Megan Carson - A Year of Blind Dates: A Single Girls Search for The One

When you read A Year of Blind Dates, you will no doubt see yourself in Megan and probably relate to more than one of the dates she went on. You will laugh as you read, hope along with Megan that she finds Mr. Right, and applaud as she discovers more about the true beauty God has given her, both inside and out.

Inspirational Beauty Coach and Author of Beauty by God

Megan is a first time writer, but youd never guess it by this book. I smiled at the title, laughed at the stories and even paused to examine the height, width and depth of the love she pursued. You better cherish this book, because if Megan is as personally endearing as her writing, she wont be single long!

Speaker and Author of Undressed: The Naked Truth About Love, Sex and Dating
Former Contestant on The Bachelorette

Megans storytelling and sense of humor kept me laughing through the entire book. Its now on my favorite books list.

Comedian and Author

Megan Carson is warm, witty and oh-so brave. A Year of Blind Dates is a charming and funny tale of one womans quest for love.

Author of He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not: A Memoir of Finding Faith, Hope, and Happily Ever After

Megan Carsons poignant and entertaining story of her year of blind dates is a must-read for singles who are still holding out for true love. A spiritual dramedy you will laugh and cry and ask yourself if youre up for the challenge to uncover your Adam or Eve. This book makes you think and swoon at the same time.

Author of Wanting All the Right Things

Could you find your perfect match if you dated every eligible bachelor in the county for a year? Take the journey with Megan. A Year of Blind Dates is a comfy companion for all those who brave the dating world.

Author of The Rating Game
Morning Show Host on The Fish, Los Angeles Radio (95.9)

Big hugs to Megan for bravely sharing her fascinating story of surviving a year of blind dates. Not only is she hilarious (I couldnt put it down), but as Megan creatively shares the highs and lows of her dates, she also goes deeper, revealing how her adventures grew her closer to God. Single ladies, dont lose hopethis Hugs Lady found love online at age 42 and is now LeAnn Weiss-Rupard! Trust God as you wait and, meanwhile, have a girlfriend party and get ready to laugh as you read this book.

Coauthor of Hugs for Friends and Author of Valentine Promises

2009 Megan Carson

Published by Revell
a division of Baker Publishing Group
P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.revellbooks.com

Revell edition published 2014

ISBN 978-1-4412-2472-9

Previously published by Regal Books

Ebook edition originally created 2011

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Published in association with Rosenbaum & Associates Literary Agency, Inc., of Brentwood, Tennessee.

By nature you passed down your love for and talent of writing.

I treasure all of your letters and the stories youve shared with me.

By nurture you taught me to believe in myself.

I treasure the time, love and endless support youve given me.

As you will soon read, when I set out on this blind date journey, my wish was to meet a man. Not just any man, but one who knows my God, is gainfully employed, has some manners and understands golf. Is that really too much to ask for? As this journey progressed, I began sharing my stories and bringing them to life in print. Friends and family laughed with me (and at me) as I told them the details of my blind date experiences. In what can only be described as divine intervention, I was given the chance to share my story with a wider audience. The result is this book youre now holding.

As a first-time author, I have chosen to write about what I know and what I have lived. This book is not intended to be a how-to guide for finding the right man (believe me, you dont want my advice), but an intimate, amusing and true tale. Some of my experiences and perspectives may not be spot on for all single women, but I do believe (unfortunately) they resonate with most. Orange County, California, (my dating domain) is a unique place, really unlike anywhere in the world. I know that some of the things I experienced might be exclusive to Orange County; however, my prayer is that all readers can connect with the humanity and authenticity behind my words.

While some men might be egotistical enough to want to be in this book (Penthouse Pete, I am talking to you), most would want nothing to do with it. For that reason, the names, professions and incriminating details about each man have been changed, or slightly altered. Also, as you read, I ask you to keep in mind that severe emotional and mental trauma tends to be an occupational hazard associated with a year of blind dates. This trauma can result in delusional behavior and memory lapses. Consequently, I have taken a few liberties to fill in the informational gaps where my memory has failed me. Some of this story is not entirely accurate; however, I am sad to report, most of it is.

But, youre in luck. Ive survived the trauma (and the drama) of it all, and Ive lived to tell. Enjoy.

College degree:
Fulfilling job:
Supportive family:
Relationship with God:
Community of friends:
Good looks:
Relationship with a man who loves her and her God:

So, why is that last item missing a checkmark? Let me try to explain.

I had my first kiss at the late age of 27. Call it pathetic, strategic, endearing, whatever you like. Its the honest truth. My high-school classmates voted me Most Likely to Become a Nun. On more than a few lonely nights, Ive thought they could be right. I never played Spin the Bottle (wait, what I meant to say is, the bottle never landed on me). No seven minutes in heaven. New Years Eves were spent passing out high fives and hugs to friends. Sometimes I wore my Never Been Kissed badge with pride, but most of the time I was deeply embarrassed. I cringed at slumber parties when the girl with the Barbie proportions, perfect hair and too much perkiness said, Okay, everyone share their first kiss story! I began to dread the day it might actually happen, wondering if perhaps my peak kissing years were behind me. Who wants to admit at 27 that they have never been kissed? What was wrong with me? I had near flawless teeth, nice breath, could tie a cherry stem with my tongue didnt that count for something?