Husband Auditions

How far would you go to find the perfect husband? All the way back to the 1950s?

In a world full of happily-ever-after love, Meri Newberg feels like the last young woman on the planet to be single, at least in her Christian friend group. So when she’s handed a strange present at the latest wedding–a 1950s magazine article of “ways to get a husband”–she decides there’s nothing to lose by trying out its advice. After all, she can’t get any more single, can she?

Her brother’s roommate sees the whole thing as a great opportunity. Not to fall in love–Kai Kamaka has no interest in the effort a serious relationship takes. No, this is a career jump start. He talks Meri into letting him film every silly husband-catching attempt for a new online show. If it goes viral, his career as a cameraman will be made.

When Meri Me debuts, it’s an instant hit. People love watching her lasso men on street corners, drop handkerchiefs for unsuspecting potential beaus, and otherwise embarrass herself in pursuit of true love. But the longer this game goes on, the less sure Kai is that he wants Meri to snag anyone but him. The only problem is that he may not be the kind of husband material she’s looking for . . .

With droll comic timing, unbeatable chemistry, and a zany but relatable cast of characters, Angela Ruth Strong has created a heartfelt look at the reality of modern Christian dating that readers will both resonate with and fall for.

My Review:

published in 2021

Unexpected, refreshing…and so funny!

A wonderful mix of solid gold comedic moments paired with an honest look at marriage from a Christian world view. It never gets heavy but there are some pointed ‘aha’ moments that made me want to cheer. There’s lots more that I could say, but I won’t for risk of revealing spoilers. This would make a great book club pick though because there really is a lot to talk about. And laugh over.

Brilliant pacing. Engaging characters (even if a certain hero had me pulling my hair out a time or two.) Lots of intriguing introspection from both Meri and Kai’s points of view. And the character growth – phenomenal. All while the comedic beats hit the right chords again and again.

Such a great idea for a contemporary romance. The YouTube channel touch is brilliant, drawing these two together with some sizzling results. They start as enemies though, and then turn into friends but it’s quite a while before that surpassed sizzle actually turns into fireworks. And the 1950s guide to finding a husband! I don’t know whether I laughed or cringed more.

Thrilled that I am at the beginning of my ‘Love Off Script’ journey. I have ‘Hero Debut’ perched on the top of my TBR clamouring for some attention so it won’t be long before I begin book two.