Arranged

Arranged by Catherine McKenzie
Published December 28, 2010

About the Book:

Anne Blythe has a great life: a good job, good friends, and a potential book deal for her first novel. When it comes to finding someone to share it with, however, she just can't seem to get it right.

After yet another relationship ends, Anne comes across a business card for what she thinks is a dating service, and she pockets it just in case. When her best friend, Sarah, announces she's engaged, Anne can't help feeling envious. On an impulse, she decides to give the service a try because maybe she could use a little assistance in finding the right man. But Anne soon discovers the company isn't a dating service; it's an exclusive, and pricey, arranged marriage service. She initially rejects the idea, but the more she thinks about it -- and the company's success rate -- the more it appeals to her. After all, arranged marriages are the norm for millions of women around the world, so why wouldn't it work for her?

A few months later, Anne is travelling to a Mexican resort, where in one short weekend she will meet and marry Jack. And against all odds, it seems to be working out -- until Anne learns that Jack, and the company that arranged their marriage, are not what they seem at all.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book.  It was such an interesting concept, choosing an arranged marriage when it's not something dictated by your culture.  The book is well-written, with sympathetic characters and realistic dialogue.  Anne is likable and easy to relate to for most women I would think.  She's also a strong and intelligent women, which is always awesome.  This is definitely smart women's lit, as some is just fluffy and fun (which is totally fine if that's what you're in the mood for).  The book kept me very interested from page one.  I stayed up very late last night, knowing I had to be up early, because I couldn't put the book down until knowing how it would end.  This was a solid 4.5 stars for me on Goodreads that I bumped to a 5, since there are no half stars on there.  I don't want to say too much else about the book, as I don't want to give anything away.  I highly recommend it!