Doug and Carlie's Love Conspiracy

Doug & Carlie #2

by Lisa Smartt

Clara Louise Johnson is 32, single, and lonely. The problem? She just got a cat. And when a shy lonely woman gets a cat, everybody knows the universe begins to work against her. Within a year, she could own twenty cats and start operating a failed recycling business out of her backyard. So newlyweds, Doug and Carlie, happily intervene. What happens when a rural-dwelling famous writer becomes a full-time matchmaker for beautiful Clara? A humorous and healing journey toward love begins.

Librarian's note: This is a new cover for ISBN: 0615793673

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Humor, Romantic Comedy

284 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2013

About the author

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!

Reviews

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Sweet Stars! Not quite as good as the first, but still a solid read!

I seem to be in the minority, I liked Doug and Carlie better than this one, while most readers are of the opposite opinion. I still found a great amount of inspiration and joy in this book.

This book deals with Clara, Carlie's homely, not very social, ex-roommate. Carlie makes it her mission to find Clara a man as wonderful as Doug...those are big shoes to fill. It was cute at first, but then I found Carlie and Aunt Charlotte scheming and interfering to be somewhat annoying, because of this the book started dragging towards the middle. It was only when Clara took charge of her own destiny and latched on to the humble, forlorn Dusty, that the book picked up speed again. They had a lot in common, both having suffered from tragic events in their lives. I love how their story played out, they were quite capable of finding love on their own. As always Doug was the man...a hometown boy with wonderful qualities and a great outlook on life, I just wish he had reeled in his funny, charming, slightly meddling wife at some point in the book. But Doug gives his advice and leaves Carlie to do her thing...he loves her so much.

Overall a good read. The set-up is there for the third book and I will definitely be reading it. This book and series have a faith based element and their is some kissing, but other than that it's a clean romance...just some suggestion...Doug seems to be a bit of a horn-dog...it's kind of cute!

[***J*** · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is a funny, sweet, love inspiring story about two broken souls finding there way to each other via a hilarious group of friends and family.

[Njenva Heimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't remember the last time I cried so hard and so many times while reading a book. I was a bit worried that Lisa Smartt wouldn't do justice to this book since she had set very high standards with Doug and Carlie. I shouldn't have worried. This book is even better than Doug and Carlie and is an excellent sequel. The book doesn't assume that you have read the first book, it is very realistic, touching and also descriptive with great character development. It is a great Christian romance book with enough information to be naughty but not dirty.

Doug doesn't get very involved in this book and I think it is a good thing because Carlie and Aunt Charlotte provide enough entertainment while Bachelors 1 -3 and Clara add a great dimension to the book. It is a hilarious tale of how a broken soul (Clara) finds love. I also found many gems in the book that came in form of tips on how married people should treat each other. I love how the characters are so real, they could be you, your friend or your neighbor. I also loved how Lisa balanced the stories between Carlie's life and Clara's life. I have always liked books that provide information in form of e-mails, letters and such and with this book, there was a bonus in form of text messages that were included as part of the narrative.

The only negative thing about this book is that it ended. I cannot wait for book 3. I have found a new favourite author in Lisa Smartt!

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! What a story. Definitely one of the all time best Christian love stories I've ever read. Love the continuing humor that follows this book from the original & the southern charm & feel is everywhere & precise. Lisa Smartt thank you for giving us Doug, Carlie & all of the other warm characters that you've enriched all of our lives with. The characters are believable; flawed; loveable & we are hooked desperately to see what will happen next in ALL their lives. I believe this will be the modern day "Love Comes Softly" series...It's contemporary; with tons of emotions from characters as well as the reader. You've given us things to be happy & sad about; as life truly is. This is a MUST READ & MUST OWN book for those who don't always read Christian material, but like a well told romance without lust; that allows you to actually FEEL the love between these characters..........BRAVO.........WELL DONE!

[Lizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't mean to read the whole book in one sitting - it just kinda happened. Didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first one, but I still really enjoyed it. I didn't relate as much to Clara, and Dusty wasn't as charming. Even so, I was still rooting for them. My favorite parts were Carlie and Aunt Charlotte's scheming.

Oh, to have a Carlie to match make me. Even if she wasn't all that good at it, I'd still be a willing participant. Like it says on the first page, "Getting married is not the most important thing in life. But it's not unimportant either. If you really want to get married, it hurts not to be. And I think it's really dumb when people act like it doesn't hurt or that marriage doesn't matter." Such an accurate quote for me right now.

Looking forward to starting (and maybe even finishing) the third book tomorrow.

[Jaime K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could give half stars. I'd give this a 4.5. Almost as good as the first one :D

After 6 months, Carlie Jameson can say that married life is treating her well. Actually, all of life is. She has a book deal on married life and is working on a movie deal as well.
But Carlie gets it in her head to play matchmaker. Her first unwilling victim is her friend Clara, who is back in Georgia teaching kindergarten.

The first few attempts go awry, but Carlie is still determined (despite some hidden scars from the past that Clara admits to).
Clara though, realizes that she's fine on her own, once she begins to open up and stop hiding.

Jake is an insurance broker who is handsome and is active in his church. His family seems perfect, and strives to hide their scars.
Dusty is a mechanic with a broken past and has been working to make his life better. His father is the only family he has.

The relationship ending was predictable, but I enjoyed the telling of the story. The second book in the Doug & Carlie series does not disappoint at all.

I really loved Carlie's tips towards marriage, God and friendship. Smartt's views on these things are quite evident, and even helpful. She also gave the reader a great reminder that not being good in one thing doesn't make a person stupid.

The circumstances around this novel's death are highly fishy and a bit confusing. I don't blame Clara for going back to work though. I'm the same when something bad happens. Teaching helps keep a person's mind off the bad.

[Jo-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Carlie decides to become a matchmaker so that everyone can be has happy as she is with Doug and, of course, she decides Doug will be helping her with this (but he doesn't know about the plan yet). We meet Carlie's ex-roommate, Clara who keeps to herself, is anti-social and tries to be invisible to men. She is Carlie's first client (Clara doesn't know about this either). Doug doesn't have much to do with the matchmaking plan, which is good because Carlie and Aunt Charlotte are on a roll finding matches for Clara. Even though Carlie is telling herself she is only matchmaking so everyone can be happy, she is really just sticking her nose into everyone's business, where it doesn't belong.

Carlie did talk Clara about finding a mate for her but Clara wasn't very happy about it. The set-up dates didn't work out but Clara found someone on her own.

I love Doug and Carlie. They are amazing characters and Carlie is absolutely hilarious! It is so nice to see a story that focuses on forgiveness, love and looking for the best in people. It was nice to read about the new characters but I like that a lot of the ones from the last book were still there. I am looking forward to reading the next Doug and Carlie book.

[Melody Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[DCT · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Doug and Carlie's story, but I absolutely loved the 2nd edition to their continued story. I'm a Southern girl, and so much about both of these stories spoke to me and were near and dear to my heart. I am so vested in these characters and found myself truly laughing out very loudly during many of the scenes; and that Aunt Charlotte, well what can I say except, Bless her heart, LOL! There are also many tender and emotional moments, and I literally cried when Clara looked up from the front of the Church and saw Dusty making his way to see her. And speaking of Dusty McConnell, I just fell in love with him myself; his character was redeeming, "humble" and just precious. The end of the story just brought a huge smile to my face and I just can't wait to see what part 3 of this adventure will hold. It has been a remarkable journey so far. One of my favs for sure!

[Terri Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me a good book is one that engages the reader from the beginning. This was book 2 in a series. Usually sequels are not as good as the originals. This is the exception. This was better than the first and one I was truly glued to. I couldn't put it down until the end. Lisa Smartt is tremendously talented. She writes in such in depth, descriptive ways you feel you know the characters. The story has more about the characters in this sequel. We learn more about Clara and the ever so funny Aunt Charlotte. I laughed out loud as I was reading this book. I was rooting for the characters like they were my friends and neighbors. I highly recommend this series. It's a feel good story that could actually be true! Brilliant!

[Camille Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always pick up a sequel with a bit of apprehension - what if the second book doesn't measure up to the first?

I loved Lisa Smartt's first book, "Doug and Carlie" - it was just so dang fun! - and I wondered if she'd be able to keep up the humor and pace in this second book in the series.

She did better than that. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book - and I enjoyed the second even more. Lisa's craft as a writer was stronger, and she bravely tackled some rather difficult issues (and did so with her characteristic grace and humor).

Lisa Smartt is a writer coming into full bloom - I can't wait to read Book #3!

[Merry Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Funny, real, moving. I'm not from a small town, but have been living in one for the past decade. Her description of the interconnectedness of people in small towns rings true to me. The morning after I finished the book, I was in Wal-Mart and the cashier asked about my kids, and the woman behind me in line attends my church. I love small town living, and it's clear Lisa Smartt does too. One thing I enjoyed the most is getting to see Carlie from Clara Louise's point of view. I'm looking forward to book #3!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Carlie is amazing as a wonderfully annoying busy-body who just wants everyone to be happy. She tries to find happiness for her best friend and doesn't understand how much each person may have in his/her past. The book focuses on the themes of love, forgiveness, and finding the best in someone. This is a great love story that is wonderful to read because the action and character development carry the book instead of graphic sex scenes.
Lisa Smartt knows how to create a story that leaves a lasting impact on a reader.

[Irene Martinez Ramirez · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book here in Good reads. I am happy for that. I liked much better the first book. This book was constantly making a plot twist. Also i don't understand many of her expressions. It's a good book, it's just that I don't have the knowledge of how southern people live and express. Some details can really help in this book.

[{shannon} · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doug & Carlie's Love Conspiracy had a little more action and some twists that book one didn't have. I enjoyed the story line and the ups and downs of this book. Lisa Smartt also brought in some issues such as waiting for sex until marriage, the grace of Jesus for things in our past, infertility, and adoption. I can't wait to see how things turn out in book #3!!

[Anino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love a great romance that's not only captivating, but chock full of snappy dialog... Besides those great factors, this inspirational book was well-written, with fully realized characters that will make you believe in second chances..

Giving this one 5 stupendous stars....

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this funny sweet book. It is a refreshing change from some of the other books I read - which I also love. This is the second book in the series and I can't wait until the third one comes out in December.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cute Doug and Carlie story. I really enjoy the writing style and the way Carlie is represented in the story. She comes off kind, funny, a little sarcastic, and genuine. I was glad to see Clara overcome her devastating past and the sadness of her present to find true love.

[Lani Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

JUst as good as the first book. I like it when an author isnt afraid to write characters who have strong spiritual/religious beliefs. This book is funny and sad and poignant and sassy and HOT.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very disappointed in this book. Especially since I so enjoyed the original.

[Gaynor Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent follow up to the first book. Love the down to earth every-day humor in it. Very easy reading. Cant' wait until December for the next one!

[Cristina McGannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book right after the 1st in the series. Loved them both and hoping the 3rd is out soon. This book also has one of my favorite all time parts of a book... washing hair and funyuns.

[Kimberly Neely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Doug and Carlie book. Can't wait for the third!

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy it as much as the first book.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it!!! A new favorite series and author!

[Karyn Niedert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute story, great follow up to Lisa Smartt's first book in this series.

[Dena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally give my read a 5 to 10% read and if it does not catch my attention, I dump the book. The beginning of it was pretty slow and I just could not get into it.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yanked my heart strings AND made me laugh!

[Michelle Fecowycz Meers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost as engaging as the first book of the series. Sweet and fun to read.

[Paula Sayers]

Could not put it down!!!

This book is wonderful!!! I found myself reading large chunks each time I picked it up. This is a must read book!!!!