May 2, 2008
Miss Match by Erynn Mangum
Review by Maddee Schrader, RTF Staff Writer, 16 
Erynn Mangum published Miss Match when she was twenty-three, and calls it semi-autobiographical. I’m always cautious of first-time authors, but in several cases have felt shamed afterward for doubting. Enough said.
Lauren Holbrook is twenty-four, living at home and working at a photography studio owned by her best friend from first grade. Besides being alarmingly addicted to coffee (“liquid candy bars”) and Milky Way bars, she might be considered normal save for her unusual hobby.
She is a matchmaker.
Lauren subtly arranges matrimony for her friends while not seeing marriage in her own future. Then she meets Ryan, the younger brother of one of her co-workers. They agree to pretend to be dating, to encourage his sister (one of Lauren’s victims) to continue her relationship with Nick, the singles’ pastor.
Lauren doesn’t count on her relationship with Ryan to switch from pretend dating to real. Or the syrupy blond secretary who interrupts life at the studio. Or that she’ll have to teach a middle-school Bible study on Romans. She learns to recognize God’s sovereignty in her life, but still has trouble with that when her matchmaking plans threaten to go awry.
I can’t do justice to this book with a review. It is hilarious, and packed with all sort of things girls know to be true about guys. (Sorry to the guys who may read this, but you know it’s true). Obviously, the main theme is romance to a degree, but the un-mushiest, most laugh-out-loud way possible.
I know, dropping twelve bucks on a book may make some of you pause. Don’t. Rush headlong. While you’re at it, pick up the sequel, Rematch, and later this summer, Match Point. The first chapters are online at http://www.erynnmangum.com.
Maddee Schrader is a brand new RTF staff writer. She will start work on her undergrad degree at Houston Baptist University this fall. She loves to write, read, run, and like Erynn Mangum, harbors a secret affection for liquid candy bars known as vanilla frappuccinos.
Maddee Schrader says:
I’m flattered, Suzie - but for reference of all readers, I’m only 16
T. Suzanne Eller says:
Changed it, Maddee! Great review.
kelly :) says:
great review, im only fifteen and am an aspiring writer too
miss match was awesome as is rematc and am currently hanging out for match point. im a christian and i can defenitely relate to lauren. good job on the review. xxxx