Book Review - Husband Material by Annette M. Irby

Lara Farr is picking up a few items in the grocery store when a good-looking man catches her eye. He seems almost lost standing in the holiday aisle. Lara understands—Valentine’s Day isn’t easy for her either.

When Lara returns to her restaurant, The Blue Hyacinth, she’s a little irritated to learn that their best table is being held for a guest when there’s a line waiting at the door to get in. After all, they don’t even take reservations. But, she learns the manager agreed to giving the table to customer—a past regular—who lost his wife three years earlier. Lara relents, and is surprised when the widower who claims the table turns out to be the man she spied in the grocery store.

Wyatt Hansen believes it’s time for him to move on with his life, but wanting to honor his wife’s memory, he visits their favorite restaurant on Valentine’s Day.  He’s intrigued by the owner and invites her to sit with him. Two people casually brought together begin to share pieces of their lives. But, when Wyatt offers to help Lara’s business by using his marketing skills, she’s determined to keep it just that—business.

In only thirty-one pages, Annette M. Irby skillfully gives readers a contemporary romance with depth. She puts us in the heart and thoughts of two people who want to love and be loved, but have walls surrounding their emotions. Wyatt tries to give without expecting anything in return, while Lara struggles with trust and letting a man into her life.

Husband Material is about two people finding each other. But, it’s also a story that reminds us that God oversees the big picture, and he can use everyday situations to bring wonderful opportunities, people, and changes into our lives. We just have to be willing to walk through the doors he opens.

If you’re looking for a quick read and you enjoy contemporary Christian romance, I highly recommend Husband Material.

This book is currently available at White Rose Publishing as an e-book as part of the Dollar Download offerings.  *Note: Dollar Downloads are short inspirational stories for Kindle or e-reading on other devices.

Husband Material is also available on Amazon as a Kindle download.

Annette M. Irby has enjoyed writing since her teen years. If she's not writing, she's reading for review, or editing. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and finaled in their Genesis Contest, 2006. She gives back to writers via her co-hosted blog: Seriously Write (http://www.seriouslywrite.blogspot.com). Married twenty years, she lives with her husband and three children in the Northwest. Husband Material is her second book, following Love Letters. She currently works as a freelance editor, as well as editing for publishing houses. She is active in her church as a mentor and worship leader. She enjoys photography, nature, and falling deeper in love with Jesus.