Happy Friday! This First Line Friday, I have a fun rom-com to share with you! If you’re looking for a book to make you laugh and take your mind off the heaviness of the world for a few hours, check out Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong.

“I hated My Best Friend’s Wedding.”

Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong

The Basics

Title: Husband Auditions

Author: Angela Ruth Strong

Publication Date: August 17, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 5 Stars

From the 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.

My Review

With the perfect blend of lighthearted humor and heartfelt authenticity, Husband Auditions is a fresh take on dating, purpose, and “adulting.” Meri and Kai seem like an unlikely match at first, but they grow on each other as they grow throughout the story. Meri’s crazy antics and Kai’s sometimes cringe-worthy job-hunting tactics (or lack thereof) make them relatable, engaging characters. Through clever wit and poignant moments, Meri and Kai’s story reminds us not to let our expectations keep us from seeing what God has for us. If you enjoy rom-coms by Bethany Turner or Melissa Ferguson, you will love this book!

Now it’s your turn! Please share the first line of the book you’re reading in the comments below. Don’t forget to head to Reading is My Superpower to see what first lines other bloggers are sharing, or to share your own!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.