Angela Ruth Strong shines with her latest novel, Husband Auditions. A refreshing rom-com with heart, humor, and applicable advice and truths (not from a 1950s article!) for readers that set it apart from others in the Christian Romance genre. Read on for my full review and a chance to win a copy for yourself and a special trip giveaway from the author!
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| © 2021 Kregel Publications |
Title: Husband Auditions
Author: Angela Ruth Strong
Published: 2021 by Kregel Publications
About the Book:
"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."
The Artist Librarian Review:
Meri Newberg is in her early thirties and as the last single in her group of friends, is bequeathed a magazine article with ideas on how to get a husband (circa the 1950s). Her brother's roommate, Kai Kamaka, convinces Meri to let him film her for his online video channel as she tries the outdated advice suggested to snag a husband. Kai is sure that if their new web series goes viral, he'll be able to snag his dream cameraman job too ...
If I could choose one word to describe Husband Auditions by Angela
Ruth Strong, "refreshing" would be a top choice! Besides a quirky premise, hilarious characters, and an unusual first-person dual narrative with the female and male leads, this novel hits deeper than many Christian Romances do.
As a longtime reader in the genre, (as much as I still enjoy them) I think too many romance novels in Christian Fiction don't always provide a lot of substance besides serving up "clean" romantic reads and it was refreshing to see the Christian principles and concepts that Meri and Kai discover regarding singleness, dating, and relationships are pretty on point. Things like focusing on growing in God, that marriage or falling in love doesn't magically make your life better (and both can become an idol at worst or at the least over-idealized), or the dangers of passiveness (in both genders: nothing ventured, nothing gained) are things that should be touched on in Christian Romance novels but oftentimes are pushed aside for the physically/intellectually descriptive, pure emotional, "all-the-feels" focus on the characters' romantic relationships.
I also
appreciated how there was a variety of relationship examples between side characters that were realistic. I could definitely relate to Meri's insecurities regarding singleness, like seeing everyone else around you find love and wonder if it will ever happen for you, etc. and the first person narrative was fun (especially to see Meri and Kai's thoughts in alternating chapters). Strong definitely has a strength in crafting humorous prose but can definitely deliver on some swoon-worthy moments as well.
Finally, I want to highlight and give credit to Strong for featuring a (based on his name) cued Native Hawaiian male protagonist. As someone who grew up in Hawaii, I had no problems with his depiction though some may possibly take offense at one use of the word "exotic" to describe his mother or the "stereotype" of Kai's casual/laid back "Hawaiian" personality (but for many of us who have lived there, I feel it's not wrong or inaccurate, that "hang loose" culture can definitely be seen in Hawaii). I am always thrilled to see more ethnically diverse characters in Christian Fiction and hope other authors will be comfortable following suit if it fits their stories.
Overall, I was very impressed with Husband Auditions! I will definitely be looking to read more books by Angela Ruth Strong and I think fans of Contemporary Christian (Romance) Fiction will enjoy this fun rom com novel!
[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher via I Read with Audra.]
What is the last romantic comedy you watched or read? Or do you have an all-time favorite?
About the Author:
"Angela Ruth Strong is an expert on Write that Book, blogs on Inspyromance.com and How to Write a Novel, and is the founder of IDAhope Writers. She is the author of the Resort to Love series and the CafFUNated mysteries. Angela lives in Meridian, Idaho, and can be found online at angelaruthstrong.com."
GIVEAWAY
Enter to win a copy of Husband Auditions below AND also check out Angela Ruth Strong's giveaway for a free round-trip flight on Allegiant Airlines!
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