Husband Auditions

Author: Angela Ruth Strong
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 17, 2021

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.

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Reviewer: Monica Huyser

Meri Newberg is still single. Sigh. She was just a bridesmaid at her friend's wedding and came away with the bouquet--and a 1950s magazine article with a list of "ways to get a husband." Husband Audtions by Angela Ruth Strong is a contemporary romance novel with some fun characters.

When Meri's brother's roommate sees her list, he comes up with a crazy plan for Meri to do the items on the list while he films her and the reactions of the men she tries to catch. Kai Kamaka believes the videos will go viral and he will finally get the dream job he has been wanting. So together Meri and Kai create this fun show. As time goes on, though, Kai and Meri continue with the list but the results aren't exactly what they expected.

Husband Auditions was a fun rom-com. Some of the scenarios were pretty fun to read about and did make me chuckle. I also enjoyed the chemistry between Kai and Meri. The the other supporting characters in the book were also well developed.

At the same time, I thought this book was going to be all fun and games, but there were some serious issues being talked about in this book. I didn't expect that. However, I actually appreciated that the author addressed some of these issues. I also liked that the outcome was different than I expected. The spiritual weaving in this book seemed quite natural and I liked that aspect too. Husband Auditions was an enjoyable read for me. If I were dating, I think it would also be a good book to make me think about what I really wanted in life.

I received this book courtesy of Kregel Publications, through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions in this review are my own.

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Reviewer: Marilene VE

Angela Ruth Strong has written another great romantic comedy with a funny twist called Husband Auditions. Meri Newberg has had enough of being single and when she finds dating advice from the 1950s, she can't believe her luck. Together with Kai Kamaka, her brother's roommate, who is also a cameraman, she goes through a show trying to find the right man using the 100 rules to get a husband.  But the further the show goes, and the more Meri does to find the right man, Kai actually becomes more insecure. According to him, Meri has already found the right man, but he doesn't meet the rules that she got. Can he convince her that he is the right one?

The 100 rules alone will bring a smile to your face. (They're listed in the back of the book, in case you want to read them all.) Meri and Kai are incredibly well worked out and the book takes you on a rollercoaster of funny events from start to finish.. It is also nicely formatted. Angela Ruth Strong has outdone herself with this book.

If you like romantic comedies with a bit of faith, this is definitely a book for you!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Trixi Oberembt

Outlandishly funny, outrageously hilarious, what a riot!!! You're sure to be rolling down the aisle clenching your stomach in painful delight as laughter guffaws out of your lips. Quirky and unique, this love story will charm your socks off!

Just know Kai and Meri absolutely belong together, no matter how hard they try to convince each other that the opposite is true. Watching them dare to deny what's happening right in front of them is part of the charm of Husband Auditions. Read "The List" to find out what lengths they are willing to go to achieve a goal they set for themselves. Kai, to land his dream job and Meri, to snag a husband. Yep, this one is worth the sleepless nights because you can't put the book down and the bleary eyed mornings with extra cups of coffee to try to help pry your eyes open.

Probably one of the best Rom-Coms I've read to date, almost rivaling that of Bethany Turner. I'd hate to see these two in the same room together because I bet you'd not be able to catch your breath due to the lack of oxygen from laughing so hard.

Whatever you do, DON'T miss this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this from Kregel publishers. I was not obligated to leave a favorable review, all opinions are mine. 

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Reviewer: Anna Bottoms

This was a wonderfully engaging story with lovable characters I couldn’t get enough of.

The idea of taking a list of ways to get a husband from the 1950’s and applying it to today was genius. I totally laughed my way through several areas of the book.

I found myself hoping for Meri to see beyond Kai’s hang loose attitude to the man hiding behind the mask, and for her to overcome her insecurities when it comes to men. Each of them learned lessons through the book, made decisions based on faith, and messed up occasionally, along with their friends—this is what made them relatable. 

The ending wasn’t typically what you find in romance novels and it brought a bit of realism to the story. I loved this book.

I was given a copy of this book courtesy of Kregel through Interviews & Reviews and this is my honest review.

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Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

With loads of laughs, witty dialogue, and hilarious predicaments, Angela Ruth Strong’s newest book, Husband Auditions, kept me entertained and turning pages.

Meri and Kai are realistic, colorful, and fun characters and the premise of the story is comedic genius. A list of 101 Ways to Find a Husband from the 1950s gets handed down to Meri as the last of her friends to be single. When Kai suggests she use the list to try to attract a husband while he films her for social media, hilarity ensues.

Strong’s unique sense of humor and skill with words combine for an enjoyable and thought-provoking tale. Sometimes you find romance where and when you least expect it. Although this is a romantic comedy, there is depth and wisdom and a strong takeaway of faith, hope, what to look for in a marriage partner, and how to become a good marriage partner. I recommend this book to those who enjoy romcoms with an underlying inspirational message.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Kregel Publications through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise

Zany, quirky fun.

Told in alternating chapters from the perspectives of Kai and Meri, this has snappy banter and a slow realization that what Meri is looking for is right in front of her.

Both Meri and Kai are works in progress. They try to honor God but even though they are both single and just over 30, they are a bit immature. Mom advice for Meri: "Nobody can avoid pain in life. My job as your mom is to point you to your Heavenly Father who can heal your pain. His love is the only kind that never fails.”

Meri is the last of her besties to get married so she inherits an odd list of HOW TO CATCH A HUSBAND, from a magazine of the 50s. Kai convinces her it would be fun to turn the list into a YouTube show, while doubtful that it will really work. Meri goes along with it to hilarious results.

Kai observes Meri: “She narrows her eyes. I think she’s trying to look menacing, but with all those freckles, she’s as scary as a toddler in time-out.”

One item had me reaching into my memory: *#40 Never outshine your man in any athletic activity. Men have sensitive egos and usurping their sportsmanlike prowess will lead to the demise of your relationship.” This proved to successfully deter a boy when I beat him at bowling and I am terrible at bowling!

Do not miss this madcap story when everything seemingly goes wrong. A mix of silliness, romance and spiritual lessons.

Kai: “My eyebrows dance in confusion. Up. Down. Together. Apart. If I was a cartoon character, I’m sure they would have lifted all the way off my face.”

Thoroughly entertaining.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Kregel Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

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