Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Arranged

by Catherine McKenzie (Goodreads Author)

3.73 of 5 stars 3.73 · rating details · 2,248 ratings · 478 reviews

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, an...more

Paperback, 416 pages

Published May 15th 2012 by William Morrow Paperbacks (first published January 8th 2011)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

International Chick Lit Books 2013

1st out of 15 books — 14 voters

Books for 20-Somethings

3rd out of 22 books — 13 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Oct 11, 2012 Hilda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: chicklit, so-lovely, romance, my-favorites

Arranged marriage was the norm for centuries. Romantic love is a modern notion.

When Anne Blythe learns that his long time boyfriend, Stuart, is cheating on her, she ends their relationship and decides to find a new man. This time, she vows to herself not to fall for dark-haired and blue-eyed man anymore. Anne has a type, yes, and all of her ex-boyfriends have that similar look. But it’s hard to be alone, especially when your ex-boyfriend is already married, your brother is expecting the fourth c...more Arranged marriage was the norm for centuries. Romantic love is a modern notion.

When Anne Blythe learns that his long time boyfriend, Stuart, is cheating on her, she ends their relationship and decides to find a new man. This time, she vows to herself not to fall for dark-haired and blue-eyed man anymore. Anne has a type, yes, and all of her ex-boyfriends have that similar look. But it’s hard to be alone, especially when your ex-boyfriend is already married, your brother is expecting the fourth child, and your best friend is planning her wedding. Anne wants to have her own family, and this time, she’s willing to try anything. That’s when Blythe & Company starts to look like a great idea.

Blythe & Company is an arranged marriage service with ninety-five percent success rate. Impressive, right? Jack seems like a great match. He’s handsome, a bit snarky in a good way, and a brilliant writer. Will this be a happily-ever-after that Anne dreams of?

In my humble opinion, there are two reasons why you fall in love with a book. One, because that book is made of epicness, awesomeness, and oh-gosh-so-different-so-original-ness. Second, because you can associate yourself with the main character and you see yourself in him/her. In Arranged, the second reason applies.

You know, there are moments when you read a book and you think, ‘Wait. Someone just wrote my whole story in pages. This. Story of my life.” Well, those moments happened to me a handful times. Sometimes it creeps me how similar I am with the main character. Sometimes, just like this situation, it enlightens my view.

Anne is a hopeless romantic. After all, she’s named after Anne from Anne of Green Gables. She believes that romance should be like a fairytale. You meet your amazing knight-in-the-shining-armor, and you end up living your happily-ever-after. Me, being a romantic, believes in the same thing. Marriage is supposed to be the moment you unite with your long-awaited lover and run to your amazing future together, right? (Preferably with sunset in the background.)

It was impossible to part myself from Arranged when I read it. I understand Anne’s feeling way too well that sometimes it scared me. I know very well that it may be dangerous to get absorbed into the story too much, but sometimes… you just can’t help yourself. I felt for Anne, and prayed for her happiness throughout the story. When I finished the book, I still brought it along in my bag just because I didn’t want to part with it too soon. That was the first time I understand the phrase, ‘You’ve read a good book when you feel like losing a friend in the end.’

Er, sorry. This is such a messy review. To summarize, Arranged is a wonderful story that would appeal to romantic readers. The characters are lively and the stories flow too well you can’t stop reading. It’s romantic, funny, and sweet. You should read it and when you’re done, you can come to me so we can have a good chat about the ending. Don’t worry, it’s a good ending… I think. ;)

An arranged marriage is not going to happen. Because it costs ten grand. Because it’s a crazy idea. Because I’m not going to marry a complete stranger. Because marriage is about love.

Isn’t it?(less)

like 5 likes · see review

Dec 04, 2012 Virginia Campbell rated it 5 of 5 stars

Everyone has their own idea of what "Happily Ever After" means, and what it means for themselves may differ from what they think it means for others. Arranged marriages are well documented throughout history, with women often having little choice in their matrimonial destinies. Matchmakers have been "hired" for many different reasons, offering a practiced brand of "love for money". Mail-order brides were the original "personal ads" and the forerunners to online dating. In this day and age, what'...more Everyone has their own idea of what "Happily Ever After" means, and what it means for themselves may differ from what they think it means for others. Arranged marriages are well documented throughout history, with women often having little choice in their matrimonial destinies. Matchmakers have been "hired" for many different reasons, offering a practiced brand of "love for money". Mail-order brides were the original "personal ads" and the forerunners to online dating. In this day and age, what's a woman to do? "Arranged", by Catherine McKenzie, tells the story of one modern woman's journey through the minefield of dating, love, and marriage. Anne Blythe has a lot going for her: work, friends, and a potential book-deal for her first novel. However, the heart always yearns for more, and what Anne lacks is the happy love life that she sees being enjoyed by those around her, including her best friend, Sarah. By chance, Anne finds a business card for what she thinks is a dating service called "Blythe & Company". Seeing the name as a sign from Divine Providence, Anne gathers her nerve and contacts the company, only to discover that they are not a dating service, but actually marriage arrangers. After taking time to get used to the idea, and pondering the success rate of Blythe & Company, Anne signs on to find her true mate. What she finds is so much more than she and the reader expect, and that is what makes this a very enjoyable read. Many women will see much of themselves in Anne, her hopes, and her life experiences. The humorous and revealing look at women and men, and love, sex, marriage, and life as we know it, is spot on. The course of love and happiness will not be smooth sailing for Anne. Neither the man she meets and marries, Jack, nor the marriage arrangers, Blythe & Company, are really what she first thought them to be. Has Anne made another misstep of the heart, this time one with serious emotional consequences, or will the hand of fate truly be a winning hand? Catherine McKenzie has created a character to root for, and touches on the hope that all of us have for our own "HEA". "Arranged" once again reminds us that matters of the heart often take us on unexpected journeys with outcomes that far exceed what we could ever have imagined.

Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine
(less)

like 3 likes · see review

Jan 03, 2011 Colleen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If I could give it a higher star rating, I would. And if it was published now everyone I know would be getting a copy for Christmas. Thank you, Catherine, for helping me realize that when written well, I love books with romance in them.

Here's my full review, originally posted at http://lavenderlines.wordpress.com

So yesterday Catherine McKenzie's first book, Spin, made it on my list of favorite reads for 2010. I know we're only three days into 2011 but I can tell you that Arranged will make it o...more If I could give it a higher star rating, I would. And if it was published now everyone I know would be getting a copy for Christmas. Thank you, Catherine, for helping me realize that when written well, I love books with romance in them.

Here's my full review, originally posted at http://lavenderlines.wordpress.com

So yesterday Catherine McKenzie's first book, Spin, made it on my list of favorite reads for 2010. I know we're only three days into 2011 but I can tell you that Arranged will make it on my best of 2011 list. I loved it that much. I stayed up until 3 am to finished it and immediately wanted to reread it again. Arranged may seem on the surface like a light "chick lit" read, but underneath it's about more serious issues like loneliness, stability and trust. And it's a book that I know will stick with me for a long time.

Anne Blythe isn't always the most likable character in the world. She has a certain "type" of guy she's into and she's, well, kinda shallow when it comes to looks. For the first part of the book I spent a lot of time wanting to smack her upside the head. I mean, quit complaining that you can't find a decent guy when you only go for men who have movie star looks. Honestly. But as the book went on, and McKenzie let me slowly see deeper into Anne's psyche I felt a connection to the character that I rarely feel when reading. I think a lot of women are going to see aspects of themselves in Anne. I know I did.

Okay, here's a bit of background on moi. You need to know it so that you can understand how fully and completely connected I felt with Anne by the time I got about half way through the book, and why I became so entrenched in her story and her happiness. The hubs and I met in a bit of an unconventional way: I answered his personal online ad . I was sick and tired of the dating game and wanted to meet someone I knew I'd be compatible with. I also wanted to avoid that awkward does-he-like-me-like-me stage when you first meet someone of the opposite sex. Since I was answering a personal ad, all I had to do was meet the guy, see if we clicked, and if we didn't, so be it. Sure it's not as serious of a commitment as an arranged marriage, but I could still identify with everything Anne was feeling pre and post wedding. For me the connection was at times painful, and some of the things Anne goes through broke my heart so bad that I had to set the book down for a bit and gather myself.

As an Island girl, I got a kick out of all the Anne of Green Gables reference. I mean, there's no one on PEI who doesn't have some kind of a connection to Anne. Most of us have the seen the musical. And, if like me, you've ever worked as an usher at The Confederation Center of the Arts, then you've seen the musical enough times to know it off by heart 15 years later.

The author's writing was once again great. McKenzie has a straight-forward writing style that lends itself perfectly to the story. She has the amazing ability to handle some tough issues in a light way without being condescending, rude or awkward about it. In her books it seems effortless but I know that it must be hard to maintain that balance.

Arranged was way more romancy than Spin and -gasp- there may even be a bit of a sex scene it in, something that would normally turn the extremely prudish me off from finishing the book. But I felt such a strong connection to Anne and was so tied up in the plot and the writing was so great that I didn't give a hoot. I loved the book despite the fact that it had elements in it that I normally don't love. And that, my friends, is the sign of excellent writing, an amazing plot and stand out characters. All of which Arranged has.
(less)

like 11 likes · see review

May 09, 2012 Meaghan rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is such an interesting concept for a book. It is about a woman who breaks up with her boyfriend and has a bit of a crisis of identity. It is during this time that she attempts an arranged marriage service. I do not want to give too much of the book away but it was fantastic. I've said it before, and fairly recently too, I love Mckenzie's books. She takes these type of "what if" ideas and brings them to life. We have all say around and played the "what if" game and I love that McKenzie takes...more

like 2 likes · see review

May 05, 2012 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-humor, chick-literature, contemporary-fiction, romance-fiction

In the latest novel by Catherine McKenzie, Arranged is a book I think every single woman can relate to. I know I for one can! In this delightful romantic fiction, Anne Blythe is ready for a change in her normal life. Seeing the future for what it can be, she realizes that the man she's been living with Stuart has been cheating on her. He wasn't about to tell her until she came across his emails and with that all the proof she needed to confront him.

Now that she has moved out and is hoping to mov...more In the latest novel by Catherine McKenzie, Arranged is a book I think every single woman can relate to. I know I for one can! In this delightful romantic fiction, Anne Blythe is ready for a change in her normal life. Seeing the future for what it can be, she realizes that the man she's been living with Stuart has been cheating on her. He wasn't about to tell her until she came across his emails and with that all the proof she needed to confront him.

Now that she has moved out and is hoping to move on, Anne struggles with her emotions like all of us women have at one point, asking herself why are my relationships working out? Why am I always with the wrong guy and how can I find the right one I know is out there for me? Why do all my family and friends find the right one, but I am left with Mr. Wrong?

Then she is hit with all kinds of news she doesn't need in her life. Her brother Gil and his wife, Cathy, are having their fourth child and her parents wonder just when Anne is finally going to get her life together and have kids, get married? Then she learns her best friend Sarah is getting married and at that point it almost pushes Anne to the edge.

Walking the streets alone one night on her way to meet Sarah, she comes across a business card left on the street with her name on it, or it has the same name on it, Blythe and Company. When she contacts the company thinking it's a dating service, she soon learns that this is a pricey, arranged marriage service. Knowing where she is at in her life, she decides to take a risk and give it a try, after all they have a proven 95% success rate. What turns out along the way, is a quirky, romantic love story that has an unexpected twist in the end. Not your typical romantic story but one that I think most women would love to read.

I received Arranged by Catherine McKenzie compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review and LOVED it! I would have to caution my readers that it does contain mild profanity and some sexual content but over all the story is great summer read. I rate this one 4 out of 5 stars.(less)

like 2 likes · see review

Apr 12, 2012 Anjana rated it 5 of 5 stars

I should probably begin with telling you that I adore Catherine's writing. I read her book Spin last year and if you've read my review, you'd know how much I loved it. Chick lits are usually predictable, they have a standard plot that involves something funny, some romance and a lovable heroine but just as with Catherine's previous novel Spin, Arranged is anything but predictable. It has all the best elements of chick lit combined with a wonderful, relatable and unique love story.

Anne Blythe is...more I should probably begin with telling you that I adore Catherine's writing. I read her book Spin last year and if you've read my review, you'd know how much I loved it. Chick lits are usually predictable, they have a standard plot that involves something funny, some romance and a lovable heroine but just as with Catherine's previous novel Spin, Arranged is anything but predictable. It has all the best elements of chick lit combined with a wonderful, relatable and unique love story.

Anne Blythe is tired of dating. She's sick of going through one relationship after another hoping it would work out and that she might've found 'the one'. She's ready to settle down but after the end of her latest relationship, she realized she was nowhere closer to 'settling down' than when she was 20. However, call it fate or destiny, one day she comes across a business card that promises her the life she had dreamed of.

I'm from India and arranged marriages are pretty common here. Well, as common as something that's advertised in the papers. I understand that it's awkward, getting married to someone you don't really know and it's probably not for me but I also know that it could be and is pretty amazing for some people, although most of us don't see that. Arranged is a beautiful novel about friendship turning into love.

Anne's a protagonist that a lot of women can relate to - she's successful, has great friends, a loving family and believes in love. Sure, it's a little crazy that she has decided to go for an arranged marriage but after so many failed relationships, it's understandable. Besides, Jack and Anne hit it off right from the beginning and it's pretty awesome watching them fall in love. There's nothing sudden, abrupt or awkward about their relationship/feelings as we literally see them develop through the novel.

As for Jack, well, he's a guy and he's flawed but Anne loves him anyway. I couldn't have put it any better than the author - it all comes down to what kind of life you want - and Anne knows what she wants.

McKenzie's writing is to-the-point and enjoyable. I think she's the only author I know who manages to tackle serious topics while keeping the novel light, funny, romantic and entertaining. God, I was in tears by the end of the book - happy, sappy tears. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys love stories, chick lit or any kind of women's fiction really. (less)

like 2 likes · see review

Jun 23, 2012 Say rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: june-2012-reads, favorites

Well, another first take on an author and guess what? I LOVED IT....AGAIN!!! Yes, at first I find Anne irritating with all the ranting of wanting to get married but other than that I loved everything about it, which made me give it 5 stars.

And the reason for Jack getting into an arranged marriage? IT NEVER EVEN CROSSED MY MIND!!! You have to read it to know what I mean.

Gonna check on this author again, definitely!!!

like 2 likes · see review

Dec 07, 2012 Ikhlas rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When Anne Blythe gets dumped yet again, she’s even more worried about ever getting married and starting a family. All around her, her friends and family are getting engaged, married, and having kids, while Anne just keeps getting dumped. But when she stumbles upon a card on the street, with the words ‘Arrangements made’ on it, she decides to call them and see what they’re about.

Instead of being a dating service, Anne is shocked to learn that the company is an arranged marriage service. When her...more When Anne Blythe gets dumped yet again, she’s even more worried about ever getting married and starting a family. All around her, her friends and family are getting engaged, married, and having kids, while Anne just keeps getting dumped. But when she stumbles upon a card on the street, with the words ‘Arrangements made’ on it, she decides to call them and see what they’re about.

Instead of being a dating service, Anne is shocked to learn that the company is an arranged marriage service. When her best friend announces her engagement, Anne decides to give this unconventional, old-fashioned route a try. Soon she’s flying off to a Mexican resort to meet Jack, her to-be husband.

Everything seems to be working out great as Anne marries Jack, but then she realises that there are things about Jack, and herself, that she never knew at all.

Before reading this book, I was a bit wary of the concept. I come from a culture of arranged marriages and am well-aware of how they’re mocked and ridiculed in mainstream media. But the truth remains, arranged marriages are how a huge percentage of the world population get married, and its still a popular method used today. But I was actually pleasantly surprised when I started reading it, and realised the story wasn’t mocking at all, but understanding.

Anne was a wonderful character, who happened to have been named after one of literature’s most beloved characters, Anne of Green Gables. She has a good job, great friends, and is on her way to becoming a published author. Yet she still feels something is missing in her life: someone special to share it with. I liked the fact that Anne’s desire for a husband wasn’t treated with disdain; Anne is an independent and ambitious woman who doesn’t need a husband to make her happy, but still wants someone by her side.

This book made me feel like I was watching a rom-com movie, and as the story raced towards THE WEDDING between Anne and Jack (who she had never met or seen), I kept thinking that something dramatic would come up before the wedding, because that’s what usually happens. But instead, the wedding came and went, and the problems arose afterwards, demonstrating that no relationship is ever perfect, no matter how perfect you think the other person is.

The only thing that bugged me was the beginning of the story, which started off very quickly. There wasn’t a lot of buildup to Anne finding the card for the company; I would have enjoying getting to know her character a little more.

But other than that, Arranged is a heart-warming story about love, relationships, and marriage that will be sure to make you smile and laugh with Anne.

So for that: 4/5.(less)

like 1 like · see review

Jan 05, 2011 Therese Walsh rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Catherine McKenzie’s Arranged explores what happens when what you think you want collides with what you really need. It’s a rare book: smart, funny, honest, and absorbing. I truly enjoyed it.

like 6 likes · see review

Apr 21, 2011 Paula rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A quick, enjoyable read with good writing that will have you laughing and crying with the heroine. Anne Shirley Blythe, (yes she is named after an Anne of Green Gables character) a 33 year old writer, is unlucky in love. She comes across a business card for what she thinks is a dating service but in fact is a service that "arranges" marriages. After her best friend gets engaged, Anne ponders whether an arranged marriage based on friendship first will get her what she wants.

I really enjoyed the...more

like 1 like · see review

Oct 11, 2012 Kristin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, share

I love it when I stumble on a book that I was not expecting and it then turns out to be exactly what I need. Such was my introduction to the beautifully simple writing style of Catherine McKenzie through her second book Arranged.

I came across Arranged while searching through the 'Deals' section on my Nook. I will confess it was the cover that caught my eye initially. Then I read the overview and thought to myself, "hmm, this is different. I need something different. My book rut is quickly becomi...more

like 1 like · see review

Aug 23, 2012 Jencey/ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit

Catherine Mckenzie is an International Bestselling author of Spin and Arranged. I have one copy of Arranged to giveaway to a lucky reader. I am also so excited to share her latest book.

Synopsis:

Anne seems to fall in and out of relationships while she watches others find success. Her best friend Sarah is recently engaged and her brother Gilbert has a great family. Anne ponders what she can do to change her luck and then she finds a business card for Blythe and Company. What does Blythe and Compan...more

like 1 like · see review

May 31, 2012 Justine Chan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Arranged is chick-lit where the main characters are Anne, who is looking for a man after being disappointed in her relationships for several times. I was very curious about this book, given that the main character uses an arranged marriage service to find her a husband. And I was like "Hmm..Could that really work?"

Anne Blythe is in her early thirties and has just dumped her cheating boyfriend. When she finds a business card from what she thinks is a dating agency she decides to keep it for later...more Arranged is chick-lit where the main characters are Anne, who is looking for a man after being disappointed in her relationships for several times. I was very curious about this book, given that the main character uses an arranged marriage service to find her a husband. And I was like "Hmm..Could that really work?"

Anne Blythe is in her early thirties and has just dumped her cheating boyfriend. When she finds a business card from what she thinks is a dating agency she decides to keep it for later. After a few failed dates, Anne believes she will never find someone to share her life with. When her best friend Sarah announces her engagement, Anne decides to try the dating agency. But this turns out to be a arranged marriage agency and the expenses are very expensive, but guarantee they will find her a partner who is a good match, with whom she will have a great marriage. Half a year later, Anne is in Mexico, and meets her prospective husband Jack on the night before the wedding. It seems everything will end well.

I was really curious to find out how this would work for Anne. Would she really find a husband this way? Someone who she could actually imagine living with? What I really liked was that during most of the book I kept thinking Anne would be tricked in some way, like maybe the agency was no good and only after her money. That gave a certain suspense to the book which I really, really enjoyed.
The ending of the book was satisfactory, but it was also rather predictable. I was really doubtful about anyone just taking a business card and trust that the company involved is genuine. Especially given the amount of money she had to pay, it's kinda you know big! xO I’d think Anne should have researched the company more. The book is a quick and easy read.Most of the book felt very believable, including the relationship with her friend Sarah, with whom she has a fall-out at some point. I liked Anne, though I didn’t feel much attached to her. But this is a fun book for chick-lit lovers.(less)

like 1 like · see review

May 15, 2012 Leeswammes rated it 5 of 5 stars

Anne Blythe is in her early thirties and has just dumped her live-in boyfriend because he was cheating on her. When she finds a business card from what she thinks is a dating agency she decides to keep it for later, you never know.

After a few failed dates, Anne believes she will never find someone to share her life with. When her best friend Sarah announces her engagement, Anne decides to try the dating agency. But this turns out to be a arranged marriage agency. They are very expensive, but gua...more

like 1 like · see review

May 16, 2012 Alex rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, romance, for-review, net-galley, edelweiss

At First Sight: After discovering her boyfriend was cheating on her, Anne Blythe decides she has had enough and moves out, determined to start a new life for herself. Other than her bad luck in love, Anne has a great life: works for a magazine, has a great best friend and a loving family. She's even on the verge of selling her first book.

But when Sarah, Anne's best friend, tells her she's getting married to her long-time boyfriend Mike, and then Anne starts to run into a few of her exes - all o...more At First Sight: After discovering her boyfriend was cheating on her, Anne Blythe decides she has had enough and moves out, determined to start a new life for herself. Other than her bad luck in love, Anne has a great life: works for a magazine, has a great best friend and a loving family. She's even on the verge of selling her first book.

But when Sarah, Anne's best friend, tells her she's getting married to her long-time boyfriend Mike, and then Anne starts to run into a few of her exes - all of whom once told her variations of the "I'm not the marrying kind" story and then turned around and married other people - Anne decides to take drastic measures to turn her love-life around.

That leads her to call a number on a card she found on the street the day she left Stuart, a random piece of paper she picked up because she saw her own last name on it, and which at the time felt like a sign. So, Anne calls Blythe & Co, and finds out they are an sort of matchmaking company, only that they aren't looking to arrange dates between people, they take it a step further and arrange marriages.

They idea sounds crazy to Anne, but she does want a husband and a family and all those wonderful things, so she signs the contract and a few months later she meets and marries Jack Hammer, a fellow writer that Blythe & Co says its Anne's perfect match.

But is he? And how much can Anne really trust the stranger she married?

Second Glance: When I first read the summary of Arranged, I had no idea what kind of book it would be and it turned out to be that kind of chick lit that almost reads like women's fiction but not quite - and I mean this in a good way because I don't particularly like women's fiction, but I liked this book.

From the start, I found Anne to be a nice character and a good narrator, she's smart, warm and funny, and even a little quirky and, deep down, a romantic. And she does yearn for love, and she does go through with a crazy scheme - but, to her credit, she has doubts all the way, but her hope out weights them, so I didn't find her too stupid to live.

Jack was harder to get a read on, mostly because the book is told in first person so you get your impressions from Anne. In the end, I thought he was a regular guy, nice enough and well, you have to read the book to see what happens, but he was OK.

I really loved Anne's family and friends - her brother and sister-in-law Gilbert and Cathy, and her best friend Sarah and Sarah's fiancé Mike, and her editor William. You can tell a lot about Anne because of the people who love her, and I liked reading about her.

Now, I had a couple of problems. First off, the book sometimes felt long - it's a little under 400 pages - like, it could have stand a little trimming because sometimes I felt like "OMG, just finish this scene already and lets get on with it!" (but I'll admit I was always engaged enough to keep on reading, it just wasn't a joy ALL of the time).

Second, I had this feeling like "Ok, something's gotta happen soon. Something... Something" and then it didn't. And went it finally did, it felt a little anticlimactic. And I'm not entirely sure I liked Anne and Jack together all the time, like I still got a question mark in my head about Jack. Can't decide if he's good enough, somehow.

Bottom Line: With Arranged, you have to buy into the premise of it, but if you do that, and have a little patience with Anne, you'll probably end up enjoying this book a fair bit. And I do think I would like to check out future works by this author. (less)

like 1 like · see review

May 17, 2012 Pooja (On books!) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, swooon

Review originally posted here

Arranged was easily the most fun book I've read this summer: it was cute, charming and swept me off my feet! As someone who adored Anne of Green Gables, as someone who crushed on Gilbert Blythe while growing up and as someone who is constantly spoiled by fictional hotties that real life can never match up to, I could relate to the main character, Anne and her predicament.

After a string of relationships that all ended the same disastrous way, a business card that Anne...more

like 1 like · see review

Apr 06, 2012 Laurel-Rain rated it 4 of 5 stars

Anne Blythe is the kind of woman who believes in love. She wants the whole fairytale thing, even though, so far, none of her relationships have worked out. Something always goes wrong.

Meanwhile, she does have so many other good things in her life: a great job as a writer at a magazine; a potential book deal; and really good friends.

So why can't she have it all? When her best friend Sarah announces her engagement, Anne does something completely out of character. She calls an agency that she belie...more Anne Blythe is the kind of woman who believes in love. She wants the whole fairytale thing, even though, so far, none of her relationships have worked out. Something always goes wrong.

Meanwhile, she does have so many other good things in her life: a great job as a writer at a magazine; a potential book deal; and really good friends.

So why can't she have it all? When her best friend Sarah announces her engagement, Anne does something completely out of character. She calls an agency that she believes to be a dating service and makes an appointment. But imagine her surprise when she discovers that the agency arranges marriages.

Who in this modern age would fall for something like that? But since nothing else has worked, why not?

Fast forward a few months. After doing some research, taking psychological tests, and undergoing the requisite counseling, Anne finds herself at a Mexican resort meeting her match, Jack H. Surprisingly, even though he isn't her usual type, she finds herself drawn to him. He, too, is a writer and has gone through several unsuccessful relationships. And isn't she trying to change her type? Isn't this bold experiment all about finding a compatible friend?

The two are married and return to Manhattan to begin their lives: moving in together, finding their rhythm, and falling in love. Or so Anne believes.

But then something blindsides Anne when she discovers Jack's secret work-in-progress.

What mysteries lie within the pages of Jack's manuscript that turn her world upside down? What does she do next? And how will she go on after this bitter betrayal?

From this point until the end, this unique tale turns a bit predictable. However, "Arranged: A Novel" was one of those books that I had to keep reading, just because I wasn't completely sure how it would end. And because I had really connected with the characters. Anne is the kind of woman often portrayed in books and movies: successful, attractive, and hoping to find love. The kind of character that could be a friend or family member. Jack is also the kind of character that attracts female readers with his mix of sensitivity and masculinity. And because her characters are so real, McKenzie kept my interest until the final page. Four stars.
(less)

like 1 like · see review

Oct 03, 2011 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was writing my review for "Spin" when I saw that GASP! Catherine McKenzie has another book coming soon!!!!! *happy dance* Well, my night has been made. Can't wait to get my hands on this. To anyone who hasn't read "Spin", it's phenomenal - read it!

Counting down the days until January 8th.

_____________________

Yay!!! I finally got to read it!! Phew! That was way too long of a wait :)
So I have to say, I liked Spin more (no offense, Arranged, you had a lot to live up to). On a whole, I just didn't...more

like 1 like · see review

Oct 12, 2012 Alyson Hagy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm not sure I want to put ARRANGED in a category. The writing is brisk, smart, funny, and it has a compelling contemporary edge. If I had to suggest a category, it would be something like "Thinking Woman's Chick Lit." McKenzie is very good with character. Anne Blythe is not a simple, one-dimensional soul. Better yet, McKenzie is witty. I laughed and smiled quite a bit, even when I was caught up in Anne's romantic turmoils. I've heard great things about SPIN from readers. My guess is Catherine M...more

like 2 likes · see review

May 10, 2013 Marybeth rated it 4 of 5 stars

It's a rare book that taps into the same feeling that I get when I watch "Sleepless in Seattle" or read "Bridget Jones Diary." Romantic and at times, funny, it has intelligent characters you can root for and an unpredictable plot. A quick read that I couldn't put down. I had to know what happened! This is my first book by Catherine McKenzie and I'm off to investigate some of her others!

like 1 like · see review

Nov 12, 2012 Kay rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-reads, chick-lit

I enjoyed this book about 2 people who find each other through a company that arrange marriages. What starts off as a marriage of convenience, leads to friendship and then possibly love. I find this plot refreshing for a chick lit novel since many others can be rather predictable. This is the 2nd book I've read from this author (the first was Forgotten which also had an unique storyline) and I look forward to reading more.

3.5 Stars

like 1 like · see review

Aug 22, 2012 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

Really great book. I really enjoyed reading this book. The storyline was refreshing and new. The characters were enjoyable and fun. Sometimes romance novels get boring but this one was enjoyable all the way through. I would recommend this to any romance fan anyday.

like 1 like · see review

Nov 05, 2012 Julia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Arranged was a perfect book. It had everything, and was so well-written. It reminded me a lot of Room for Love by Andrea Meyer, which was also a pretty damn incredible (and you should definitely read that too.)
I loved the words that ended the chapters, as well as so many of the sentences and passages. It was such a real book, about a real girl with real issues and a real story.
And how this novel gave such insight on my life is scary. It made me realize loads of things about how I think of love...more

like 1 like · see review

Mar 22, 2012 Tania rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: i-have

When I heard Catherine had a new book coming out, i was really stoked, but i was also kind of worried, that it wouldn't live up to the amazing SPIN. Man was I ever wrong... I usually take my sweetass time to read books, but I got through this one in just a few days because I couldn't stand to not be reading it. I felt like I was in SPIN-world again, but it was ARRANGED-world this time. It's also not the kind of books I usually read, I like the gory stuff. I don't know how you do it, but you do i...more

like 1 like · see review

Aug 28, 2012 Morgan rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the kind of book that every women should read. She has lost faith in herself and in love and yet fate intervines. It is a wonderful love story with so many twists and turns you never know whats going to happen next. I felt for her it just seemed like she fell for all the wrong men and couldnt break her pattern of typical losers. Then when all hope seemed gone she found Mr. Right but Mr. Right had a lot of that when revealed I was shocked. It was just so well written that it was like I co...more

like 1 like · see review

Feb 20, 2013 Yvonne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This fast-paced story will have you laughing out loud! Sharp and funny - there are no words wasted in this quirky believable modern take on an old-world tradition.

like 1 like · see review

Mar 11, 2013 Matilda1135 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Amazing
Awesome

Feel good read

like 2 likes · see review

Jan 20, 2013 Dana Marie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm not exactly sure how I ended up finding out about this book. Something to do with facebook, I think, Catherine McKenzie was running a contest to for her newest book and facebook suggested I like her. Anyway, I didn't win the book but I thought, hey, I'll check her out. My library came through with Arranged and Forgotten (reading now).

Anyway, I am really fussy about the type of adult romances that I read. I typically stick with authors I'm familiar with because I don't like a lot of sex (I'm...more

like 2 likes · see review

Nov 14, 2012 Natalie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: chick-lit, canadian-lit, adult-fiction, cute-romance

On the train ride home from the Blog Ontario meet up, Kaley from Books Ect. recommended that I check out Catherine McKenzie’s latest novel, Arranged. As Kaley, a chick lit expert, started describing the book to me, my ears immediately perked up. She told me all about how the story is focused on Anne Blythe, a young writer who can’t seem to find Mr. Right. After yet another failed relationship, Anne discovers a business card on the street that she assumes is for a dating service. Having given up...more
On the train ride home from the Blog Ontario meet up, Kaley from Books Ect. recommended that I check out Catherine McKenzie’s latest novel, Arranged. As Kaley, a chick lit expert, started describing the book to me, my ears immediately perked up. She told me all about how the story is focused on Anne Blythe, a young writer who can’t seem to find Mr. Right. After yet another failed relationship, Anne discovers a business card on the street that she assumes is for a dating service. Having given up on finding her perfect man by herself, Anne calls the number only to discover that the business card is not for a dating service, but for a pricy arranged marriage service! Feeling impulsive, Anne signs up and soon finds herself travelling to Mexico to marry a man that she’s never even met!

While the idea of a story focused on an arranged marriage had me interested to begin with, it was Kaley’s reveal that the main character of the novel is named after Anne of Green Gables that completely sold this novel to me! What can I say? I LOVE Anne of Green Gables! I immediately made Arranged my next book review choice despite the mountain of books sitting by my bed already waiting to be read. And boy was I happy that I did! Not only was the book overflowing with plenty of delicious Anne of Green Gables references, it was also cute, funny, and absolutely heartwarming!

Anne of Green Gables references aside, my absolute favourite thing about Arranged was the fact that it wasn’t your typical chick lit novel. Being used to chick lit novels that are overrun with self-destructive female characters, it was a pleasant surprise to discover that Anne actually had a pretty good head on her shoulders! While, yes, she does make some questionable decisions (like deciding to have an arranged marriage), for the most part Anne is just your average female trying to navigate the twists and turns of life. It’s actually Anne’s love interest who ends up being the self-destructive character straight out of a Sophie Kinsella novel! Without spoiling the novel, all I can say is that it was refreshing for once to have the male protagonist making all of the mistakes!

The only real criticism that I have for Arranged is that it has a bit of a slow start. Readers don’t actually get to meet Anne’s love interest until about halfway through the book (another difference from typical chick lit)! That isn’t to say that the first half of the novel is boring…(there are lots of cute and funny moments that help to build a better picture of Anne’s character)…it just takes a while for the plot to gain some momentum.

In the end, all that I can say is THANK YOU KALEY for recommending Arranged to me! I’m definitely a fan of Catherine McKenzie’s writing now, and I can’t wait to check out her other books!
(less)

like 2 likes · see review

Oct 15, 2012 Jill rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Anne Shirley Blythe has grown up thinking that her life story would follow the arc of the Anne of Green Gables series. She even has the same red hair, green eyes, and freckles. But she is now 33, and has yet to meet her perfect match.

When her best friend becomes engaged, she decides to take a radical plunge and signs up with an agency that arranges marriages. And this premise is what made me want to read this book, even though this genre [sort of modified chick-lit] is not my usual cup of tea....more

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Chick-Lit Chicks★...: Arranged by Catherine McKenzie Giveaway!	1	20	May 22, 2012 06:00am
Chick Lit Reviews: Arranged by Catherine McKenzie Giveaway!	1	13	May 22, 2012 05:59am
Romance Blogger E...: Arranged by Catherine McKenzie Giveaway!	1	4	May 22, 2012 05:59am
Book Buyers Dream...: Arranged by Catherine McKenzie Giveaway!	1	5	May 22, 2012 05:58am
The Indie Exchang...: Arranged by Catherine McKenzie Giveaway!	1	7	May 22, 2012 05:57am
Book Blog Networking: Arranged by Catherine McKenzie Giveaway!	1	2	May 22, 2012 05:57am

combine
Other Editions (6)

More editions...

Genres

Womens Fiction > Chick Lit

109 users

Romance

63 users

Contemporary

27 users

Romance > Contemporary Romance

20 users

Adult

17 users

Adult Fiction

13 users

Cultural > Canada

12 users

Womens Fiction

7 users

Realistic Fiction

6 users

Young Adult

5 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

The Wedding Beat
by Devan Sipher
In the Bag
by Kate Klise
What You Wish For: A Novel
by Kerry Reichs
The After Wife
by Gigi Levangie Grazer
These Girls
by Sarah Pekkanen

About Catherine McKenzie

Catherine McKenzie was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. A graduate of McGill University and McGill Law School, Catherine practices law in Montreal. An avid runner and skier, she's the author of the international bestsellers SPIN, ARRANGED and FORGOTTEN. Her fourth novel, HIDDEN, will be published in June, 2013

More about Catherine McKenzie...

Books by Catherine McKenzie

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Arranged

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from Arranged

“If someone figured out a way to bottle woman-been-wronged, they’d make a fortune.” — 4 people liked it

“Everyone’s path to here is unique, Anne. It’s what you do from here that counts.” — 2 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Arranged
avg rating	preview: Arranged Goodreads rating: 3.73 (2248 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12935956-arranged?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1324069296l/12935956.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12935956-arranged?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Arranged by Catherine McKenzie[/url]

Arranged

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website