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Doug & Carlie #4
Doug and Carlie: Lessons in Love
“Every social event is an opportunity for education, that’s what I always say. The Friday night fish fry at Dave and Ashley’s was no exception. By the end of the evening, here’s what I’d Sarah Simpson got her front tooth fixed and wore new capri pants, which makes me think she’s ready for my matchmaking services. Tom Hanks plays Ashley’s wealthy uncle in the upcoming movie. Aunt Charlotte is now mourning the death of a calf she wasn’t supposed to have in the city limits anyway. Cora Belle Mathis pretends to believe in reincarnation even though she’s a Baptist. And Matthew Prescott? He has a sister named Mary. The rest of his life is a complete mystery.” -Carlie Jameson, "Doug and Lessons in Love"
- GenresChristian Fiction
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2014
5 people are currently reading
17 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 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 7, 2015
I absolutely love this series by Lisa Smartt. The humor, faith, love, friendships and community along with the writing style portraying the characters really make these books. I like how the little town of Sharon gives people like Dusty and Matthew second chances because people really do deserve a second chance. I was saddened by the loss of Ida and Chester but thought it was appropriate how they passed within 12 hours of one another. They had a forever-kind of love. I will miss them in the next book. Another great book! November is a long time to wait for the next one but I can't wait!
January 3, 2015
Loved it.
This book is great. I enjoyed it as much as the other three. These books are great at keeping you on your toes while reading just like the other ones. Can't wait for book 5. Loved these books and the wonderful s author. Sad I read the book so fast. LOVED IT!!!! Great job Lisa
This book is great. I enjoyed it as much as the other three. These books are great at keeping you on your toes while reading just like the other ones. Can't wait for book 5. Loved these books and the wonderful s author. Sad I read the book so fast. LOVED IT!!!! Great job Lisa
January 1, 2015
We all can use some of these wonderful Lessons in Love!
I absolutely love this author, and the precious residents and stories from Sharon, Tennessee! Doug and Carlie endeared themselves into my heart from the very start, and each and every one of their adventures are heartwarming, witty, engaging and down right fun. Not only is Carlie a famous author, but she is equally known for her match matching prowess. In this edition, Carlie has set her sights on Sarah, the 30 year old never married, 3rd grade school teacher who recently got her chipped front tooth fixed, and looks amazing from behind in her new white Capri pants from the only women's upscale boutique in Sharon. Her very public refusal to the proposal of marriage from Jerry Conner, the local law enforcement officer, still has the locals talking. That is until the gorgeous, ex-con Matthew Prescott, come to Sharon to work in Dusty McConnell's mechanic shop; he becomes a houseguest of the sweet, childless couple of Chester and Ida, who welcome and treat him like the son they never had. What did Matthew do to spend 14 years in prison? Why does he look so polished and carries himself like someone from old money? Why does he look at Sarah Simpson as the beautiful woman that he has ever seen? These are the burning questions on the enquiring minds of the sweet yet nosy resident of Sharon, Tennessee.
I loved each and every moment of this read! Lisa is skilled at weaving warmth and humor into stories with important life lessons, reminding the reader of the importance of life, love, forgiveness, redemption and faith. Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Bart, as always are the real stars of the show, and of course we got some great snap shots of all our old friends and couples that we have grown to know and love from Carlie's previous adventures. I devoured this one, and look so forward to more. Thank you Lisa for another just precious story, and for the warm glow and smile I have after experiencing this jewel!
I absolutely love this author, and the precious residents and stories from Sharon, Tennessee! Doug and Carlie endeared themselves into my heart from the very start, and each and every one of their adventures are heartwarming, witty, engaging and down right fun. Not only is Carlie a famous author, but she is equally known for her match matching prowess. In this edition, Carlie has set her sights on Sarah, the 30 year old never married, 3rd grade school teacher who recently got her chipped front tooth fixed, and looks amazing from behind in her new white Capri pants from the only women's upscale boutique in Sharon. Her very public refusal to the proposal of marriage from Jerry Conner, the local law enforcement officer, still has the locals talking. That is until the gorgeous, ex-con Matthew Prescott, come to Sharon to work in Dusty McConnell's mechanic shop; he becomes a houseguest of the sweet, childless couple of Chester and Ida, who welcome and treat him like the son they never had. What did Matthew do to spend 14 years in prison? Why does he look so polished and carries himself like someone from old money? Why does he look at Sarah Simpson as the beautiful woman that he has ever seen? These are the burning questions on the enquiring minds of the sweet yet nosy resident of Sharon, Tennessee.
I loved each and every moment of this read! Lisa is skilled at weaving warmth and humor into stories with important life lessons, reminding the reader of the importance of life, love, forgiveness, redemption and faith. Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Bart, as always are the real stars of the show, and of course we got some great snap shots of all our old friends and couples that we have grown to know and love from Carlie's previous adventures. I devoured this one, and look so forward to more. Thank you Lisa for another just precious story, and for the warm glow and smile I have after experiencing this jewel!
February 14, 2015
To be fair, I must say that I believe that Lisa Smartt is an excellent writer, but for some reason or another, I had a hard time getting into this latest installment of the "Doug and Carlie" series.
That's not to say that it was absolutely horrible, but this book was missing that essential "spark" that makes one want to fall in love with the characters, and spend hours at a time, being captivated by a story that leaves one feeling like they've had the privilege of being served a 5 star meal.
I'm hoping that at some point or another, that Ms. Smartt will get her groove back, and present her readers with a better installment (proper epilogue included), that clearly displays the gifts and talents that she has as a writer.
Her fans deserve no less than that.
Giving this one: 2.5 stars
January 16, 2015
I've enjoyed every book in this series, but this is the best yet!
April 24, 2016
Love this series!!!
I could not put this book down. I always had to know what was going to happen next!!! Looking forward to the next Doug & Carlie book!!
I could not put this book down. I always had to know what was going to happen next!!! Looking forward to the next Doug & Carlie book!!
September 4, 2024
Wonderful series!
I just finished reading the four book series.... I thoroughly enjoyed each of them. It will be difficult to find my next read. It's difficult to find something new to read after completing such a good series.
I live in West Tennessee, not far from the area in which this series took place. It is wonderful to know all the places mentioned and be able to see them in your mind as you're reading.
I just finished reading the four book series.... I thoroughly enjoyed each of them. It will be difficult to find my next read. It's difficult to find something new to read after completing such a good series.
I live in West Tennessee, not far from the area in which this series took place. It is wonderful to know all the places mentioned and be able to see them in your mind as you're reading.
July 26, 2025
Still one of the best series
I’ve now read the Doug and Carlie series three times and I love it as much as the first time I read it. I wish it went on for 20 more books. Love every character and their story. And really wish I could meet Aunt Charlotte!😆
I’ve now read the Doug and Carlie series three times and I love it as much as the first time I read it. I wish it went on for 20 more books. Love every character and their story. And really wish I could meet Aunt Charlotte!😆
June 10, 2023
Really, really liked it! I missed Carlie and all the folks in Sharon. Probably my least favorite of the four, but still so good!
December 9, 2015
I re-read all four of the Doug and Carlie books in the last two days...that's a lot of reading folks. It was only then that I realized I had failed to review 'Lessons in Love' so I will rectify that today.
Just so you know I'm considering a move to Sharon, Tennessee, or maybe down the street from Lisa Smartt and find me and ex-con. Who knew they could be so utterly transformed and find Jesus through the terrifying years in prison? Surely Dusty and Matthew have led a few other buddies there by now. But truly, Lisa's books have never failed to touch me deeply and her expertise with humor is just over the top. She is a bright shining star in the realm of Christian Romantic Comedy. I am laughing with tears running down my face one minute and and silently weeping the next. It's an amazing experience and an emotional one as well.
In this book we have all the usual cast of characters from the first three books. Sarah Simpson is a thirty-ish year-old school teacher who has had a very long run of poor luck in the romance department, not that I think luck has anything to do with it. She is shy and could be lovely with a little work and fixin' up is just what she did turning herself into a lovely swan, not that she was an ugly duckling to begin with.
Then we have our old friends Clara and Dusty. Dusty had made a good friend, Matthew Prescott, while incarcerated, and continued to visit and support him after Dusty had served his time. He offered Matthew a job in his mechanic's shop after he was released and Matthew made the move to Sharon. There was a spark between the newcomer, Matthew, and the now lovely school teacher, Sarah. Matthew failed to do anything about that because he wasn't quite sure how to date or woo a young woman. He had been sentenced and sent to prison when he was only twenty-one and is now thirty-five.
'Lessons in Love' is quite a bumpy ride. Ex-cons are not always looked upon in the best possible light especially when they are newcomers and Sarah has a spurned ex-boyfriend who is just hankering to cause trouble...and he does. And wouldn't you know just when things are heating up between Matthew and Sarah a gorgeous young woman, a childhood friend of Matthew's, shows up to visit him...divorced from her nine-year marriage with her sights set on the handsome Matthew.
What a ride. I highly recommend this book as well as the series. Best read in order. Thank you, Lisa, for another brilliant addition to this series.
Just so you know I'm considering a move to Sharon, Tennessee, or maybe down the street from Lisa Smartt and find me and ex-con. Who knew they could be so utterly transformed and find Jesus through the terrifying years in prison? Surely Dusty and Matthew have led a few other buddies there by now. But truly, Lisa's books have never failed to touch me deeply and her expertise with humor is just over the top. She is a bright shining star in the realm of Christian Romantic Comedy. I am laughing with tears running down my face one minute and and silently weeping the next. It's an amazing experience and an emotional one as well.
In this book we have all the usual cast of characters from the first three books. Sarah Simpson is a thirty-ish year-old school teacher who has had a very long run of poor luck in the romance department, not that I think luck has anything to do with it. She is shy and could be lovely with a little work and fixin' up is just what she did turning herself into a lovely swan, not that she was an ugly duckling to begin with.
Then we have our old friends Clara and Dusty. Dusty had made a good friend, Matthew Prescott, while incarcerated, and continued to visit and support him after Dusty had served his time. He offered Matthew a job in his mechanic's shop after he was released and Matthew made the move to Sharon. There was a spark between the newcomer, Matthew, and the now lovely school teacher, Sarah. Matthew failed to do anything about that because he wasn't quite sure how to date or woo a young woman. He had been sentenced and sent to prison when he was only twenty-one and is now thirty-five.
'Lessons in Love' is quite a bumpy ride. Ex-cons are not always looked upon in the best possible light especially when they are newcomers and Sarah has a spurned ex-boyfriend who is just hankering to cause trouble...and he does. And wouldn't you know just when things are heating up between Matthew and Sarah a gorgeous young woman, a childhood friend of Matthew's, shows up to visit him...divorced from her nine-year marriage with her sights set on the handsome Matthew.
What a ride. I highly recommend this book as well as the series. Best read in order. Thank you, Lisa, for another brilliant addition to this series.
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April 13, 2015A great book to look forward to for before bed reading.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews