Blind Date with a Book: "The Arrangement". A Book Review.

I won't even tell you the last time I went out on a real date; however, I opened up a whole new chapter in my life when I took the plunge... and had a Blind Date with a Book!

What's that?

You get the element of surprise when picking out a book before knowing anything about it. So, like a real blind date without the extreme awkwardness (should you really go for that kiss?).

Speaking of kissing...

My blind date was with "The Arrangement" by  Sarah Dunn. Here's what I thought:

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Fast Facts:

Title: "The Arrangement"
Author: Sarah Dunn
​Genre: Chick Lit/ Contemporary/ Romance (with a touch of humor!)
Rating: 4 stars

The novel primarily follows a married couple, Lucy and Owen, who hear of an unconventional idea from their city friends: an open marriage for six months, no questions asked. Okay, so it's not the newest idea; however what makes "The Arrangement" a huge leap beyond a disposable beach read are the multi-dimensional views that shine light not only on this couple, but an entire community.

Lucy is a likable female protagonist- very pragmatic with a biting wit. Owen is just as lovable. Dunn 's segments featuring Owen were fresh and realistic. I continued to turn those pages as I explored their lives, which included raising chickens and tending to their autistic son (the strength and love of the parent-child relationship is iron-clad. Love it!) . While struggling with daily adult/parent-life, Dunn keeps things light with humor. I mean, how else can you get through a day with poop covered walls?

The story straddles other themes- a teacher bravely transitions to her true self, a billionaire struggles fitting in Beekman with his younger wife, and various other couples fight to make it "work" beneath strained smiles.

When I started the novel, I thought it was just going to follow one couple, but Dunn branched out. Secrets slowly become unearthed. True desires are questioned. Most importantly, the end wasn't terribly unpredictable. I mean, I was pretty floored as I turned page after page, daring myself to wonder if this whole open marriage thing would work. (Come on, it never works! ... Right?)

One other thing. Each chapter begins with a quote from a Constance Weaverly. I believe she is a fictional relationship/sex therapist. This is an interesting approach versus using real life quotes.

The end was satisfying enough, but it didn't have the same umph as the tension leading up to the climax (which I won't ruin). I also felt that some characters fizzled out in the latter half- there were so many perspectives introduced, and I was a tad bit disappointed that some voices faded out.

The bottom line? Well, considering I finished the book in one day, it's certainly a worthy blind date. After years writing, reading, and breathing fantasy, this was a great bridge into contemporary romance. There was a quality to it that made it beyond a "juicy" read. I just wish the ending did each and every character justice.