Book Review: Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong (Plus Giveaway)

This page contains affiliate links. If you click a link and buy something, I receive a commission for the sale. This does not cost you anything. But if you do use my links, I appreciate your support.

What is this book about?

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 . . .

My review:

The premise of using 1950’s advice for snagging a man in 2021 drew me in. So much of the advice was out of date so there were some pretty interesting and funny moments when Meri attempted applying them to her life.

At first Meri seemed like an introvert so I was surprised when she, not only stepped up to do the online show, but threw herself into it with a fun and passionate attitude. I mistook her depression over being single as shyness. She wasn’t shy but her confidence in herself had taken a beating so I was rooting for her to gain it back. I really enjoyed her growth into that self-confidence.

Kai was a different story as I struggled to like him from the beginning. I wasn’t sure he was the man for Meri, but I did like that there was more to him than I thought. He grew in maturity as he fell in love with Meri. She made him want to be a better man.

The ending was a little flat for me. I understood why it ended the way it did given the newness of their relationship, but I wish there would have been an epilogue giving us a more cemented happily ever after. But the romance was sweet.

What I enjoyed most about this book:

Laugh out loud moments while Meri attempts to snag a man.

What I didn’t like about this book:

Unsettled ending.

Would I recommend this book to others? Yes. Both Meri and Kai grow as individuals and their romance was sweet. Plus there was laugh out loud situations. This is a standalone story.

Note: I received this book complimentary from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.

-Loraine Nunley

Where can I learn more about this author and their books?

Angela Ruth Strong, author website