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abbywebb's review against another edition
4.0
I absolutely adore all of Catherine Mackenzie's books and this one was no exception. I deferred reading it until now (after reading all of her other books - loving each one) as I thought the idea of arranged marriages would be boring or awkward. In the end, it was my folly as I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book all week. I can't wait for Mackenzie's next book to come out - when will that be?!?
momsterlee's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
heynailaj's review against another edition
5.0
Catherine has written a perfect book. "Arranged" was absolutely amazing. So much so that instead of reading myself to sleep, I read the whole book in one sitting. That hasn't happened in a very long time.
"Arranged" even made me cry! The descriptions were so vivid and accurate that I could see what she saw, smell what she smelled and feel what she felt. There were passages in the book that seemed like they were written for me; to satisfy my curiosity or to perfectly describe a feeling I knew. This was especially true for the explanations about why they'd chosen to be writers. I may have to borrow that passage.
The style of the writing and the flow of the text made for an easy, logical read. Clearly, as I devoured the book. I want to recommend it to all my friends but I'm not sure I can part from it so soon. The beautiful layout and texture of the pages make it feel like a personal treasure.
Thank you, Catherine, for this amazing adventure. Definitely a "Good Read".
"Arranged" even made me cry! The descriptions were so vivid and accurate that I could see what she saw, smell what she smelled and feel what she felt. There were passages in the book that seemed like they were written for me; to satisfy my curiosity or to perfectly describe a feeling I knew. This was especially true for the explanations about why they'd chosen to be writers. I may have to borrow that passage.
The style of the writing and the flow of the text made for an easy, logical read. Clearly, as I devoured the book. I want to recommend it to all my friends but I'm not sure I can part from it so soon. The beautiful layout and texture of the pages make it feel like a personal treasure.
Thank you, Catherine, for this amazing adventure. Definitely a "Good Read".
jackiehorne's review
3.0
Fun but pretty thin tale of a thirty-something who decides to work with a marriage broker after yet another relationship hits the skids.
nottherae's review
3.0
This is one of the books that's so easy to read. Like the story is flowing by itself at least to me it seemed that way. But the 'content of the story' is other story. Can't say I didn't like it, but it wasn't that impressive either. One way or another I don't regret time spent with this book.
rmarcin's review
4.0
When I think of Catherine Mc Kenzie, I think of psychological thrillers, but her early books were romance novels.
Arranged is the story of Anne Blythe who becomes tired of being with the wrong men. So, after her best friend, Sarah, becomes engaged, Anne decides to try a new method of meeting a man. When she meets with the Blythe agency, she finds out that she is not signing up for a dating service, but rather for an arranged marriage.
Anne heads to Mexico, meets and marries Jack, and thinks things might work out. Until it all comes crashing down, and Anne questions whether she isn’t made for marriage after all.
This was a unique approach to romance. Enjoyable read.
Arranged is the story of Anne Blythe who becomes tired of being with the wrong men. So, after her best friend, Sarah, becomes engaged, Anne decides to try a new method of meeting a man. When she meets with the Blythe agency, she finds out that she is not signing up for a dating service, but rather for an arranged marriage.
Anne heads to Mexico, meets and marries Jack, and thinks things might work out. Until it all comes crashing down, and Anne questions whether she isn’t made for marriage after all.
This was a unique approach to romance. Enjoyable read.
mellabella's review
3.0
Arranged is a cute read. I guess it's "chick lit". But, also a little more. It's easy to get involved with, and like the characters. Anne has been cheated on by her live in boyfriend of 3 years. Her best friend announces she is getting married and her brother is having his 4th child. It's not one of those books where the main character is a total mess and then rises from the ashes like a Phoenix. She has a successful writing career and publishes a book. Her problem is she is always attracted to a certain (very handsome) type of man. So she calls what she thinks is a dating service only to find out they arrange marriages. She goes through with the whole thing. Spending $10,000 and going through a battery of tests. She falls in love with her arranged marriage husband Jack. He betrays her. Although the betrayal preceded the marriage, if that makes sense. Of course they wind up together in the end. But, not in a neat and tidy way.
jbarr5's review
4.0
Arranged
Sounded like an interesting subject: like mail order brides but more up to date.
Ann knows she needs to get on with her life-after she's left her boyfriend who she found cheating on her, for many years. She finds a card on the ground for a dating service and contacts them.
It's not a dating one but a marriage service. It costs many thousands of dollars and she's able to finance it with the book she has just written. Many tests and therapy sessions later we find her on her way to Mexico with others to get married.
She meets up with Jack and they become acquainted and they do agree to marry and spend more time living together to learn more about one another.
Water sports and trips to the ruins and pyramids was added travel I hadn't though of to hear about. Hot steamy sex scenes.
They start to fall in love and then she reads the project he's working on, about getting married....she wonders if she's just a project....
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Sounded like an interesting subject: like mail order brides but more up to date.
Ann knows she needs to get on with her life-after she's left her boyfriend who she found cheating on her, for many years. She finds a card on the ground for a dating service and contacts them.
It's not a dating one but a marriage service. It costs many thousands of dollars and she's able to finance it with the book she has just written. Many tests and therapy sessions later we find her on her way to Mexico with others to get married.
She meets up with Jack and they become acquainted and they do agree to marry and spend more time living together to learn more about one another.
Water sports and trips to the ruins and pyramids was added travel I hadn't though of to hear about. Hot steamy sex scenes.
They start to fall in love and then she reads the project he's working on, about getting married....she wonders if she's just a project....
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
kdurham2's review against another edition
5.0
Chick lit with an incredible twist. I was on a journey with Anne Blythe as she tries to figure out how she always ends up in bad relationships with great looking men. With a little help from fate, she ends up calling what she thinks to be a dating service, but ends up being an arranged marriage company.
The characters, the every city location, and the concept all kept me hooked in this story. I read it in 24 hours, I couldn't put it down for one moment! From the first sentence, I wanted to know where Anne Blythe was going to end up. Maybe I missed it, but I liked that I couldn't quite place where this book took place, it felt like it could have happened down the street or across the country. The concept was not absolutely original, but with the twist that I can't divulge it took the story to the next level.
What I loved about this book is I thought I was headed down a certain path and then all of the sudden she flips a switch and the story goes down an even better road! Even a reader who may not read most chick lit, should pick this one up immediately.
The characters, the every city location, and the concept all kept me hooked in this story. I read it in 24 hours, I couldn't put it down for one moment! From the first sentence, I wanted to know where Anne Blythe was going to end up. Maybe I missed it, but I liked that I couldn't quite place where this book took place, it felt like it could have happened down the street or across the country. The concept was not absolutely original, but with the twist that I can't divulge it took the story to the next level.
What I loved about this book is I thought I was headed down a certain path and then all of the sudden she flips a switch and the story goes down an even better road! Even a reader who may not read most chick lit, should pick this one up immediately.