Book Review (and a Giveaway!): Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong

HUSBAND AUDITIONS
GENRE: Inspirational Romantic Comedy
PUBLISHER: Kregel
RELEASE DATE: August 17, 2021
PAGES: 272

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.

“Why stop with a hat, when you could carry a hatbox? Be both charming and intriguing.”

Oh my goodness, y’all! Husband Auditions has it all – hilarity, heart, faith, friendship, and super swooniliciousness. There were moments I laughed out loud. Moments I wiped a few tears away. And moments when I had to remind myself to breathe from the crazy-romantic tension combusting through the pages. Mostly, though, I just grinned the whole adorable way through this story.

Meri is instantly lovable, and many women will relate to her dreams and dismays. Even if you can’t relate, you’ll want to just reach in the book and hug her because she’s just so darn fun. The ‘ways to get a husband’ list she’s given from the 50s is romantic comedy gold, and it definitely leads to a lot of laughs and cute scenes, especially the more natural Meri becomes with the popular YouTube show it generates. Kai takes a bit longer to embrace, but readers will soon be swooning over him as much as I did. Having every other chapter in his perspective (versus Meri’s) gives us faster insight into his motivations and his growing feelings for his roommate’s sister, the one he’s roped into helping him land his dream job – roping being a key word here.

Strong achieves the perfect balance between zany hilarity, breathless romantic tension, and heart-touching depth, and there is a lot to be gleaned here on how to make sure you’re entering into a marriage with the right priorities and the right expectations. I was touched by the deeper discussions, though Strong keeps the romcom tone in mind and doesn’t ever let it get too heavy or preachy, and I’m so glad the author addressed the topics that she did. Meri & Kai’s respective character growth throughout Husband Auditions is realistic and honest, and I liked the candid way we are able to watch it unfold.

Bottom Line: My grin feels permanently in place after this delightful read! Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong is a completely entertaining blend of hilarious fun and superb romantic tension (that builds into some toe-curling kisses), as well as spiritual depth and sincerity. Watching Meri & Kai’s reluctant friendship morph into authentic affection & respect and, eventually, love is an experience I’m going to have to repeat more than once, earning it a spot on my comfort re-reads list. Adding to the pure joy of this story is an eclectic mix of supporting characters, including Meri’s family & friends in various relationship stages and her other roommate Gemma (who is a quirky screenwriter with her head in her stories). This is everything I want in a romantic comedy, and I wasn’t ready for it to end!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

My Rating: 5 stars / fantastic read!

KissingBook Level: 4+ / keep those fans and fainting couches handy

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Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there’s nothing else she’d rather write about.

She is the author of the Resort to Love series and the CafFUNated mysteries. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon best-sellers. Finding Love in Big Sky was recently filmed on location in Montana and will air soon. Her latest release is Husband Auditions.

Strong also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho and teaches as an expert online at Write That Book.

Learn more at www.angelaruthstrong.com, and follow her on Facebook (Angela Ruth Strong Fan Page), Twitter (@AngelaRStrong), and Instagram (@ang_strong).

Other Books by Angela Ruth Strong

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BONUS GIVEAWAY – Angela Ruth Strong is giving away a free roundtrip airline ticket on Allegiant Air! CLICK HERE for more info.

What about you? What makes you want to read Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong?