, Liam. I was actually torn about what I wanted Emma to do. Okay, it’s probably pretty obvious for most readers, but Liam’s got something. A future story perhaps? Wink, wink, nod, nod. Kudos to Basham for making me like a secondary character, for a fleeting moment better than the leading character (although it didn’t last long).
Emma and Jon are wonderfully written. Basham weaves in faith, forgiveness, romance, and fun all into one amazingly written novel. It’s always a treat to visit Ransom, and this story leaves me wanting more. And for the record – this story happens to have my favorite ending/epilogue EVER! Once you read it, you’ll understand why. Highly recommend you read this, along with the other Mitchell’s Crossroads series as soon as possible. You won’t regret it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a super fun story! Pepper Basham’s town of Ransom is such a delightful place to visit, filled with charming characters that are so realistic you feel like you are right there with them! Woven into the very fabric of this story is a reminder of forgiveness and grace, not only for others, but also a reminder of the importance of forgiving yourself.
Vivacious and full of big dreams, Emma has a big heart and wants to see others happy and in love. She loves to cook up delicious, mouth-watering meals as well as cook-up plans for a happily-ever-after for those nearest and dearest to her heart. She has good intentions, but will she take her match-making ideas too far?
When Jon Noble returns to Ransom to help his ailing father, his long-standing friendship with Emma picks right up as if he never left. But as their close friendship starts to change, and challenges arise, will it push them together or pull them apart?
I greatly enjoyed reading Emma and Jon’s story! With realistic characters that grow throughout the story, a beautiful setting, laughter, fun and a gentle reminder of God’s grace. This is a story that has earned a place on my keeper shelf!
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Returning to Mitchell Crossings was so much fun and especially for a retelling of Jane Austen’s, Emma. Pepper Basham’s Emma is so easy to like as she is kind, loving and fun to be around. However, like us all, she has her flaws. Re-enter Jonathan Noble, her best friend. The journey that these two characters take from friendship to romance is touching with some of the best romantic scenes. I like the way in which these two characters interact and help each other to become the best version of themselves. The community that surrounds them is supportive and loving. These wonderfully well written characters make this tight knit community a place that I just want to read more about. I am hoping that there will be another addition to this series soon. While contemporary fiction isn’t my “go to” genre, Pepper Basham’s writing is too hard to resist because of the humor, the characters and a story filled with charm. I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. All opinions are my own.
A Match For Emma is probably the sweetest love story featuring lifetime best friends who discover they are the perfect match. I loved how comfortable Jon and Emma were with each other and how natural it was for them to hold hands, touch, and even an innocent snuggle or two while watching movies on TV. So how could they be so blind to the truth about their relationship? I also liked the degree of honesty the pair shared with each other – how they each pointed out areas the other needed to improve.
The author not only has an incredible talent with words but she managed to see deep with the soul of each character and bring them to life. Both Jon and Emma were so real. Emma especially wanted the best for all those she cared for but she also had her blind spots that sometimes made her judge others more harshly than they deserved. Yet after thinking and praying about it when brought to her attention, she usually recognized the truth and acted on it.
I enjoyed everything about this sweet love story including its Appalachian setting, brilliant hints of humor, realistic characters, and a strong emphasis on faith and truth. If you have not read a book by Pepper Basham, don’t wait another minute. Pick up a copy of A Match For Emma or one of the other books in her Mitchell’s Crossroads series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
I absolutely adored A Match for Emma! While I have enjoyed all of the stories in the Mitchell’s Crossroads series, I have to say this is my favorite. Her love for the people and the beautiful Appalachian mountains that are her home make an unforgettable setting for her stories. If I could name one fictional town I would love to visit, it would be Ramson.
Pepper Basham is a master storyteller, weaving together endearing characters, Appalachian humor, romance and a compelling inspirational thread that stirred my heart.
While I appreciated the nod to Jane Austen’s Emma, I found that Ms. Basham’s unique voice gave this retelling relevance in our daily lives. Her skill as a master storyteller is reflected in the way her readers take to heart and apply some of the nuggets of wisdom that are shared throughout her stories. The best friends to more trope is the best! I loved Emma’s generous heart and humble spirit, and Jonathan’s wisdom, loyalty and tender heart.
I hope this is not the last we read of the Mitchell family.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.