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Doug & Carlie #1

Doug and Carlie by Lisa Smartt

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Carlie once ate a whole lemon meringue pie. But she regrets it. She regrets it the way a drunk regrets downing a bottle of Jack Daniels. It was soothing and horribly depressing all at the same time. Carlie, a 32-year-old employee at the Dollar General Store in Commerce, Georgia, dreams of love and literary success, in that order. But love and literary success don’t always come easy, especially for a tall woman with a big behind who stocks canned sweet potatoes for a living. She’s ten years late on college and only has $167.29 in the bank. In her estimation, she’s late on finding love too. The good news? Sometimes there are rewards for late bloomers.

Mass Market Paperback

First published September 16, 2012

35 people are currently reading
2497 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Smartt

11 books58 followers
Lisa Smartt is a woman who loves to laugh! Born in a small town in West Kentucky, she now writes a weekly humor column from her home outside Dresden, Tennessee. She lives on 16 wooded acres with her husband, two sons (who sometimes fight), and three male cats who desperately need Prozac. Her first book was released in 2007 entitled, "The Smartt View: Life, Love, and Cluttered Closets."

Public speaking is Lisa's passion. She has spoken to groups around the country on subjects like "Contentment in a Discontent World" and "We're All in the Same Boat, So Grab a Lifeline." Lisa believes laughter is a gift and LOVES to share with others her personal weaknesses, struggles, and the sheer JOY of daily living!

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5 stars
174 (36%)
4 stars
166 (34%)
3 stars
93 (19%)
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31 (6%)
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13 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Profile Image for Karla.
987 reviews1,109 followers
September 3, 2013

5 Homespun Fun Stars!! What a refreshing, feel good read. Made my heart go pitter-patter.

I have so much to say, I don’t even know where to begin. I felt this read right down to my soul. This is an inspirational book with slight religious element, but it is one of the funniest books I’ve ever read and also one of the sweetest. It’s told from Doug and Carlie’s point of view, and that made it so much more powerful, especially where Doug was concerned, I loved reading his thoughts. He’s not a superhero, an ex-op dude, and doesn’t tote a gun or a six-pack. He’s a loan officer at a bank, loves small town life, cares about his friends and family, and he’s holding out for ‘the one’! I adored him! He’s a sincere man with a good heart, and can woo a woman with the simplest of words.

“Doug, can you believe that dress was $475?”
“Are you serious? Wow, I had no idea. But you did look pretty unbelievable in it. You gave it life, Carlie.”

No. I didn’t give life to the blue dress. If I had tried it on three months ago it would have looked completely different. It was Doug, the way he looked at me, the way he laughed out loud when I teased him, his hairy hands, perfect posture, crooked teeth, curly hair, his kindness, the masculine way he opened the door for me, the e-mails, the phone calls. Doug Jameson had given me life, not an expensive blue dress in Chattanooga.


Carlie…she’s so amazing!! What an outlook on life. She’s been her own undoing and now she’s determined to set herself straight, slow but sure, the woman is on her way.

I’m a chunky girl who comes from a nice Georgia family. I tend to be an under-achiever and a pie eater. I work at the Dollar General Store. I used to make excuses for that but I don’t anymore. I desperately want real love. I’m almost always hungry for sugar. I don’t like dissecting rats. Oh, and I live in an apartment with dingy cream-colored carpet and a roommate named Clara. I hold out a lot of hope for tomorrow…’cause the first thirty-two years haven’t been much to write home about.

She’s funny, accepts who she is and her circumstances, sees the good in everyone and is determined to find her Mr. Right. Her story is about to get much more interesting, when Doug enters her life.

This is not just a sugary sweet read, some bad things happen, there are some bumps in the road, and Carlie and Doug’s journey is not an easy one. They turn to their faith, family and friends to see them through, and when they find their way around the obstacles they face, you’ll come to see that no two people on earth could be more perfect for each other.

I know this book won’t be for everyone, but if you want to feel good…really, really good…give this one a shot. It's complex, but at the same time very simple. No sex, a clean romance, but the love that Carlie and Doug have for each other, comes through in their spoken words and actions, how they see each other through their eyes, and all this is more powerful than any sex scene could ever convey. You’ll laugh, cry, and in the end it will make your heart sing.



Profile Image for Melody Cox.
1,502 reviews177 followers
March 19, 2014
UPDATE 04/19/2014 Second Review

Yesterday I purchased the third book in the Carlie and Doug series. Since it has been almost a year since I read books one and two I felt the need to reread them both before I started on book three. The enormity of this authors talent slapped me in the face full force. Lisa Smartt is an amazing author who weaves a tale like no other. Her humor is incomparable as I laughed out-loud throughout the whole book. Even in emotionally challenging situations she manages to give Doug and Carlie a sense of humor and it seems to bond them together.

Carlie Ann Davidson is 32 years old and will finally graduate college in a few months. Her love life in non-existent. She's 37 pounds over her ideal weight. She's honest and brilliant and has worked at the Dollar General Store for ten years. Her passion is writing. She is more than ready to find the love of her life but there are no prospects in sight.

Twenty-eight year old Doug Jameson is the single great-nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Rockford who are dear friends of Carlie's. When Mr. Davidson made a trip to the Dollar General Store for his beloved wife, he decides to give Carlie Doug's business card and encourages her to contact him. This is where it all begins. It is quite a lovely, yet sometimes sad and always humorous, story as we watch these two get to know each other.

I loved every single word and I highly recommend this book.

FIRST REVIEW

I'm moving down two books on my All Time Favorite Top 5 books to make room for the First and Second Books in the Doug and Carlie Series. That is saying something since I read more than 300 books a year. (I gotta wonder if that has anything to do with my messy house?)

I absolutely loved this book. I loved it so much that when I completed my read and got to the very back, I saw where there was a Part 2. Wrong thing for me to see as I finished Book 1 around 1-1:30am. Tried to sleep but was back up within 20 minutes digging out my Kindle. Stayed up and read all of Book 2 and finally took a nap at 6am. At my age it takes a while to bounce back from an all-nighter. But it was so worth it.

I love Lisa's writing. She is one funny lady and the story was a wonderful, sweet love story.

There have only been less than five books that have been good enough for me to reread. This is one of them.

I really can't express how much I love this book. There are no words to properly convey how much I loved it and how much I learned. It was uplifting.

Lisa you rock!! Keep them coming.
Profile Image for Lori.
1,650 reviews
July 10, 2013
An almost four. Nice story about two likable characters. Doug and Carlie take turns narrating the story. Carlie is 32 just went back to college works at the Dollar general store in Georgia. Doug is 28 works at a loan company in Tennessee both nice people unlucky in love. Until they get to meet each other. at first through emails { a relative of Doug's gives Carlie the email.. We see the emails they write to each other and eventually agree to meet in a town in between their homes.{ they live eight hours drive away]The characters take turns writing about how they felt about each other etc.When they meet, they like each other instantly. After a tragedy in Doug's family, Carlie meets his relatives. Soon after Carlie, an aspiring writer gets a chance to move to New York City. to sell her book and start up a new career. Months go by,the characters separate and drift apart but never forget each other. So........."Do Carlie and Doug end up together at the end?" won't give that away. A nice book with good characters that i find myself rooting for.
Profile Image for Irene Martinez Ramirez.
25 reviews6 followers
June 13, 2013
I really enjoy this book. It was written in a another different style that I had never read before.
Doug & Carlie it's a very nice comedy/romantic book. It's the kind of love that you see in the movies and you kind of want. I think the way it was written it was more like a diary. I don't know many things about Southern style of living, but I never imagine it like that :)
It's a really good book. It keep me wondering what would happen, this book it's definitely a sympathetic and romantic (not ultra romantic, but cute romance). I totally recommend it!
26 reviews
January 2, 2013
One of the best Christian romance stories I have had the pleasure to read. It is a hilarious tale that is very realistic. I enjoyed reading the book very much and read it about thrice again soon after.
Profile Image for Shara.
119 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2013
You can also read my review here: http://thebookendreviews.blogspot.com...

Note: I got this book for free as a Goodreads.com first reads book.


Rating: ★★★ 1/2


I've been debating on whether to give Doug & Carlie by Lisa Smartt, three or four stars. I'm very undecided so I'll just go with 3.5.

Carlie is 32 years old, single and working at the Dollar Store, life can't get any better, right? Wrong. It can get better but not for very long. She meets Doug who lives 8 hours away but immediately builds a connection with. After a few weeks of long distance dating, Carlie gets the opportunity of a life time and she needs to decide what to do.

I liked the book because Carlie spoke what was on her mind and didn't hold back. She was truthful, even if sometimes she was more honest then needing to be (IE. Her first email to Doug). I liked it. It's not everyday that you come across someone who just doesn't care and will tell it like it is. I also liked that Carlie made the choice for herself. When deciding to jump at the chance of an opportunity of a lifetime, she doesn't make it because her parents...she doesn't make the decision before of Doug...she makes the decision because its something she wants. She put herself first.

The reasons why I didn't like it and had a hard time deciding on the rating is because with Carlie being the strong independent no nonsense woman, she sure did cry a lot. Everyone cried a lot. Yes there were times that granted the crying (Grieving at a funeral...or two) but it felt like almost every other page someone was crying. For petty little reasons. I may not be as emotional or something but it irritated me. I wanted to yell out, "GROW A PAIR AND STOP CRYING!! GOSH!" Yes, this bothered me enough to mark it down a full star.

Overall, it was a cute story and there was character development.
Profile Image for Kai Hunter.
594 reviews
September 1, 2013
"I ate a whole lemon meringue pie on May 12 of this year. I walked out of the Kroger in Athens, Georgia, sat in my '99 silver Camry, pulled a plastic spoon from my purse, and started in the middle and worked my way to the outside crust. It was good too. Well, good and terrible at the same time. The way a drunk feels after slugging back a half bottle of Jack Daniels. He doesn't know whether he's happy or sad. He's too intoxicated. I was sugar intoxicated the day I ate the whole lemon meringue pie. But thankfully, today I'm completely sober." Carlie September 15, 2010

Ok I'll admit it...I don't like lemon meringue pie. But I do know exactly what Carlie means. This story made me laugh and I even cried a bit over Doug's stupidity er life choice. It's a wholesome romance wrapped up in a funny package. Ms. Smartt sent me my copy of Doug and Carlie with a signed inscription for Joy. That's exactly what this story gave me, joy. It's definitely light reading but sometimes that is exactly what a soul needs. And my soul needed it this weekend.

I already have a copy of the 2nd book in the series, Doug and Carlie's Love Conspiracy, thanks to First Reads and Ms. Smartt. Part of me wants to start on it as soon as I finish writing this while part of me wants to save it for the next time I'm down in the dumps. Either way, my gloomy day was a bit brighter thanks to Doug, Carlie and Ms. Smartt
Profile Image for Steph.
222 reviews19 followers
May 30, 2013
I got this book from a Goodreads giveaway.

It was the first giveaway I've won and I'm so glad.

Doug & Carlie is a cute little romance novel. It was funny (Carlie had some legitimately laugh-out-loud one liners) and charming all at once. Lisa captured small town Southern living perfectly. I felt like I could run into these characters in my own small Southern town. It was an easy read and very enjoyable. And yes, though this is considered a Christian novel, it is done in a nice way. Religion isn't shoved at you, but rather present.

The only reason I gave this book four stars is because I often got confused. I remember a part when Doug and Carlie first met that the POV switched from her to him just between paragraphs without any warning. Sometimes the layout made it look like a journal with all the dates and times, but I don't think it was meant to be a journal? I also got confused during dialogue. It never showed who was speaking, how it was being said, etc. However, these things could just be me so I didn't let it reflect the rating too terribly.

I still enjoyed this novel and cannot wait to read the sequel. I'm excited to learn more about Clara.
Profile Image for Martha.
193 reviews
May 2, 2013
This book is laugh out loud funny. Wow there are quite a few funny one liners. Wanna know what they are – read the book!! Doug and Carlie are from 2 different towns, separated by a 7 hour drive. They “meet” through an email and it’s all downhill (or uphill depends on how you look at it) from there! This is such a great story on family, meeting someone and finding yourself and your love along the way. I LOVED Doug’s family; they are so beyond eccentric it’s crazy! Carlie doesn’t have a filter on what she believes and tells people the straight honest truth which is very refreshing. I’m not one for books that have a lot of religion in them and God this and holy that but I felt this book contained it in a way that it wasn’t thrown in my face. Loved the book, would definitely recommend it to anyone! Cute read! The only thing I wish it did have was an epilogue but hopefully they make lots of appearances in the sequel!!!
Profile Image for Icelanderr.
4 reviews
January 3, 2014
If you are thinking of whether or not to read this one, READ IT!! The book is simple and beautiful. You will not regret reading the book. I am going to recommend this book to all my friends.

I made a promise to myself that from Jan, I should read one book a month, and I started New Year with 'Doug and Carlie', and I finished the book in one day!! I just couldn't stop reading.

There is some magic in the book, it touches your heart. People are 'real', I just fell in love with Carlie... and Doug too. This is 'real' romance. There are some great lines about love in the book.

It made me believe, there are people still living with moral ethics.

Mrs. Smartt, thank you for the wonderful book. I am going to read the sequel next, but I am sure I will re-read this one again. This book will stay in my bookshelf.
130 reviews5 followers
June 19, 2013
I requested "Doug & Carlie" on Goodreads after reading the description and received it from the author, Lisa Smartt, as a special Kindle edition. I do not have a kindle, so read it on my desktop computer.

I have found a great new author to read and a wonderful, inspirational story that almost anyone will enjoy reading. I always wonder where a person learns to write like this. It is a God given talent and should really be appreciated. I really loved this book and hope to read more by Lisa. If you like a good and joyful story about love and life that is fun to read...Join those of us who love this author's gift!
Profile Image for Cristina McGannon.
71 reviews16 followers
January 5, 2014
I won this book in a giveaway and was really looking forward to reading it, when I was able to sit and read both this book and the second in the series in one day (home sick) I was so happy to have stumbled upon a book, a series that is funny, truthful and simple, easy. These are clearly from the heart books meant to make you laugh, maybe cry but to come away with a warm heart, a full heart. These are books I could read again and again and always find something new and something different. Doug and Carlie have what we all want in life. And I really enjoyed watching them find it, harness it and grow it.
Profile Image for Anino .
1,069 reviews71 followers
March 13, 2014
I absolutely love books that are chock full of snappy dialog, "downhome" wisdom, and memorable characters. Although it started out a little slow, I discovered that the author was merely laying a foundation for a relationship between the main characters.

If you're turned off by the cover, don't be. "Doug and Carlie" is a wonderful gem that is captivating and heart-warming. In my opinion, it felt real, and it left me feeling hopeful and optimistic about the interesting way that God can lead us to certain people.

After having read this, I'm tempted to buy the entire series, sight unseen.

Giving this one, 5 Solid stars...

212 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2013
I won this book on Good Reads and I'm so glad I did! It's such a charming story with some sass thrown in. I loved both the characters. I could relate with Carlie and I loved how everything was happening so fast with how her book was picked up by publishers. Sometimes we think or want life to follow a nice little plan and it usually doesn't happen that way, so I liked the realistic nature of everything happening and once and both Doug and Carlie having to work through it. I look forward to the next book by Lisa Smartt and to see these characters develop in the future.
Profile Image for Terri Graham.
32 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2013
I can not say enough how much I loved this book. The author is brilliant. The story is not some fairy tale romance that never happens in reality. This was a great down to earth " could be real" feel good story! I found myself full of emotions, smiling to myself, and that's why I say the author is brilliant. I highly recommend this book. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. Can't wait to get the next book and start reading. Lisa Smartt
Profile Image for {shannon}.
6 reviews4 followers
June 17, 2013
I downloaded Doug & Carlie to my Kindle as part of my summer reading list. I finally had a chance to read this weekend and I devoured it AND book #2 over the weekend. The characters were funny and real - in fact I felt like they were people I know in real life! There was something comfortable about getting to know the characters of Sharon along with Carlie and by the end of book #2 they felt like old friends. I laughed, I cried, and I might have even cheered a little. Lisa Smartt's wit, wisdom, talent for writing shine through her stories. I can't wait to see what book #3 has in store!
Profile Image for Lani Young.
Author 27 books430 followers
April 18, 2013
Love love loved it. In a bookworld glutted with sex-laden stories and angst-filled NA couples - it was so refreshing to find this book. The author has an enviable gift for writing dialogue and the characterization is second to none. Doug and Carlie are very real and very believable. Their romance is sweet and a breath of fresh air. A beautiful book. Cant wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Kate Swartz.
91 reviews
July 26, 2013
Enjoyed the simplistic, innocent romance this book had to offer. It's got a bit of a religious over tone in it, but I can put that aside for the most part, but what I couldn't get past was that the simplistic, innocent romance was ALL there was. Literally no meat in this book whatsoever. I'm glad it was free from Amazon.
Profile Image for Ruth.
100 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2014
This was a wonderful light hearted Christian themed romance. I found the author to be funny & could easily relate to storylines. Southern Themed contemporary romance for anyone that likes lighthearted relationships...Couldn't hardly put it down. It's not a re-read for me...but it is one worth reading at least once. Highly recommended to fans of Contemporary Christian Romance.
Profile Image for April Omalza.
106 reviews3 followers
March 21, 2013
This was free book on amazon prime. I felt like the writing was very amateur and the story was just mediocre. Sometimes the writing was actually annoying and I think the southern talking was little over kill.
Profile Image for Heather.
21 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2013
GREAT love story. With all the smut out there this book was super refreshing. There was love loss and God all though out this book. In my opinion this book even touched on the aspect of self acceptance. Very good book I will recommend it to my friends.
28 reviews
June 8, 2013
What a REALLY nice book! Not earth shattering or exciting, but genuinely a nice couple in a nice relationship(and refreshing I might add). I'm truly looking forward to reading the next Doug & Carlie book.
Profile Image for Victoria.
67 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2012
Fun yet serious, exciting yet down home, about discovering your self yet giving yourself. I laughed and cried!
Profile Image for Stephanie Anderson.
4 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2013
What a sweet book about good Christian Southern folk and how they deal with love, relationships, and life! Quick, fun read!
Profile Image for Tammy Dowell.
1 review1 follower
May 5, 2013
Absolutely loved this book. I laughed. I cried. Great story that many can relate to. You won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Jennifer Toliver.
125 reviews6 followers
August 31, 2013
This was a gorgeous Christian love story. Doug and Carlie are my new favorite to-be-like couple! I loved Smartts style and will be following up on their future endeavors.
Profile Image for Michelle.
81 reviews3 followers
September 23, 2013
Cute. Very cute! Very funny too. If you're looking for a light but witty, romantic read, I definitely recommend this book. It's laughable and unthinkable and overall it's enjoyable.
Profile Image for Delta.
1,242 reviews22 followers
February 13, 2018
This is such a different kind of romance from what I'm used to reading and I found it to be a welcome change of pace. First, the format - told through a series of time jumps and perspective changes - cuts out all the garbage and unnecessary scenes that usually litter romances. Second, the writing manages to convey so much emotion with so few words and dialogue. And last, the characters feel like the everyman/woman. No billionaires in this story.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for Devon.
301 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2021
Better than expected

Not gonna lie... I started this book a long time ago and the first couple of chapters grated on me. Just the way the character narrated it rubbed me the wrong way. I put it down and forgot about it. Well, eventually I picked it back up (many months later) and decided to give it another go. I started back at the beginning... the same annoyed feeling crept in at first, but I pushed through. I'm glad I did because it ended up being a nice story. Perhaps I will read the next one in the series....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews

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