Husband Auditions 

By Angela Ruth Strong

Published by: Kregel Publications

Release Date: August 17, 2021

272 Pages

Christian Fiction, Humorous, Romantic Comedy, Wholesome

BACK COVER: 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.

REVIEW:  I wasn’t sure what to expect given the title, but I was quickly drawn into this humorous, but candid story I stayed up late reading. I felt for main character Meri, a woman who has been on a search for a soul mate and through Kai, who has been run over by life’s circumstances. Meri’s friends gave her a list, created in the 1950s, on How to Catch a Husband. Meri shares this list with Kai. He thinks it’s hilarious and just the thing that will help him land a camera job he desires. Kai explains his hopes and Meri goes along with it in hopes of achieving both of their goals. Meri to find a husband and Kai to get a better job. But something unexpected happens as they go down this list and actually do what the list demands.

I was pleasantly surprised at how deep this author goes with her characters and shows what is important in life and relationships. LOVED this story and how these characters evolve as they go through the list. They learn a lot about themselves, life, and love. This process brings clarity of what their hopes and dreams. They also learn how not to let emotions run their lives, but learn to slow down and give things and time to bloom and grow before they are ready to meet their soul mate.

Great story, one that is a fun read and would work well for your next book club pick. This is the first novel I’ve read by this author; it won’t be the last. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! 

The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org