What do you think?
Rate this book
Lauren Holbrook #1
Miss Match
Lauren Holbrook has found her life's calling: matchmaking for the romantically challenged. And with the eclectic cast of characters in her world, there's tons of potential to play "connect the friends."
Lauren sets out to introduce Nick, her carefree singles' pastor, to Ruby, her neurotic coworker who plans every second of every day. What could possibly go wrong? Just about everything.
Lauren sets out to introduce Nick, her carefree singles' pastor, to Ruby, her neurotic coworker who plans every second of every day. What could possibly go wrong? Just about everything.
368 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2007
106 people are currently reading
3156 people want to read
About the author
Erynn Mangum
34 books667 followersI love to read, love to write and am very blessed to be a wife and mama of two precious boys and a beautiful little girl. My latest books are The Broken Branch and Mind the Gap! Look for the Lauren Holbrook series (Miss Match, ReMatch, Match Point, Match Made and Bake Me A Match), the Maya Davis series (Cool Beans, Latte Daze and Double Shot) Sketchy Behavior, and the Paige Alder series (Paige Torn, Paige Rewritten and Paige Turned) and the Carrington Springs series (Katie in Waiting, Once Upon Eliza and Happily Ever Ashten) in paperback and ebook format, along with lots of ebook novellas. :) To learn more, visit me on Instagram @ErynnMangum.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews
September 18, 2019
About this book:
“Lauren Holbrook has found her life's calling: matchmaking for the romantically challenged. And with the eclectic cast of characters in her world, there's tons of potential to play "connect the friends." Lauren sets out to introduce Nick, her carefree singles' pastor, to Ruby, her neurotic coworker who plans every second of every day. What could possibly go wrong? Just about everything.”
Series: Book #1 in “Lauren Holbrook” series.
Spiritual Content- Prayers; Church & sermons; Singles group, sermons & talks about Scriptures; Many, many Scriptures are read, remembered & mentioned; Bible reading & Bible studies; Talks about God, His sovereignty. & being dissatisfied with your relationship with God; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Mentions of Bibles & Bible shopping; Mentions of books in the Bible; Mentions of prayers;
*Note: a mention of the god of money.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘drat’, a ‘sheesh’, a ‘stuff it’, a ‘wimp’, three ‘heck’s, three ‘holy cows’, four ‘darn’s, four ‘dumb’s, four ‘gosh’s, four ‘what the heck’, six ‘shut up’s, seven ‘idiot’s, ten ‘stupid’s and twelve ‘oh my gosh’s; Lot of sarcasm & sass; A mention of alcohol & drinking; A mention of drugs; A mention of suicide; A couple mentions of a dead body.
Sexual Content- a cheek kiss; Watching people kiss on TV; Engaged couples kiss; Hearing kisses (no details); Mention of kisses; Laurie watches guys stare at beautiful girls; A man pinches his wife’s bottom; a ‘bimbo’, a ‘slut’, & two ‘babe’s; A mention of menopause & puberty; A mention of strippers;
*Note: Mentions of other girls’ short skirts & Barbie figure; A mention of Victoria Secret models.
-Lauren “Laurie” Holbrook, age 23
1st person P.O.V. of Lauren
365 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
Laurie is hilarious! The faith, talks & over all Spiritual Content was strong, and I highly enjoyed it all! I can’t say much else for fear of spoilers, but this was a fun book!
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Lauren Holbrook has found her life's calling: matchmaking for the romantically challenged. And with the eclectic cast of characters in her world, there's tons of potential to play "connect the friends." Lauren sets out to introduce Nick, her carefree singles' pastor, to Ruby, her neurotic coworker who plans every second of every day. What could possibly go wrong? Just about everything.”
Series: Book #1 in “Lauren Holbrook” series.
Spiritual Content- Prayers; Church & sermons; Singles group, sermons & talks about Scriptures; Many, many Scriptures are read, remembered & mentioned; Bible reading & Bible studies; Talks about God, His sovereignty. & being dissatisfied with your relationship with God; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Mentions of Bibles & Bible shopping; Mentions of books in the Bible; Mentions of prayers;
*Note: a mention of the god of money.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘drat’, a ‘sheesh’, a ‘stuff it’, a ‘wimp’, three ‘heck’s, three ‘holy cows’, four ‘darn’s, four ‘dumb’s, four ‘gosh’s, four ‘what the heck’, six ‘shut up’s, seven ‘idiot’s, ten ‘stupid’s and twelve ‘oh my gosh’s; Lot of sarcasm & sass; A mention of alcohol & drinking; A mention of drugs; A mention of suicide; A couple mentions of a dead body.
Sexual Content- a cheek kiss; Watching people kiss on TV; Engaged couples kiss; Hearing kisses (no details); Mention of kisses; Laurie watches guys stare at beautiful girls; A man pinches his wife’s bottom; a ‘bimbo’, a ‘slut’, & two ‘babe’s; A mention of menopause & puberty; A mention of strippers;
*Note: Mentions of other girls’ short skirts & Barbie figure; A mention of Victoria Secret models.
-Lauren “Laurie” Holbrook, age 23
1st person P.O.V. of Lauren
365 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
Laurie is hilarious! The faith, talks & over all Spiritual Content was strong, and I highly enjoyed it all! I can’t say much else for fear of spoilers, but this was a fun book!
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
July 10, 2022
This book was the cutest and made me actually laugh out loud so many times! I loved all the coffee and Pride and Prejudice references. I look forward to reading more of Erynn Mangum's books.
August 31, 2013
I don't think I have ever laughed so hard while reading a fiction book! Lauren was a great character and I can't wait to read another book about her. I also like that while this book was funny, there was also a strong faith element. There was a little leaning toward Calvinism (which I personally disagree with) but it wasn't so overwhelming that it detracted from the book.
December 26, 2008
Review by Gigi Hoffman
Lauren “Laurie” Holbrook is a chocolate eating, coffee addict with a knack for matchmaking. After she successfully matches her older sister, Laurie goes on a mission to matchmake everyone else too, starting with people at her work. Laurie works at a photography studio run by her best-friend-since-forever, Brandon. Brandon is a more serious person, a great balance for Laurie’s wacky, mile-a-minute self. The camaraderie between the two is fun, the prime brother/sister relationship, but with quicker and more humorous retorts.
When the atmosphere at work spoils, due to a cranky, neurotic coworker, what else is there for Laurie to do except matchmake? Say, with Laurie’s laidback singles’ pastor?
Then, Brandon hires a much needed secretary for the studio. To Laurie’s chagrin, it turns out to be Hannah—a flawless blonde with gorgeous hair, a great style, and a bubbly personality. Brandon invites Hannah to their singles’ group, and although Laurie does not like Hannah butting in, it doesn’t take long before Laurie’s disdain for Hannah fades. Laurie discovers that behind the natural beauty, Hannah is a sweet girl with a good sense of humor and similar tastes in movies. In fact, Hannah would make a good match too…
And although Laurie is content to be single and doesn’t want to get married, she meets Ryan at the singles’ Bible study and they become fast friends. With all the possible matches floating around, it doesn’t take much for Laurie to get in some crazy situations. And the only thing better than watching her get into them, is watching her talk her way out of them.
Laurie’s love for classic chick-flicks adds to the story, and anyone who enjoys Pride and Prejudice, While You Were Sleeping, the Princess Bride should pick up this book. Laurie frequently quotes lines from movies like these, and even though she’s just a character, it’s easy to hear her corny British accent when she quotes Pride and Prejudice or see her friends roll their eyes at her imitations.
Anyone who loves coffee, chick-flicks, or humor has got to read this book.
Lauren “Laurie” Holbrook is a chocolate eating, coffee addict with a knack for matchmaking. After she successfully matches her older sister, Laurie goes on a mission to matchmake everyone else too, starting with people at her work. Laurie works at a photography studio run by her best-friend-since-forever, Brandon. Brandon is a more serious person, a great balance for Laurie’s wacky, mile-a-minute self. The camaraderie between the two is fun, the prime brother/sister relationship, but with quicker and more humorous retorts.
When the atmosphere at work spoils, due to a cranky, neurotic coworker, what else is there for Laurie to do except matchmake? Say, with Laurie’s laidback singles’ pastor?
Then, Brandon hires a much needed secretary for the studio. To Laurie’s chagrin, it turns out to be Hannah—a flawless blonde with gorgeous hair, a great style, and a bubbly personality. Brandon invites Hannah to their singles’ group, and although Laurie does not like Hannah butting in, it doesn’t take long before Laurie’s disdain for Hannah fades. Laurie discovers that behind the natural beauty, Hannah is a sweet girl with a good sense of humor and similar tastes in movies. In fact, Hannah would make a good match too…
And although Laurie is content to be single and doesn’t want to get married, she meets Ryan at the singles’ Bible study and they become fast friends. With all the possible matches floating around, it doesn’t take much for Laurie to get in some crazy situations. And the only thing better than watching her get into them, is watching her talk her way out of them.
Laurie’s love for classic chick-flicks adds to the story, and anyone who enjoys Pride and Prejudice, While You Were Sleeping, the Princess Bride should pick up this book. Laurie frequently quotes lines from movies like these, and even though she’s just a character, it’s easy to hear her corny British accent when she quotes Pride and Prejudice or see her friends roll their eyes at her imitations.
Anyone who loves coffee, chick-flicks, or humor has got to read this book.
April 25, 2010
Typical Christian chick-lit. At worst, a rip off of material better written by Jane Austen, at best, pedantic and stilting, this is not a recommendation of mine.
Lauren's character reads more like a 14-year-old than a woman in her mid-twenties. Her (possibly autobiographical for the author?) upbringing and lack of any sort of ambition and lackadaisical approach to adulthood make her irritating and her complete cluelessness about real life make her unbelievable. Also, I don't know any young Christian women whose main concerns are making brownies for their singles Bible study and letting men know what great wives their friends would make.
Perhaps Erynn will grow into a more mature voice with time, but this reads like my notebooks from high school, not reality. To quote the Princess Bride, "Life is pain, highness. Anyone who tells you differently is trying to sell you something." My advice to this young author is - don't try to pass off petty trials as true pain. Wait until you actually know what pain is.
Lauren's character reads more like a 14-year-old than a woman in her mid-twenties. Her (possibly autobiographical for the author?) upbringing and lack of any sort of ambition and lackadaisical approach to adulthood make her irritating and her complete cluelessness about real life make her unbelievable. Also, I don't know any young Christian women whose main concerns are making brownies for their singles Bible study and letting men know what great wives their friends would make.
Perhaps Erynn will grow into a more mature voice with time, but this reads like my notebooks from high school, not reality. To quote the Princess Bride, "Life is pain, highness. Anyone who tells you differently is trying to sell you something." My advice to this young author is - don't try to pass off petty trials as true pain. Wait until you actually know what pain is.
January 1, 2008
I'd probably recommend this to someone in high school. It's pretty juvenile, but it's cute. I may read the sequel. Nice if you want a cute obvious romance where you don't have to think too much.
January 17, 2011
Original post at One More Page
I have seen Miss Match first on my friend's bookshelf when she got back from her trip from the USA. I have been meaning to borrow it for the longest time but I always forget to ask about it when we see each other. Then when I got my Kindle, I have been eying the book in the store, thinking if it was worth the splurge. Come Christmas, I saw it went down to less than $2 and so I finally got it for myself. I started reading it soon after I finished the creeps-inducing read that is Choker.
Miss Match sounds and looks like everything there is to your typical chick lit. The pink cover with a girl and coffee cup is just the icing on the cake. Miss Match tells the story 23-year-old Laurie Holbrook who spends her free time making matches for her friends and family. Declaring herself to be single forever, she's decided instead to match her friends, particularly Nick, their singles pastor and Ruby, her time-conscious Type-A co-worker. As Laurie works her "magic", she makes new friends, learns a bit about how tricky relationships can be, and learns about God's sovereignty along the way.
Wow, when I wrote it that way, it sounds like a book that I would pick up, read, enjoy all throughout and pick up life and faith lessons afterward. It sounds like a book that I would write a long thoughtful review of, pointing out the things I would like to remember as a mental note. When I put it that way, it sounds like something I would thoroughly enjoy and recommend to all my other girl friends.
But.
As much as I wished I could say I enjoyed Miss Match ...it saddens me to say that I did not.
I'm not one to give up reading books easily, especially ones I paid for myself. Miss Match really proved to be a big challenge -- a first for a Christian chick lit novel. I liked the premise of the story, and I was curious enough to see how the author would make Laurie and her matchmaking connect with God's sovereignty. As a whole, I liked sort of romantic aspect and the relationships of the characters in the book. I liked most of the supporting characters, particularly Laurie's sisters and her co-workers. But as much as I liked the others, I must say this: I really, really disliked Laurie.
It's hard to like a book when you don't like the heroine, especially if you spend 100% of the book inside their head. Laurie first seemed like a nice person, but after a few chapters, I was getting sick of her. She's bratty, almost self-centered. Her initially witty quips became annoying soon after you get past the first few chapters. It makes me wonder sometimes if I said the same things when I was 23 and if I was that annoying, too. Her characterization felt horribly inconsistent, like she was spouting random facts about herself as a reaction to the things people are doing around her and it seemed so abrupt that I never really had a clear picture of who Laurie was as a person. The only thing I really knew about her in the story was herfondness addiction to chocolates and coffee. I also find her lack of ambition particularly disturbing at her age, too. At 23, I was already somewhat going through some major career and life decisions, while she's perfectly normal about her being where she was. She didn't seem to act her age -- she seemed more suitable as a high school student.
Okay, maybe her being annoying may be on purpose, but I found Laurie extremely manipulative, too, and it was probably the thing that had me shaking my head most while reading the novel. Sure, she was being a matchmaker, and true to form, she was being meddlesome. I kind of had a problem with the way her being meddlesome was justified by how she understood God's sovereignty. Case in point (spoiler warning ahead):
I find that particular conclusion a little off-putting, especially since I found everything Laurie did in the book manipulative and self-serving. She pushed the two characters together and would not give up not because she trusted God completely, but because she couldn't fail this match since she's never been wrong about her matches. Does that spell God's sovereignty? It doesn't seem like it. The rest of the spiritual aspect in the book also felt like it was forced and shallow.
They say it's based on Jane Austen's Emma, but since I haven't read it yet, I can't say how accurate it is. However, I'd like to believe that Emma wasn't a Mary Sue, unlike how I found Laurie Holbrook. Nothing sucks the fun out of reading than being in a Mary Sue's head. So...meh. It's been five days since I finished reading this book, and I still can't shake the annoyance I felt over this character. There are two more books in the Laurie Holbrook series and they say it gets better, but I think I'm going to pass for now. Maybe if I read this book before I've read some good chick lit with strong, non-Mary Sue characters, I would have liked it more since I didn't really know better then. Or maybe, if I read this one when I was younger, I would have enjoyed it more. But right now, I just think Miss Match is disappointing.
I have seen Miss Match first on my friend's bookshelf when she got back from her trip from the USA. I have been meaning to borrow it for the longest time but I always forget to ask about it when we see each other. Then when I got my Kindle, I have been eying the book in the store, thinking if it was worth the splurge. Come Christmas, I saw it went down to less than $2 and so I finally got it for myself. I started reading it soon after I finished the creeps-inducing read that is Choker.
Miss Match sounds and looks like everything there is to your typical chick lit. The pink cover with a girl and coffee cup is just the icing on the cake. Miss Match tells the story 23-year-old Laurie Holbrook who spends her free time making matches for her friends and family. Declaring herself to be single forever, she's decided instead to match her friends, particularly Nick, their singles pastor and Ruby, her time-conscious Type-A co-worker. As Laurie works her "magic", she makes new friends, learns a bit about how tricky relationships can be, and learns about God's sovereignty along the way.
Wow, when I wrote it that way, it sounds like a book that I would pick up, read, enjoy all throughout and pick up life and faith lessons afterward. It sounds like a book that I would write a long thoughtful review of, pointing out the things I would like to remember as a mental note. When I put it that way, it sounds like something I would thoroughly enjoy and recommend to all my other girl friends.
But.
As much as I wished I could say I enjoyed Miss Match ...it saddens me to say that I did not.
I'm not one to give up reading books easily, especially ones I paid for myself. Miss Match really proved to be a big challenge -- a first for a Christian chick lit novel. I liked the premise of the story, and I was curious enough to see how the author would make Laurie and her matchmaking connect with God's sovereignty. As a whole, I liked sort of romantic aspect and the relationships of the characters in the book. I liked most of the supporting characters, particularly Laurie's sisters and her co-workers. But as much as I liked the others, I must say this: I really, really disliked Laurie.
It's hard to like a book when you don't like the heroine, especially if you spend 100% of the book inside their head. Laurie first seemed like a nice person, but after a few chapters, I was getting sick of her. She's bratty, almost self-centered. Her initially witty quips became annoying soon after you get past the first few chapters. It makes me wonder sometimes if I said the same things when I was 23 and if I was that annoying, too. Her characterization felt horribly inconsistent, like she was spouting random facts about herself as a reaction to the things people are doing around her and it seemed so abrupt that I never really had a clear picture of who Laurie was as a person. The only thing I really knew about her in the story was her
Okay, maybe her being annoying may be on purpose, but I found Laurie extremely manipulative, too, and it was probably the thing that had me shaking my head most while reading the novel. Sure, she was being a matchmaker, and true to form, she was being meddlesome. I kind of had a problem with the way her being meddlesome was justified by how she understood God's sovereignty. Case in point (spoiler warning ahead):
My father once told me there comes a time in every woman's life when she desperately desires to be married.
No offense, Dad, but I think you were wrong.
I think there's more. Most women desire matrimony -- but with the guys God has created for them. My job is to be still and wait, knowing He is God.
And occasionally pushing a couple together. Just now and then of course...
What does that verse in Colossians say? "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to god the Father through him."
...Matchmaking is a deed, right? Thanks God.
I find that particular conclusion a little off-putting, especially since I found everything Laurie did in the book manipulative and self-serving. She pushed the two characters together and would not give up not because she trusted God completely, but because she couldn't fail this match since she's never been wrong about her matches. Does that spell God's sovereignty? It doesn't seem like it. The rest of the spiritual aspect in the book also felt like it was forced and shallow.
They say it's based on Jane Austen's Emma, but since I haven't read it yet, I can't say how accurate it is. However, I'd like to believe that Emma wasn't a Mary Sue, unlike how I found Laurie Holbrook. Nothing sucks the fun out of reading than being in a Mary Sue's head. So...meh. It's been five days since I finished reading this book, and I still can't shake the annoyance I felt over this character. There are two more books in the Laurie Holbrook series and they say it gets better, but I think I'm going to pass for now. Maybe if I read this book before I've read some good chick lit with strong, non-Mary Sue characters, I would have liked it more since I didn't really know better then. Or maybe, if I read this one when I was younger, I would have enjoyed it more. But right now, I just think Miss Match is disappointing.
May 30, 2024
Miss Match is the first book I have read by Erynn Mangum, but it will not be my last (in fact, I am currently reading the second in the series 😂).
Miss Match was SO much fun. I laughed so much and did not want to put it down. I loved Lauren, she is hilariously awkward, but so adorable. Her caffeine addiction was out of this world.
⛾ coffee
⛾ the Single's Bible Study
⛾ brownies
⛾ witty banter
⛾ matchmaker
⛾ wonderful friendships
⛾ sweet faith
⛾ have chocolate handy
I will say I have seen many reviews knocking the faith content, but I found it realistic. Lauren is learning and mulling over scripture, she doesn't have it all together. Truly loved this one!
Miss Match was SO much fun. I laughed so much and did not want to put it down. I loved Lauren, she is hilariously awkward, but so adorable. Her caffeine addiction was out of this world.
⛾ coffee
⛾ the Single's Bible Study
⛾ brownies
⛾ witty banter
⛾ matchmaker
⛾ wonderful friendships
⛾ sweet faith
⛾ have chocolate handy
I will say I have seen many reviews knocking the faith content, but I found it realistic. Lauren is learning and mulling over scripture, she doesn't have it all together. Truly loved this one!
March 13, 2018
I really enjoyed this in the beginning, but Laurie got more and more irritating as the book went on. She came across as very immature and unprofessional. I can’t count the number of times she shouted to someone else in the office. Like, full volume, at the top of her lungs, written in all caps, shouted. One of those times it was because her boss (and best friend) told her to be quiet so he could concentrate. Her solution is to be even louder just to annoy him. I get that she works for her best friend, but that was really disrespectful and rude. She was also very judgmental, calling Hannah “Barbie” before she got to know her, just because Hannah wore business attire and high heels to the office. She was also pushy and interfering with everyone’s relationships. This is a retelling of Emma, and while Emma can be pushy herself, at least she doesn’t stalk couples who are out on a date! Laurie did this several times and I kept wondering how/why anyone would want to be friends with someone so pushy and nosy. She literally goes to the same restaurant as the couple she’s setting up and sits at a table behind a potted plant to better stalk them. I didn’t get the point of the fake relationship either. Or why she was so against marriage. I just didn’t relate to her at all. Her sense of humor was a bit over the top as well. It got to the point where it seemed like she didn’t take anything seriously, making jokes at really inopportune times.
This could have been so cute, and I have really enjoyed other books by this author, but this one didn’t do anything for me.
This could have been so cute, and I have really enjoyed other books by this author, but this one didn’t do anything for me.
March 12, 2016
This was a funny read. The story was engaging, and interesting. I loved the main character Lauren. She was funny, cool and just so sarcastic. I thought the other characters are great as well. I liked the story. Can't wait for the rest of the series. Overall, a fantastic read.
Read
June 15, 2023DNF'ed after 50 pages. This book wasn't bad, it just had NOTHING drawing me in. This is about a girl who works in a photography studio and likes to play matchmaker. I expected kind of a Sophie Kinsella-esque quirky main character that you can't help but love and this just wasn't it for me. I didn't connect and I think its because our main character read way younger and more immature than she actually was. Meh. Maybe I'll try again some day.
December 31, 2023
I enjoyed this book! I wish it had more closure at the end. But besides that I loved all the characters and thought it was a cute story line. I do look forward to reading the second book!!
☕️📖
☕️📖
August 8, 2011
Honestly, I expected a light, fun read as a break after some heavy stuff Ive been reading lately, but I do have to say that I'm disappointed. First off, this should be filed under Christian Chick Lit and no just regular Chick Lit. While I have ABSOLUTELY no problem with the Christian Religion or Christians at ALL, I think that the book description should have reflected this better, since I am a non-Christian and dont go browsing through the Christian section for a scandalous, fun read. I did not get the impression from the description that this would have been so heavily included.There are a number of Bible references in this book and the plot mainly takes place at 3 places: the Photography studio, the Singles Christian Group and a restaurant named Vizzini's.
But my low rating doesnt have to do with this. What I disliked about the book was the sheer frivolity of it. Yes, I admit I wanted a light read, but I didnt want to read about a girl who has decided not to get married ever (just because she likes living at home) and then suddenly decides to because all her friends are pairing up. Her father doesnt want her to get married because he doesnt want to be alone and then suddenly, its fine! She and her friend decide to "fake date" because it will teach her friends a lesson...what lession exactly? That the plot will run its obvious course? The dialogue is stupid, I cant handle that every page has details about her drinking coffee and eating chocolate, and I dont get the friendship between her and her childhood friend. All he ever seems to do is yell at her and that doesnt even seem believeable.
Chick lit to me is supposed to include some amount of scandal or sex or friendship or something that makes you want to drink a glass of wine (although thats my least favourite liquor lol) while reading it, laugh out loud at the fun parts (or at least smile), feeling at the end that you just had a good time with a good friend. I cant say that I felt that once with this book and I'm quite disappointed because I had high hopes for it.
But my low rating doesnt have to do with this. What I disliked about the book was the sheer frivolity of it. Yes, I admit I wanted a light read, but I didnt want to read about a girl who has decided not to get married ever (just because she likes living at home) and then suddenly decides to because all her friends are pairing up. Her father doesnt want her to get married because he doesnt want to be alone and then suddenly, its fine! She and her friend decide to "fake date" because it will teach her friends a lesson...what lession exactly? That the plot will run its obvious course? The dialogue is stupid, I cant handle that every page has details about her drinking coffee and eating chocolate, and I dont get the friendship between her and her childhood friend. All he ever seems to do is yell at her and that doesnt even seem believeable.
Chick lit to me is supposed to include some amount of scandal or sex or friendship or something that makes you want to drink a glass of wine (although thats my least favourite liquor lol) while reading it, laugh out loud at the fun parts (or at least smile), feeling at the end that you just had a good time with a good friend. I cant say that I felt that once with this book and I'm quite disappointed because I had high hopes for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this book-- it's ridiculously humorous and quirky. Many girls in their twenties reviewing the book did not like the character of Lauren but I will say that I, for the most part, did. She's as sharp as a tack, quick-witted and I enjoyed every second of her conversations between her and her buddies. She's also HUMAN, thank goodness, and believable to boot. Yeah, she lacks ambition, but admittedly most of us do. At least she has a job doing something she enjoys; also, she loves the friends and family that God has put into her life. The cast is just as human and believable as Lauren is, showing their faults, their strengths and everything in between. I've recommended this book to several people, and I'll recommend it to several more. Bravo, Mangum. I could rave all day about how I could. not. put. this. down. Many times in my life I have been depressed or anxious, and this book has been a fantastic malady for that, lifting my spirits and helping me continue on with my day.
Now, if I loved the book so much, why did I not give it five stars? Well I wish I could give it four and a half, because that really is what it deserves. A few quick cons: the spirituality in this book seemed very forced and awkwardly shoved into the normally flowing plot. It was the only thing that caused me to get bored and rethink my decision to buy the book or read it. Not that I'm not spiritual-- I am, very much so! But Mangum could have done a better job of smoothly integrating scripture into the plot and into the characters lives. I didn't see Lauren LIVING out the lessons she was supposedly learning on God's sovereignty. Also, we understand that Lauren loves chocolate and coffee but does it have to be shoved down our throats every page? I'll let you be the judge. Needless to say, I've read and reread this book many times since my freshman year of high school, and will continue to pick it up through the rest of my life.
Now, if I loved the book so much, why did I not give it five stars? Well I wish I could give it four and a half, because that really is what it deserves. A few quick cons: the spirituality in this book seemed very forced and awkwardly shoved into the normally flowing plot. It was the only thing that caused me to get bored and rethink my decision to buy the book or read it. Not that I'm not spiritual-- I am, very much so! But Mangum could have done a better job of smoothly integrating scripture into the plot and into the characters lives. I didn't see Lauren LIVING out the lessons she was supposedly learning on God's sovereignty. Also, we understand that Lauren loves chocolate and coffee but does it have to be shoved down our throats every page? I'll let you be the judge. Needless to say, I've read and reread this book many times since my freshman year of high school, and will continue to pick it up through the rest of my life.
June 12, 2014
This is by far the cutest, most hilarious, and entertaining christian romance book I've read in years!
Missmatch is the first book I've read by this author and I absolutely loved every second of this crazy, girly, chick-flick, humor filled, quotable, random, coffee addict, Jane Austen lover, chocoholic extreme, modern romance story.
It had everything and more that I look for in a great Christian Romance. There were sweet, (and cute, and amusing, and realistic) romance's (and yes, that is plural. There was more than one happily ever after. *girly squeal *). It had an abundance of humor and quoted from some of my favorite movies (“Pride and Prejudice” as well as “Princess Bride” just to name a few). And there was even chocolate involved in just about every chapter (which then had me wanting to go devour a whole bag of Lindt's or Giradelli's chocolate.) Yeah, this book is not for the faint of heart when it comes to coffee and chocolate. Word to the wise - make sure you read this book when you don't have either of those items in the house... or you'll probably have stuffed your face and gained ten pounds by the end of it. I'll more than likely dream of candy bars and cupcakes tonight.
I picked this book up without realizing that it was actually a sort of retelling/modern day twist on Jane Austen's “Emma.” I whipped through the book in a day, it was so wonderfully entertaining and delightful. Love, loved, LOVED IT! I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
A note to all those considering reading this. BEWARE! This book may be just as addictive as chocolate and coffee and girly chick-flick movies and it's part of a series so... if you don't feel like reading multiple books to find out what happens, then you may not want to read this. Personally, I can't wait to read the next one. I am excited to plunge face first into another chocoholic-coffee addict adventure. *happy sigh * This is going to be so much fun. * grin*
Missmatch is the first book I've read by this author and I absolutely loved every second of this crazy, girly, chick-flick, humor filled, quotable, random, coffee addict, Jane Austen lover, chocoholic extreme, modern romance story.
It had everything and more that I look for in a great Christian Romance. There were sweet, (and cute, and amusing, and realistic) romance's (and yes, that is plural. There was more than one happily ever after. *girly squeal *). It had an abundance of humor and quoted from some of my favorite movies (“Pride and Prejudice” as well as “Princess Bride” just to name a few). And there was even chocolate involved in just about every chapter (which then had me wanting to go devour a whole bag of Lindt's or Giradelli's chocolate.) Yeah, this book is not for the faint of heart when it comes to coffee and chocolate. Word to the wise - make sure you read this book when you don't have either of those items in the house... or you'll probably have stuffed your face and gained ten pounds by the end of it. I'll more than likely dream of candy bars and cupcakes tonight.
I picked this book up without realizing that it was actually a sort of retelling/modern day twist on Jane Austen's “Emma.” I whipped through the book in a day, it was so wonderfully entertaining and delightful. Love, loved, LOVED IT! I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
A note to all those considering reading this. BEWARE! This book may be just as addictive as chocolate and coffee and girly chick-flick movies and it's part of a series so... if you don't feel like reading multiple books to find out what happens, then you may not want to read this. Personally, I can't wait to read the next one. I am excited to plunge face first into another chocoholic-coffee addict adventure. *happy sigh * This is going to be so much fun. * grin*
March 6, 2023
Miss Match is the first title in Eryn Mangum's Lauren Holbrook series, and it was truly a delight from start to finish. I was home sick from work, had just finished a couple of meh books, and was desperately searching for something that would pull me out of the dreaded reading slump. This one definitely ending up fitting the bill, and I read the majority of it in one sitting.
This isn't my first experience with a book by this author, and I've come to love and appreciate her witty and quick paced writing style that keeps the story flowing at a perfect pace. I never grew bored or felt uninvested in what was happening with the characters, and I found myself cracking up over and over again throughout the many hilarious plot points.
I enjoyed how this one is inspired by both Emma and Pride and Prejudice, I loved how it's not primarily a romance, and I honestly loved each and every character. Perhaps, however, my favorite part of all, was the awesome friendships that are portrayed over and over again throughout the story. I loved the new friendships that develop between Lauren, Ruby and Hannah, and between Lauren and Ryan. I loved how Lauren and Brandon's friendship has stood the test of time over many years. I enjoyed the beautiful friendship that exists between Lauren and both of her older sisters, and the new one developing between her brother in law and Ryan.
All in all, this was adorable, hilarious and swoon worthy, and I need to get my hands on the second book ASAP. The faith element was blended in seamlessly, and I loved how the reader gets to follow along on Lauren's faith journey, as she begins to try and understand what God's sovereignty truly means.
My only slight complaints would be the fact that I thought a few of the passages were slightly hard to believe, and that it read more like young adult fiction to me personally than adult fiction.
Overall though, I loved it and can't recommend it enough.
Final Rating: 4/5.
This isn't my first experience with a book by this author, and I've come to love and appreciate her witty and quick paced writing style that keeps the story flowing at a perfect pace. I never grew bored or felt uninvested in what was happening with the characters, and I found myself cracking up over and over again throughout the many hilarious plot points.
I enjoyed how this one is inspired by both Emma and Pride and Prejudice, I loved how it's not primarily a romance, and I honestly loved each and every character. Perhaps, however, my favorite part of all, was the awesome friendships that are portrayed over and over again throughout the story. I loved the new friendships that develop between Lauren, Ruby and Hannah, and between Lauren and Ryan. I loved how Lauren and Brandon's friendship has stood the test of time over many years. I enjoyed the beautiful friendship that exists between Lauren and both of her older sisters, and the new one developing between her brother in law and Ryan.
All in all, this was adorable, hilarious and swoon worthy, and I need to get my hands on the second book ASAP. The faith element was blended in seamlessly, and I loved how the reader gets to follow along on Lauren's faith journey, as she begins to try and understand what God's sovereignty truly means.
My only slight complaints would be the fact that I thought a few of the passages were slightly hard to believe, and that it read more like young adult fiction to me personally than adult fiction.
Overall though, I loved it and can't recommend it enough.
Final Rating: 4/5.
May 22, 2012
Pardon me while I go raid the warehouse at the pharmacy in which I work for a vial of insulin and a syringe to inject myself with. Seriously, that's how sickeningly sweet the story is...and the main character is a caffeine-chocoholic, so I feel like I contracted adult-onset diabetes just by reading about her sugar consumption.
I probably should not have went from reading Fifty Shades Freed to this, because it probably amplified the sickly sweet qualities, since they are on total opposite spectrums of EVERYTHING...however this was free on the Nook a few weeks ago and the cover drew me in.
Normally I can tolerate Christian fiction pretty well, but this tested me to the point where I almost gave up - and I hate not finishing books. Luckily the eBook is only 240-something pages so I just sucked it up and finished.
Throughout the second half of the book the characters laid it on thick quoting bible verses at one another and all this contemplation about if these people are destined by God to marry. I get it, it's a Christian book, but I've read other ones that don't beat you over the head with it. This also added to the sickly sweet impression I had of the book - you know the run of the mill goody-two-shoes Jesus Freak vibe.
If you're like my cousin - a devout Christian and sixteen years old...You'll probably adore this book. I like fluffy books, but this was a bit much for me. I will probably send her a Nook recommendation for it though.
I probably should not have went from reading Fifty Shades Freed to this, because it probably amplified the sickly sweet qualities, since they are on total opposite spectrums of EVERYTHING...however this was free on the Nook a few weeks ago and the cover drew me in.
Normally I can tolerate Christian fiction pretty well, but this tested me to the point where I almost gave up - and I hate not finishing books. Luckily the eBook is only 240-something pages so I just sucked it up and finished.
Throughout the second half of the book the characters laid it on thick quoting bible verses at one another and all this contemplation about if these people are destined by God to marry. I get it, it's a Christian book, but I've read other ones that don't beat you over the head with it. This also added to the sickly sweet impression I had of the book - you know the run of the mill goody-two-shoes Jesus Freak vibe.
If you're like my cousin - a devout Christian and sixteen years old...You'll probably adore this book. I like fluffy books, but this was a bit much for me. I will probably send her a Nook recommendation for it though.
September 2, 2011
Miss Match is a fun, fluffy book. I like the main character that Mangum created. Twenty-three year old Laurie is a self-proclaimed spinster for life who has decided to become a match-maker as the title suggests. She is quite spunky, and there are a lot of humorous moments in the book. Being 23 myself, Laurie sometimes comes off as being immature, but I think that's the point. She seems to grow a bit throughout the book, and I can only imagine that the growth will continue in the next book. I like when a character progresses so long as they stay true to who they are, so I really enjoyed that aspect (I also loved the Laurie was a coffee and chocolate addict, but that's neither here nor there, ha).
Some of the interactions between the characters were a bit unrealistic, in my opinion. For example, at one point, her best friend Brandon starts to talk about becoming a Christian with someone that he and Laurie have just met. I don't mind discussing my faith with anyone, but that was a little on the nose. I wouldn't want someone grilling me about my beliefs five minutes after we've been introduced, but maybe that's just me. I'm not saying I don't believe in witnessing, but I don't feel like that's the correct way to go about it. Anyway, rant done. Moving on.
This book isn't my traditional cup of tea, er, coffee, I mean, but I'm happy to have read it and will certainly read the next books in the series should I come across them.
Some of the interactions between the characters were a bit unrealistic, in my opinion. For example, at one point, her best friend Brandon starts to talk about becoming a Christian with someone that he and Laurie have just met. I don't mind discussing my faith with anyone, but that was a little on the nose. I wouldn't want someone grilling me about my beliefs five minutes after we've been introduced, but maybe that's just me. I'm not saying I don't believe in witnessing, but I don't feel like that's the correct way to go about it. Anyway, rant done. Moving on.
This book isn't my traditional cup of tea, er, coffee, I mean, but I'm happy to have read it and will certainly read the next books in the series should I come across them.
November 28, 2009
This is Erynn Mangum's first novel. And she was around 22 or 23 when she wrote it. And the novel is one of the best I've ever read in a chick-lit series. It is funny and poignant, spiritual yet hysterical.
I immediately felt closeness with Lauren and all her friends. I felt as if all the characters were well-developed, there was no awkwardness in the writing, and everything flowed. I was so anxious to read the second and third book in this series.
I immediately felt closeness with Lauren and all her friends. I felt as if all the characters were well-developed, there was no awkwardness in the writing, and everything flowed. I was so anxious to read the second and third book in this series.
June 5, 2013
A Quickie Review
This Christian "young adult" novel tells of a twenty-something lifelong single who watches as her friends and family find romance, yet she gets none of it herself. As someone who has always been sans significant other, I can identify with Lauren's feelings and frustrations. This series is off to a cracking good start.
Content Concerns: Nothing worse than a quip or two and usage of words like "gosh" only once or twice.
Score: 4.5/5
This Christian "young adult" novel tells of a twenty-something lifelong single who watches as her friends and family find romance, yet she gets none of it herself. As someone who has always been sans significant other, I can identify with Lauren's feelings and frustrations. This series is off to a cracking good start.
Content Concerns: Nothing worse than a quip or two and usage of words like "gosh" only once or twice.
Score: 4.5/5
October 6, 2023
This was really fun! Mini Review:
This was honestly a hoot, I had a lot of fun with this one! And finally! A five star book! I was getting worried I wouldn’t have a fully true solid five star book this year. If you are going back and forth wondering if you should read this or not, the answer is yes, you absolutely should! I will be needing this for my library, thank you. Aw, drat the library doesn’t have the next ones…Guess I’ll just have to purchase them!
This was honestly a hoot, I had a lot of fun with this one! And finally! A five star book! I was getting worried I wouldn’t have a fully true solid five star book this year. If you are going back and forth wondering if you should read this or not, the answer is yes, you absolutely should! I will be needing this for my library, thank you. Aw, drat the library doesn’t have the next ones…Guess I’ll just have to purchase them!
December 24, 2015
I really Like this book, I liked Lauren Holbrook, and her caffeine loving-matchmaking making antics. This book not only made me laugh and it had some really thoughtful moments about God's sovereignty that well thought out. All together this was a great rom-com book, looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
April 29, 2016
Holy cow this book is amazing! the plot, the characters, the dialog. EVERYTHING IS AMAZING!
clean? YES! 100% amen. just read it!!
clean? YES! 100% amen. just read it!!
April 25, 2017
HILARIOUS. Did not relate to this one as much as the Paige series. Also, it's a lot less believable, but much funnier!
September 1, 2017
I love books that make me laugh, so naturally, I give Miss Match 5 stars. Looking forward to reading book 2!
September 12, 2024
Bought a copy that happened to be signed from Thriftbooks. Loved the comparisons with Emma by Jane Austen.
March 4, 2024
Do not read this late at night when your family is sleeping because you then have to bite your knuckle to keep from laughing too loudly.
This. Book. Is. HILARIOUS!!! I was cracking up constantly.
There are so many fun things that made me love this book. The fact that it’s EMMA in a modern twist… that Lauren is a photographer… the Princess Bride references. And the humor! My goodness. Lauren is such a character. I do have to say that she (and actually most of the characters) act kind of immature but I’m laughing to hard at them I can’t mind too much. They just seem younger than 23/24.
(Ryan is great but for this to truly be like EMMA she needs to be with Brandon. Plus I’m a sucker for childhood best friends getting together so I’m rooting for Brandon.)
This. Book. Is. HILARIOUS!!! I was cracking up constantly.
There are so many fun things that made me love this book. The fact that it’s EMMA in a modern twist… that Lauren is a photographer… the Princess Bride references. And the humor! My goodness. Lauren is such a character. I do have to say that she (and actually most of the characters) act kind of immature but I’m laughing to hard at them I can’t mind too much. They just seem younger than 23/24.
(Ryan is great but for this to truly be like EMMA she needs to be with Brandon. Plus I’m a sucker for childhood best friends getting together so I’m rooting for Brandon.)
March 17, 2021
"Miss Match" is book 1 in the Lauren Holbrook series. I’ve really enjoyed the other books that I’ve read by Erynn Mangum so I was excited to read this one.
I will admit, at first I wasn’t sure how I’d like this one. While it was still fun and had funny parts to it I wasn’t sure if I really liked the main girl Laurie. During the first part of the book I was saying that I liked the story but didn’t love it.
I’m not sure what happened, but halfway through the book my view totally changed and I was really enjoying the book, I liked Laurie, and at the end I wanted book 2!
I am definitely excited to read the rest of the series soon!
I will admit, at first I wasn’t sure how I’d like this one. While it was still fun and had funny parts to it I wasn’t sure if I really liked the main girl Laurie. During the first part of the book I was saying that I liked the story but didn’t love it.
I’m not sure what happened, but halfway through the book my view totally changed and I was really enjoying the book, I liked Laurie, and at the end I wanted book 2!
I am definitely excited to read the rest of the series soon!
February 8, 2022
One of my absolute all-time favourite books - and one of only a handful of books I’ve ever read more than once!
It’s cheesy. It’s corny. It’s cliche. But it’s down-right wonderful! Such lighthearted laughs, easy to read and fun characters that you can both relate to and wish you could meet for real.
Yes, some of them are unbelievable and the ease with which the events turn over is astonishingly fast, but who cares? It’s a work of fiction that we get to escape into it! Just go with it!
It’s cheesy. It’s corny. It’s cliche. But it’s down-right wonderful! Such lighthearted laughs, easy to read and fun characters that you can both relate to and wish you could meet for real.
Yes, some of them are unbelievable and the ease with which the events turn over is astonishingly fast, but who cares? It’s a work of fiction that we get to escape into it! Just go with it!
October 4, 2025
4.5 stars for me! Wow, I can’t remember the last time I’ve laughed while reading a book and this book I did multiple times! The humor was top notch and written so well. The matchmaking element was so fun to me! Also just the entire cast of characters felt so real with all their different personalities and quirks! Ryan is so sweet and I love how thoughtful he is of Laurie! The faith content I loved as well. I can’t wait to read book 2 in the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews