⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

Ola Awonubi’s The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association is a refreshing and much needed addition to contemporary romance, with rich cultural depth and an FMC we don’t often get to see: a 50 year old Nigerian woman navigating love, faith, family, and identity on her own terms.

What I loved most about this book was the representation. From the vibrant portrayals of Nigerian culture to the hilarious (and often overbearing) aunties who form the unofficial “marriage monitoring” committee, the story brings a colorful and authentic perspective that feels both familiar and eye opening. While the aunties can be abrasive, they’re rooted in cultural expectations, and their meddling felt lovingly realistic, even when it crossed into uncomfortable territory.

Sade is a standout main character. She’s strong in her convictions, deeply faithful, and beautifully human in her vulnerability. Her struggles with infertility, the aftermath of a myomectomy, and the emotional weight of menopause are handled with grace and honesty, topics that are so rarely addressed in fiction, especially in romantic contexts. I deeply appreciated the open and respectful way these challenges were represented.

Faith plays a central role in Sade’s life, and it’s another area where this book shines. Her commitment to waiting until marriage, her daily prayer life, and her unshakeable values add depth to her character and underscore the importance of spiritual compatibility in relationships. Watching her navigate her feelings for Jimi—who doesn't initially share her level of devotion—added complexity to the romance.

That said, the romance was where I felt a bit let down. While Jimi had potential, the chemistry between him and Sade didn’t fully leap off the page for me. There’s one pivotal conversation about faith where Jimi’s reaction felt dismissive, and I honestly thought Sade might be better off without him. While he does redeem himself later in the story, I couldn’t quite shake the feeling that their connection lacked the emotional spark I was hoping for.

Still, if you are looking for a heartfelt, culturally rich, and faith driven story about love later in life, with a closed door approach to romance, this book will resonate with you. It’s both entertaining and deeply meaningful, offering representation we need more of in this genre.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ola Awonubi, and One More Chapter for the eARC of this book.