Book Review and Giveaway 2 Copies: A Match Made in Heaven by Shari MacDonald

Get ready to laugh at an unexpected match for a wacky match maker.

A Match Made in Heaven

by Shari MacDonald

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (February 16, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157856137X
• ISBN-13: 978-1578561377

 Genre:  Romantic Comedy (Christian Fiction)
My Rating:  4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: February 16, 1999
The Salinger Sisters Series spins the tales of four sisters who find love–in spite of themselves. The love–and laughs–began in Love on the Run and continue in Book Two, A Match Made in Heaven. Lucy Salinger has always been brilliant at making matches–for everyone else. But though she is owner and leading “matchmaker” at one of the most prestigious dating services in Los Angeles, Lucy finds herself withdrawing from every man who might be interested in dating her.

Then handsome and successful behavioral psychologist Dr. Campbell Howard comes into her office…and Lucy proceeds to set him up on the most disastrous dates in dating history! Is Lucy just losing her touch? Or is she, on a subconscious level, choosing women she knows aren’t right for Cam…just so she can save him for herself?

Review: This is a sweet, fun, and light romance.
Lucy has surprised herself, her family and the public by being a successful match maker. She seeks God’s guidance in her business which is ironically called “Rent-a-Yenta.” She has three sisters who are close and somewhat concerned that Lucy can find a match for others but not herself. Lucy has a vivacious assistant, Gabby, who wants to take on some match making duties if only Lucy would loosen up the controls.  Lucy claims that being left at the altar by her college sweetheart has nothing to do with the fact she barely dates.  Her loved ones and friends suspect she has some trust and control issues.

One morning an eccentric woman comes in seeking Lucy’s services for her brother, a shy, stay at home psychologist. The case is presented as an emergency because her brother stands to lose a substantial inheritance if he doesn’t marry by the age of 30 which is coming up in a month!  Lucy’s ethics object to rushing a match. Besides she isn’t sure she can help the man based on the geeky picture the sister presents.

Dr. Campbell Howard steps in the office to find Lucy with head on her desk and drooling! Let the craziness begin! Campbell is a handsome, trim fellow and Lucy has no idea of his identity as they begin to talk and banter. There is immediate easy exchange between them and although Lucy agrees to accept him as a client  she senses some reluctance within herself. 

Campbell and Lucy are clearly drawn to each other but Lucy insists on sending him on dates. She is somewhat relieved that the dates aren’t going well even though she knows she isn’t being fair to his search.

There is a lot of wackiness in Lucy’s behavior and sweet tenderness in Campbell’s. But it seems that Lucy’s fear may sabotage her own chances to have a meaningful relationship. 

I liked that the faith expressed in the story is presented as part of the lives of the characters. The emotions and lessons are natural and not preachy.  The story is very cute and my book club group agreed it was a nice, easy read - no deep thinking required - that was just what they needed for a break in their busy lives.

I have two copies of this book left over from the group I purchased for book club.
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for print copy - TWO WINNERS:
1. Tell me if you ever tried a dating service or if you know of anyone who had success with a match maker. :-) This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 2, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on December 3. Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.