Liddy-Jean Marketing Queen and the Matchmaking Scheme

by Mari SanGiovanni

Liddy-Jean Carpenter has learning disabilities, and a genius plan. While she spends her days doing minor office tasks with nobody really paying attention, she sees how badly the boss treats the Marketing Department workers. So, she decides to write a business book to teach bosses how to be better. Liddy-Jean loves working with Rose and her new friend Jenny, but she does not like Rose’s creepy boyfriend, so she sets her sights on saving Rose. She knows that love is love, Rose needs her help, bosses should do better, and just about everybody needs the services of Liddy-Jean Marketing Queen!

313 pages, Paperback

Published June 11, 2024

Reviews

[Della B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liddy-Jean Marketing Queen and the Matchmaking Scheme is an unconventional story being told through a unique narrative voice. Liddy-Jean is my new Scout (To Kill a Mockingbird). Yes! It is THAT good. The novel is a departure for SanGiovanni and I love when authors step out of their comfort zone. Pure magic can happen and has with Liddy-Jean Marketing Queen and the Matchmaking Scheme.

My Best Read of 2024 So far!

I received an advance review copy  from Bywater Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Edelweiss for this ARC!! This book was such a good story that touched on some very real topics, all told through the innocent eyes of Liddy-Jean. LJ is such a great character, who, despite her learning disability, overcomes some huge challenges had some epic one liners. I was very happy with the ending, and especially loved the CEO of the company LJ works for!! Such a sweetie

[Henriette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wisdom, love and laughter
I had no idea what awaited me when I got the ARC of this book - reading the blurb I was none the wiser. So let me clarify for all of you who read this review:
This is a quirky book with a quirky main character and a quirky story which is far away from the beaten path of usual genre norms. It is a wonderful, refreshing, heart-warming, wise and lovely read.
If ever the word differently abled should be applied to a person it would be to Liddy-Jean. And it is a thing of wonder to see the world through her innocent and at the same time shrewd eyes. I had so many moments of laughing out loud (I’ll be extra careful to check the toilet stalls in corporate now to make sure no Liddy-Jean is taking notes!) and so many insights into the unnormal behavior which counts as normal nowadays. Kudos to Mari SanGiovanni for her genius in writing this character. And kudos for the relentless high quality of prose and plot.
Before the happy-end not only for the f/f couple but for all the good people involved not least Liddy-Jean there is a good measure of reality and difficulties thrown into the genuine goodness of this book. But there is hope that whatever the problems are and how insurmountable they seem: Liddy-Jean will conquer all.

I received an ARC from Bywater Books. The review is left voluntarily.

[Misha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and refreshing story from the point of view of a young woman with a learning disability who gets a job in a marketing department, makes friends, writes a business book, and basically helps her friends get through some life problems. I appreciate that the point of view is primarily from Liddy-Jean's perspective but we also get some occasional chapters from other characters' perspectives so that we can round out the events in the book.

The characters are all enjoyable and what you'd expect: the heart-of-gold best friend, the evil boss lady, a cast of giggling and gossiping women in the marketing department, a handsome and muscled young man who likes the best friend, etc. This is, however, primarily a feel-good and cozy story about how LJ's optimistic world view and intentions to help people end up making a difference!

The only downside to this book was the pacing. It's reasonably well-paced for the most part but lags a bit in the middle.

[Nisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story told through the eyes of a young woman with IDD. It has it all- humor, inner workings of corporate America, and a love story. Liddy-Jean is a character that you will enjoy getting to know, and will root for throughout her adventures!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my fourth read by the author and I think possibly my favorite. This time Mari takes her blend of humor and adventure with a bit of romance inside the workplace. The writing is brilliant and the story was very original with twists that I didn't see coming. I loved every minute of this book and I cant wait for her next one!!

[Danielle Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a lovely and moving book! It had me laughing out loud and even occasionally tearing up. It follows the journey of L.J., a sweet, sassy, and hilarious young girl with a learning disability, as she navigates and interprets the world in her own unique way.

The story resonated deeply with me, especially because I grew up with an aunt who also had a learning disability. The author’s portrayal of L.J.’s perspective felt authentic and heartwarming, highlighting her challenges and triumphs in such a funny yet sensitive way.

This book is bursting with optimism, hope, love, and a dash of drama. The final chapters were so gripping that I found myself glued to the pages, rooting for L.J. with all my might.

Loved it!

[Rachel E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was uplifting, fun and completely endearing! I met the author at a meet and greet in provincetown not knowing anything about this book. She was so nice. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read her other books!

[Jean Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liddy Jean's story was both humorous and inspiring. She showed the world that being different doesn't mean you can't succeed. I'm hoping there's a sequel in the works!!!

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Luckily I’m an expert at changing the subject’ – disabilities become a ladder of happiness!

Rhode Island author and filmmaker Mari SanGiovanni has garnered a solid following for her inimitable LGBTQ+ novels - 80% DONE WITH STRAIGHT GIRLS, GREETINGS FROM JAMAICA WISH YOU WERE QUEER, CAMPTOWN LADIES and now LIDDY-JEAN MARKETING QUEEN AND THE MATCHMAKING SCHEME. She gained her insights into the created primary character of her new novel by way of her participation as a volunteer at a center for people with Down Syndrome and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and now she places before the reader a wholly credible Liddy-Jean Carpenter who manipulates her own learning disabilities into a soaring business book in response to her boss’s treatment of employees in the marketing department!

An early on suggestion of Liddy-Jean’s ‘problem’ is well defined in the opening pages: ‘I am twenty-one, and the problem with that is, the number changes over and over again….Mom and Dad tell me not to worry about remembering my age number because they say: “Not much gets past you, Liddy-Jean.” Not sure what that means…’ Of course there is romance and friendship and kindred souls whose interaction with Liddy-Jean provide a rollicking (and sensitive!) tale that is sure to generate an even larger audience for this gifted author’s cadre of books. Highly recommended

[M the avid reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Restore your faith in humanity by reading this book! (4.5 stars)
If you're craving pure feel good reading material, this book needs to be on the top of your 'to be read' pile. It's hilarious and heartwarming and may awaken your faith in humanity no matter your level of cynicism. There's some drama and a couple of mean spirited office shenanigans go down, but the bulk of the story is upbeat and laugh out loud funny. Title character Liddy-Jean has an unusual perspective which comes out in her dialogue as well as the narration in the chapters told from her POV; seeing the corporate world thru her eyes is illuminating and eye opening. The romance has some angst in it but really the whole book is a love story of one kind or another, involving multiple characters and different kinds of love - for family, friends and so on; it's hopeful and life affirming and may even bring tears (happy ones) to your eyes. Be warned that if you eat or drink while reading that many of the laugh out loud moments happen unexpectedly so consider having your sips and snacks away from the book in order to avoid choking.
This is the first book I've read by the author and based on how much I enjoyed it, I want to read more of her work in the near future and look forward to seeing what she publishes next.

[Karla C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very refreshing read from start to finish. Liddy Jean feels like a character who is both unique and believable at the same time. I liked how the story shows her perspective in a way that feels honest and emotional. The workplace environment added a lot of realism and made the challenges feel relatable. I enjoyed the humor because it felt natural rather than forced. The matchmaking storyline added an interesting layer that kept me engaged. There were moments that made me smile and others that felt thoughtful. The author did a good job balancing lighthearted and serious themes. By the end, I felt a strong sense of warmth from the story. It is the kind of book that stays with you after finishing it.

[James D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how different this story feels compared to typical romance novels. Liddy Jean is written with a lot of personality and heart. The way she interacts with people around her is both funny and meaningful. I liked how the story highlights kindness in everyday situations. The workplace drama was believable and added tension to the plot. The matchmaking idea was creative and made the story more entertaining. I also appreciated how the author developed the emotional side of the characters. Some parts made me laugh while others felt very thoughtful. The pacing was steady and easy to follow. Overall it was a very enjoyable and uplifting reading experience.

[Tanya M.]

This book really stood out to me because of its main character. Liddy Jean is not your typical lead and that made the story more interesting. I liked how she tries to improve her environment instead of giving in to negativity. The story has a nice balance of humor and emotional depth. The workplace setting felt realistic and sometimes frustrating in a relatable way. I enjoyed the slow development of relationships throughout the book. The matchmaking storyline added a fun and creative twist. The writing style is easy to read but still meaningful. I found myself invested in the characters and their growth. It is a book I would happily recommend to others.

[Son J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like going on an emotional but enjoyable journey. Liddy Jean is a character who grows on you very quickly. I liked how the author shows her strengths in a subtle way. The story explores friendship, kindness, and personal growth in a natural way. The humor is gentle and fits well into the storyline. I also appreciated how the romance was not rushed but developed slowly. The workplace scenes added depth and realism to the story. There were moments that felt very heartfelt and sincere. The book kept me engaged from beginning to end. I finished it feeling positive and satisfied.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely read that tugs at your heartstrings throughout. Liddy-Jean is neurodivergent and the central character. Her unique approach to love, friendship and view of office politics is often humourous and revealing.

The story is told from the POV of various characters, but the pacing and transition is smooth. The plot is also a departure from most sapphic romances and will transport you, albeit temporarily, from our reality where unkindness and injustice too often prevails.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me kicking my feet!

A great mix of comedy, romance, and office drama. Liddy-Jean is such a fun character to follow and a wonderful representation of IDD. I also loved that SanGiovanni did not resort to stereotypes. Despite her learning disability Liddy-Jean is not written like a child and is much more aware of the world than most of her peers.

My best read for February 2025