Customer Reviews

Miss Match (Lauren Holbrook Series, Book 1)

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(12)
1 star:		(20)

 

 

"Miss Match" is the very promising first book from author Erynn Mangum, and the first in a trilogy of novels about Lauren Holbrook, a matching-making, coffee-guzzling, chocoholic twenty-something Christian woman.

This story is impeccably written, and the characters are consistent and relateable. I loved the Jane-Austen-esque intertwining of the relationships of all the main characters. I have only one complaint about the characters in the novel, and unfortunately, it's a big one: I was constantly annoyed by the immaturity of the main character, Lauren Holbrook. I think that perhaps what i viewed as immaturity was intended to come off as a snarky sense of humor, but whichever the author intended, it still got on my nerves throughout the entire novel.

The premise for Miss Match is cute and intriguing, although I felt that for my taste, the novel held far too much dialog about matchmaking and not enough actual matchmaking! Although, that may have been for the purpose of dragging Lauren's match-making out over the course of three novels.

Despite my qualms with the novel, it is still well-written and a fun light-hearted read, with solid Christian views that may be thought-provoking for younger Christians. I will definitely be reading the next two books in the trilogy, simply because I think the author shows a lot of promise, and I want to support her in the hopes that she will continue to write novels.

Grade:B+

When I bought this book I had no idea that it was laced with religion. While it was a fun book, there was too much religion in it. It's important for readers to know that this book revolves around people going to bible class, singles religion classes, and conversations about passages in the bible. I felt smothered with religion. I should have read all the reviews more carefully.

I lovved this book. I thought it was cute and funny. I had many laugh out loud moments. There were many references to Jane Austen and Emma in this book. They were great. She has a def. movie obsession. To me Lauren's extreme coffee obsession and chocolate is a little over the top. I do not drink coffee but I do love chocolate and if we eat like Lauren we will all be at least 400 lbs. Even with that this book was great. I ordered the sequel as soon as I finished it. I have read it so review coming soon on that one. I highly recommend this cute chick lit series.

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Lauren Holbrook has an uncanny knack for finding the perfect match for others. After all it was her that found the perfect guy for her sister. As a photographer working for her best guy friend Brandon, Lauren is now on the hunt to match her coworker Ruby with her singles pastor. Meanwhile the new (blond) secretary seems to have caught have caught Brandon's eye, while Ruby's brother Ryan seems to be interested in Lauren. Since she has sworn off marriage, this presents an interesting problem. Throw in a hypochondriac overprotective father, chocolate and coffee galore, uncooked Mexican food and numerous Pride and Prejudice quotes and you'll be having a blast as Lauren tries to successfully (and unsuccessfully) find the perfect mate for everyone except her own self.

Well, it's happened. I have found a new favorite chick lit author. This is one of the best chick lit books I have ever read. And what makes this book even more amazing is that the author is the same age as me! It's really awesome to read a book from someone who shares the same views and perspectives because we come from the same generation. Since the author is the same age as the main character, Lauren comes across as extremely realistic acting exactly as I would in certain situations. I find this very refreshing as compared to a 40 year old author trying to write as a 25 year old. Lauren is an excellent character. She dresses in old clothes, hangs out with guys as friends, and bonds with her dad. I love how Lauren really eats food, and doesn't worry about her diet. From greasy cheeseburgers to turtle pie cheesecake, this girl would rather feel full than try to be skinny. She also has one of the most random thinking patterns I have ever read about. I cracked up when reading the quote about Maid Marian's flower ring, I've always wondered about that too!! Loved all the Pride and Prejudice talk as well, especially with the mock English accents. All the characters in the story are really fleshed out. I liked how Hannah and Lauren's friendship grew in spite of Lauren's original thoughts. Brandon seems like a really good guy friend to have, albeit he can be very clueless. Lauren's relationship with her family is very touching, she obviously cares very much about her dad even though he drives her nuts. When I first started reading the book, I kept thinking I would know what happened at the end, who would end with who, believing it would follow the chick lit stereotype. I was happily proven wrong.

This is a fun and hilarious book that will make you say "This has happen to me before!" I cannot wait until the sequel comes out. Erynn Mangum has made a fantastic debut and other chick lit authors better be on the lookout!

After introducing her sister to the man she eventually married, photographer Lauren Holbrook decides she will be a matchmaker for her friends. Lauren has no plans to marry as assumes she will never find someone to love or be loved.

With the help of co-worker Hannah, Lauren matches another colleague at the photography shop Ruby with their pastor Nick over the objection of their boss Brandon who is attracted to the new office assistant. Meanwhile the other photo shop staff tries to match Lauren with Ruby's brother Ryan. To stop the matchmakers, Lauren and Ryan pretend to be a dating couple. As they go out together, Lauren likes Ryan and he reciprocates until her feelings grow so intense, she reconsiders her promise to her dad father that she would never desert him to marry like her sisters did.

With deference to Jane Austen especially Pride and Prejudice, and Emma, MISS MATCH is an amusing lighthearted contemporary tale filled with chocolate, coffee and romance. The cast is solid especially the heroine, who matches her friends and family, but fails to find a match for herself. In many ways Lauren is a sort of an adult Cher Horowitz of Clueless stardom, who in turn was a Beverly Hills Emma. Readers will enjoy this intelligent humorous romp.

Harriet Klausner

Miss Match is a wonderful read and a truly interest grabbing book. I never was able to put in down. Not only is this plot and story line sensational and able to relate to all girls lifes but also to my faith. Erynn Mangum was able to keep my attention with the exciting plot and "what will happen next?". She also tied in many scriptures and books in the bible and it was my accountability these past couple of days as i was reading. This book enabled me to tie my life, interests, and faith all together. Whether you are religious or or could care less about God and your faith this book makes you think about life, your choice of friends, and what you have in store for your future.

I absolutely love this series! I don't usually burst out laughing while reading books but I got weird looks at work while I was reading this because I couldn't stop laughing at the craziness of Lauren Holbrook. She is a riot and I found myself completely engrossed in her life. As a Christian myself I found it very useful as well, certain verses that the characters talked about, I found myself looking up in the Bible as well. Although it may sound corny, this series and the 'Maya Davis' series brought be back to church. It hadn't gone as often as I should have but when I started reading these series and learning about daily devotionals, my faith became stronger and I found myself wanting and needing to go back to church and have my faith restored again. I definitely appreciate and thank God and these series for that because in my life right now, I find that I need God now more than ever and I needed to live in these characters world for a while too. This series is funny and light-hearted but also has such a loving quality about them. Even though I older than this character I could tell that are very similiar qualities in Lauren Holbrook that I have in myself, except for the coffee. Wow she drinks a lot of coffee, goodness gracious LOL. I'm not going to describe the book in this review, you should read the book for that, but I am going to say that I enjoyed it very much and I am going to read them again and again. In fact I'm also going to lend them to my mother when she gets her Kindle because I know she would enjoy them as well. This isn't just for Christians though, it's just a funny book that has a sarcastic and kind of neurotic lead female character and a very patient lead male character who fits her to a 't'. It's a delightful read and I'm so happy and grateful that I found it.

This was a horribly elementary book. I felt like I was 16 and reading a Babysitters Club book. If yu have a sophisticated reading palette then I do not suggest this book. I now know why it was FREE for my Kindle.

With a chocoholic heroine, a hypochondriac father, and insider references to The Princess Bride and Emma, Miss Match has it all. Erynn Mangum's debut novel is a fresh and fun frolic of romance and matchmaking.

Lauren Holbrook successfully marries off her sister to a new client at the photography studio where Lauren works. Lauren then decides that since she's never going to marry, she will merely play Cupid and help her friends find love.

First up are her coworker, Ruby, and their single's pastor, Nick. Lauren's best friend and boss, Brandon tries to stop her while another coworker, Hannah, enthusiastically helps. Ruby's brother, Ryan, watches in confusion.

When the others try to match Lauren and Ryan together, they decide to pretend that they're dating to throw everyone off the scent and stop the nagging. Of course, as Lauren spends time with Ryan, she recognizes his good points and even begins to like him a little. But there's a problem: Lauren has promised her father that she won't marry and leave him like her sisters did.

Lauren's unassuming style, sense of humor, and commitment to family and friends make her a worthy heir to Emma. The inspirational elements of Miss Match are never overwhelming or preachy and grow organically from Lauren's character.

Miss Match is a wonderful and witty homage to Jane Austen, and I look forward to hearing from both Erynn and Lauren again soon.

Armchair Interviews says: Fun, fresh read.

Ok, I confess, somebody somewhere messed up - this is NOT just a teen book (though at 37 I'd love it if someone mistook me for a teen.)

THIS IS THE VERY BEST BOOK I'VE READ IN TWENTY YEARS. I have not laughed so hard in years. I got Miss Match on a Friday afternoon and finished Saturday morning (2 am - sans Starbucks;)) I have bought some for my friends and am finagling (sp?) my budget to get about 7 more for Christmas gifts. Moms - this book is for you, too. (Erynn, you seriously need to promote on the MOPS and other sites - or tell your publisher.) Ok, so I confess, I've got a BIT in common with Miss Erynn - 1. Starbucks (I'm a member of Starbucks anonymous;)) 2. I share her First Love. (Read the books - you'll get it.) 3. I LOVE, ADORE, ADMIRE, etc. etc. - her immensely amusing sense of humor!

It's so bad I'm actually considering re-reading the first two books (which I never do - re-read) while I'm patiently (NOT!) waiting for the third.

Ok, her writings are not QUITE Jane Austin - but, Look out world! Good grief! She's ONLY 22! (I about fainted when I realized that - sorry Erynn.) If she can write this good now, I will guarantee you, she'll have a best seller out before too long.

ok, no, I'm not usually this enthusiastic about books (and no, she's not paying me to say these things - I really think them.)

Erynn, one request - don't ever stop writing. :)

VERY Sincerely, Christa