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Miss Match: A Lauren Holbrook Novel    by Erynn Mangum Amazon.com order for
Miss Match
by Erynn Mangum
Order:  USA  Can
Navpress, 2007 (2007)
Paperback
* *   Reviewed by Melissa Parcel

Lauren 'Laurie' Holbrook is never getting married. After seeing her father's stress and heartbreak at watching her two sisters marry, she knows she can never leave him like they did. After all, this twentysomething caffeine/chocolate addict has a great job as a photographer and wonderful friends - what more could she ask for? Besides, Laurie has a gift for helping friends and family members find their perfect matches.

She has a goal to set her fun-loving singles' pastor Nick up with her fastidious co-worker Ruby. Things seem to be going well at first, due to all of Laurie's machinations, but soon they fall apart. Is the couple meant to be, or is Laurie trying to second guess God's plans? And what about a match for herself? Although she vows to never marry, is this realistic?

This is a fun novel that will appeal to anyone who loves a heartwarming romance. And the ending is a bit unpredictable, because Laurie doesn't really end up the way you might imagine. A sequel, Re-Match, is available, continuing her story. Laurie is a headstrong, albeit atypical young woman. She has worked as a photographer since she was seventeen, and knows that this is the life she wants to lead. Her lifestyle and ideas are unconventional in today's world, but they remind us that there is not just one path to take.

Miss Match is fast paced, full of fun literary and pop culture references. It's a smart novel and readers will delight in all the enjoyable events that unfold. The author does an excellent job of making Christianity part of the plot rather than an add-on. Laurie's beliefs are a part of her life, even if she doesn't completely understand how to let go and trust God's plan. Miss Match is a light, pleasant read that draws the reader in and provides a healthy dose of romance and fun.

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