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Doug & Carlie #3
Doug and Carlie: Matchmakers on a Mission
Ashley Harrison is a movie star. But she’s not your typical diva. Even though she’s nominated for an Academy Award, she passes on the designer dress and wears a $276 dress straight from the rack of her Aunt Millie’s discount bridal shop in Birmingham. When entertainment magazines get word of Ashley’s unconventional ways, they react as though Mars has exploded and contaminated all of North Dakota. Can Ashley’s best friends, Doug and Carlie, help her manage stardom while maintaining small town roots? Can Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Bart attend an Oscar party without their pet raccoon? Can a young widower find the courage to keep going? To love again? Doug and Matchmakers on a Mission (Book #3 in the Doug and Carlie Series) returns to Sharon, Tennessee, where beloved small-town characters once again rally to bring laughter and hope to their little corner of the world…and beyond.
- GenresChristian Fiction
322 pages, Paperback
First published January 27, 2014
6 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Smartt
11 books58 followersLisa 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!
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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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 17, 2016
I love this book series!!!
The Doug & Carlie books are wonderful!! I want to read them cover to cover and never put them down!!
The Doug & Carlie books are wonderful!! I want to read them cover to cover and never put them down!!
May 5, 2023
Beautiful, beautiful story. I really enjoyed it. This one might be my favorite one so far. Sadly, my local library does not have the fourth so I've got to decide if I want to buy it or just never read it. I'll probably buy it.
The characters are so well written and realistic, and the plot was engaging. There was a lot of restoration with the love story.
This one also made me sadder than the other two not due to content but because... man do I wish I had a Carlie to love me and help me find love. It might be time to take a break on the romance books.
The characters are so well written and realistic, and the plot was engaging. There was a lot of restoration with the love story.
This one also made me sadder than the other two not due to content but because... man do I wish I had a Carlie to love me and help me find love. It might be time to take a break on the romance books.
December 28, 2014
I absolutely love visiting my friends in Sharon, TN! Each time I sit down to read one of the wonderful books in this series, it is like going home to visit with those family and friends that you hold dear and that make your smile. I have loved this entire series, but this one was truly the icing on the cake, baked by Aunt Charlotte no doubt. Carlie is always the center of everything, and her charm and humor just makes everything (even the hard times) a little more palatable. In this edition, we do get to experience the best of times and the worst of times. I don't want to go into too much detail about the plot, as I want the next reader to experience the sheer joy and magic of it without me giving too much away; but what I loved is, how in the midst of Carlie and the beauty of her and her life, we see some of her friends have some serious challenges to live through and overcome. Lisa is brilliant in the way she manages to tackle serious topics with truth and hope; the Christian and faith undertones are always prevalent, yet subtle and comforting. We get to see all our old friends, and although I love them all, I have to say I have a special warm place in my heart for Aunt Charlotte. I would give just about anything to see her buck dancing on the front porch, lol. So many (and I mean many) of my literal laugh out loud moments came from the mouth of Aunt Charlotte! I am a Southern girl myself (born and bred in Georgia), so much of the pop culture from the story, took me back to summers on my grandparents property/farm with fond memories. So glad to see that there will be a 4th edition to Doug and Carlie's adventures, after all, James needs a little brother or sister, Clara is expecting any day, and newlywed Ashley could be expecting soon? Anyway, as always, my heart is full after sharing in the escapades of Carlie and friends, and I can hardly wait for more. Thanks Lisa for sharing your wonderful gift with us!
January 15, 2016
This book takes place three years after the last book. Doug and Carlie have a son named James. Ashley is now an up-and-coming Hollywood star, and has to deal with that baggage. And Shannon has died, leaving Dave with their adopted son, Collin.
A lot has changed, for both good and bad.
Carlie's mission is to get Ashley and Dave together. Both have had strong relationships with losses that they're healing from. This is such a great show of the pain residing in widows and widowers, no matter how much time has passed.
Oh, and decorative pillows in a single male's home is a sign of desperation. Personally, I think they're ridiculous no matter what.
People make mistakes, sometimes mistakes that may seem unforgivable. There are moments at which we feel betrayed, but really, the person didn't betray us; they betrayed themselves. Carlie understands this, and when Ashley comes clean with some important news, Carlie takes a moment to process information and says something perfect: "I love you." There is no blame from others, or at least not in an aggressive way. It's a "okay, you made this mistake. Let's work with it and help you towards a better future." This is for Ashley and Dave, as well as others who have dealt with similar circumstances.
The reactions are perfect.
A lot has changed, for both good and bad.
Carlie's mission is to get Ashley and Dave together. Both have had strong relationships with losses that they're healing from. This is such a great show of the pain residing in widows and widowers, no matter how much time has passed.
Oh, and decorative pillows in a single male's home is a sign of desperation. Personally, I think they're ridiculous no matter what.
People make mistakes, sometimes mistakes that may seem unforgivable. There are moments at which we feel betrayed, but really, the person didn't betray us; they betrayed themselves. Carlie understands this, and when Ashley comes clean with some important news, Carlie takes a moment to process information and says something perfect: "I love you." There is no blame from others, or at least not in an aggressive way. It's a "okay, you made this mistake. Let's work with it and help you towards a better future." This is for Ashley and Dave, as well as others who have dealt with similar circumstances.
The reactions are perfect.
March 22, 2014
Wow, another great Doug and Carlie book. Way to rock it Lisa!!! I am not going to recap this book as I usually do. Suffice it to say there is a lot that goes on and I enjoyed every word of it.
For me, this book was a bit of a departure from the first two C & Ds because there are a few serious issues that are addressed within: fame, grief and addiction. Lisa Smartt continues to give Carlie a wonderful and interesting sense of humor. Obviously, with the issues addressed in Doug and Carlie: Matchmakers on a Mission there are chapters that are more serious as addiction is dealt with and the consequences of fame and fortune revealed. But it makes this story very real. These are everyday occurrences that many people in the world deal with.
Kudos to you, Lisa Smartt, for not only given us comedy but allowing us to watch as people deal with real life issues.
I can't wait for book four and I pray there are more to come.
I highly recommend this book. I believe it is much better to read the series in order so that you can understand this unique couple and how it all began.
For me, this book was a bit of a departure from the first two C & Ds because there are a few serious issues that are addressed within: fame, grief and addiction. Lisa Smartt continues to give Carlie a wonderful and interesting sense of humor. Obviously, with the issues addressed in Doug and Carlie: Matchmakers on a Mission there are chapters that are more serious as addiction is dealt with and the consequences of fame and fortune revealed. But it makes this story very real. These are everyday occurrences that many people in the world deal with.
Kudos to you, Lisa Smartt, for not only given us comedy but allowing us to watch as people deal with real life issues.
I can't wait for book four and I pray there are more to come.
I highly recommend this book. I believe it is much better to read the series in order so that you can understand this unique couple and how it all began.
July 8, 2014
As a connosier of a variety of genres, this book really impressed me. I absolutely love the way that Ms. Smartt can spin a tale about 2 wounded individuals, taking them through a maze of first blush, pursuit, rejection, and restoration.
This isn't your average inspirational fiction book. Nope, not at all. As a matter of fact, it's real without being smutastic, taking the reader on a dark and twisty road that leads to something more satisfying.
In my opinion, the characters were touchable, and the world-building was out of sight. Not only was this book well-written, but it was captivating as well.
Ms. Smart is an awesome writer with a bright future ahead of her.
Giving this one: 5 stars
This isn't your average inspirational fiction book. Nope, not at all. As a matter of fact, it's real without being smutastic, taking the reader on a dark and twisty road that leads to something more satisfying.
In my opinion, the characters were touchable, and the world-building was out of sight. Not only was this book well-written, but it was captivating as well.
Ms. Smart is an awesome writer with a bright future ahead of her.
Giving this one: 5 stars
April 8, 2014
I loved the first Doug & Carlie book - related to so much of Carlie's story, laughed until I cried, and almost burned the biscuits. Lisa Smartt's writing was even stronger in Book 2 of the series, Doug & Carlie's Love Conspiracy, as she tackled some pretty tough issues with her characteristic humor and grace. In Book 3 - Matchmakers on a Mission - Lisa Smartt is in full-stride. Witty, straight-shooting, and tender-tough, she again jumps into some sticky situations, serving them up with grace and a spoonful of humor. Life is hard and we all have mess in our closets, but Mrs. Smartt challenges readers to live transparently and to not let the mistakes of our past define our future. Fun and full of hope!
August 6, 2016
She did it again! This book was just the right combination of funny, tragic, heart wrenching, and simple down home love and trial and error. It is a refreshing read and reminder that love isn't always something you can deny.
January 7, 2015
I really enjoy the writing style of Lisa Smartt. You can't help but cheer on Carlie (and Doug's) attempts at matchmaking and want the unions to be successful. Definitely another cute story with some ups and downs and real life situations thrown in.
July 21, 2014
Wonderful
Wonderful
a funny,sad and very romantic read. this is book 3... I have read them and they are great.I recommend. 10 stars.
Wonderful
a funny,sad and very romantic read. this is book 3... I have read them and they are great.I recommend. 10 stars.
August 11, 2014
Another fabulous story in this series!! #4 can come soon enough!
March 26, 2014
Love this one even more than the others? Is that possible?
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews